• 


M HB R  ST, 


i 7 3 i  1896 

THE  HISTORY 


Town  of  Amherst, 

MASSACHUSETTS. 


PUBLISHED  IN  TWO  PARTS.      PARI'    I.— GENERAL  HISTORY 

OF    THE    TOWN.         PART    II.— TOWN     MEETING 

RECORDS.        COMPLETE     IN     ONE 

VOLUME. 


COMPILED    AND    PUBLISHED    BY 

CARPENTER    &    MOREHOUSE. 


AMHERST,    MASS.: 
$)rea»    of    (!*  arpenter   &    ^Stoveljoxx^s. 

1896. 


// 


^^WWBMMBS^ 


Zo  the  memory?  of 

THE    "EAST    INHABITANTS  "    OF    HADLEY 

AND    OF    THEIR 

HONORED    DESCENDANTS 

WHO    HAVE    MADE    THE    TOWN-    OF    AMHERST 

WHAT     IT    WAS    AND     IS 

THIS    VOLUME 

IN    LOVE    AND    REVERENCE 

IS    DEDICATED 


PREFACE. 


Amherst  is  child  of  Hadley,  grandchild  of  Hartford  and  Wethers- 
field,  great-grandchild  of  the  settlements  that,  clustering  around  Boston 
Harbor,  united  to  form  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay.  Never 
was  there  more  honored  lineage,  never  a  more  honorable  descendant. 
The  life-story  of  those  strong  men  and  true-hearted  women  who  braved 
the  perils  of  the  North  Atlantic  and  dared  the  dangers  of  a  wilderness 
unknown  that,  in  a  stranger  land,  they  might  find  the  freedom  which  a 
jealous  and  imperfect  civilization  denied,  who  built  their  rude  cabins  in 
Roxbury  and  Cambridge  and  Charlestown,  surrounding  primitive  meeting- 
houses wherein  they  found  "freedom  to  worship  God,"  their  story,  rich  in 
heroism,  in  devotion  to  principle,  in  glorious  self-sacrifice,  has  been  written 
and  rewritten,  in  poetry  and  prose,  in  song  and  legend,  in  history  and 
romance,  until  it  has  become  a  classic.  Nor  has  the  historian  slighted  the 
doings  of  that  goodly  company  who  sailed  from  Boston  Harbor,  rounded 
Cape  Cod,  traversed  the  waters  of  Long  Island  Sound  and  ascended  far  up 
New  England's  fairest  stream,  the  broad  Connecticut,  until  they  reached  the 
fertile  meadows  where  they  planted  the  first  inland  settlement  and  called  it 
Hartford.  Hadley's  history  has  been  written  by  a  master  hand,  a  noble 
history,  bravely  written,  a  wealth  of  information  secured  to  generations  yet 
to  come.  What  of  Amherst?  A  settlement  in  1731,  a  district  in  1759,  a 
town  in  1776,  its  history  has,  up  to  this  time,  remained  unwritten  save  in 
the  pages  of  old  record  books,  with  naught  else  to  preserve  it  save  the 
memory  of  succeeding  generations.  The  history  of  Amherst  should  have 
been  written  long  time  ago ;  each  passing  year  destroys  or  renders  less 
available  historic  matter  of  interest  and  value ;  each  year  removes  from  the 
scene  of  life's  activities  men  and  women  whose  memories  are  treasure- 
houses  of  historic  fact.  These  facts  borne  in  mind  furnished  a  leading 
motive  to  those  who  have  compiled  and  published  this  History  of  the  Town 
of  Amherst.  Claiming  no  special  fitness  for  the  work,  realizing  that  others 
might,  if  they  would,  achieve  greater  success  in  such  an  undertaking,  they 
believed  that  the  time  for  action  had  come,  that  a  history  of  Amherst 
should  be  written,  and  written  now.  Realizing  fully  the  magnitude  of  the 
work  involved,  they  entered  upon  it  with  the  determination  that  no  effort 
should  be  spared  to  make  the  history  worthy  of  the  town.  In  what  they 
have  succeeded,  in  how  much  they  have  failed,  time  must  bear  witness. 


INTRODUCTION. 


A  town,  not  without  a  history,  but  without  an  historian.  Such  a  dis- 
tinction is  not  to  be  coveted,  but  it  has  rendered  Amherst  unique  among 
the  towns  of  any  considerable  size  or  importance  situate  in  Massachusetts 
or  New  England,  dating  back  in  time  of  settlement  to  the  earlier  years  of 
the  Eighteenth  century.  Amherst  is  not  a  town  of  mushroom  growth  such 
as  dot  the  prairies  of  the  West,  whose  history  can  be  written  in  one  brief 
paragraph.  It  is  rich  in  historic  incident  and  association  ;  it  occupies 
historic  ground.  The  forests  that  clothed  its  hills  and  valleys  once 
resounded  with  the  savage  cries  of  King  Philip's  dusky  warriors  as  they 
rallied  to  the  attack  upon  Old  Hadley.  the  parent  settlement.  Along  its 
highways  marched  the  captive  troops  of  Burgoyne  on  their  weary  journey 
from  Saratoga  to  Boston.  Later  on,  these  same  highways  re-echoed  to 
the  hurried  tread  of  Shays'  insurgents  retreating  to  Pelham  after  their 
unsuccessful  attack  upon  the  arsenal  at  Springfield.  Amherst  militia-men 
were  in  the  army  that  Gov.  Strong  reviewed  on  Boston  common  when  a 
British  fleet  threatened  invasion  during  the  war  of  1812.  For  more  than 
one  hundred  and  sixty  years  Amherst,  as  settlement,  precinct,  district 
and  town,  has  borne  an  honored  and  honorable  part  in  history-making 
events  in  the  life  of  the  grand  old  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts. 
The  history  of  such  a  town  is  worth  the  writing,  and  the  reading- 
That  writing  might  well  have  engaged  the  services  of  some  student  of 
history,  some  polished  rhetorician,  but  such  have  failed  to  embrace  the 
opportunity  and,  lacking  these,  the  task  has  fallen  upon  one  who  may, 
with  some  propriety,  be  regarded  as  an  intruder  in  the  field  of  historical 
writing.  The  importance  of  the  work  and  the  inexpediency  of  longer 
waiting  may  excuse  what  otherwise  might  seem  presumption  on  the  writer's 
part. 

For  many  years  the  proprietors  of  the  Amherst  Record  have  been 
engaged  in  the  collection  of  material  relating  to  the  history  of  the  town  of 
Amherst.  This  was  done,  at  the  first,  with  no  settled  purpose  of  writing 
and  publishing  an  historical  work,  but  with  knowledge  that  such  material 
is  of  value  and  should  be  preserved.  When  the  suggestion  of  compiling 
and  publishing  a  history  of  Amherst  was  first  made  to  some  of  the  older 
and  more  influential  residents  of  the  town,  it  was  received  with  such  hearty 
favor  and  so  warmly  encouraged  that  a  determination  was  formed  to  enter 


Vlll.  INTRODUCTION. 

upon  the  work  forthwith.  After  careful  consideration,  it  was  decided  to 
arrange  and  print  the  history  in  two  parts,  to  be  bound  together  in  the 
same  volume.  The  first  should  contain  such  matters  relating  to  the  general 
history  of  the  town  and  its  inhabitants  as  could  be  gathered  from  available 
sources  of  information,  the  second,  a  transcription  of  the  records  of  town- 
meetings  from  the  earliest  days  of  the  settlement  down  to  the  year  1800, 
with  a  record  of  the  more  important  votes  passed  at  such  meetings  from 
1800  up  to  and  including  the  year  1865.  The  material  for  the  second 
part  being  already  in  hand,  the  work  of  printing  began  at  once.  The 
records  from  1735  to  1800  have  been  copied  entire,  and  generous  extracts 
made  from  the  town  books  covering  the  period  between  1800  and  1866. 
The  value  of  these  records  can  hardly  be  estimated  in  dollars  and  cents. 
They  are  a  mine  of  information,  and  by  placing  them  in  print  they  have 
been  made  easily  accessible  and  rendered  secure  from  loss  or  injury. 

The  matter  contained  in  Part  I.  has  been  collected  from  sources 
almost  innumerable.  Two  aims  have  ever  been  in  mind,  completeness 
and  accuracy.  The  task  involved  was  the  greater  in  that  there  had 
been  no  previous  attempt  at  historic  writing  in  connection  with  the 
town  of  Amherst.  The  lands  comprised  in  the  township  of  Amherst  once 
formed  a  part  of  Hadley,  hence  for  the  earlier  history  of  the  settlement 
recourse  must  needs  be  had  to  the  records  of  the  parent  town.  The  Hadley 
records  were  carefully  examined  and  afforded  an  abundance  of  interesting 
and  valuable  information.  Other  facts  relating  to  the  town's  beginnings 
were  gathered  from  Judd's  History  of  Hadley  and  from  the  unpublished 
manuscripts  of  Sylvester  Judd,  now  in  possession  of  J.  R.  Trumbull  of 
Northampton,  to  whose  courtesy  in  permitting  free  access  to  this  most 
valuable  collection  the  publishers  are  greatly  indebted.  In  the  arrange- 
ment of  matter  it  was  thought  best  that  the  opening  chapters  should  follow 
closely  the  chronological  order  of  prominent  historical  events  up  to  the 
time  of  the  founding  of  Amherst  College,  while  after  that  date  particular 
subjects  should  be  treated  under  separate  chapter  headings.  Thus  the  first 
eight  chapters  of  the  History  are  devoted  to  a  review  of  the  causes  leading 
to  the  settlement  of  Hadley,  the  early  history  of  that  settlement,  the  setting 
off  from  Hadley  of  its  "  Third  Precinct,"  the  first  settlers  in  the  precinct, 
the  founders  of  Amherst  families,  the  organization  of  the  First  church  and 
settlement  of  its  first  pastor,  the  first  school-houses,  the  boundaries  of  the 
lands  comprised  in  the  precinct  and  annexations  of  land  as  made  from  time 
to  time,  the  laying  out  of  highways,  and  matters  of  interest  concerning  the 
early  settlers,  their  homes  and  their  occupations.  In  the  ninth  chapter  is 
recorded  the  service  of  settlers  in  the  precinct  in  the  French  and  Indian 
wars,  largely  compiled  from  manuscript  archives  on  file  in  the  State-house  at 
Boston.     This   is   followed  by  a  chapter  containing  facts  relative  to   the 


INTRODUCTION.  IX. 

setting  off  of  Amherst  as  a  district,  including  an  interesting  biographical 
sketch  of  Teffery,  Lord  Amherst,  written  for  this  work  by  Prof.  Herbert  B. 
Adams  of  Johns  Hopkins  University.  A  very  complete  and  accurate  history 
is  given  of  the  part  borne  by  Amherst  and  its  inhabitants  in  the  war  of  the 
Revolution.  But  little  of  this  matter  has  before  appeared  in  print  in  any 
form.  The  list  of  Amherst  soldiers  who  served  in  the  war  is  compiled  from 
original  muster-rolls  now  on  file  among  the  state  archives.  Especial  interest 
must  attach  to  the  story  of  the  treatment  accorded  by  the  patriots  to  the 
tory  element  which  was  powerful  in  the  town. 

The  next  prominent  event  in  Amherst  history  was  the  effort  made  to 
divide  the  town,  and  the  bitter  controversy  which  led  to  the  organization  of 
the  Second  parish  ;  these  subjects  are  treated  at  considerable  length.  Three 
chapters  are  devoted  to  the  "  Shays  Rebellion,"  one  of  the  most  unique 
events  in  Massachusetts  history,  which  affected  the  whole  commonwealth 
but  had  its  storm-center  in  Western  Massachusetts,  with  Amherst  and 
Pelham  as  rallying  points  for  the  insurgents.  Much  of  interest  concern- 
ing this  attempted  revolution  is  gathered  from  Minot's  history,  printed  at 
Worcester  in  1788,  while  valuable  documents  concerning  it  have  been 
copied  from  the  state  archives  and  are  printed  for  the  first  time  in  this 
volume.  The  history  of  Amherst  Academy  is  of  peculiar  interest,  from 
the  fact  that  it  was  the  first  literary  institution  established  at  Amherst  which 
gained  more  than  local  celebrity,  and  that  it  furnished  a  foundation  for 
Amherst  College.  The  originals  of  the  petition  for  establishing  the  acad- 
emy and  the  charter  granted  it  by  the  state  are  copied  entire  from  the  state 
archives.  Four  chapters  are  devoted  to  an  outline  history  of  Amherst 
College,  especial  attention  being  paid  to  the  part  borne  in  its  establishment 
by  Amherst  citizens.  Brief  sketches  are  given  of  the  presidents  of  the 
college  and  prominent  events  of  their  several  administrations. 

Nearly  80  pages  are  devoted  to  the  churches  and  other  religious  organ- 
izations of  the  town.  This  material  was  gathered  largely  from  church  and 
society  records,  access  to  which  was  readily  granted  by  those  having  them 
in  charge.  Of  particular  interest  are  the  records  relating  to  the  controversy 
between  the  First  and  Second  parishes,  the  ownership  of  the  meeting-house 
in  the  North  parish  and  the  great  church  quarrel  in  the  South  parish.  The 
doings  of  the  Hampshire  East  Association  and  Hampshire  East  Conference 
are  here  recorded.  A  chapter  is  devoted  to  educational  institutions,  includ- 
ing public  and  private  schools.  Extracts  are  made  from  records  of  the  old 
school  districts  and  sketches  given  of  the  Mount  Pleasant  Institute,  the 
Amherst  Female  Academy,  and  other  academies  and  schools  well-known 
in  their  day.  A  chapter  on  agriculture  gives  a  very  complete  history 
of  the  Hampshire  Agricultural  society,  describing  the  old-time  cattle-shows, 
and  the  controversy  that  arose  over  the  purchase  of  the  society's  grounds 


X.  INTRODUCTION. 

at  East  Amherst.  Two  chapters  are  devoted  to  a  review  of  manufacturing 
industries,  prominence  being  given  to  the  textile  industries  which  flourished 
for  a  time  at  North  Amherst  and  the  many  manufacturing  enterprises  which 
centered  at  East  Amherst  and  about  the  New  London  Northern  depot. 
Residents  of  Amherst  at  the  present  time  will  be  surprised  to  learn  the 
extent  and  variety  of  the  industries  that  from  time  to  time  have  found  a 
home  in  Amherst.  Some  twenty  pages  are  devoted  to  a  history  of  the 
various  railway  enterprises  in  which  the  town  and  its  citizens  have  inter- 
ested themselves.  The  "  Hampshire  and  Franklin"  and  "Amherst  Branch" 
railway  companies  may  well  be  considered  as  the  forerunners  of  the  two 
railway  lines  that  now  pass  through  the  town. 

Other  subjects  treated  under  special  chapter  headings  are  banks,  post- 
offices  and  courts,  newspapers  and  printing,  libraries  and  lyceums,  fire 
organizations,  militia  companies,  taverns  and  stage-routes,  liquor  selling 
and  societies  for  the  promotion  of  temperance,  the  care  of  the  town's 
poor,  cemeteries,  village  improvement,  public  improvements,  including 
street-lighting,  concrete  walks,  water  supply  and  sewers,  highways  and 
bridges,  public  buildings,  crimes,  accidents  and  epidemics,  schemes  for 
acquiring  wealth,  including  the  "  mulberry  craze,"  the  "  mining  craze  "  and 
assessment  insurance,  old  business  firms,  old  houses,  town  politics,  amuse- 
ments and  celebrations,  weather  phenomena,  the  "  old  cannon,"  slavery 
and  the  abolition  movement,  authors  and  scientists,  natural  features  of  the 
town,  locality  names,  society  organizations.  Fifty  pages  are  devoted  to  the 
part  borne  by  the  town  and  its  inhabitants  in  the  war  for  the  preservation 
of  the  Union.  This  feature  of  the  History  is  as  complete  and  accurate  as 
careful  investigation  of  all  available  sources  of  information  could  make 
it.  It  is  presented  in  a  form  calculated  to  make  it  especially  valuable  for 
reference.  An  outline  history  of  the  Massachusetts  Agricultural  College 
occupies  nearly  forty  pages,  containing  matter  which  must  prove  of  value  to 
the  future  historian  of  the   college. 

Six  appendixes  contain  lists  of  town  officers  and  representatives  to  the 
General  Court,  an  exhaustive  review  of  the  town  debt,  showing  how  it  was 
contracted  and  what  payments  have  been  made  upon  it,  tables  showing 
appropriations  made  for  certain  specific  objects  since  the  first  settlement, 
a  tabular  review  of  total  appropriations  and  expenditures  for  the  past  fifty 
years,  valuation  lists  and  tax-rates  for  the  past  thirty  years,  complete  valu- 
ation lists  for  the  year  1759,  when  the  district  was  set  off,  and  the  year 
1776,  when  it  became  a  town,  a  voters'  list  compiled  in  1802  and  original 
documents  of  interest  in  connection  with  the  town's  early  history.  A 
special  feature  of  the  work  is  its  illustrations,  comprising  a  large  number 
of  portraits  of  some  of  the  best  known  of  the  earlier  inhabitants,  together 
with   many    landscape   views   and    pictures    of  old   buildings,  some  of  the 


INTRODUCTION.  XI. 

latter  yet  standing,  others  existing  but  in  memory.  The  work  involved  ia 
securing  the  originals  of  these  illustrations  was  very  great;  many  of  them 
were  copied  from  old  daguerreotypes  and  oil  paintings  :  many  were  pro- 
cured from  parties  residing  in  distant  parts  of  the  country.  The  publishers 
consider  themselves  fortunate  in  having  secured  the  portraits  of  so  many 
representative  men  ;  they  regret  that  of  others  whose  names  frequently 
occur  in  these  pages  no  portraits  are  in  existence.  For  the  uniform  excel- 
lence of  these  illustrations  great  credit  is  due  to  J.  L.  Lovell,  the  artist 
photographer,  who  secured  nearly  all  the  negatives  from  which  the  plates 
were  made,  and  in  them  may  be  found  some  of  his  best  work.  The  half- 
tone plates  from  which  the  illustrations  were  printed  are  the  work  of  the 
Springfield  Photo-Engraving  company.  It  will  be  noticed  that  this  History 
does  not  contain  a  portrait  of  any  man  now  living.  There  are  many 
residents  of  the  town  yet  living  whose  portraits  would  honor  these 
pages,  but  all  could  not  be  printed,  and  the  task  of  selecting  certain  ones 
among  them  would  be  ungrateful. 

In  compiling  the  material  contained  in  this  volume  the  publishers 
have  received  valuable  assistance  from  many  sources.  A  complete  list  of 
individuals  who  have  willingly  and  gladly  aided  in  the  work  would  occupy 
more  space  than  the  publishers  feel  at  liberty  to  devote  to  it.  There  are 
some  whose  services  deserve  special  recognition,  and  the  publishers  take 
pleasure  in  extending  their  cordial  thanks  to  the  officials  in  charge  of  the 
state  archives  at  Boston,  to  James  R.  Trumbull  of  Northampton,  to  Presi- 
dent Henry  H.  Goodell  of  the  Agricultural  College,  to  Librarian  William 
I.  Fletcher  of  Amherst  College,  to  Town  Clerk  Charles  H.  Edwards,  to 
Charles  O.  Parmenter,  to  Henry  Jackson,  to  Deacon  Thomas  B.  Read  of 
South  Amherst,  to  Loomis  H.  Merrick,  and  to  any  and  all  who  have  in  any 
way  aided  them  in  their  labors.  The  citizens  of  Amherst  generally  have 
shown  a  generous  interest  in  the  undertaking  and  have  gladly  furnished 
any  desired  information  in  their  possession.  Without  their  cordial  coop- 
eration success  would  have  been  impossible.  Many  valuable  manuscripts 
have  been  contributed  by  lineal  descendants  of  the  earlier  settlers. 

This  History  contains  no  attempt  at  fine  writing,  makes  no  claim  to 
especial  literary  merit.  It  is  a  record  of  facts,  written  in  language  concise 
and  fairly  intelligible,  and  so  arranged  that  the  reader  will  have  little  diffi- 
culty in  referring  to  particular  subjects.  Comprehensive  in  design,  it  deals 
with  many  subjects  in  detail,  the  aim  being  to  make  it  especially  valuable 
as  a  book  of  reference.  It  is  compiled  in  the  main  from  original  manu- 
scripts ;  copies  have  not  been  used  when  originals  could  be  obtained. 
Many  interesting  and  valuable  documents  are  copied  entire,  liberal  extracts 
being  made  from  others.  Especial  prominence  has  been  given  to  matters 
pertaining  to  the  earlier  history  of  the  town.      Anything  of  possible  value 


Xll.  INTRODUCTION. 

concerning  that  history  that  could  be  secured  is  here  preserved.  So  far  as 
possible  the  line  has  been  drawn  between  fact  and  tradition.  While  an 
attempt  has  been  made  to  bring  the  History  down  to  date  the  happenings 
of  recent  vears  have  been  accorded  comparatively  little  space. 

The  publication  of  this  volume  will  naturally  invite  criticism.  While 
an  attempt  has  been  made  to  secure  accuracy  in  all  its  details,  it  is  hardly  to 
be  expected  that  it  should  be  entirely  free  from  errors.  In  many  instances 
there  has  been  discovered  a  conflict  of  authorities  concerning  matters  here 
recorded;  where  such  has  occurred  that  authority  has  been  accepted  which 
has  proved  most  uniformly  accurate  and  reliable.  Great  difficulty  has  been 
experienced  in  insuring  accuracy  in  recording  the  names  of  the  earlier 
inhabitants.  Old-time  methods  of  spelling  were  largely  phonetic,  and  a 
man's  name  underwent  surprising  transformation  as  it  was  recorded  by  one 
and  then  by  another  of  his  contemporaries.  The  common  names  such  as 
Smith  and  Clark  and  Strong,  could  generally  be  recognized  despite  the 
various  orthographical  indignities  to  which  they  were  subjected.  Abbre- 
viations were  common,  some  readily  recognized,  others,  like  ''Toon"  for 
Mattoon  and  "Crummy  "  for  Abercrombie,  taxing  the  resources  of  one  not 
an  expert  in  philology.  Confusion  is  also  caused  in  many  cases  by  the 
number  of  persons  bearing  the  same  name,  family  names  being  handed 
down  from  generation  to  generation.  Such  names  as  Daniel  Dickinson 
and  Jonathan  Cowls  and  Edward  Smith  have  figured  on  the  assessors'  rolls 
from  the  date  of  earliest  settlement  down  to  the  present  time.  In  indexing 
these  names  but  one  title  has  been  used,  although  apparent  that  the  refer- 
ences relate  to  different  persons.  The  names  of  Cowls  and  Cowles  are 
indexed  together,  being  of  common  origin. 

Several  persons  who  have  expressed  a  deep  interest  in  the  publication 
of  this  History  have  urged  that  space  be  accorded  to  genealogical  reviews 
of  the  families  of  the  earlier  settlers.  The  publishers  would  have  been 
glad  to  accede  to  this  request,  had  they  not  realized  that  the  addition  of 
any  considerable  amount  of  matter  to  that  already  in  hand  would  necessi- 
tate the  publishing  of  the  History  in  two  volumes,  making  it  more  cum- 
bersome and  less  convenient  as  a  book  of  reference.  There  can  be  little 
question  that,  at  some  time  in  the  future,  probably  not  far  distant,  the  gen- 
ealogies of  families  prominent  in  the  first  settlement  of  Amherst  will  be 
written  and  published  ;  the  tendencies  of  the  times  are  encouraging  to  labor 
in  the  field  of  genealogical  research.  There  is  hardly  a  family  that  can  trace 
back  its  ancestry  to  the  earlier  settlers  in  New  England  but  numbers  among 
its  members  some  one  who  is  engaged  in  collecting  statistics  concerning 
the  family  history.  Valuable  beginnings  for  the  genealogies  of  Amherst 
families  may  be  found  in  the  genealogies  of  Hadley,  Amherst,  Granby  and 
South  Hadley  families  compiled  by  Lucius  M.  Boltwood  and  published  in 


INTRODUCTION.  Xlll. 

Judd's  History  of  Hadley,  and  in  the  lists  of  Amherst  families  compiled 
by  James  W.  Boyden  and  now  on  file  in  the  office  of  the  Amherst  town 
clerk.  These  sources  of  information  are  in  the  main  correct  and  are  of 
great  interest  and  value. 

Brief  biographical  sketches  are  here  presented  of  certain  citizens  who 
were  prominent  in  the  town  in  their  day  and  generation.  The  list  is  not  as 
complete  as  might  be  desired ;  it  is  possible,  even  probable,  that  names 
have  been  omitted  from  the  list  whose  owners  well  deserve  special  mention. 
In  making  their  selections  the  publishers  have  been  largely  governed  by 
the  prominence  accorded  to  individuals  in  the  town  records  and  in  the  mass 
of  historical  data  which  they  have  collected.  Information  concerning 
many  men  known  to  have  been  prominent  in  the  earlier  history  of  the  town 
has  been  gained  with  great  difficulty.  Some  of  the  families  once  leaders 
in  the  community  have  no  living  descendants  so  far  as  can  be  ascertained. 
While  it  is  matter  for  regret  that  these  sketches  are  incomplete  there  is,  on 
the  other  hand,  reason  for  congratulation  that  so  much  of  information  con- 
cerning the  early  settlers  has  been  secured  and  is  here  recorded. 


CONTENTS. 


PART     I. 
CHAPTER  I. 


PACK. 

Indian  Deed  of  Lands — River  Indians — Original  Bounds  of  Hadley — Causes 
Leading  to  Hadley's  Settlement— Beginnings  of  the  Town  of  Hadley — 
Indian  Wars,  1675 — '74^,  •  •  •  •  •  -  •       1 

CHAPTER   II. 
Early  Settlements  in  Hampshire  County — Division  of  Hadley  Outer  Commons 

— Equivalent  Land — Flat  Hills  Lands — East  Inhabitants  in   1731.  .     10 

CHAPTER   III. 
Founders  of  Amherst  Families — Biographical  Sketches  of  the  Early  Settlers,     22 

CHAPTER   IV. 
Burial  Ground  for  East  Inhabitants — Occupations — Wild  Animals — Hadley 
Votes  Concerning  East  Inhabitants — Third  Precinct  Set  Off.  .  .     29 

CHAPTER  V. 
David  Parsons,  the   First  Minister— Organization  of  the  First  Church — Mr. 

Parsons'  Salary  and  Firewood — The  First  Meeting-House,  .  34 

CHAPTER  VI. 

School  Appropriations  by  Hadley  and  by  the  Third  Precinct — First  School- 
Houses — Lands  Comprised  in  Hadley  Third  Precinct — Annexations  of 
Land,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     41 

CHAPTER  VII. 
The  First  Highways — Encroachments  on  Highways — Hadley  Votes  Concern- 
ing Roads  and  Bridges — John  Morton  and  NathanDickinson — New  High- 
ways Laid  Out,      .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .48 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
Innkeepers — Cemetery    and    Town    Lot — Occupations — Pauper   Expenses — 
Negroes — Physicians — Lawyers,  .  .  .  .  .  56 

CHAPTER   IX. 
French  and  Indian  Wars — An  Old  Lawsuit — Amherst  Troops  in  the  Wars — 

Petitions  for  Relief — Militia  Company,  .  .  .  .  .61 

CHAPTER  X. 
Petition  to  Become  a  District — The  District  Organized — Amherst  and  Lord 

Amherst — Province  Taxes — Statistics  in  177 1.  .  .  .  .     65 


XVI.  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XI. 
Amherst  in  the  Revolution — Minute  Men — Tories — The  Canadian  Campaign 

— Names  of  Amherst  Soldiers,  .  .  .  .  .  -77 

CHAPTER  XII. 
The  Committee  of  Safety — Tories  Imprisoned — Simeon  Strong's  Blanket — 
The  Battle  of  Saratoga — Hiring  and  Drafting  Soldiers,       .  .  .86 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
Prominent  Patriots — Ebenezer  Mattoon — Leading  Opponents  of  the  Revolu- 
tion— Josiah  Chauncey — John  Field— The  Boltwoods,  .  .  .98 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
Proposed  Division  of  Amherst — Petition  Against  a  Division,     .  .  .   102 

CHAPTER  XV. 
Controversy   Concerning  a  New   Minister — Dr.    David   Parsons — Action  by 

Church  and  Parish — Ecclesiastical  Councils — Second  Parish  Organized,      108 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
Second  Parish  Meeting  House — Rev.  Ichabod  Draper,  the  First  Pastor — A 

Letter  of  Discipline — Decree  by  the  General  Court,  .  .  .114 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
Hard  Times  Following  the  Revolution — Causes  Leading  to  the  Shays  Rebel- 
lion—  Heavy    Taxation — Legal   Troubles — Mob    Law   at  Northampton — 
Neighborhood  Conventions — Arraignment   of    Government  by  Hatfield 
Convention,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .118 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 
Conspiracy  Against  the  Supreme  Court — Daniel  Shays — Action  by  the  Gen- 
eral Court— Militia  Called  Out — Bloodshed  at  Springfield — Retreat  of  the 
Insurgents,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   123 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
Pursuit  of  the  Insurgents — Correspondence  Between  Lincoln  and  Shays — The 
March  to  Petersham — Terms  of  Amnesty — Amherst  Men  who  Took  the 
Oath  of  Allegiance — The  Conkey  Tavern — The  Clapp  Tavern,       .  .  129 

CHAPTER  XX. 
Statistics  in    1777,    1779,   and   1781 — Counterfeiting — Industrial   Movements — 
Merchants  and  Traders — Amherst  in  1800 — War  of  1812,     .  .  .  137 

CHAPTER  XXI. 
Origin  of  Amherst  Academy — Petitions  to  the  Legislature — Act  of  Incorpor- 
ation— Life  at  the  Academy — Mary  Lyon — Academy  Teachers,      .  .   143 

CHAPTER  XXII. 
Old-Time  Catalogs— Amherst  Students  at  the  Academy — Academy   Laws — 
Officers    of     the    Corporation — Principals   and    Instructors — Courses   of 
Study,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .150 


CONTENTS.  XV11. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 
Origin  of   Amherst  College — The  Charity  Fund — Convention   of   Churches 
— Negotiations  with  Williams  College — First  College  Building  Erected — 
Noah  Webster's  Address,  .......  155 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 
Zephaniah  Swift  Moore,  First  President  of  Amherst  College — Rufus  Graves  — 
Samuel  F.  Dickinson — Hezekiah  W.  Strong — Life  at  the  College  in  its 
Early  Days — Heman  Humphrey  Elected  President— How  the  Charter  was 
Secured — Events  of  President  Humphrey's  Administration,  .  .  162 

CHAPTER  XXV. 
Edward  Hitchcock  Elected  President — Generous   Endowments  by   Samuel 
Williston  and  others — President  Hitchcock's  Resignation — Professors  and 
Instructors — Original  Deed  of  College  Land.  ....   175 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 
Biographical  Sketches  of  Prominent  Citizens  Who  were  Born  in  the  Years 

Dating  from  16S6  to  1720,  .......   182 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 
The  First  Church — Pastors  and  Terms  of  Service — Meeting-Houses — Vestry 
and  Agricultural  Hall — Church  Music — The  Parsonage — Parish  Funds — 
The  Present  Church  Edifice,      .......  198 

CHAPTER   XXVIII. 
The   Second   Church — Pastors   and   Terms   of    Service— First   and   Second 
Meeting-Houses — Janitor's  Duties — Church  Music — Differences  Between 
the  First  and  Second  Church.     ......  .  209 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 
The  South  Church — Pastors  and  Terms  of  Service — Troubles  in  the  Church 

Organization  of  a  Xew  Parish — The  Meeting-House — Church  Music,       .215 

CHAPTER  XXX. 
The  North  Church  and  Parish — Organization  and  Offcers — Pastors  and  Terms 
of  Service— Oliver   Dickinson's    Meeting-House — The  Pew  Deeds — The 
Pulpit  and  Communion  Service — The  Ministerial  Fund,        .  .  .  224 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 
The  College  Church — Its  Pastors — Church  Building — Zion  Chapel — College 

Mission  Work,       .........  231 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 
The  Baptist  Church— Connection  with  Churches  in  New  Salem  and  Northamp- 
ton— Independent    Organization — Pastors  and   Terms   of    Service — The 
Meeting-House — Methods  of  Raising  Funds — Miscellaneous  Votes.  .  234 

CHAPTER   XXXIII. 
Methodist  Episcopal  Churches— Grace  Church — St  Bridget's  Church — Second 
Advent  Church — Universalist  Church — Church  Associations — Hampshire 
East  Association — Hampshire  East  Conference,         ....  242 
00 


XVlli.  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

Education  in  Amherst — School  Buildings — School  District  Records — Grading 
the  Public  Schools — The  High  School — Superintendents  and  Teachers — 
School    Appropriations — Terms   and    Vacations — Private    Schools — Mt. 
Pleasant  Classical  Institute — "Amherst  Female  Academy" — Other  Insti- 
tutions,       ..........  259 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

Agriculture  in  Amherst — Farm  Products — The    First   Agricultural    Society — 
Cattle  Shows  from  1846  to  1850— East  Hampshire  Agricultural  Society — 
Dissensions  among  the  Members — Hampshire  Park  and  Hall — Creamery 
Associations,  .........  276 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

Manufacturing  Interests — Paper  Making — Textile  Industries — Amherst  Cotton 
Factory — Woolen  Mills — Hat  Manufacturing— L.  M.  Hills  &  Son— Iron 
and  Steel  Manufactures — Kellogg  Plane  Factory — The  Roper  Repeating 
Rifle — Bowie  Knife  Pistols — Hoop  Skirts — Wire  Goods — Cooking  Stoves 
— Carriage  Making — Children's  Carriages  and  Sleds,  .  .  .  286 

CHAPTER  XXXVII. 
Miscellaneous  Manufactures — "Burnham's  Mills" — Wood-working  Establish- 
ments— Faucets — Tanneries — Brick-making — American  Button  Company 
— Bonnet-making — Lesser  Industries,  .  .  .  .  .  301 

CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 
The  First  Railway  in  Massachusetts — Connecticut  River  Road — Hampshire 
and    Franklin    Railway — Mount    Holyoke    Railway    Company — Amherst 
Branch  Railroad — The  Amherst  and   Belchertown  Railway    Company — 
New  London  Northern  Road — Massachusetts  Central  Railway  Company.  307 

CHAPTER  XXXIX. 
Banks,  Post-Offices  and  Courts — The  First  Amherst  Bank — Hampshire  and 
Franklin    Bank — First    National    Bank — Amherst    Savings    Bank — Post- 
Offices,   Post-Masters   and   Mails— Courts,    Court    Sessions    and    Court 
Officers — Justices  of  the  Peace,  ......  327 

CHAPTER  XL. 
Newspapers  and  Printing — The  First  Printing  Press — J.  S.&  C.Adams — New 
England  Inquirer — Hampshire  and  Franklin  Express — Local  News  and 
Advertisements — Hampshire    Express  —  The    Amherst  Record  —  Other 
Newspaper  Ventures — Miscellaneous  Publications.  .  .  .  337 

CHAPTER  XLI. 
Libraries  and  Lyceums — Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  the  First  Library — Agri- 
cultural Library— The  North  Amherst  Library — The  Center  Library — The 
North  Amherst  Lyceum — The  South  Amherst  Lyceum — Lyceums  at  the 
Center  and  at  East  Amherst,      .......  347 

CHAPTER  XLI  I. 
Fire  Department  and  Fires — The  Old  Volunteer  Companies — The  First  Fire 
Engines — Cataract  Engine  Co. — Deluge  Engine  Co. — Lafayette  Hook  and 
Ladder  Co. — Reservoirs — Fire  Apparatus — Pelham  Water  Introduced — 
Alert  Hose  Co.  No.  1 — Hose  Co.  No.  2 — Great  Fires  in  Amherst.  .  358 


CONTENTS.  Xix. 

CHAPTER  XLIII. 
Amherst   Militia — The    North   and  South  Companies — Militia  in  the  War  of 
1812 — The  Hampshire  Rangers — The  Cavalry  Company — Amherst  Artil- 
lery Company — Company  C — Company  K,  .  .  .  .  369 

CHAPTER  XLIV. 
Taverns   and    Stage    Routes — Pioltwood's   Tavern — The    Mansion     House — 
Hygeian  Hotel — Baggs*  Tavern — Inns  at  North,  East  and  South  Amherst 
— Early  Stage  Routes — Stage  Drivers.  .....  380 

CHAPTER  XLV. 
Liquor  Selling  and  Intemperance — Drinking  Habits  in  Early  Times— First 
Efforts  to  Check  the  Evil — Temperance  Association  at  South  Amherst — 
Washington  Total  Abstinence  Society  at  East  Amherst— Washington 
Society  at  North  Amherst — West  Center  Society — Reform  Club — W.  C. 
T.  U. — Good  Templars  Organizations — Liquor  Licenses,      .  .  .  388 

CHAPTER  XLVI. 
The  Care  of    the    Town's  Poor — Early  Methods — The  Poor  Farm  and  Alms- 
house—Expenses  at  the  Almshouse — The  Night  Police — The  Lock-up — 
The  Smith  Charities.        ........  396 

CHAPTER  XLV II. 
Town  Cemeteries — The  Old  West  Cemetery — Cemeteries  at  North  and  South 
Amherst — Wildwood  Cemetery— Village  Improvement — The  Commons — 
The  Ornamental  Tree  Association— Village  Improvement  Societies  at  the 
Center,  at  East  Amherst,  South  Amherst,  North  Amherst  and  the  "City,"  403 

CHAPTER  XLVI II. 
Public    Improvements— Street    Lighting — The    Introduction    of     Gas — The 
Amherst  Gas  Co. — Electric  Lighting— Concrete  Walks— Water  Supply — 
The  First  Survey — The  Amherst  Water  Co.— Spring  Water  Co. — Sewers,  416 

CHAPTER  XLIX. 
Highways  and  Bridges — The  Northampton    Bridge—Street   Sprinkling— Tri- 
angle Street  Fight  — The  Town  Hall,     ......  428 

CHAPTER  L. 
Crimes,  Accidents,  Epidemics — Fatal  Accidents — Murders— Birdie    Danahey 
— Small-Pox  in  Amherst,  .......  435 

CHAPTER  LI. 
Schemes  for  Acquiring  Wealth — The  Mulberry  Craze — Mining  Stock  Invest- 
ments —Assessment  Insurance — Old  Business  Firms,  .  .  .  442 

CHAPTER  LII. 
Old  Houses — Town  Politics— Amusements  and  Celebrations — Amherst's  Cen- 
tennial—Weather Phenomena — Storms  and  Flood — The  "  Blizzard,"'         .  450 

CHAPTER  LIU. 
The  Old  Cannon — Slavery  and  the  Abolition  Movement — Authors — Scientists 

— Natural  Features — Locality  Names — Public  Conveniences — Societies,     460 


XX.  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  LIV. 
Amherst  in  the  Civil  War — Action  Taken  by  the  State  Government — The 
Raising  of  Troops — Regiments  in  which  Amherst  Men  Served — Mass 
Meetings  and  Flag-Raisings  in  Amherst — Raising  Men  and  Money — 
Death  of  Adjutant  Stearns — Amherst  Men  Killed  and  Wounded  in  the 
Early  Battles  of  the  War,  .......  474 

CHAPTER  LV. 
Hard  Times  in  1863 — The  Conscription  Act — Amherst's  Enrollment — The 
Draft  at  Greenfield — Substitutes  and  Commutation — Battles  in  1S63 — 
Measures  to  avoid  the  Draft — Return  of  the  27th— Amherst  Men  Killed 
and  Wounded  in  1864 — The  Roll  of  Honor — Losses  in  Battle — Service 
by  Regiments — Muster  by  Months — War  Expenses  of  the  Town,  .  .  482 

CHAPTER  LVI. 
Regimental     History  —  Twenty-Seventh  —  Thirty-Seventh  —  Fifty-Second  — 

Tenth — Twenty-First — Fifty-Fourth,     ......  493 

CHAPTER  LVII. 
Service    Record,  by    Regiments,  of   Each    Man   who   Served  on   Amherst's 
Quota,  and  Others  Whose  Names  Appear  on  the  Marble  Tablets  in  the 
Town  Hall,  ........;  503 

CHAPTER  LVIII. 
Amherst  College — Administration  of  President  Stearns — Gifts  and  Bequests 
— College  Buildings — New  Departments — The  College  in  the  War — The 
50th  Anniversary — Julius  H.  Seelye  Elected  President — Gifts  to  the  Col- 
lege— Members  of  the  Faculty — The  Library — Physical  Culture — The 
"  Amherst  System  " — Greek  Letter  Fraternities,        ....  524 

CHAPTER  LIX. 
The  Agricultural  College- — Causes  Leading  to  its  Establishment — Hon.  Mar- 
shall P.  Wilder's  Address — The  Agricultural  College  Commission — Presi- 
dent Hitchcock's  Report— Plans  for  a  College— The  "  School  of  Agricul- 
ture " — The  Morrill  Land  Grant  Act— Its  Provisions — Massachusetts 
Accepts  the  Grant — The  Agricultural  College  Trustees  Incorporated — 
Their  First  Report — Securing  a  Location — Amherst's  Subscription  to  the 
Fund — The  Lands  Purchased — Amherst's  Petition,  .  532 

CHAPTER  LX. 
Hon.  Henry  F.  French  Elected  President — Plan  for  Organization — Locating 
the  Buildings — Prof.  Paul  A.  Chadbourne  Succeeds  President  French 
— Injunction  against  the  Town — Courses  of  Instruction — Buildings  Con- 
tracted for— College  Bonds  and  Loans — William  S.  Clark  Elected  Presi- 
dent— Requisites  for  Admission — The  College  Opens — President  Clark's 
Report — Grants  by  the  General  Court— New  Buildings— Gifts  to  the  Col- 
lege—  Unsuccessful  Effort  to  Remove  the  College  from  State  Control,      .  543 

CHAPTER  LXI. 
Graduation  of  the    First  Class — Endowment  of   Prizes— Alumni    Association 
Organized — Changes  in  the  Faculty  — Labor  Fund   Established — Experi- 
mental Work — Free  Scholarships — Hard  Times  at  the  College  — President 


CONTENTS.  XXI. 

Clark's  Resignation— Reorganization— Charles  L.  Flint  Elected  President 
—Levi  Stockbridge  Succeeds  President  Flint— Final  Attempt  to  Remove 
the  College  from  State  Control— Proposal  to  Raise  a  College  Fund— Paul 
A.  Chadbourne  Elected  President  ....••  553 

CHAPTER  LXII. 
The  State  Experiment  Station  Organized— James  C.  Greenough  Elected 
President— New  Buildings  Erected— Henry  H.Goodell  Elected  President 
—Hatch  Experiment  Station  Formed— Grant  by  the  National  Government 
—Additions  to  College  Equipment— State  Appropriations  -Student  Organ- 
izations—Value of  the  Work  Accomplished  by  the  College  .  .  56' 

CHAPTER   LXII  I. 
Biographical  Sketches  of  Prominent  Citizens,        .  .  .  •  •  571 

APPENDIX   A. 
List  of  Representatives  in  the  General  Court.  Selectmen,  Town- 
Clerks,  Town  Treasurers,  and  Moderators  of  Town-Meetings, 
1735-1S96,     .......•••  584 

APPENDIX   15. 
Town  Finances,        ......-••  589 

APPENDIX  C. 
Valuation  Lists,     .  .  .  .  •  •  -597 

APPENDIX  D. 
Population,  Families,  Voters'  List  1802,     .....  604 

APPENDIX  E. 
Soldiers  of  the  Revolution,    .......  610 

APPENDIX  F. 
Old  Manuscripts.  ........  613 


Index,  ..........  617 

Addenda,         ..........  641 

Errata,  ........  •  •  642 

PART  II. 

Town-Meeting  Records,  .......      i 

Index  to  Town-Meeting  Records,      .  .  .  .  •  -257 


List  of  Illustrations. 


Page 
Lord  Amherst.  facing  title  page 

Seal  of  Amherst,  II. 

Old  Map  of  Town.  17 

Dickinson,  Sq  John  22 

Dickinson,  Sq  Chester  22 

Dickinson.  Zebina  22 

Dickinson  Judge  John  22 

Dickinson,  Mrs  Ame  22 

Old  Clapp  House,  30 

Simeon  Clark's  House,  30 

Kellogg  House  at  East  St..  30 

Old  House  at  South  Amherst,  30 

Oldest  House  on  the  Bay  Road,  30 

"  Ye  Kunk."  39 
Watch  owned  by  Nathaniel  Smith,     39 

Old  Boltwood  House,  44 

Old  House  at  M  A  C,  44 

Daniel  Dickinson's  House,  44 

Dickinson  Tavern,  44 

Cowles  House  MAC,  44 

John  Nash's  Tavern  Sign,  58 

Strong  House,  60 

Henderson  House,  60 

Mattoon,  Ebenezer,  100 

Colton,  Aaron  M  ro8 

Parsons,  Dr  David  10S 
First  Parish,  Fourth  Meeting-House,io8 

Nathan  Dickinson  House,  134 

Conkey  Tavern,  134 
Autograph   Manuscript  of  Daniel 

Shays,  135 

Old  Whiting  House  and  Elm,  141 

Brick  School  House,  144 

Amherst  Academy,  144 

Stearns,  William  A  155 

Seelye,  Julius  H  155 

Moore,  Zephaniah  S  155 

Humphrey,  Heman  155 

Hitchcock,  Edward  155 

Amherst  College  1856.  177 

Scene  on  Fort  River,  177 

Wright,  Silas  185 

Webster,  Noah  185 

Adams,  Charles  D  185 

Delano,  Charles  185 

Baker,  Osmyn  189 

Boltwood,  Lucius  189 

Conkey,  I  Frank  189 

Conkey,  Ithamar  189 

Roberts,  Reuben  Sr  195 

Roberts,  Reuben  Jr  195 

Cushman,  John  R  195 

Cushman,  Ephraim  195 

Smith,  Rev  J  T  198 


Page. 
Parker,  Rev  S  P  198 
Moyce,  Rev  P  J  198 
Merrick,  Rev  James  L  198 
Belden,  Rev  Pomeroy  198 
Hunt,  Rev  W  W  198 
King,  Rev  E  P  198 
First  Parish,  Second  Meeting-House,203 
First  Parish,  Third  Meeting-House,  205 
Second  Parish,  First  Meeting  House, 209 
Second  Parish,  Second  Meeting- 
House,  209 
North  Congregational  Church,  223 
South  Congregational  Church,  223 
Dickinson,  Oliver  230 
Cowles,  Oliver  230 
Montague,  Jemima  230 
Montague,  Zebina  230 
College  Well,  231 
Amherst  College  Church,  231 
Baptist  Church,  234 
Wesley  M  E  Church,  242 
M  E  Church  at  North  Amherst  City, 242 
Grace  Episcopal  Church,  246 
First  Universalist  Church,  250 
St  Bridget's  Church,  250 
Amherst  as  seen  from  Pelham  before 

1850,  271 

Mt  Pleasant  Institute,  271 

Hills,  Henry  F  286 

Jones,  Thomas  286 

"Hills,  Leonard  M  286 

Watson,  Oliver  286 

Burnham,  George  286 

Clapp,  Oliver  M  286 

Kellogg,  James  2S6 

W  S  Clark's  House.  288 

Old  Mill  at  North  Amherst.  288 

Pleasant  St  looking  North,  292 

Fearing's  Shop,  292 

An  old  wood  cut  of  common,  296 

Rifle  shop,  296 

Dickinson,  Daniel  312 

Nash,  John  A  312 

Nash,  Samuel  312 

Dickinson,  Enos  312 

Greene,  Moses  B  312 

Clark,  Simeon  312 

I. eland.  John  312 

Boltwood  Tavern  Sign,  332 

South  Amherst  Post-office  Sign.  332 

Dickinson,  Edward  335 

Gaylord,  Eleazar  337 

Baker,  Alfred  337 

Eastman,  Solomon  K  337 


List  of  Illustrations. 


xxm. 


Boltwood,  Elijah 

Gallond,  George  B 

Palmer,  Frederick  A 

Smith,  William  W 

Mack,  David 

Mack,  Samuel  E 

Sweetser,  Luke 

Adams,  John  S 

Holland,  Seneca 

Old  Fire  Bucket, 

Merchants  Row  1S65. 

Merchants  Row  1879, 

Hat  of  Hampshire  Rifles. 

Merchants  Row  1S96. 

Amherst  House, 

Field  Building  1859, 

Hygeian  Hotel, 

Oldest  Stone  in  West  Cemetery. 

The  Common  1870. 

The  Common  1895, 

Cash  Row, 

Chase's  Block, 

Town  Hall, 

M  A  C  Barn  and  House, 

Phoenix  Row  before  18S0, 

Phoenix  Row  1840, 

Judge  John  Dickinson's  House, 

Delano  House, 

Warner  House, 

Maple  Avenue, 

Palmer's  Block, 

Amherst  House  and  Stage. 

Fish,  Seth 

Fish.  D  B  N 

Gridley,  Timothy  J 

Belden,  Rufus 

Smith,  Benjamin  F 

Amherst  College  Fraternity  Houses 
Alpha  Delta  Phi  House, 
Delta  Kappa  Epsilon  House, 


Page.  Page. 

337       Delta  Upsilon  House.  528 

337        Chi  Phi  House.  528 

337        Chi  Psi  Lodge,  528 

337  Psi  Upsilon  House,  528 

338  Beta  Theta  Pi  House  530 
338  Theta  Delta  Chi  House,  530 
338  Phi  Delta  Theta  House.  530 
338  Phi  Gamma  Delta  House.  530 
338  Phi  Kappa  Psi  House,  530 
364  French,  Henry  F  532 
368  Flint,  Charles  L  532 
368  Chadbourne,  Paul  A  532 
376  Clark.  W  S  532 
382  Mass  Agricultural  College,  550 
382  McConihe.  Sarah  S  572 
384  Dickinson,  Jerusha  572 
384  ( 'ooke, ( ieorge  572 
404  Stearns,  Frazar  A  572 
407  Kellogg.  Fleazer  A  575 
407  Converse,  Daniel  575 
423  Ingram,  Ezra  575 
423  Hastings,  Thomas  575 
433  Dickinson,  Porter  575 
433  Dickinson,  Waitstill  .  575 
447  B03  den,  James  W  576 
447  Carter,  Samuel  C  576 
450  Hunt,  William  A  576 
450  Fitch.  Newton  576 
459  Lessey,  Chauncey  W  581 
459  Howland.  Warren  S  581 
459  Beston,  John  Jr  581 
459  Merrill,  Calvin  581 
470  Montague,  George  581 
470  Snell,  Ebenezer  S  581 
470  Nims,  Seth  581 
470  Smith,  Cotton  581 
470  Slate,  Jonathan  S  581 

Henderson,  Timothv  581 

52S  Warner,  David  S  581 

528  Parsons.  David  581 


PART  I 


A  History  of  Amherst,  Mass. 


CHAPTER 


Indian  Deed  of  Lands. — River  Indians. — Original  Bounds  of 
Hadley. — Causes  Leading  to  Hadley's  Settlement. — Begin- 
nings of  the  Town  of  Hadley. — Indian  Wars,  1675 — 174&- 

The  lands  comprised  within  the  present  limits  of  the  township  of 
Amherst  are  a  part  of  those  acquired  by  John  Pynchon  of  Springfield,  by 
purchase  from  the  Nonotuck  or  Norwottuck  tribe  of  Indians  in  1658.  In 
1653  a  number  of  men  residing  in  Windsor,  Hartford  and  other  places  in 
Connecticut  petitioned  the  General  Court  of  Massachusetts  to  grant  them 
a  plantation  at  Nonotuck,  above  Springfield.  This  petition  was  granted 
and  the  General  Court  appointed  three  men  of  Springfield,  John  Pynchon, 
Elizur  Holyoke  and  Samuel  Chapin,  to  divide  the  land  into  two  planta- 
tions, the  petitioners  to  have  one  of  them.  In  December,  1658,  Major 
Pynchon  secured  from  the  Indians  the  following  deed  of  land  : 

This  deed  embraces  the  land  from  the  mouth  of  Fort  River,  and  Mount  Hol- 
yoke, on  the  south,  to  the  mouth  of  Mohawk  brook  and  the  southern  part  of  Mount 
Toby,  on  the  north,  extending  easterly  nine  miles  into  the  woods. 

••  Here  followeth  a  copy  of  a  deed  or  writing  whereby  the  Indians  of  Xolwotogg, 
upon  the  river  Ouienecticott,  made  sale  of  certain  lands  unto  Maj.  John  Pynchon, 
of  Springfield,  together  with  the  copy  of  the  said  Maj.  John  Pynchon  his  assign- 
ment of  the  said  deed  to  the  use  and  behoof  of  the  inhabitants  of  Hadley,  and  his 
acknowledgment  thereof. 

Be  it  known  to  all  men  by  these  presents  that  Chickwollop  alias  Wahillowa. 
Umpanchella  alias  Womscom,  and  Ouonquont  alias  Wompshaw,  the  sachems  of 
Nolwotogg,  and  the  sole  and  proper  owners  of  all  the  land  on  the  east  side  of 
Ouonicticot  river,  from  the  hills  called  Petowamachu,  and  from  the  mouth  of  the 
brook  or  river  called  Towunucksett.  and  so  all  along  by  the  great  river  upward  or 
northward  to  the  brook  called  Nepassooenegg.  and  from  the  hither  part  of  south 
end  of  the  great  hills  called  Kunckquachu,  (being  guessed  at  near  about  nine  miles 
in  length)  by  the  river  Quenecticott — We  the  aforenamed  Chickwallop  alias  Waah- 
illow.  Umpanchala  alias  Womscom.  and  Ouonquont  alias  Wompshaw.  of  Xolwo- 
togg, on  the  one  party,  do  give,  grant,  bargain  and  sell  unto  John  Pynchon,  of 
Springfield,  on  the  other  party,  to  him,  his  assigns  and  successors  forever,  all  the 
1 


2  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

grounds,  woods,  ponds,  waters,  meadows,  trees,  stones,  &c.  lying  on  the  east  side 
of  Quenicticot  River,  within  the  compass  aforesaid,  from  the  mouth  of  the  little 
Riverett  called  Towenucksett,  and  the  hills  Petowomuchu  northward  up  the  great 
river  of  Quenecticot,  to  the  Brook  Nepowssooenegg,  and  from  the  south  end  of 
the  hills  Quaquachu,  being  near  about  nine  miles  in  length,  from  the  south  part  to 
the  north  part,  and  all  within  the  compass  from  Quenecticot  River  eastward  nine 
miles  out  into  the  woods,  all  the  aforesaid  tract  of  ground  called  Towunucksett, 
Sunmukquommuck,  Suchaw,  Noycoy,  Gassek,  Pomptuckset,  Mattabaget.  Wun- 
naquickset,  Kunckkiunk-qualluck,  Neposeoneag,  and  to  the  south  end  of  the  great 
hill  called  Kunckquachu,  and  for  nine  or  ten  miles  eastward  from  the  great  river 
out  into  the  woods  eastward — We  the  said  Chickwallop,  Umpanchella,  and  Ouon- 
quont,  do  for  and  in  consideration  of  two  hundred  fathom  of  wampom,  and  twenty 
fathom  and  one  large  coat  at  eight  fathom,  which  Chickwallop  sets  off,  of  trusts, 
besides  several  small  gifts,  and  for  other  good  causes  and  considerations  do  sell, 
give,  grant,  and  have  given,  granted,  bargained  and  sold  to  John  Pynchon,  of 
Springfield,  and  to  his  assigns  and  successors  all  and  singular  the  aforenamed 
land,  or  by  whatever  other  name  it  is  or  may  be  called,  quietly  to  possess,  have  and 
enjoy  the  aforesaid  tract  of  ground  free  from  all  molestations  or  incumbrances  of 
Indians,  and  that  forever,  only  the  Indians  aforenamed,  and  in  particular  Quon- 
quont,  doth  reserve  and  keep  one  corn  field  about  twelve,  sixteen,  or  twenty  acres 
of  ground,  a  little  above  Mattabaget,  by  the  brook  called  Wunnaquickset,  lying 
on  the  south  side  of  the  said  brook,  and  compassed  in  by  a  swamp  from  that  brook 
to  the  great  river,  and  also  they  reserve  liberty  to  hunt  deer,  fowl,  &c.  and  to  take 
fish,  beaver  or  otter,  &c.  but  otherwise  all  the  aforesaid  premises  the  said  John 
Pynchon,  his  assigns  and  successors  and  their  heirs  shall  forever  enjoy  absolutely 
and  clearly,  free  from  all  incumbrances  of  any  Indians  or  their  corn  fields  forever, 
except  as  before  excepted.  And  in  witness  hereof,  we  the  said  Indians  do  sub- 
scribe our  marks  this  present  twenty-fifth  day  of  December.  1658.  It  is  only  the 
corn  field  on  this  or  south  side  of  the  brook  called  Wunnuckeckset.  and  the  little 
bit  of  ground  by  it  within  the  swamp  and  betwixt  the  swamp  and  the  great  river 
which  the  Indians  do  reserve,  and  are  to  enjoy.  But  the  little  corn  field  on  the 
other  side  or  further  side  or  north  side  of  Wunnaquickset,  and  all  the  other  corn 
fields  within  the  compass  of  ground  aforenamed,  the  Indians  are  to  leave  and  yield 
up,  as  witness  their  hands. 

The  mark — of  Umpanchla  alias  Womscom. 
The  mark — of  Quonquont  alias  Wompshaw. 
The  mark — of  Chickwalopp  alias  Wowahillowa. 

Witness  to  this  purchase  and  that  the  Indians  do  fully  sell  all  the  lands  afore- 
mentioned to  Air.  Pynchon.  and  that  the  marks  were  subscribed  by  the  Indians 
themselves. 

Joseph  Parsons. 

Edwd.  Elmore. 

Joseph  Fitch, 

Samuel  Wright. 

Arthur  Williams, 

The  mark  R.  T.  of  Rowland  Thomas,  who  was  privy  to  the  whole  discourse 
and  conclusion  of  the  purchase,  and  Joseph  Parsons  was  present  and  acquainted 
with  the  whole  agreement;  the  other  witnesses  came  in  to  testify  to  the  subscrib- 
ing, and  that  the  Indians  owned  all  as  it  was  read  to  them. 


LANDS    PURCHASED    OF    THE    INDIANS.  3 

The  Indians  desired  they  might  set  their  wigwams  at  sometimes  within  the 
tract  of  ground  they  sold  without  offence,  and  that  the  English  would  be  kind  and 
neighborly  to  them  in  not  prohibiting  them  fire-wood  out  of  the  woods,  &c.  which 
was  promised  them." 

In  the  earlier  part  of  the  i  7th  century  the  Indians  dwelling  in  Western 
Massachusetts  near  the  Connecticut  river  belonged  to  four  small  tribes  or 
clans,  the  Agawams,  located  at  Springfield  and  West  Springfield,  the  War- 
anokes  at  Westfield,  the  Xonotucks  or  Norwottucks  at  Northampton, 
Hadley  and  Hatfield,  the  Pocomtucks  at  Deerfield.  They  were  generally 
known  as  "  River  Indians,"  and  numbered  between  ten  and  eleven  hun- 
dred. They  were  allied  to  the  Xipmucks  or  Nipnets,  who  inhabited  the 
interior  of  Massachusetts,  but  were  not  subject  to  a  common  sachem. 
The  principal  chiefs  of  the  Norwottucks  were  Chickwallop,  Umpanchala 
and  Quonquont.  They  claimed  to  be  the  owners  of  most  of  the  lands  on 
both  sides  of  the  river,  Chickwallop  of  the  southern,  Umpanchala  of  the 
middle  and  Quonquont  of  the  northern  part.  They  seem  to  have  been 
ever  ready  to  dispose  of  their  lands  to  the  whites,  and  while  the  prices 
paid  will  hardly  bear  comparison  with  real  estate  values  at  the  present 
time,  there  is  little  doubt  the  Indians  were  as  well  satisfied  with  their  bar- 
gains as  were  the  purchasers.  In  making  these  sales  the  Indians  generally 
reserved  the  rights  of  fishing  and  hunting  on  the  granted  premises,  which 
from  the  Indian  standpoint  constituted  the  principal  value  of  land.  In 
view  of  the  general  charge  that  the  American  Indians  have  been  robbed 
and  defrauded  of  their  rightful  heritage,  it  is  pleasing  to  know  that  the 
lands  of  Amherst  were  fairly  purchased  of  their  Indian  owners  and  fairly 
paid  for. 

Major  Pynchon  charged  the  residents  of  Hadley  for  the  land  pur- 
chased on  the  east  side  of  the  Connecticut  river  ^62,  10s.  That  this  was 
considered  a  high  price  at  the  time  is  shown  by  an  extract  from  a  petition 
to  the  General  Court  by  the  citizens  of  Hadley,  dated  May  25,  1663  : 
"We  have  purchased  of  the  Indians  at  such  rates  as  we  believe  never  any 
plantation  in  New  England  was  purchased.''  The  deed  was  assigned  by 
Major  Pynchon  to  "the  present  Inhabitants  of  Hadley."  Oct.  28,  1663,  in 
a  writing  in  which  he  says  he  acted  in  the  purchase  as  an  agent  entrusted 
by  them.  Pynchon  received  his  pay  from  individuals  and  not  of  the 
town,  from  1661  to  166S.  The  account  was  balanced  Nov.  12,  1669. 
The  sums  were  paid  in  money,  grain  and  merchandise. 

In  October,  1663,  the  General  Court  determined  that  the  bounds  of 
Hadley,  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  should  be  five  miles  from  their 
meeting-house  place  up  the  river,  five  miles  down  the  river  and  four  miles 
from  the  most  eastern  part  of  the  river.  In  October,  1672,  the  people  of 
Hadley  petitioned  the  General  Court  for  an  enlargement  of  their  township. 


4  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

In  their  petition  they  said:  "The  common  feeding  place  of  our  working 
cattle,  whereby  we  carry  on  our  husbandry,  is  without  our  town-bounds." 
This  "common  feeding  place"  was  probably  in  the  present  town  of 
Amherst.  In  answer  to  this  petition  the  General  Court  decreed.  May  7, 
1673  :  "that  their  bounds  shall  run  from  their  meeting-house  five  miles  up 
the  river,  five  miles  down  the  river  and  six  miles  from  their  meeting-house 
eastward."  In  April,  1739,  Oliver  Partridge  of  Hatfield  was  employed 
to  survey  the  township  according  to  the  grant  of  1673.  He  first  ascer- 
tained the  point  or  place  that  was  exactly  six  miles  clue  east  of  the  old 
meeting-house,  and  from  that  point  measured  north  five  miles  and  south  five 
miles  and  from  each  extremity  of  this  line  of  ten  miles  he  ran  a  line 
directly  west  to  the  Connecticut  river.  His  south  line  was  7  miles  and  94 
rods  long  and  his  north  line  4  miles  and  142  rods. 

The  first  white  settlers  in  the  town  of  Hadley  came  from  Hartford, 
Wethersfield  and  Windsor,  Conn.  Between  the  years  1647  and  1657 
serious  differences  arose  among  the  members  of  the  church  at  Hartford. 
Thomas  Hooker,  the  beloved  pastor  for  many  years,  died  July  7,  1647  ancl 
was  succeeded  by  Samuel  Stone,  a  good  man  yet  lacking  something  in 
prudence  and  in  the  spirit  of  conciliation  which  had  kept  the  church  free 
from  discord  during  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Hooker.  Mr.  Stone  endeavored 
to  introduce  some  new  practices  into  the  church  ;  these,  according  to  the 
historian  Trumbull,  related  to  the  qualifications  for  baptism,  church  mem- 
bership and  the  rights  of  brotherhood.  Some  of  the  prominent  members 
of  the  church,  including  Gov.  Webster,  Andrew  Bacon  and  William  Lewis, 
opposed  the  innovations  ;  councils  from  the  neighboring  churches  were 
convened  and  attempted  to  reconcile  the  parties  but  without  avail.  The 
minister  was  sustained  by  a  majority  of  the  church-members,  and  in  the 
latter  part  of  1657  or  the  early  part  of  165S  the  minority  formally  with- 
drew from  the  church,  proposing  to  form  a  union  with  the  church  at  Weth- 
ersfield. The  General  Court  interfered  in  March,  1658,  and  prohibited 
the  church  from  proceeding  with  the  withdrawers  in  a  course  of  discipline 
and  forbade  the  withdrawers  to  prosecute  their  object. 

In  the  early  part  of  1658  the  minority  of  the  church  sent  men  up  the 
river  to  view  the  lands  east  and  north  of  Northampton.  May  20,  165S, 
Capt.  John  Cullick  and  Elder  William  Goodwin,  two  prominent  men 
among  the  "  withdrawers  "  as  they  were  called,  presented  a  petition  to  the 
Genera]  Court  at  lioston,  representing  that  they  with  several  others  wished 
to  come  under  "the  pious  and  godly  government  "  of  Massachusetts,  and 
desiring  "  whether  we  may,  without  offence,  view  any  tract  of  land  unpos- 
sessed within  your  colony,  in  order  to  such  an  end.  and  in  case  we 
can  present  any  thing  that  may  be  to  the  encouraging  of  a  considerable 
company  to  take  up  a  plantation,  either  at  Nonotuck  or  elsewhere,  we  may 


FIRST    SETTLEMENT    OF    HADLEV.  5 

have  your  gracious  allowance  to  dispose  ourselves  there."  This  request 
was  granted,  May  25,  1 65S,  with  the  provision  that  "  they  submit  themselves 
to  a  due  and  orderly  hearing  of  the  differences  between  themselves  and 
their  brethren."  The  agreement  or  engagement  of  those  who  intended  to 
remove  from  Connecticut  to  Massachusetts  is  dated  at  Hartford,  April  18, 
1659  and  is  signed  by  60  names,  of  which  3S  were  of  men  who  belonged 
to  Hartford.  20  to  Wethersfield  and  two  to  Windsor;  of  this  number  18 
did  not  remove  to  Hadley  or  remained  there  but  a  short  time. 

May  28,  1659,  the  General  Court  appointed  Capt.  Pynchon,  Lieut. 
Holyoke  and  Dea.  Chapin  of  Springfield,  nnd  William  Holton  and  Richard 
Lyman  of  Northampton  a  committee  "  to  lay  out  the  bounds  of  the  new 
plantation,  on  either  or  both  sides  of  the  river,  as  they  shall  see  cause." 
This  committee  reported,  Sept.  30.  1659,  that  they  had  laid  out  the  planta- 
tion on  both  sides  of  the  river  and  designated  the  following  as  the  boun- 
daries :  "  On  the  East  side  of  said  river  their  southerly  bounds  to  be  from 
the  head  of  the  Falls  above  Springfield  and  so  to  run  cast  and  by  north 
the  length  of  nine  miles  from  the  said  river  :  And  their  Northerly  bounds 
to  be  a  little  brook  called  by  the  Indians  Nepasoaneage  up  to  a  mountain 
called  Quunkwattchu,  and  so  running  eastward  from  the  river  the  same 
length  of  nine  miles  :  from  their  southerly  bounds  to  the  northerly  bounds 
on  the  east  side  the  river  is  about  11  or  1  2  miles."  It  is  believed  that  the 
broad  street  and  the  homelots  were  laid  out  in  1659  and  that  a  party  of 
the  "  engagers,"  as  they  were  termed,  came  to  the  plantation  and  established 
themselves  there  the  same  year.  Nov.  9,  1659,  seven  men  called 
"Townsmen"  were  chosen  "to  order  all  public  occasions."  Oct.  S.  1660, 
a  meeting  was  held  at  the  house  of  Andrew  Warner  and  a  series  of  votes 
was  passed  and  signed  by  28  persons  who  were  probably  all  that  had 
taken  up  their  residence  in  the  new  plantation.  By  an  order  of  the 
General  Court,  May  22,  1661,  the  settlement  was  named  Hadley,  from  a 
town  of  the  same  name  situated  in  the  county  of  Suffolk,  England. 

From  1660  until  1675  the  inhabitants  of  Hadley  prospered  in  their 
affairs.  The  rich  meadow-lands  yielded  bountiful  crops  of  grain  and  their 
cattle  found  good  pasturage  in  the  swamps  and  lowlands.  On  the  12th  of 
December,  166 1,  the  town  ordered  the  erection  of  a  meeting-house:  the 
work  was  begun  in  1665  but  was  not  completed  until  1670.  The  first 
minister  was  Mr.  John  Russell,  Jr.,  who  was  born  in  England,  graduated 
at  Harvard  college  in  1645  ar>d  preached  in  Wethersfield  beginning  in  1649  ; 
in  1659  or  1660  he  removed  to  Hadley,  where  he  died  in  1692.  In  those 
early  days,  among  the  settlers  of  New  England,  religion  and  education 
went  hand  in  hand,  and  as  early  as  1667  we  find  the  inhabitants  of  Hadley 
making  a  grant  of  land  for  a  grammar  school,  the  funds  to  establish  which 
had   been   provided   by    Edward   Hopkins.  Esq.,  at   one   time  governor  of 


6  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Connecticut,  who  lived  for  a  time  in  Hartford,  returning  afterwards  to 
England  where  he  died  in  March,  1657.  Hadley  received  from  Mr.  Hop- 
kins' estate  the  sum  of  ^308,  which  furnished  the  foundation  for  the 
Hopkins  grammar  school,  one  of  the  most  noted  educational  institutions 
of  New  England.  In  1665  the  town  voted  to  give  "^20  per  annum  for 
three  years  towards  the  maintenance  of  a  school-master,  to  teach  the 
children  and  to  be  as  a  help  to  Mr.  Russell,  as  occasion  may  require." 
Caleb  Watson  appears  to  have  been  the  first  school-master.  In  May,  1667, 
the  inhabitants  of  the  town  on  the  west  side  of  the  river  petitioned  the 
General  Court  to  be  set  off  as  a  separate  parish  ;  this  petition  was  opposed 
by  the  inhabitants  on  the  east  side  and  it  was  not  until  December,  1669, 
that  a  committee  appointed  by  both  parties  agreed  on  the  terms  for  an 
amicable  separation.  The  town  of  Hatfield  was  incorporated  the  31st  of 
May,  1670. 

In  1675  began  the  first  of  a  series  of  Indian  wars  which  for  nearly 
ninety  years  devastated  the  valley  of  the  Connecticut,  turning  the  settle- 
ments into  armed  camps,  ravaging  them  with  fire  and  sword,  burning  the 
dwellings  and  torturing  and  murdering  their  inhabitants.  The  pages  of 
Haclley's  history  are  stained  with  blood,  but  they  are  bright  with  deeds  of 
valor  and  self-sacrifice.  In  1662,  Philip,  on  the  death  of  his  father  Mas- 
sasoit  and  his  brother  Alexander,  became  chief  of  the  Wampanoags,  an 
Indian  tribe  whose  hunting-grounds  were  in  the  eastern  part  of  Massa- 
chusetts and  Rhode  Island.  He  at  once  entered  into  negotiations  with 
chieftains  of  other  tribes,  his  aim  being  to  secure  their  aid  in  inaugurating 
a  war  of  extermination  against  the  English.  Hostilities  were  begun  in 
June,  1675,  at  Swanzey,  and  in  August  a  party  of  horsemen  commanded 
by  Captains  Hutchinson  and  Wheeler  fell  into  an  ambuscade  near  Brook- 
field  and  eight  of  their  number  were  killed  outright,  three  others  being 
mortally  wounded.  This  was  followed  by  the  burning  of  Brookfield,  its 
inhabitants  taking  refuge  in  a  fortified  house  and  making  such  a  stout 
defence  that  when  reinforcements  arrived  the  savages  fled.  The  Indians 
concerned  in  this  attack  were  Nipmucks.  Toward  the  last  of  July  Philip 
left  his  stronghold  in  the  swamp  at  Pocasset,  and  with  a  band  of  his 
followers  made  his  way  into  the  Nipmuck  country.  The  Indians  about 
Hadley  had  for  a  long  time  acted  in  a  suspicious  manner,  and  Captains 
Beers  and  Lathrop  from  the  eastern  part  of  the  colony  were  ordered  with 
their  companies  to  that  town  where  they  had  under  their  command  180 
men.  The  Indians  were  ordered  to  deliver  up  their  arms;  they  expressed 
their  readiness  to  do  this,  but  deferred  the  matter  until  night  when,  it  being 
the  25th  of  August,  they  secretly  left  their  fort  and  Med  up  the  river.  They 
were  pursued  by  the  forces  under  Beers  and  Lathrop,  and  being  overtaken 
near   the   base  of  Sugarloaf   mountain    in  South  Deerfield  an  engagement 


ATTACK    ON    HADLEY. — -THE    FIGHT    AT    BLOODY    BROOK.  7 

followed  in  which  the  Indians  lost  26  killed  and  the  English  10.  This  was 
followed  within  a  week  by  the  burning  of  Deerfield  and  an  attack  upon 
Northfield  where  nine  or  ten  white  men  were  killed.  Captain  Beers  with 
36  mounted  men  while  on  the  way  to  Northfield  fell  into  an  ambuscade, 
and  after  a  gallant  battle  against  heavy  odds  the  Englishmen  who  survived, 
only  sixteen  in  number,  retreated  and  made  their  way  to  Hadley. 

September  1st  an  attack  was  made  upon  Hadley  by  a  band  of  Indians, 
who  it  is  supposed  were  Xipmucks  and  Wampanoags  that  had  come  from 
the  east.  The  inhabitants  were  assembled  in  the  meeting-house  engaged 
in  public  worship.  The  Indians  made  an  attack  upon  the  meeting-house; 
it  was  the  custom  of  the  time  for  the  inhabitants  to  carry  arms  when  they 
attended  meetings,  and  they  returned  the  fire  of  the  Indians  ;  the  advan- 
tage was  with  the  latter,  when  *"  Suddenly  and  in  the  midst  of  the  people 
there  appeared  a  man  of  a  very  venerable  aspect,  and  different  from  the 
inhabitants  in  his  apparel,  who  took  the  command,  arranged,  and  ordered 
them  in  the  best  military  manner,  and  under  his  direction  they  repelled 
and  routed  the  Indians,  and  the  town  was  saved."  This  man,  as  was 
afterwards  proved,  was  Gen.  William  Goffe,  one  of  the  judges  who  presided 
at  the  trial  of  Charles  I.  of  England  and  condemned  him  to  death.  Gen. 
Goffe  and  Gen.  Edward  Whalley,  another  of  the  •'regicides,''  fled  from 
England  on  the  restoration  of  Charles  II.  and  coming  to  Hadley  were 
received  by  Rev.  John  Russell  and  concealed  in  his  house  for  many  years. 

In  September,  Captain  Lathrop  and  So  young  men  marched  from 
Hadley  to  Deerfield  to  assist  in  securing  a  large  quantity  of  wheat  that 
was  there  in  stack.  They  arrived  safely  at  their  destination,  and  after 
threshing  the  grain  the  baggage  wagons  were  loaded  and,  Sept.  18,  the 
party  set  out  on  their  return.  Arriving  nearly  opposite  Sugar-loaf  moun- 
tain, their  path  lay  across  a  stream  on  which  the  events  of  that  day  con- 
ferred the  name  of  "  Bloody  Brook."  Concealed  in  the  thickets  by  the 
side  of  the  stream  was  a  party  of  700  Indians  ;  the  company  halted  when 
part  way  across  the  morass  to  rest  and  to  watch  the  passage  of  the  teams. 
The  Indians  from  their  ambush  opened  a  deadly  fire  and  in  less  than  an 
hour  Capt.  Lathrop  and  all  of  his  command  with  the  exception  of  seven 
or  eight  were  slain.  The  noise  of  the  battle  was  heard  by  Capt.  Morely 
who  sallied  out  from  Deerfield  with  a  small  company  of  men  and  attacked 
the  Indians  as  they  were  stripping  the  slain  ;  although  greatly  outnumbered, 
his  command  soon  put  the  savages  to  flight,  they  were  assisted  in  the 
pursuit  by  Major  Treat  and  one  hundred  men  from  Hadley  who  arrived  at 
an  opportune  moment.  The  number  of  white  men  killed  in  the  fight  at 
Bloody  Brook  is  given  by  Rev.  Mr.  Russell  of  Hadley  as  71. 

*History  of  Three  of  the  Judges  of  Charles  I.  published  in  1794  by  President  Stiles. 


8  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Oct.  5,  a  body  of  Indians  said  to  number  about  100  attacked  Spring- 
field, killed  two  men  and  one  woman  and  burned  some  30  dwelling-houses 
and  many  barns.  Oct.  19,  an  attack  was  made  upon  Hatfield  but  the 
Indians  were  repulsed.  During  the  remainder  of  the  year  the  Indians 
caused  little  trouble  to  the  settlers,  although  the  latter  were  constantly 
apprehensive  of  an  attack.  Rev.  Mr.  Russell  estimated  the  number  of 
whites  killed  in  Hampshire  county  during  the  year  at  145.  of  whom  about 
43  or  44  were  inhabitants  of  the  county  the  remainder  coming  from  other 
parts  of  the  colony.  In  the  autumn  and  winter  of  1675  palisades  were 
built  about  the  town  of  Hadley  consisting  of  rows  of  stakes  or  posts, 
about  ten  feet  in  length,  planted  two  feet  deep  in  the  ground  and  standing 
eight  feet  above  ground. 

In  the  spring  of  1676  the  Indians  opened  hostilities  in  Hampshire 
county  by  an  attack  upon  Northampton,  March  14;  they  were  repulsed 
with  considerable  loss,  after  burning  five  houses  and  five  barns  and  killing 
four  men  and  one  woman.  About  April  1  three  men  were  killed  at  Hock- 
anum.  May  18,  a  party  of  mounted  men  numbering  from  150  to  160  from 
Springfield.  YVestfield,  Northampton,  Hadley  and  Hatfield,  assembled  at 
Hatfield  and  marched  from  there  to  a  place  called  "  the  falls,"  now  known 
as  Turners  Falls,  where  about  daybreak  the  following  morning  they  sur- 
prised the  Indians  in  their  wigwams  and  killed  between  130  and  180  men, 
women  and  children.  On  their  return  they  were  in  turn  attacked  by  the 
Indians  and  38  whites  were  slain.  May  30,  a  party  of  Indians  estimated 
to  number  250  attacked  Hatfield,  burning  many  houses  and  barns  without 
the  fortification.  A  rescuing  party  of  25  men  crossed  the  river  from 
Hadley  and  gave  battle  to  the  Indians,  five  Hadley  men  being  killed.  On 
June  12  an  attack  was  made  upon  Hadley  by  about  250  Indians,  but  the 
garrison  having  been  largely  reinforced  by  troops  from  Connecticut  the 
Indians  were  repulsed.  Three  soldiers  who  were  surprised  outside  the 
fortifications  were  killed.  This  was  the  last  Indian  attack  in  Hampshire 
county  in  1676.  Sept.  19.  1677,  a  party  of  Indians  attacked  Hatfield, 
killed  twelve  persons  and  took  seventeen  captives  ;  proceeding  to  Deerfield 
they  killed  one  and  captured  four;  the  captives  were  taken  to  Canada.  In 
October  the  corn-mill  at  Hadley  was  burned.  There  were  no  more  Indian 
attacks  on  Hampshire  county  towns  during  the  year,  which  witnessed  the 
close  of  what  Avas  known  as  "  King  Philip's  war." 

In  1688  began  what  was  known  as  "  King  William's  war,"  between 
tlu-  English  and  French.  The  American  colonies  of  the  two  nations  were 
early  involved  in  the  conllict.  the  French  securing  as  their  allies  some  of 
the  northern  tribes  of  Indians.  Hampshire  county  escaped  the  ravages 
of  war  in  1689  and  1690,  but  there  were  many  alarms  and  men  were  often 
called  to  arms.      Sept.   15.   1  694,  a  combined  attack  was  made  by  the  French 


THIRD,    FOURTH    AND    FIFTH    INDIAN    WARS.  9 

and  Indians  upon  the  fort  at  Deerfield.  but  they  were  repulsed.  Oct.  5, 
1696,  Richard  Church  of  Hadley  was  slain  by  Hudson  River  Indians: 
four  of  the  latter  were  tried  and  two  were  found  guilty  and  shot  to  death 
at  Northampton,  Oct.  23.  These  were  the  first  executions  in  Hampshire 
county.  During  this  war  which  lasted  nearly  ten  years,  28  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of   Hampshire  county  were  killed  and  several  captured. 

In  May,  1702,  still  another  war  began  between  England  and  France, 
extending  the  following  year  to  the  colonies.  Feb.  29.  1704.  the  French 
and  Indians  attacked  Deerfield,  their  combined  forces  numbering  about  340 
men.  The  attack  was  in  the  early  morning,  the  sentinels  were  unfaithful 
and  had  retired  to  rest  and  the  entire  party  entered  the  place  undiscovered. 
They  broke  in  the  doors  of  houses,  dragged  out  their  startled  inhabitants, 
killed  such  as  resisted  and  took  prisoners  nearly  all  the  remainder;  38 
were  slain  and  112  made  captives,  among  the  latter  being  Rev.  John 
Williams,  his  wife  and  five  children.  Two  men  escaped  and  hurried  to 
Hatfield;  returning  with  a  small  body  of  men  they  overtook  and  attacked 
the  enemy,  but  were  compelled  to  retreat  with  a  loss  of  nine  of  their 
number.  The  captives  were  taken  to  Canada.  22  being  killed  or  dying  on 
the  way;  28  remained  in  Canada  and  60  returned.  May  13,  1704.  a 
party  of  Indians  attacked  a  hamlet  of  five  families  at  Pascommuck,  near 
the  northeast  end  of  Mount  Tom  in  Northampton  and  killed  19  persons, 
capturing  14  others.  This  war  came  to  an  end  in  17  13,  having  lasted  ten 
years  ;  during  this  time  103  persons  were  slain  in  Hampshire  county  or  in 
excursions  from  it. 

The  fourth  Indian  war  lasted  from  1722  to  1726  ;  some  soldiers  from 
Hadley  served  at  Northfield  and  Deerfield  but  no  person  belonging  to  the 
town  was  killed  or  injured  during  the  war.  The  fifth  war  began  in  1744 
and  lasted  until  174S.  June  17,  1745.  Louisburg  in  Cape  Breton  surren- 
dered after  a  siege  of  49  days  to  an  army  from  New  England  aided  by  a 
British  squadron.  In  the  English  army  were  troops  from  Hadley,  probably 
some  from  the  east  settlement.  In  a  garrison  that  bravely  defended  a  fort 
at  Charlestown,  N.  H.,  in  April,  1747,  were  six  men  from  the  Second  and 
Third  Precincts  of  Hadley,  viz.,  Eleazar  Smith,  William  Boltwood,  Nehe- 
miah  Dickinson,  Nathaniel  Church,  Jr.,  Josiah  Swan  and  Ebenezer  Dickin- 
son.     Of  the  sixth  and  final  Indian  war  more  will  be  recorded  later  on. 

From  the  beginning  of  the  first  Indian  war  in  1675  until  the  close  of 
the  fifth  in  1748  the  inhabitants  of  Hadley  were  compelled  to  devote  a 
large  part  of  their  time  and  effort  to  military  affairs.  A  feeble  little 
settlement  in  the  heart  of  the  wilderness,  surrounded  by  savage  foes, 
knowing  not  at  what  moment  or  from  what  quarter  to  expect  an  attack,  it 
is  wonderful  that  its  inhabitants  maintained  stout  hearts  and  refused  to 
relinquish  their  homes  bought  at  so  dear  a  price  and  surrounded  by  such 


IO  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

manifold  dangers,  but  such  a  thought  seems  never  to  have  possessed  them. 
The  same  spirit  that  moved  them  to  separate  from  the  churches  in  Hartford 
and  Wethersfield  and  to  found  a  plantation  where  they  could  enjoy  the 
fullest  measure  of  religious  liberty,  continued  to  animate  and  strengthen 
them  when  attacked  by  heathen  hordes.  They  loved  their  new  homes 
better  than  the  old  and  were  ready  to  do  anything  and  dare  everything  to 
protect  and  maintain  them.  They  preferred  rather  to  dwell  in  an  armed 
camp  than  to  return  to  the  peaceful  plantations  down  the  river.  They 
gave  not  of  their  lives  alone  but  of  their  substance  as  well,  contributing 
their  full  share  toward  paying  the  expenses  of  long  and  bloody  conflicts. 
Such  was  the  fibre  of  the  men,  and  of  the  women  too,  who  founded  the 
old  town  of  Hadley,  the  parent  town  of  Hatfield,  South  Hadley,  Amherst 
and  Granby.  No  honor  paid  to  them  by  their  descendants  can  be  too 
great,  too  loving. 


CHAPTER 


Early  Settlements  in  Hampshire  County. — Division  of  Hadley 
Outer  Commons. — Equivalent  Land. — Flat  Hills  Lands. — 
East  Inhabitants  in    1731. 

The  earliest  settlement  made  by  the  English  within  the  present 
boundaries  of  Hampshire  county  was  at  Northampton  in  1654.  The 
second  was  at  Hadley  in  1659  and  at  Hatfield,  then  a  part  of  Hadley,  the 
same  year.  In  1700,  the  first  permanent  settlement  was  made  at  East- 
hampton.  In  1725  South  Hadley,  then  a  part  of  Hadley,  was  settled  and 
in  1732  became  the  Second  Precinct  of  the  parent  town.  Ware  was 
settled  in  1729.  In  1731  families  from  Northampton,  Hatfield  and  Hadley 
settled  in  Belchertown,  then  known  as  "  Cold  Spring."  In  1732  a  settle- 
ment was  made  at  Southampton  and  one  at  Pelham  in  1739.  In  1662  the 
county  of  Hampshire  was  established  by  an  act  of  the  General  Court, 
being  the  fifth  county  in  Massachusetts.  It  embraced  the  lands  within  the 
present  boundaries  of  Hampshire,  Hampden,  Franklin  and  Berkshire 
counties,  and  also  included  lands  in  Connecticut ;  at  the  time  of  its  erection 
it  contained  three  settlements,  at  Springfield,  Northampton  and  Hadley. 
Springfield  was  made  the  shire  town,  and  the  courts  were  to  be  held  at  that 
place   and    at    Northampton    alternate   years.      A   settlement   was  made  at 


DIVISION    OF    HADLEY    COMMON    LANDS.  II 

Westfield,  then  known  as  "  Woronoco  "  in  1666,  the  settlers  coming  from 
Springrield  and  Northampton.  In  1670  Hatfield  was  set  off  from  Hadley 
and  incorporated  as  a  town.  The  same  year  a  settlement  was  made  at 
Deerfield,  then  known  as  "  Pocumtuck."  This  was  followed,  three  years 
later,  by  a  settlement  at  "  Squakheag,"  afterwards  known  as  Northfield. 
This  completed  the  line  of  settlements  along  the  river-bank,  at  Springfield, 
Northampton,  Hadley,  Hatfield,  Deerfield  and  Northfield  prior  to  the  year 
1703  when  the  bounds  of  the  Third  Precinct  of  Hadley  were  laid   out. 

••  King  Philip's  war  "  came  to  an  end  in  1677.  and  for  ten  years  the 
inhabitants  of  Hadley  were  allowed  to  engage  in  peaceful  pursuits  unmo- 
lested. They  increased  in  numbers  and  finding  themselves  in  need  of 
more  land  for  tillage  and  pasturage  began  to  consider  the  division  of  their 
lands  to  the  eastward.  These  lands  had  been  granted  to  them  by  the 
General  Court  in  1673,  on  petition  signed  by  3S  persons.  At  a  meeting  of 
the  town  held  April  10,  1688  the  following  vote  was  passed: 

■•  Voted  by  the  Towne  that  all  their  Comon  lands  lyeing  within  their  Bounds 
shall  be  laid  out  into  particular  Alottments  to  the  proprietors  and  Inhabitants  of 
this  Towne  of  Hadley  acording  to  the  rule  they  shall  agree  upon. 

Voted  by  the  Towne  that  every  proprietor  and  Inhabitant  shall  receive  his- 
proportion  in  said  Comon  lands  acording  to  a  former  Custom  viz:  acording  to  a 
200  pound  estate  or  a  150  or  a  100  or  50  &c  :  or  as  the  Towne  shall  see  meet  to 
grant  to  persons  that  have  had  no  former  grant  of  lands." 

In  July  of  the  same  year  the  second  Indian  war  began,  continuing  ten 
years  ;  during  this  period  the  attention  of  the  inhabitants  was  turned  to 
military  affairs  and  to  the  protection  of  their  lives  and  property  from  the 
savages.  There  is  no  further  allusion  to  a  division  of  lands,  in  the  town 
records,  until  1699,  when  the  following  appears  : 

••  At  a  Leagall  Towne  meting  January  S.  1699. 
Voted  that  Capt.   Cook    Left  Kellogg   .Mr   Samuell  Porter  Cornet   Dickinson 
Sergt  Daniell  Marsh  Be  A  Committy  To  consider  A  method  that  may  be  best  for 
the  Laying  out  of  The  Commons  ;  And  Accordingly  to  make  Report  thereof  to  ye 
Towne." 

There  is  no  minute  on  the  town  records  as  to  whether  this  committee 
made  a  report,  but  under  date  of  March  4,  1700,  the  following  appears  : 

••  Voted  by  the  Towne  that  3  miles  and  one  quarter  Eastward  from  the  meeting- 
house And  so  from  the  north  side  of  mount  holyoke  unto  the  mill  River  shall  Lye 
as  Common  Land  forever  supposing  that  this  Line  will  take  in  the  whole  of  the 
new  Swamp. 

Voted  that  the  Rest  of  the  Comons  Eastward  shall  be  Laid  out  in  three 
Devisions  that  is  to  say  Betwixt  the  Roade  Leading  to  Brookfield  and  the  mill 
River  notwithstanding  there  is  Liberty  for  the  Cutting  wood  and  timber  so  Long 
as  it  Lyeth  unfensed. 

There  is  Likewise  to  be  left  betwixt  every  Division  forty  Rods  for  highways :. 
And  what  will  be  nesesary  to  be  left  for  highways  East  and  West  Threw  every. 


a  2  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Division:  is  to  be  left  To  the  discression  of  the  messirers:  And  every  one  to  have 
a  proportion  in  the  first  or  second  Devision:  And  every  one  to  have  a  proporsion 
in  the  third  Devision :  And  every  householder  to  have  a  fifty  pound  Allotment. 
And  all  others  who  are  now  the  proper  Inhabitants  of  Hadley  from  sixteen  years 
old  and  upwards  to  have  a  five  and  twenty  pound  Allotment  in  said  Commons." 

It  is  evident  from  this  vote  and  from  action  subsequently  taken  by 
the  town  that  the  lots  in  the  first  and  second  divisions  were  intended  as 
homelots  and  those  in  the  third  division  as  pastures  for  cattle. 

March  3,  1701,  the  following  votes  were  passed  : 

'•  Voted  by  the  Town  that  the  proprietors  of  the  Commons  Agreed  on  to  be 
Laid  ought  to  the  proper  Inhabitants  of  sixteen  years  old  mensioned  in  the  vote  in 
.March  Last  past:  is  to  be  understood  as  an  accommodation  to  the  parent  or  master 
■  of  such  Inhabitant  and  is  to  be  Laid  ought  to  his  allotment. 

Voted  that  the  Commons  agreed  upon  this  time  twelve  months  To  be  Laid 
ought  be  done  as  soone  as  conveniently  may  be  and  that  we  now  proceed  to  the 
drawing  of  Lots  in  order  thereto. 

Voted  that  so  many  as  desire  Their  Lots  to  lye  together  may  have  Liberty  to 
agree  together  and  draw  but  once  and  so  have  their  Lots  Laid  Sucksessively. 

Voted  that  in  the  Laying  ought  of  the  Commons  :  having  had  Respect  to  the 
poules  according  to  the  vote  last  past  that  the  Rest  be  Laid  ought  according  to 
the  meadow  Land  that  each  person  is  now  in  the  possession  of. 

Voted  that  in  the  Laying  ought  of  the  Commons  the  first  Lott  shall  begin  next 
the  path  that  Leads  to  Brookfield :  And  so  to  be  Laid  Norward  Till  they  come  to 
the  mill  River :  And  the  next  Lott  to  be  on  the  second  Division  Next  to  said  path  : 
And  so  to  go  on  to  the  said  mill  River." 

Judd  states  in  his  history  of  Hadley  that  "  In  a  division  south  of 
Mount  Holyoke,  lots  were  drawn  in  this  manner.  As  many  papers  as  there 
were  proprietors  were  numbered,  and  put  into  a  box  and  well  shaken. 
Each  proprietor  drew  out  one  of  these  papers,  or  if  any  were  absent,  the 
moderator  drew  for  them."  It  is  probable  that  in  this,  or  in  some  similar 
fashion,  the  lots  were  drawn  which  decided  the  first  individual  ownership 
of  lands  in  the  town  of  Amherst.  From  the  Hadley  "  town  book  "  are 
copied  the  names  of  the  following  persons  who  had  a  part  in  this  first  dis- 
tribution of  Amherst  lands.* 

*For  a  plan  of  the  lots  drawn  in  the  third  division,  see  Town  Records,  Part  II.  of  this  volume, 
p.  152. 


FIRST    PROPRIETORS    OF    AMHERST    LANDS. 


JJ 


•3 
14 
15 
16 

17 
18 

19 
20 


First  Division. 
Brookfield  road. 

Jonathan  Marsh, 
Samuel  Nash, 
Ebenezer  Nash. 
Samuel  Marsh, 
Ephraim  Nash, 
Samuel  Crow, 
Thomas  Selding, 
John  Selding, 
William  Rooker, 
Joseph  Smith, 
Widow  Craft, 
Sam'l  Dickinson, 
Mr.  Wm.  Williams, 
John  Cowle, 
John  Graves, 
Stephen  Belding, 
Ebenezer  Billing, 
Samuel  Belding.  Jr., 
Daniel  Warner, 
Widow  Warner, 


Rods, 

feet. 

5^ 

57 

7 

53 

16 

1 

54 

12 

7 

55 

21 

13 

56 

12 

7 

57 

35 

0 

58 

70 

0 

59 

20 

7 

60 

Joseph  Smith. 
Ebenezer  Wells, 
Nathaniel  White, 
John  Smith,  Tailor, 
John  Preston, 
Nathaniel  Warner, 
Daniel  Hubbard. 
Col.  Samuel  Partrigg, 
Samuel  Partrigg,  Jr.. 
Sam'l  and  Eben'r  Moody. 
John  Ingram.  Sr., 
John  Ingram,  Jr.. 
Samuel  Ingram, 
Nathaniel  Ingram, 
Jonathan  Ingram. 
Thomas  Goodman, 
John  Smith.  Orphan, 
Samuel  Barnard, 
Highway   40   rods   wide, 


44 
29 

45 
60 
40 

75 
69 
42 
24 
17 
17 
17 


48 

45 
goeth 


6 

14 
1 1 
S 

9 

o 
8 
8 
o 

5 
5 
1 

9 
9 
9 
9 


25 

5 

17 

5 

25 

10 

5i 

8 

31 

6 

13 

6 

32 

3 

23 

6 

Highway  40  rods  wide.  S.  of  Fort  River.     9 


51     Preserved  Smith.  17       8 

Highway  40  Rods  N.  end  of  Wells's  Hill. 

Samuel  Gaylord. 

William  Gaylord, 

Wid.  Hannah  Porter, 

Samuel  Porter, 

Hezekiah  Porter 

John  Porter, 

Experience  Porter. 

Ichabod  Porter, 

Peter  Montague. 

Mill  River,  North. 

Second   Division 

Brookfield  Road. 

John  Goodman. 

Aaron  Cook,  Esq., 

Thomas  Hovey, 

Westwood  Cook, 

Samuel  Cook. 
Highway  40  rods 

Moses  Cook. 

Samuel  Boltwood, 

Daniel   Marsh. 

Thos.  Dickinson. 

Deac.  Samuel  Smith. 

John  Montague, 

Isaac  Warner. 

Daniel  Warner, 

Widow  Cooke, 

Ens.  Chileab  Smith. 

Samuel  Smith,  son  of  Ch 

Luke  Smith. 

Ebenezer  Smith. 

John  Smith. 

Mr.  Isaac  Chauncey. 

Town  Lot.  60  acres, 

George  Stillman, 

Ichabod  Smith, 

Jacob  Warner. 

Highway  40  rods,  "runs  down  to 
Foot's  Folly  from  New  Swamp." 


24 


89 


67 
39 
4S 
73 
44 
removed  1734. 

44 
62 

134 
44 
45 
54 
17 
8 

39 

34 
55 
21 
26 

52 
40 
55 
3S 
44 


over  26 
Folly.  27 


New  Swamp,  and  runs  to  Foot's 

39  Samuel  Church,  45  o 

40  Josiah  Church.  24  14 

41  Joseph  Church.  16  1 

42  John  Taylor,  Sr.,  6S  11 

43  John  Taylor.  Jr.,  17  S 

44  Eleazar  Warner,  17  S 

45  John  Hilyard,  17  8 

46  William  Brown,  17  8 

47  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  3  11 

48  Edward  Church.  35  o 

49  Samuel  Smith.  Sr.,  17  8 

50  James  Smith,  46  n 


29 
30 


34 


36 
37 


39 


Land  of  Coleman, 

John  Kellogg,  32 

Edward  Kellogg.  17 

Lt.  Joseph  Kellogg,  55 

Nathaniel  Kellogg,  17 

Mr.  Samuel  Russell,  4 

Mr.  Jonathan  Russell,  7 

John  Nash,  31 

Joseph  Nash.  31 

Thomas  Nash,  S 
Highway  32  rods  in  breadth. 

Neh'h  Dickinson  &  sons.  113 

Timothy  Eastman,  69 

Peter  Tilton,  59}  acres,  39 
Commons,  North. 


'5 


15 


15 


7 

15 
o 

9 
o 

7 
o 


14  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

March  i,  1703,  the  town  of  Hadley  passed  the  following  vote  : 

'•  Voted  That  whareas  we  the  Towne  of  Hadley  About  3  yeres  since  Agreed 
upon  Laying  out  A  Trakt  of  our  Common  Land:  east  of  the  Towne:  we  desire 
that  the  Towne  mesurers  would  proceed  to  Lay  it  ought  to  the  Towne  Agreement 
And  we  desire  and  expect  that  Inasmuch  as  it  is  to  be  Laid  in  Large  peces  That 
they  do  it  for  one  penny  per  acre  in  pay  which  they  may  demand  of  each  person 
According  to  the  number  of  Acres  Laid  ought  for  him  or  them  and  we  oblige  our- 
selves to  pay  them  accordingly." 

The  town  measurers,  Capt.  Aaron  Cooke,  Capt.  Nehemiah  Dickinson 
and  Mr.  Samuel  Porter,  proceeded  to  lay  out  these  "  Large  peces "  of 
land,  unaided  by  a  surveyor's  compass  ;  they  began  at  the  Brookfield  road 
and,  in  running  their  line  northerly,  in  order  not  to  include  the  '  New 
Swamp"  and  other  lands,  they  inclined  13  or  14  degrees  easterly  of  the 
east  line  of  Hadley.  This  caused  them  to  encroach  upon  province  lands, 
now  in  the  town  of  Belchertown  and  Pelham.  May  3,  1703,  the  following 
vote  was  passed  by  the  town  : 

'■Voted,  that  whereas  the  towne  mesurers  have  Laid  out  according  to  our 
order:  Three  divisions  of  Land  East  of  our  Town  :  That  we  desire  the  Clerk  to 
Record  said  Lands  in  the  Towne  Booke  together  in  the  same  order  as  they  were 
drawn  for  by  the  Inhabitants  According  to  the  List  presented  by  said  mesurers:— 
for  the  doing  of  which  we  will  pay  him  what  is  reasonable  out  of  the  Town  Rate.'' 

The  lots  in  the  first  and  second  divisions  were  each  240  rods  in  length 
and  in  breadth  as  given  in  the  foregoing  table.  The  first  division  extended 
from  the  Brookfield  road  to  Mill  river,  a  distance  of  1961  rods,  including 
120  rods  that  was  set  apart  for  three  highways,  each  to  be  40  rods  in 
width.  In  this  division  60  lots  were  laid  out,  comprising  some  2760 
acres.  In  the  second  division  37  lots  were  laid  out,  comprising  2343  acres 
and  extending  north  from  the  Brookfield  road  1674  rods,  including  1 12 
rods  set  apart  for  three  highways.  This  division  did  not  extend  as  far 
north  as  Mill  river.  The  lots  in  the  third  division  were  two  miles  in 
length  and  the  number  of  lots  drawn  was  93,  two  persons  who  drew  in  the 
other  divisions  receiving  an  equivalent  elsewhere  and  three  others  drawing 
as  one.  The  width  of  the  93  lots,  according  to  the  measurers,  was  1971 
rods  and  no  land  was  set  aside  for  highways.  The  division  as  laid  out 
contained  7884  acres.  In  the  drawing  for  lots  in  the  first  and  second 
divisions  the  head  of  a  family  apparently  drew  17.V  rods  in  width,  or  26+ 
acres,  for  himself,  and  half  as  much  for  each  son  between  16  and  21  years 
of  age.  Men  over  21  who  were  not  householders  seem  to  have  had  no 
more  than  minors.  In  the  drawing  of  lots  in  the  third  division  the  head 
of  a  family  appears  to  have  drawn  10  rods  and  6  feet  in  width,  or  41  ?,- 
acres,  for  himself,  and  half  as  much  for  sons  between  16  and  21,  besides 
what  he  drew  for  meadow  land.      It  would  seem,  therefore,  that  as  originally 


FLAT    HILLS    LANDS.  1 5 

laid  out,  the  extreme  length  of  the  lands  in  Amherst  was  197  i  rods,  or  a 
little  over  six  miles,  and  the  breadth  three  and  three-fourths  miles.  The 
number  of  acres  comprised  in  the  territory  was  12,987. 

As  before  stated,  the  Hadley  measurers  in  running  their  east  line  in 
1703  without  the  aid  of  a  compass,  carried  the  line  too  far  to  the  east  and 
encroached  upon  what  was  afterwards  known  as  equivalent  land.  The 
south  line  of  Massachusetts,  run  in  1642,  was  several  miles  too  far  to  the 
south,  and  the  colony  granted  south  of  the  true  line  105,793  acres  of 
land,  mostly  to  Suffield,  Enfield  and  Woodstock.  After  a  long  controversy, 
it  was  agreed  that  Massachusetts  should  give  to  Connecticut  the  same 
number  of  acres  as  an  equivalent,  and  the  towns  named  should  remain  in 
Massachusetts.  In  17  15  two  men  from  Connecticut  and  one  from  Massa- 
chusetts laid  out  this  equivalent  land,  51,850  acres  of  which  was  to  the 
east  of  Hadley,  part  of  it  being  comprised  in  the  present  limits  of  Belcher- 
town  and  Pelham.  The  west  line,  of  this  land  cut  off  some  3000  acres 
from  the  third  division  laid  out  by  the  Hadley  measurers  in  1 703.  Sylvester 
Judd  in  unpublished  mss.  states  that  the  Pelham  line  cut  off  one  and  one- 
half  miles  from  the  two  miles  in  length  of  the  most  northerly  lots  as 
originally  laid  out  in  the  third  division  ;  as  the  line  passed  further  south 
less  was  taken  off,  and  the  lots  below  those  granted  to  Samuel,  Hezekiah 
and  John  Porter  were  of  full  length.  In  1738  the  town  voted  to  lay  out 
land  north  of  the  old  division  of  1703  and  south  of  Mill  river  "to  those 
who  had  lost  land  in  the  3d  division  by  running  the  town  line  against 
Pelham."  The  names  of  those  to  whom  this  land  was  granted  were  as 
follows  : 

Samuel  Partridge,  Mr.  Jones  and  Samuel  Russell. 

Ebenezer  Selden.  Edward  Church. 

Samuel  Barnard.  William  Rooker. 

John  Goodman,  '  Nathaniel  Dickinson. 

Eleazer  Warner.  Dea.  Nathaniel  White, 

Ichabod  Smith,  Samuel  Crow. 

John  Montague,  Jacob  WTarner, 

Nathaniel  Warner.  John  Preston, 

Edmund  Hubbard.  Peter  Montague, 

Solomon  Boltwood,  John  Taylor,  Sr.  &  Jr.. 

Samuel  Smith.  Geo.  Stillman, 

Thomas  Dickinson,  Timothy  Eastman. 

Daniel  Marsh.  John  Selden. 

Samuel  Porter.  Isaac  Warner, 

Daniel  WTarner,  Samuel  and  Ebenezer  Nash. 

Thomas  Goodman. 

This  land  was  in  the  region  known  as  "  Flat  Hills."  It  was  divided 
in  two  tiers  and  made  654  acres,  137  rods.  For  each  two  acres  of  land 
lost  from  the  third  division  they  were  allowed  ii  acres  here.      It  was  voted 


1 6  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

in  November,  1738,  "to  sequester  100  acres  nextto  north  lot  in  2ddivision 
for  use  of  the  3d  precinct."  The  third  division  extended  further  north 
than  the  second  division. 

Of  the  97  persons  who  drew  lots  in  the  first  and  second  division,  78 
were  residents  of  Hadley,  16  of  Hatfield  and  three  non-residents.  The 
number  of  families  in  Hadley  in  1701  was  about  70,  all  living  on  the  old 
broad  street  and  the  highway  at  the  north  end.  The  laying  out  in  1703 
was  according  to  polls  and  meadow-land  in  1701,  and  to  the  drawing  of 
that  year.  Of  the  97  persons  who  became  the  first  proprietors  of  the 
lands  now  comprised  in  the  town  of  Amherst,  but  a  small  proportion  ever 
occupied  their  lots  in  person.  The  distribution  was  completed  in  1703; 
the  same  year  was  signalized  by  the  beginning  of  a  war  between  England 
and  France,  which  extended  to  the  colonies  and  lasted  for  ten  years. 
During  this  war  the  French  and  their  Indian  allies  made  frequent  attacks 
on  the  English  settlements  in  the  Connecticut  valley,  burning  Deerfield  and 
rendering  life  and  property  unsafe  without  the  limits  of  the  fortified  towns. 
There  was  little  inducement  to  make  new  settlements  and  land  in  the  three 
divisions  was  held  at  little  value  by  its  owners.  Judd  says  that  in  1703 
land  in  Amherst  was  not  worth  a  pistareen  an  acre  ;  later  it  was  valued  at 
from  three  to  four  shillings.  There  is  a  tradition,  mentioned  by  Judd  in 
the  Hadley  history  and  by  Holland  in  his  history  of  Western  Massachu- 
setts, that  the  first  settler  on  these  lands  was  a  Mr.  Foote,  who  came  from 
Hatfield.  Holland  says  :  "  A  Mr.  Foote,  probably  from  Hatfield,  is  said 
to  have  built  a  shanty  in  the  east  part  of  the  town  prior  to  1703.  The 
location  was  a  little  north  of  the  East  parish  meeting-house.  He  chose  the 
spot,  thinking  that  he  could  subsist  thereby  hunting  and  fishing,  but  failing 
to  do  so,  he  left,  and,  in  commemoration  of  his  folly,  the  east  part  of  the 
town  was  for  many  years  called  "  Foote-Folly  Swamp  !  "  Judd  deemed  it 
probable  that  the  first  permanent  settlement  was  made  in  1727  or  1728. 

In  the  Hadley  town  records  the  first  mention  of  the  "  east  inhabitants  " 
is  found  under  date  of  Jan.  5,  1730,  when  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
lay  out  a  burying  place  for  them.  If  the  tradition  concerning  Foote  be 
disregarded,  there  is  no  record  and  no  way  of  ascertaining  as  to  who  was 
the  original  settler  in  the  present  bounds  of  Amherst,  nor  where  the  first 
house  was  erected.  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  first  settlement 
was  at  East  Amherst,  on  the  highway  between  the  second  and  third  divis- 
ions. In  1731  Hadley  voted  to  divide  among  its  inhabitants  the  "Inner 
Commons,-'  which  in  1700  they  had  voted  should  "Lye  as  Comon  Land 
forever."  The  provisions  of  this  vote  were  not  carried  out  until  1 741,  but 
a  list  of  the  inhabitants  taken  in  1 73 1,  who  afterwards  had  a  part  in  the 
distribution,  gives  the  names  and  ratable  estate  of  18  persons  under  the 
heading  of   "  Fast  Inhabitants."     These  names  were  as  follows  : 


Hn  ©lo  flDap  of 

Hmberst,  flfoass-, 

flDaoe  about  1772. 


(  wan  (HtUfrw  JM*f  *  ■  ' 


FIRST    RESIDENTS.  I  7 

John  Ingram,  Sr.,  John  Ingram,  Jr., 

Ebenezer  Kellogg,  John  Cowls, 

Jonathan  Cowls,  Samuel  Boltwood, 

Samuel  Hawley,  Nathaniel  Church, 

John  Wells,  Aaron  Smith, 

Nathaniel  Smith,  Richard  Chauncey, 

Stephen  Smith,  John  Nash,  Jr., 

Joseph  Wells.  Ebenezer  Scovil, 

Ebenezer  Ingram,  Ebenezer  Dickinson. 

Of  these,  John  Cowls,  Jonathan  Cowls,  Samuel  Hawley,  John  Wells, 
Stephen  Smith  and  Joseph  Wells  came  from  Hatfield,  the  remainder  being 
from  Hadley.  Only  five  of  these  names  are  found  in  the  original  allot- 
ment of  lands,  those  of  John  Ingram,  Sr.,  John  Ingram,  Jr.,  Samuel 
Boltwood,  John  Nash  and  John  Cowls.  The  others  had  doubtless  acquired 
their  land  by  purchase  or  inheritance.  It  is  impossible  to  state  with 
accuracy  the  precise  locations  of  the  houses  of  these  "  East  Inhabitants,'* 
but  from  a  map  of  the  town  drawn  about  the  year  1770  we  are  enabled  to 
locate  the  following:  Jonathan  Cowls  (spelled  Cole)  lived  on  a  highway 
running  northwesterly  from  the  highway  between  the  first  and  second 
divisions;  John  Nash,  on  the  highway  between  the  first  and  second  divisions 
in  the  second  house  south  of  the  meeting-house  ;  Ebenezer  Dickinson,  on 
the  highway  between  the  first  and  second  divisions  at  the  north  part ; 
Nathaniel  Smith,  on  the  highway  between  the  first  and  second  divisions  in 
the  first  house  south  of  the  meeting-honse.  This  map  has  been  badly 
defaced  and  portions  of  it  lost,  but  gives  a  fair  idea  of  the  distribution  of 
the  inhabitants  at  the  time  it  was  made. 

It  would  thus  appear  that  of  the  eighteen  original  settlers  but  four 
were  living  in  the  present  bounds  of  Amherst  in  1770.  Of  the  remaining 
fourteen,  John  Wells  had  removed  to  Hardwick,  Joseph  Wells  to  Sunder- 
land, Aaron  Smith  to  Shutesbury  where  he  died  in  1759,  Richard  Chauncey 
to  Whately  where  he  died  in  1790,  Stephen  Smith  to  Sunderland  where  he 
died  in  1760;  Nathaniel  Church  had  also  removed,  but  where  he  went  is 
not  recorded.  Ebenezer  Scovil  died  in  1731,  the  same  year  he  removed  to 
the  new  settlement.  Ebenezer  Ingram  and  John  Cowls  died  in  1735,  John 
Ingram,  Jr.  in  1737,  Samuel  Boltwood  in  1738,  and  Ebenezer  Kellogg  in 
1766.  There  is  no  record  of  the  death  of  John  Ingram  and  Samuel 
Hawley:  the  former  was  living  in  1742  "at  an  advanced  age,"  and  the 
latter,  born  in  16S6,  probably  died  before  the  map  was  made.  The  descend- 
ants of  John  Cowls  removed  to  Belchertown.  John  Ingram,  Jr.  left  four 
sons,  Samuel,  Philip,  John  and  Reuben.  On  this  map  we  find  a  Philip 
Ingram  (spelled  "  Ingraham  ")  living  on  the  highway  between  the  first  and 
second  divisions,  near  Mill  Valley,  and  a  John  Ingraham  living  on  the  east 
highway  near  the  north  part. 
2 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Between    1731   and    1738    the  following   persons  were  added  to  the 
population  of  the  settlement : 


Joseph  Clary, 
Solomon  Boltwood, 
William  Murray, 
Peletiah  Smith, 
Ebenezer  Williams. 
Joseph  Hawley, 
John  Morton, 


Jonathan  Atherton. 
Charles  Chauncey. 
Nathan  Moody. 
John  Perry, 
Zechariah  Field, 
Samuel  Hawley.  Jr. 
Moses  Smith. 


Zecheriah  Field,  Joseph  Hawley,  Samuel  Hawley,  Jr.  and  John  Morton 
came  from  Hatfield,  Ebenezer  Williams  from  Deerfield,  the  remainder  from 
Hadley. 

Of  these,  the  following  may  be  located  on  the  map :  Peletiah  Smith, 
on  the  west  highway,  near  what  is  now  known  as  Mill  Valley  ;  Ebenezer 
Williams,  on  the  east  highway  toward  South  Amherst;  John  Morton,  on  the 
east  highway  north  of  where  the  East  Cong'l  church  now  stands  :  Nathan 
Moody,  on  the  west  highway  a  little  way  over  College  hill  ;  Moses  Smith. 
on  the  Bay  road.  Jonathan  Atherton  died  in  1744  and  John  Perry  removed. 
Solomon  Boltwood  died  in  1762  and  left  a  son  Solomon  ;  on  the  map  is 
found  Lt.  Solomon  Boltwood  living  on  the  highway  running  from  the  west 
highway  toward  Hadley.  Zechariah  Field  died  in  173S  and  left  a  son 
John  ;  the  map  has  a  Lieut.  John  Field  living  at  the  intersection  of  the 
west  highway  with  the  highway  leading  toward  Hadley. 

From  1739  to  1745  there  were  34  persons  added  to  the  settlement,  as 
follows  : 


Samuel  Ingram, 
John  Field, 
David  Nash, 
Moses  Hawley, 
Moses  Warner, 
Aaron  Warner, 
Jonathan  Nash. 
Nathaniel  Coleman, 
Jonathan  Moody. 
Samuel  Church, 
Daniel  Dickinson, 
John  Dickinson. 
Moses  Dickinson, 
Nathan  Dickinson, 
Jonathan  Dickinson, 
Jonathan  Smith, 
Nehemiah  Strong, 


Noah  Baker. 
Charles  Wright, 
Preserved  Clapp. 
Westwood  Cook.  Jr.. 
Joseph  Eastman.  Jr.. 
Deac.  Eleazar  Mattoon. 
Rev.  David  Parsons, 
Peter  Smith, 
Nathaniel  Kellogg, 
Ephraim  Kellogg, 
Alexander  Porter. 
Elisha  Ingram. 
Phinehas  Smith. 
David  Smith. 
Joseph   Morton. 
Daniel  Smith. 
Seth  Kibbe. 


( )f  these,  David  Nash  removed  to  South   Hadley,  Phinehas  Smith  to 
Granby,  and  Noah  Baker  to  Sunderland:  David  Smith  returned  to  Hadley. 


PLACES    OF    RESIDENCE.  1 9 

Joseph  Morton  and  Seth  Kibbe  died.  The  following  appear  upon  the 
map  :  Moses  Warner  and  Aaron  Warner,  on  the  west  highway  just  north  of 
the  meeting-house  ;  Jonathan  Nash,  on  the  east  highway,  toward  South 
Amherst  ;  Jonathan  Moody,  a  little  north  of  the  Bay  road  but  off  the  high- 
way :  Samuel  Church,  on  the  west  highway  near  the  Bay  road  ;  Daniel 
Dickinson,  on  the  west  highway,  a  little  north  from  the  Bay  road;  Nathan 
and  Jonathan  Dickinson,  on  the  east  highway  just  north  of  the  highway 
leading  to  Pel  ham  ;  Jonathan  Smith,  on  the  west  highway  toward  the  north 
part :  Joseph  Eastman,  on  the  west  highway  at  the  north ;  Rev.  David 
1'arsons,  on  the  west  highway  nearly  opposite  the  meeting-house;  Elihu 
Ingram,  on  the  west  highway  south  of  highway  leading  to  Hadley.  There 
is  a  Coleman  given  on  the  map,  on  the  east  highway  near  where  the  South 
Cong'l  church  now  stands  ;  this  may  have  been  Nathaniel  Coleman's  home; 
his  son,  Dea.  Seth  Coleman,  lived  on  the  west  highway  just  north  of  the 
highway  that  crossed  the  second  division.  John  Dickinson  was  living  at 
the  time  the  map  was  drawn  but  his  name  does  not  appear  on  it.  Moses 
Dickinson  did  not  die  until  1803.  but  his  name  also  is  missing  from  the 
map.  Nehemiah  Strong  died  in  1772  and  left  a  son  Simeon  born  in  1736. 
The  map  gives  the  residence  of  Simeon  Strong,  Esq.  at  the  junction  of  the 
west  highway  and  the  highway  leading  to  Hadley.  Charles  Wright  removed 
to  Pownal,  Vt.,  prior  to  1762.  Preserved  Clapp  died  in  1758  and  left  a 
son  Oliver  born  in  1744;  the  map  gives  the  residence  of  Oliver  Clapp  on 
the  east  highway  just  south  of  the  road  leading  to  Pelham.  Westwood 
Cook  died  about  174S  and  left  a  son  Moses  born  in  1726.  The  map  gives 
the  residence  of  a  Moses  "  Bascom,"  which  should  be  Moses  Cook,  on 
the  west  highway  near  the  highway  branching  off  to  the  northwest.  Eleazar 
Mattoon  died  in  1767,  leaving  a  son  Ebenezer  born  in  1720  ;  on  the  map 
the  residence  of  Ebenezer  "Toon,"  which  should  be  Mattoon,  is  given  on 
the  westhighway  near  the  north  part.  Peter  Smith  did  not  die  until  1787, 
but  his  name  does  not  appear  on  the  map.  Nathaniel  Kellogg  died  in 
1750  and  Ephraim  Kellogg  in  1777.  The  records  contain  nothing  con- 
cerning Alexander  Porter. 

Between  the  years  1745  and  1763  the  following  persons  were  added 
to  the  population  : 

Daniel  Kellogg,  David  Smith. 

Abraham  Kellogg,  Xoah  Smith, 

Ebenezer  Kellogg,  Jr..  Martin  Smith, 

Joseph  Church,  Eleazer  Smith, 

Isaac  Hubbard,  John  Petty  or  Pettis, 

Moses  Cook,  John  Cowls,  Jr., 

Jacob  Warner,  Oliver  Cowls. 

Gideon  Dickinson,  Benjamin  Harwood, 

Reuben  Dickinson,  Samuel  Elmer, 


HISTORY    OF     THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Joseph  Dickinson, 
Ebenezer  Dickinson,  Jr.. 
Nathan  Dickinson,  Jr., 
Ebenezer  Dickinson,  3d, 
Simeon  Dickinson, 
Noah  Dickinson, 
Jonathan  Dickinson,  Jr.. 
Jonathan  Dickinson, 
Azariah  Dickinson, 
Nathaniel  Dickinson, 
Nehemiah  Dickinson, 
David  Dickinson, 
Thomas  Hastings, 
Simeon  Strong', 
Ens.  Josiah  Chauncey, 
Isaac  Goodale. 
Elijah  Baker, 
Simeon  Pomeroy, 
John  Keet, 
Jonathan  Edwards, 
Alexander  Smith, 
Edward  Smith, 
Pelatiah  Smith,  Jr., 
Simeon  Smith, 
Jonathan  Smith,  Jr., 
Thomas  Morton, 

Of  these,  Thomas  Hastings,  Hezekiah  Belding,  John  Allis  and  John 
Billing  came  from  Hatfield,  Elijah  Baker,  John  Keet,  Jonathan  Edwards, 
Simeon  (lark  and  Gideon  Henderson  from  Northampton,  Simeon  Pomeroy 
from  Southampton;  the  remainder  from  Hadley.  The  following  are  found 
upon  the  map:  Daniel  Kellogg,  on  the  east  highway  north  of  the  highway 
crossing  the  second  division  ;  Joseph  Church,  on  the  west  highway  at  the 
north  part;  Gideon  Dickinson,  on  the  east  highway  at  the  north  part ; 
Reuben  Dickinson,  on  the  east  highway  at  the  north  part  ;  Joseph  Dickin- 
son, on  the  west  highway  at  the  north  part  ;  Nathan  Dickinson,  Jr.,  on  the 
east  highway  toward  the  south  part;  Noah  Dickinson,  on  the  east  highway 
a  little  south  of  the  highway  leading  to  Pelham  ;  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  on 
the  highway  leading  northwest  from  the  west  highway  :  Thomas  Hastings, 
a  little  east  of  the  east  highway  toward  the  south  part;  Josiah  Chauncey, 
on  the  west  highway  toward  "Mill  Valley;"  Isaac  Goodale,  on  the  west 
highway  at  junction  of  highway  leading  to  the  northwest:  Simeon  Pomeroy, 
on  the  east  highway  toward  the  south  part;  Jonathan  Edwards,  probably 
the  "  Dea.  Edwards"  on  the  map,  on  the  east  highway  toward  the  south 
part:  Alexander  Smith,  on  the  west  highway  toward  "Mill  Valley;"  David 
Smith  and  Noah  Smith,  on  the  highway  leading   northwest   from   the   west 


Eli  Colton, 
James  Merrick, 
Solomon  Boltwood,  Jr., 
William  Boltwood, 
Ebenezer  Mattoon, 
Simeon  Clark, 
John  Nash,  Jr., 
Ncadiah  Lewis, 
John  Ingram,  3d, 
Philip  Ingram, 
Reuben  Ingram, 
Hezekiah  Belding, 
William  Murray,  Jr.. 
John  field,  Jr., 
John  Allis, 
John  Billing, 
Preserved  Clapp, 
David  Blodget, 
Jonathan  Moody,  Jr., 
Asahel  Moody, 
Benjamin  Rhodes, 
Justus  Williams, 
Thomas  Bascom, 
Gideon  Henderson, 
Abner  Adams. 


PLACES    OF    RESIDENXE.  2  1 

highway;  Martin  Smith,  on  the  highway  leading  to  Pelham ;  John  Petty, 
on  the  south  road  crossing  the  second  division ;  Oliver  Cowls,  (spelled 
"  Cole  ")  on  the  northwest  highway  ;  James  Merrick,  on  the  west  highway 
at  the  south  part;  William  Boltwood,  on  the  west  highway  toward  "  Mill 
Valley;"  Simeon  Clark.  "  Dea,  Clark"  on  the  map.  on  the  highway  leading 
to  Hadley  ;  Noadiah  Lewis,  on  the  highway  leading  to  Hadley  ;  Hezekiah 
Belding,  on  the  east  highway  at  the  north  part  ;  John  Field,  Jr..  on  the 
highway  running  northwest  ;  John  Billing,  on  the  west  highway  toward 
"  Mill  Valley  ;"  David  Blodgett,  on  the  east  highway  just  north  of  the 
highway  leading  to  Pelham;  Justus  Williams,  on  the  east  highway  toward 
the  south  part ;   Gideon  Henderson,  on  ihe  northwest  highway. 

Resides  the  names  of  the  original  settlers  and  the  additions  prior  to 
1763  as  given  in  Judd's  History,  there  are  found  upon  the  map  the  following 
names:  Lemuel  Moody,  Israel  1  hckinson,  Lieut.  Dickinson,  Timothy 
Green,  Reuben  Cowls,  Lieut.  Jonathan  Field,  Widow  Ingram,  Stephen 
Smith,  Solomon  Gould,  Silas  Matthew,  John  Williams,  William  Rood,  Enos 
Dickinson.  Stephen  Cole,  Abner  Lee,  Aaron  Warner,  Jr.,  Gideon  Dickinson, 
Jr.,  Timothy  Hubbard,  Joel  Billing,  Thomas  Hastings,  Jr.,  Joseph  Nash  and 
Eli  Parker.  Concerning  six  of  these,  Lieut.  Jonathan  Field,  John  Williams, 
Stephen  Cole,  Abner  Lee,  Timothy  Hubbard  and  Joseph  Nash,  but  little  is 
to  be  found  in  the  records.  Of  those  remaining,  Lemuel  Moody  was 
probably  the  son  of  Jonathan  Moody  who  came  to  Amherst  between  1739 
and  1745.  Israel  Dickinson  was  the  son  of  John  Dickinson  who  came  to 
Amherst  before  1745.  "  Lieut."'  Dickinson  was  probably  Reuben  Dickin- 
son, son  of  Ebenezer,  one  of  the  original  settlers.  Timothy  Green  was 
born  in  174S  and  came  to  Amherst  from  Hadley.  Reuben  Cowls  was  son 
of  Jonathan,  one  of  the  original  settlers.  The  widow  Ingram  was  doubt- 
less the  widow  of  John  Ingram,  Jr.,  also  one  of  the  first  settlers.  Stephen 
Smith  was  son  of  Stephen  who  came  to  Amherst  before  1739.  Solomon 
Gould  came  to  Amherst  from  Hadley  before  17G0  and  Silas  Matthew  before 
1772.  William  Rood  might  have  been  a  son  of  Benjamin  Rhodes.  Enos 
Dickinson  was  son  of  Nathan  who  came  to  Amherst  about  1742.  Aaron 
Warner.  Jr.,  was  son  of  Aaron  who  came  to  Amherst  between  1739  and 
1745  ;  Gideon  Dickinson,  Jr.,  of  Gideon  who  came  before  1763  ;  Joel 
Billing,  of  John  who  came  before  1763;  Thomas  Hastings,  Jr..  of  Thomas 
who  came  before  1763.  Eli  Parker  came  from  Hadley  and  died  in  1829, 
aged  93. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


CHAPTER  III, 


Founders    of    Amherst    Families. — Biographical    Sketches  of  the 
Early  Settlers. 

Among  the  eighteen  "east  inhabitants"  of  Hadley  in  1731  was 
Ebenezer  Dickinson,  the  founder  of  a  family  in  Amherst  which  has  claimed 
more  numerous  descendants  and  exercised  a  greater  influence  over  town 
affairs  than  any  other.  Ebenezer  Dickinson  was  the  son  of  Nehemiah, 
who  died  in  Hadley  in  1723  in  his  79th  year,  and  the  grandson  of  Nathaniel 
who  removed  from  Wethersfield  to  Hadley  in  1659,  being  one  of  the 
original  settlers.  Ebenezer  had  four  sons,  Gideon,  Ebenezer,  Reuben  and 
Joseph,  and  five  daughters,  Abigail,  Sarah,  Mary,  Jerusha  and  Experience. 
Gideon  married  in  1745  Hannah,  dau.  of  Nathaniel  Edwards  of  Amherst; 
they  had  three  sons,  Gideon,  Elisha  and  Samuel,  and  five  daughters, 
Hannah,  Abigail,  Sarah,  Martha  and  Naomi.  Ebenezer2  Dickinson 
married  in  1734  Chloe  Holton  ;  they  had  five  sons,  Ebenezer,  Roswell, 
Luther,  Zimri  and  Joseph,  and  two  daughters,  Chloe  and  Experience. 
Reuben  commanded  a  company  from  Amherst  in  the  Revolutionary  war, 
and  after  the  war  removed  to  Thetford,  Vt.  His  children  were,  Reuben, 
Sarah,  Esther,  Ruth,  Josiah,  Solomon,  Elijah,  Josiah,  Rachel.  Joseph 
Dickinson  married  (1)  Martha  daughter  of  Jonathan  Dickinson,  by  whom 
he  had  Joseph  and  Martha;  (2)  a  second  Martha  Dickinson,  by  whom  he 
had  a  son  Ira.  Abigail  Dickinson  married  in  1740  Samuel  Ingram,  by 
whom  she  had  two  children,  Lydia  and  Sarah.  Sarah  Dickinson  married 
in  1743  Asa  Adams.  Mary  Dickinson  married  in  1757  Noah  Dickinson, 
son  of  Jonathan,  by  whom  she  had  a  daughter  Mary.  Jerusha  Dickinson 
married  in  1763  David  Blodgett.  Experience  Dickinson  died  in  Hadley 
in  1  770,  unmarried. 

Between  the  years  1739  and  1745  there  came  to  the  east  settlement 
Daniel,  John  and  Moses  Dickinson  from  Hadley  and  Nathan  and  Jonathan 
Dickinson  from  Hatfield.  Daniel  Dickinson  married  in  1779  Sybil, 
daughter  of  Josiah  Dickinson  ;  their  children  were,  Sophia,  Henry,  Char- 
lotte, Samuel,  Sylvanus,  Elihu,  Lucy,  Daniel  and  Edward.  John  Dickinson 
married  in  1741  Esther,  daughter  of  Nathaniel  Dickinson  of  Sunderland, 
by  whom  he  had  three  sons,  Nathaniel,  Israel  and  Waitstill.  Moses 
Dickinson  married  Thankful,  daughter  of  Chileab  Smith,  by  whom  he  had 
Hannah,  Moses,  Lois,  Aaron,  Medad,  Mercy,  Elijah,  Eli  and  Judah. 
Nathan  Dickinson  was  three  times  married.      By  his  first  wife,   Thankful 


SQUIRE    JOHN     DICKINSON 

AND 

FAMILY 


THE    DICKINSON    FAMILY.  23 

Warner,  he  had  Nathan,  Ebenezer,  Irene  and  Enos  ;  by  his  second  wife, 
Joanna  Leonard,  Azariah,  Elihu,  Shelah,  Thankful,  Lois,  Asa,  Levi,  Joanna  ; 
by  his  third  wife,  Judith  Hosmer,  Stephen  and  Judith.  Jonathan  Dickinson 
married  in  1745  Dorothy,  daughter  of  John  Stoughton,  of  Windsor.  Conn., 
by  whom  he  had  Lucy,  Dorothy,  Jonathan,  Joel,  Samuel,  Stoughton  and 
Daniel. 

From  1745  to  1763  rive  more  Dickinsons  removed  to  the  east  settlement, 
Jonathan,  Azariah,  Nathaniel  and  Nehemiah  from  Shutesbury  and  David 
from  Hadley.  Jonathan  married  in  1724  Mary,  daughter  of  Nathaniel 
Smith  of  Hatfield,  and  had  children  Simeon,  Noah,  Jonathan,  Mary  and 
Martha.  Azariah  married  in  1747  Eunice,  daughter  of  John  Stoughton  of 
Windsor,  Conn.;   their  children  were  Eunice,  Hannah,  Azariah  and  Oliver. 

Nathaniel  was  twice  married  ;   by   his    first   wife.   Thankful  ,    he  had 

Mary.  Nathaniel,  Josiah,  Elijah,  Rachel,  Rebecca  and  Salome  ;  his  second 
wife  was  Jemima  Wales  ;  by  her  he  had  no  children.  Nehemiah  married 
in  1749  Amy,  still  another  daughter  of  John  Stoughton,  and  by  her  had 
Nehemiah,  John  and  Simeon.  The  records  contain  no  mention  of  descend- 
ants of  David  Dickinson.  Bearing  in  mind  the  small  number  of  the  early 
settlers,  the  length  of  the  foregoing  list  gives  ample  reason  why  the  Dick- 
inson family  should  have  gained  great  prominence  in  the  community  from 
the  beginning. 

There  were  two  Smiths,  Aaron  and  Nathaniel,  among  the  east  inhabi- 
tants in  1  73  1  ;  they  were  brothers,  and  sons  of  Ichabod  Smith  of  Hadley, 
and  grandsons  of  Philip,  one  of  the  original  settlers  of  Hadley,  whose 
death  was  ascribed  by  Cotton  Mather  to  witchcraft.  Aaron  was  married 
in  1724  to  Mehitable,  daughter  of  John  Ingram,  and  had  four  children, 
a  son  who  died  young,  Jemima,  Philip  and  Aaron.  Nathaniel  Smith  was 
the  first  physician  in  Amherst,  where  he  died  July  21,  1789,  aged  84.  He 
had  three  children,  Nathaniel,  Dorothy  and  Rebecca.  There  were  three 
Smiths  added  to  the  settlement  between  1731  and  1739,  Stephen  from 
Hatfield  and  Peletiah  and  Moses  from  Hadley.  Stephen  was  son  of  Jonathan 
and  grandson  of  Philip  ;  he  removed  from  Amherst  to  Sunderland  where 
he  died  in  1760;  his  children  were  Stephen,  Joel,  Titus  and  Mary. 
Peletiah  was  son  of  Samuel  and  grandson  of  Chileab.  He  married  in  172  1 
Abigail,  daughter  of  William  Wait;  their  children  were  Elizabeth,  Pelatiah, 
Abigail  and  Lucy.  Moses  was  brother  to  Aaron  and  Nathaniel ;  he  married 
in  1732  Hannah,  daughter  of  Samuel  Childs  of  Deerfield  ;  their  children 
were  Moses,  Simeon,  Hannah,  Catharine,  Azubah,  Elizabeth,  Amasa, 
Samuel.  Noadiah  and  Oliver.  Betw-een  1739  and  1745  five  Smiths  were 
added  to  the  settlement,  Jonathan  and  Daniel  from  Hatfield,  and  Peter, 
Phinehas  and  David  from  Hadley.  Jonathan  married  in  1722  Hannah, 
daughter  of  Benoni  Wright  of  Hatfield,  and  had  children  Jonathan,  Martin, 


24  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

David,  Noah,  Hannah,  Abigail,  Rebecca  and  Jerusha.  Judd  says  "Daniel 
Smith  was  crazy;"  there  is  no  mention  of  him  or  his  descendants  in  early 
records.  Peter  was  the  son  of  Chileab3  and  the  grandson  of  Chileab1 
Smith,  who  was  in  Hadley  in  1673  ;  Peter  married  Amy  Bissell  of  Windsor, 
Conn,  and  had  children  Chileab  and  Elisha.  Phinehas  soon  removed  to 
Granby  and  David  returned  to   Hadley. 

From  1745  to  1763  nine  persons  bearing  the  name  of  Smith  were  added 
to  the  population,  Alexander,  Edward,  Peletiah,  Jr.,  Simeon,  Jonathan,  Jr., 
David,  Noah,  Martin  and  Eleazar.  Of  these,  Peletiah,  Jr.,  was  son  of  Pele- 
tiah, Simeon  son  of  Moses,  and  Jonathan,  Jr.,  Noah  and  Martin  sons  of  Jona- 
than. Alexander  and  Edward  were  sons  of  Joseph2,  and  grandsons 
of  Joseph1  Smith  who  came  to  Hadley  from  Hartford  in  1680.  David 
was  son  of  Luke  and  grandson  of  Chileab.  Eleazar  was  son  of  John', 
grandson  of  John1,  and  great-grandson  of  Philip,  one  of  the  original 
settlers  of  Hadley.  Alexander  married  in  1743  Rebecca  Warner  of  West- 
field  ;  their  children  were  Nathaniel  Alexander,  Hannah,  Joseph,  Rebecca, 
Elias  and  Samuel.  Edward  married  Hamutal,  daughter  of  Benjamin 
Ellsworth  of  East  Windsor,  Conn.;  they  had  children  Benjamin,  Timothy, 
Hewitt,  Tryphena,  Sarah,  Roxana  and  Lucy.  Peletiah,  Jr.  married  in  1755 
Rhoda  Morgan  ;  their  children  were  Reuben,  Rhoda,  Sarah,  Mary,  Aaron, 
Phinehas  and  Samuel.  Simeon  married  in  1763  Rachel,  daughter  of 
Nathaniel  Strong  of  Northampton ;  their  children  were  Simeon,  Asa, 
Electa,  Rachel  and  Sylvanus.  Jonathan,  Jr.  married  in  1756  Rebecca, 
daughter  of  Dr.  Nathaniel  Smith  ;  they  had  one  child,  Jerusha.  David 
resided  in  Amherst  but  a  few  years.  Noah  married  in  1766  Mary,  daughter 
of  Edward  Elmer;  their  children  were  Hannah,  Jonathan,  Reuben,  Noah, 
Andrew,  Polly,  Rebecca,  Sarah  and  Abigail.  Martin  married  in  1760 
Lucy,  daughter  of  Preserved  Clapp ;  they  had  children  Levi,  Josiah, 
Solomon,  Jonathan,  Martin,  Stephen,  Wright  and  Phineas.  Eleazar  was 
twice  married,  first  to  Lydia  Thomas  of  Lebanon,  Conn.,  and  second  to 
Abigail,  daughter  of  Thomas  Hale  of  Longmeadow ;  his  children,  all  but 
the  last-named  by  his  first  wife,  were  :  Lydia,  Lucina,  Eleazar,  Ithamar, 
Sarah,  Ethan,  Achsah,  Justin  and  Seth. 

John  Cowls  and  Jonathan  Cowls  were  numbered  among  the  east  inhabi- 
tants in  1731.  They  came  from  Hatfield,  were  brothers  and  sons  of 
Jonathan,  grandsons  of  John2  and  great-grandsons  of  John1  Cowls  who 
removed  from  Farmington,  Ct.  to  Hatfield  about  1664.  John  Cowls  married 
Mary  —  — ,  and  had  children  Israel,  Abia,  John,  Martha  and  Mary. 
Jonathan  Cowls  married  in  1732  Sarah  Gaylord  ;  their  children  were  Sarah, 
(  Hiver,  Jerusha.  Jonathan,  I  )avid.  Josiah,  Eleazar,  Reuben,  Enosand  Simeon. 
(  )f  the  eight  sons  of  Jonathan,  five  married  and  had  large  families  of 
children. 


FOUNDERS    OF    FAMILIES.  25 

Three  of  the  east  inhabitants  bore  the  name  of  Ingram,  John,  Sr.,  John, 
Jr.  and  Kbenezer.  John  Ingram,  Sr.  was  the  son  of  John,  who  was  free- 
man in  Hadley  in  1683.  He  married  in  1689  Mehitable,  daughter  of  John 
Dickinson;  their  children  were  Elizabeth,  John,  Ebenezer,  Hannah. 
Mehitable,  Rebecca.  Jonathan.  Experience  and  Elisha.  John  Ingrain.  Jr. 
married  in  1719  Lydia,  daughter  of  Samuel  Boltwood ;  their  children  were 
Samuel,  Sarah.  Philip,  John.  Reuben  and  Kbenezer.  Elisha,  Samuel, 
Philip.  John  and  Reuben  remained  in  Amherst,  married  and  reared  large 
families. 

Ebenezer  Kellogg  was  one  of  the  east  inhabitants  in  i  731.  He  was  son 
of  Nathaniel,  and  grandson  of  Joseph  who  removed  from  Boston  to  Hadley 
as  early  as  1662.  He  was  a  captain  and  resided  successively  in  Hadley, 
Amherst,  New  Salem  and  Stow.  He  married  in  1716  Elizabeth,  widow  of 
Philip  Panthorn,  and  had  two  children.  Martin  and  Ebenezer.  Nathaniel 
Kellogg,  father  of  Ebenezer,  removed  to  the  new  settlement  about  1739. 
He  married  in  1692  Sarah,  daughter  of  Samuel  Boltwood-  their  children 
were  Nathaniel.  Ebenezer,  Ezekiel,  Samuel.  Sarah,  Abigail,  Mary,  Ephraim 
and  Experience.  Ephraim.  son  of  Nathaniel  and  brother  of  Ebenezer, 
was  among  the  east  inhabitants  previous  to  1745:  he  married,  in  1741, 
Dorothy,  daughter  of  Samuel  Hawley ;  their  children  were  Ephraim, 
Martin,  Dorothy,  Abigail.  John,  Sarah  and  Joseph.  Daniel  and  Abraham 
Kellogg  came  to  the  settlement  between  the  years  1745  and  1763; 
they  were  sons  of  Nathaniel-  and  grandsons  of  Nathaniel'  Kellogg. 
Daniel  was  three  times  married,  first  in  1751  to  Esther,  daughter  of  John 
Smith  of  South  Hadley,  by  whom  he  had  four  children,  Daniel,  Aaron, 
David  and  Jonathan;  second  in  1758  to  Thankful,  widow  of  Joseph 
Hawley;  third  to  Sarah,  daughter  of  Josiah  Powers  of  Northampton. 
Abraham  was  married  in  1758  to  Sarah,  daughter  of  Jonathan  Cowls; 
their  children  were  Sybil.  Sarah,  Samuel  and  Abraham. 

Among  the  east  inhabitants  in  1  73  1  was  Samuel  Boltwood.  He  was 
son  of  Samuel  who  was  killed  at  Deerfield  in  the  French  and  Indian  war 
in  1704,  and  grandson  of  Robert  Boltwood  one  of  the  first  settlers  in 
Hadley.  He  married  in  1703  Hannah,  daughter  of  Nathaniel  Alexander. 
Their  children  were  Hannah.  Samuel.  Sarah.  Mary.  Martha,  Abigail  and 
Jemima.  Solomon  Boltwood,  brother  of  Samuel,  came  to  the  settlement 
before  1739.  He  married  Mary,  widow  of  John  Pantry,  Jr.  of  Hartford 
and  daughter  of  John  Norton  of  Farmington,  Conn.;  their  children  were 
Ruth,  Sarah,  William,  Solomon,  Ebenezer  and  Mary. 

In  the  first  list  of  east  inhabitants  appears  the  name  of  Samuel 
Hawley.  He  was  son  of  Joseph  Hawley  of  Northampton  and  grandson 
of  Thomas  Hawley  of  Roxbury.  He  settled  in  Hatfield  whence  he  removed 
to  the  east  settlement  in  Hadley.      He  married  in  1708  Mehitable,  daughter 


26  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

of  Samuel  Belding ;  their  children  were  Lydia,  Samuel,  Joseph,  Moses, 
John,  Dorothy  and  Mary.  His  sons  Samuel,  Joseph  and  Moses,  remained 
in  the  east  settlement  where  they  married  and  raised  large  families. 

The  name  of  Nathaniel  Church  is  also  found  on  the  list  of  east 
inhabitants  in  1 73 1 .  He  was  probably  the  son  of  Samuel  Church  of 
Hadley.  He  married  in  1727  Rachel  McCranney  of  Springfield  by  whom 
he  had  these  children  :  Nathaniel,  William  Harrison,  Rachel,  Malachi, 
Jesse,  Eber,  Timothy,  Samuel,  Experience,  Ruth,  Mary,  David,  Jonathan  and 
Benjamin.  Samuel  Church,  brother  of  Nathaniel,  came  to  the  east  settle- 
ment between  1739  and  1745.  He  married  Margaret,  daughter  of  Samuel 
Smith;  their  children  were  Margaret,  Sarah,  Abigail,  Thankful,  Daniel, 
Eunice  and  Giles.  Another  brother,  Joseph,  came  to  the  settlement 
between  1745  and  1763.  He  married  in  1755  Abigail,  daughter  of  Jona- 
than Smith  ;  their  children  were  Samuel,  Abigail,  Joseph,  and  Sylvanus. 

Richard  Chauncey  was  one  of  the  east  inhabitants  in  1731.  He  was 
a  son  of  the  Rev.  Isaac  Chauncey  of  Stratford,  Conn.,  who  in  1696  was 
ordained  over  the  Hadley  church.  Richard  married  in  1729  Elizabeth, 
daughter  of  Jonathan  Smith  of  Hatfield;  their  children  were  Oliver, 
Elizabeth,  Eunice,  Jerusha,  Medad  and  Abigail.  Charles  Chauncey, 
brother  to  Richard,  came  to  the  new  settlement  before  1739.  He 
married  in  1740  Sarah  Ingram,  by  whom  he  had  children  Catharine, 
Dorothy  and  Isaac.  In  1746  he  married  Mary  Gaylord,  by  whom  he  had 
Eunice  and  David.  Josiah  Chauncey,  brother  to  Charles  and  Richard, 
came  to  the  east  settlement  between  1745  and  1763.  He  occupied  many 
important  offices  and  removed  about  17S1  to  New  York  state.  His  children 
were  Elizabeth  B.,  Mary,  Sarah,  Josiah,  Isaac,  Moses,  and  Samuel. 

The  list  of  east  inhabitants  in  1 73  1  contains  the  name  of  John  Nash, 
Jr.  He  was  the  son  of  John  and  grandson  of  Timothy  Nash  who  removed 
from  Hartford  to  Hadley  in  1663.  John  Nash  was  a  deacon  in  the  church 
and  died  about  1778.  He  married  in  17  16  Hannah  Ingram  ;  their  chil- 
dren were  Jonathan,  David,  Hannah  and  John.  His  three  sons  continued 
to  reside  in  the  new  settlement  where  they  married  and  raised  large 
families  of  children. 

Among  those  added  to  the  east  inhabitants  between  1731  and  1739 
were  Zechariah  Eield,  Nathan  Moody  and  John  Morton. 

Zechariah  Eield  was  the  son  of  John  of  Hatfield  and  grandson  of 
Zechariah  who  removed  from  Hartford  to  Northampton  in  1659.  Zecha- 
riah2 was  married  in  1705  to  Sarah,  daughter  of  Dea.  John  Clark  of 
Northampton  ;  their  children  were  Ebenezer,  Rebecca,  Sarah,  Mary  and 
John. 

Nathan  Moody  was  the  son  of  Samuel'  and  grandson  of  Samuel1 
Moody.      He    married    in    1735    Abigail  Montague;  their    children   were 


FOUNDERS    OF    FAMILIES.  27 

John,  Josiah  and  Abigail.  Jonathan,  brother  to  Nathan,  came  to  the  new 
settlement  between  1739  and  1745.  He  married  in  1730  Bridget  Smith; 
their  children  were  Huldah,  Jonathan,  Asahel,  Lemuel,  Eldad.  Medadand 
Perez. 

John  Morton  was  son  of  Joseph  of  Hatfield  and  grandson  of  Richard 
Morton  who  removed  from  Hartford  to  Hatfield  in  1670.  John  Morton 
married  in  1730  Lydia,  daughter,  of  Samuel  Hawley  ;  their  children  were 
Ruth,  Rhoda,  Thomas.  Lydia,  John  and  Joseph. 

In  the  list  of  those  added  to  the  new  settlement  between  1739  and 
1745  are  found  the  following  names  :  Moses  and  Aaron  Warner,  Nathaniel 
Coleman,  Nehemiah  Strong,  Preserved  Clapp,  Westwood  Cook,  Jr.,  Joseph 
Eastman,  Jr.,  Eleazar  Mattoon  and  David  Parsons. 

Moses  and  Aaron  Warner  were  brothers,  sons  of  Jacob'",  grandsons 
of  Jacob'  and  great-grandsons  or  Andrew  Warner,  who  removed  from 
Hartford  to  Hadley  in  1659,  being  among  the  first  settlers.  Moses  Warner 
was  married  in  173S  to  Mary  Field  ;  their  children  were  Mary  and  Moses. - 
Aaron  Warner  was  a  blacksmith,  probably  the  first  in  Amherst.  His 
children  were  Maribee,  Ruth,  Aaron,  Lucy.  Noadiah,  Hannah,  David, 
Jonathan  and  Elisha.  Jacob  Warner,  brother  to  Moses  and  Aaron,  came 
to  the  settlement  between  1745  and  1763.  His  children  were  Wareham, 
Jacob,  Anna,  Abigail.  Esther,  Reuben  and  Sarah. 

Nathaniel  Coleman  was  son  of  Nathaniel,  grandson  of  John  and  great- 
grandson  of  Thomas  Coleman  who  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  in  Hadley. 
Nathaniel'"'  Coleman  married  in  1739  Mercy  Smith;  their  children  were 
Seth,  Thankful,  Azubah  and  Enos. 

Nehemiah  Strong  was  son  of  Samuel  Strong  of  Northampton.  He 
was  twice  married,  (1)  to  Hannah  Edwards,  by  whom  he  had  children 
Nehemiah,  Mary    and    Simeon:   (2)  to    Catherine    Barrett  of   Sunderland. 

Preserved  Clapp  was  son  of  Preserved  Clapp  of  Northampton.  He 
married  in  1730  Sarah,  daughter  of  Christopher  West  of  Guilford,  Conn.; 
their  children  were  Preserved,  Sarah,  Lucy,  Irene,  Miriam,  Oliver,  Alary, 
Timothy  and  William. 

Westwood  Cook  was  son  of  Westwood  and  grandson  of  Capt.  Aaron 
Cook.  He  married  in  1723  Joanna,  daughter  of  Moses  Cook  ;  their  children 
were  Jane,  Moses,  Mary.  Joannah. 

Joseph  Eastman,  Jr.  was  son  of  Joseph'-  and  grandson  of  Joseph1 
Eastman  who  removed  in  1682  from  Salisbury  to  Hadley.  Joseph1' 
Eastman  married  in  1746  Sarah  Ingram;  their  children  were  Sarah,  Ruth, 
Joseph,  Ebenezer,  John,  Mercy,  Lydia,  Miry,  Hannah  and  Tilton. 

Eleazer  Mattoon  was  son  of  Philip  Mattoon  of  Springfield  and  removed 
to  the  new  settlement  from  Northfield  ;  his  children  were  Elizabeth, 
Ebenezer  and  Sarah. 


.2  8  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Rev.  David  Parsons  was  son  of  Rev.  David  and  was  born  in  Maiden, 
March  24,  17 12  ;  he  was  graduated  from  Harvard  college  in  1729.  He 
married  Eunice,  daughter  of  Gideon  Wells  of  Wethersfield,  Conn.  Their 
children  were  Eunice,  David,  Salome,  Mary,  Gideon  and  Leonard. 

Among  the  names  of  those  added  to  the  east  settlement  between  1745 
and  1763  are  found  the  following:  Thomas  Hastings,  Isaac  Goodale, 
Elijah  Baker,  Simeon  Pomeroy,  Jonathan  Edwards,  James  Merrick,  Simeon 
Clark,  Hezekiah  Belding,  John  Billings  and  Gideon  Henderson. 

Thomas  Hastings  was  son  of  Thomas2  and  grandson  of  Thomas1 
Hastings,  who  was  born  in  Watertown  in  1652  and  afterwards  removed 
to  Hatfield.  Thomas3  Hastings  married  Mary,  daughter  of  Joseph  Belden 
of  Hatfield  ;  their  children  were  Esther,  Sarah,  Thomas,  Aaron.  Waitstill, 
Samuel,  Sybil,  Moses,  Mary,  Elisha,  Tabitha  and  Lucy. 

Isaac  Goodale  (or  Goodell)  was  born  about  1730;  he  was  twice 
married,  (1)  in  1753  to  Huldah,  daughter  of  Thomas  Burt  of  Northampton, 
by  whom  he  had  childred  Isaac,  Mercy,  Thomas,  David  and  Eleanor  ; 
(2)  in  1805  to  Prudence  Billings. 

Elijah  Baker  was  son  of  John  Baker  of  Northampton.  He  was  twice 
married,  (1)  in  1757  to  Rebecca,  daughter  of  Jonathan  Smith,  by  whom 
he  had  children  Elijah,  Hannah,  Enos,  Sarah  and  Martin  ;  by  his  second 
wife  he  had  a  daughter  Martha. 

Simeon  Pomeroy  was  son  of  Samuel  Pomeroy  of  Northampton  and 
was  born  in  1725.  He  married  in  1747  Abigail  Smith  ;  their  children  were 
Abigail,  Eunice,  Lucy,  Simeon,  Mary,  Jerusha,  David,  Mary.  Dorcas, 
Samuel  and  Moses. 

Jonathan  Edwards  was  son  of  Nathaniel  Edwards  of  Northampton 
and  was  born  in  1722.  He  married  in  1748  Rebecca,  daughter  of  Samuel 
Smith  of  Sunderland  ;  their  children  were  Jonathan,  Rebecca,  Nathaniel. 
Lydia,  Philip,  Mary,  Sarah,  Hannah  and  Martha. 

James  Merrick  was  son  of  James  of  Monson  and  was  born  in  1729. 
He  married  in  1754  Esther  Colton  of  Longmeadow ;  their  children  were 
Mary,  Lucy,  Sarah,  James,  Samuel,  Esther,  and  Aaron. 

Simeon  Clark  was  son  of  Increase  Clark  of  Northampton  and  was 
born  in  1720.  He  married  in  1749  Rebecca,  daughter  of  Nathaniel 
Strong;  their  children  were  Eunice,  Simeon,  Levi,  Judah,  Lois,  Asahel, 
Justus,  Mary  and  Jerusha. 

Hezekiah  Belding  was  son  of  Samuel,  grandson  of  Stephen  and  great- 
grandson  of  Samuel  Belding  who  removed  from  Wethersfield  to  Hatfield. 
Hezekiah  llelding  was  four  times  married,  (1)  in  1752  to  Mary,  daughter 
of  Jonathan  Dickinson;  (2)  to  Abigail,  daughter  of  John  Nash  of  Hat- 
field;   (3)    in     1767     to    Martha    Eield    of    Sunderland;     (4)     in     1795     to 


THE    BURIAL    GROUND.  29/ 

Martha,  daughter  of  Widow  Smith  of  Hadley.  His  children  were  Mary, 
Elizabeth.  Submit.  Hepzibah.  Abigail,  John,  Elihu  and  Martha. 

John  Killings  was  son  of  Richard",  grandson  of  Samuel  and  great- 
grandson  of  Richard'  Billings  who  removed  from  Hartford  to  Hatfield 
in  1661.  John  Billings  was  twice  married,  (i)  to  Jerusha,  daughter  of 
John  Waite  of  Hatfield,  and  (2)  to  Sarah,  daughter  of  William  Mat- 
thews. His  children  were  Joel.  Hannah.  Lois,  Ursula,  John,  Moses,  Aaron, 
ferusha,  David,  Martha.  Sarah  and  Ame. 

Gideon  Henderson  resided  in  Northampton  and  Sunderland  before 
removing  to  the  east  settlement.  He  married  in  1740  Sarah  Baker;  their 
children  were  Sarah,  Gideon.  Mehitable,  Elizabeth,  Mary,  Timothy  and 
Susanna. 

These  necessarily  brief  and  incomplete  biographical  sketches  of  the 
early  settlers  in  the  limits  of  the  present  township  of  Amherst  contain  the 
names  of  most  of  those  who  were  prominent  in  the  early  history  of  the 
precinct,  district  and  town,  and  many  as  well  that  have  descended  from 
generation  to  generation,  and  are  borne  by  their  lineal  descendants  to-day. 
They  explain  why  it  is  that  the  names  of  Dickinson  and  Smith  and  Cowls 
and  a  score  of  others  are  found  on  nearly  every  page  of  the  old  precinct 
records,  and  occupy  so  prominent  a  place  in  assessors'  lists  and  muster- 
rolls,  and  later  on  in  town  directories.  Many  of  these  names  may  be — 
some  have  been — traced  back  to  the  earliest  settlements  in  Massachusetts, 
and  further  back,  across  the  Atlantic,  to  their  original  homes  in   England.. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


Burial  Ground  for  East  Inhabitants. — Occupations. — Wild  Animals. 
Hadley  Votes  Concerning  East  Inhabitants. — Third  Pre- 
cinct Set  Off. 

The  first  minute  in  the  town  records  of  Hadley  in  relation  to  the  east 
inhabitants  is  a  rather  gruesome  one,  relating  as  it  does  to  the  laying  out 
of  a  burial  ground  for  their  use.  It  is  found  under  date  of  Jan.  5,  1730, 
and  reads  as  follows  : 

"Voted  that  the  East  Inhabitants  have  Liberty  Granted  them  for  a  Burying" 
place  there  In  some  Convenient  place  and  made  choice  of  John  Ingram  Samuel 
Boltwood  and  John  Xash  Jun.  to  view  and  lay  out  about  an  acre  of  Land  for  said 
use  in  a  Convenient  place  and  form  and  make  return  thereof  at  next  March 
meeting." 


30  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST.    MASS. 

The  committee  was  prompt  to  accomplish  its  work,  as  is  found  on  the 
records  under  date  of   March  2.    1730  : 

''The  Comity  in  Jan.  Meeting  abovesaid  made  Return  as  follows:  They  have 
laid  out  the  Burying  place  fifteen  rod  joyning  on  Nath' Church's  Lot  west,  and 
twelve  rod  Last  in  the  highway,  being  about  an  acre  and  twenty  rod  of  ground  :  15 
rod  in  length  12  in  Bredth." 

The  principal  occupation  of  the  early  inhabitants  of  the  east  settle- 
ment at  Hadley  was  farming;  they  tilled  the  soil  as  their  fathers  and 
grandfathers  had  done  before  them.  Much  of  the  land  in  the  first  and 
second  divisions  was  of  excellent  quality,  rewarding  their  labors  with 
abundant  crops.  The  leading  products  were  Indian  corn,  wheat,  rye,  barley 
and  peas.  The  grain  was  ground  at  a  mill  located  on  what  was  known  as 
the  Mill  river,  which  marked  the  northern  boundary  of  the  first  division; 
the  flour  was  bolted  by  hand.  Much  of  the  land  was  free  from  timber  and 
only  required  plowing  to  fit  it  for  planting  the  seed.  The  Indians  had  a 
custom  of  burning  the  grass  and  leaves  in  November  of  each  year,  to 
render  hunting  easier  and  to  make  the  grass  grow ;  this  custom  was  gen- 
erally adopted  by  the  whites.  These  burnings  were  continued  in  some 
places  as  late  as  1750,  but  a  law  was  passed  in  1743  to  restrict  these  fires. 
Good  timber  was  far  from  abundant  and  at  an  early  date  restrictions  were 
made  upon  cutting  and  using  it.  Horses,  cattle,  sheep  and  hogs  were 
pastured  in  the  woods;  cows  were  under  a  keeper,  but  young  cattle  roamed 
without  restraint  and  were  often  allowed  to  remain  in  the  woods  until 
winter.  Town  rates,  ministers'  rates  and  private  debts  were  mostly  paid 
in  grain,  the  price  of  which  was  fixed  at  a  certain  sum  in   money. 

A  few  of  the  early  settlers  combined  some  other  occupation  with  that 
of  farming;  Nathaniel  Smith,  who  was  among  the  first  of  the  east  inhabi- 
tants, was  a  doctor,  the  first  to  practice  his  profession  in  the  new  settle- 
ment. Aaron  Warner,  also  one  of  the  first  settlers,  was  a  blacksmith  and 
practiced  his  trade  in  1741.  Ebenezer  Kellogg  kept  an  inn  from  1734  to 
1737,  and  was  also  engaged  in  trade.  Many  of  the  farmers  could  turn 
their  hands  to  carpentering  or  rough  mason-work,  and  their  wives  and 
daughters  spun  flax  and  carded  wool  and  wove  the  cloth  that  was  fashioned 
into  garments  not  always  shapely  but  comfortable.  "  Candlewood  "  and 
tallow-dips  provided  light  of  an  evening,  but  the  latter  were  esteemed  a 
luxury  only  to  be  indulged  in  on  state  occasions.  Beef,  pork  and  corn- 
meal  were  staple  articles  of  diet,  with  shad  and  salmon  in  their  season. 
The  Connecticut  river  was  formerly  very  prolific  in  shad,  but  the  fish  was 
little  esteemed.  Wildcats  and  bears  were  also  numerous;  blackbirds  and 
<  rows  were  such  a  nuisance  to  the  fanners  that  bounties  were  offered  for 
their  destruction.  Deer  and  turkeys  were  numerous  and  were  hunted 
both  by  the  Indians  and  the  whites. 


HADLEY    VOTES.  3  I 

In  Amherst  records  under  date  of  1767  is  found  the  name  "Wolfpit 
brook,"  showing  that  wolves  were  formerly  caught  in  pits  here,  as  in  other 
places.  That  they  were  numerous  and  caused  havoc  among  sheep  is  proved 
b\  the  bounties  offered  both  by  towns  and  by  the  state  for  their  destruction. 
Two  wolves  were  killed  in  Amherst  in  1765  and  the  following  application 
for  the  state  bounty  is  found  in  the  archives  at  Boston  : 

'•  Mr.  Treasurer— This  is  to  certify,  that  there  has  been  paid  out  of  the  Town 
of  Amherst  for  one  grown  wolf  killed  on  &  near  this  District  since  the  1st 
Day  of  March  last,  and  the  head  thereof  brought  unto  one  of  our  constables, 
and  the  ears  thereof  cut  off  in  the  Presence  of  some  of  ourselves,  as  the  Law 
directs,  and  so  certified  unto  us.  in  the  whole  the  sum  of  two  pounds,  which  sum  we 
desire  you  to  allow  to  our  District,  by  paying  the  same  unto  Simeon  Strong,  our 
District  Treasurer.  Dated  in  Amherst  aforesaid,  the  Seventh  Day  of  May  Anno 
Dom.  1765. 

John  Billings         j 

Simeon  Clark        [      Selectmen 

Moses   Dickinson  1 

In  17S7  Amherst  paid  Isaac  Hubbard  £6  for  killing  a  wolf.  In  1805 
two  wolves  ranged  for  some  time  from  the  northern  part  of  Amherst  and 
Hadley  to  the  northern  part  of  Montague,  and  killed  many  sheep.  Men 
from  three  or  four  towns  turned  out  after  a  light  snow  and  surrounded  and 
killed  them. 

A  glance  at  the  plan  of  Amherst  in  1770  shows  that  the  inhabitants 
were  about  evenly  divided  between  the  east  and  west  highways.  There 
was  no  one  living  on  the  main  highway  crossing  the  second  division,  and 
but  three  on  the  highway  that  crossed  the  same  division  further  south. 
There  was  an  extensive  settlement  at  the  north  end,  and  another  at  the 
south  end  near  the  Bay  road.  The  centre  of  population  was  probably  not 
far  from  where  the  first  meeting-house  had  been  erected,  on  College  hill. 

The  east  inhabitants  having  been  provided  with  a  burying  place,  we 
find  no  further  mention  of  them  in  Hadley  town  records  until  1731,  when 
under  date  of  Jan.  3  the  following  appears : 

•■  Voted  That  the  East  Inhabitants  that  are  at  the  charge  of  hireing  a  min- 
ister their  shall  be  abated  their  fifth  part  of  the  120  pound  Salary  above  mentioned 
to  the  Rev'1  M1  Chauncey." 

And  again  under  date  of  March  5,  1733  : 

"Voted  and  Granted  that  when  Ever  there  be  occasion  and  opportunity  to 
settle  a  good  orthodox  minister  among  our  East  Inhabitants,  that  the  then  East 
Inhabitants  of  our  Town  shall  have  and  it  is  hereby  Granted  unto  them  to  have 
the  fee  property  and  disposition  of  the  two  Lots  of  Land  in  the  Second  and  third 
division  of  out  Lands  known  by  the  name  of  Town  Land  or  Lots  to  Give,  Grantor 
Dispose  of  as  they  shall  think  Best  in  order  to  the  Settleing  a  good  orthodox 
minister  among  them."" 


32  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Again  under  date  of  August  27,  1733  : 

''Voted  That  our  East  Inhabitants  may  have  Liberty  to  hire  a  minister  to 
Preach  among  them  six  months  this  year  and  that  if  they  so  do  they  shall  be 
abated  one  half  of  their  rate  to  our  minister:  and  so  in  Proportion  for  the  time 
they  Hire  not  Exceeding  six  months." 

It  would  thus  appear  that  the  east  inhabitants  had  hired  a  minister 
previous  to  1731,  but  who  this  minister  was  there  is  nothing  in  the  records 
to  show.  The  inhabitants  of  Hadley  first  precinct  were  willing  that  the 
new  settlers  should  hire  a  minister,  but  at  the  same  time  desired  that  they 
should  continue  to  contribute  to  the  support  of  Rev.  Mr.  Chauncey.  This, 
naturally,  was  little  to  the  liking  of  the  east  inhabitants,  who  found  them- 
selves subjected  to  two  ministerial  rates.  There  was  but  one  means  by 
which  this  injustice  could  be  remedied  ;  that  was  by  forming  a  separate 
precinct,  and  in  June,  1734.  John  Ingram  and  others  signed  a  petition 
which  was  presented  to  the  General  Court,  praying  that  such  a  precinct 
might  be  set  off.  In  the  General  Court  Records  under  date  of  June  6, 
1734,  the  following  appears  : 

"A  Petition  of  John  Ingram  and  a  Great  Number  of  other  Inhabitants  of  a 
Tract  of  Land  lying  in  and  near  the  Township  of  Hadley  Bounded  Easterly  on 
the  East  bounds  of  said  Town  Northerly  on  Sunderland  Southerly  on  Mount 
Holyoke  &  Westerly  from  the  east  bounds  of  Hadley  about  two  miles  and  three 
Quarters  Showing  their  distance  from  the  place  of  Publick  Worship  in  said  Town 
and  theirAdvantageous  Situation  for  their  being  made  a  precinct  and  therefore 
praying  that  they  be  constituted  a  separate  precinct  accordingly — 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  Read  &  Ordered  That  the  Pet"  serve  the 
first  precinct  in  Hadley  with  a  Copy  of  the  Petition  that  they  shew  cause  if  any 
they  have  on  the  first  Thursday  of  the  next  Sitting  of  the  Court  why  the  prayer 
thereof  should  not  be  Granted. 

In  Council  Read  &  Concurred." 

The  Hadley  records  under  date  of  June  26,  1734,  contain  the 
following  entry  : 

"At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  First  Precinct  Voted  Dea  Eastman  Moderator  for 
said  meeting  it  being  put  to  vote  whether  we  are  willing  to  set  off  our  East  Inhab- 
itants a  separate  Precinct  and  it  past  in  the  negative. 

Voted  that  they  will  make  answer  to  the  Petition  to  the  General  Court  to 
shew  the  unreasonableness  thereof.  Voted  Elezr  Porter  Capt.  Smith  Leut  Moses 
Cook'Dea  Eastman  and  Job  Marsh  a  Committee  to  draw  up  something  in  order  to 
send  to  the  General  Court  against  said  Petition  and  left  to  their  discretion  to  send 
a  man  clown  if  they  think  best  to  manage  that  business  to  the  General  Court  at 
the  Town's  Charge." 

The  '•  something  "  drawn  up  by  this  committee  was  carried  to  Boston 
by  Capt.  Luke  Smith  and  proved  such  an  effective  argument  that  the 
petition  was  not  granted  at  the  time.  A  later  minute  in  the  records  shows. 
that : 


HADLEY    THIRD    PRECINCT    SET    OFF,  $$ 

••  Ebenezer  Kellogg,  John  Wells.  Nath1  Church,  Peletiah  Smith  and  Nath 
Smith  do  enter  their  Decent  against  paying  of  Capt.  Smith  for  going  to  Boston 
upon  the  Town  Business  Respecting  a  Petition  of  the  East  Inhabitants." 

December  10,  1734,  a  second  petition  headed  by  Zechariah  Field  and 
signed  by  the  east  inhabitants,  praying  that  they  might  be  set  off  a  separate 
precinct,  was  presented  to  the  General  Court.  This  petition  is  missing 
from  the  state  archives.  In  the  General  Court  Records  under  date  of 
December,  1734,  is  found  the  following  : 

•'On  the  petition  of  Zechariah  Field  and  othersof  the  town  of  Hadley  praying- 
as  entered  the  10th  Currant. — 

Ordered  That  the  prayer  of  the  petition  be  Granted,  and  the  Lands  hereafter 
bounded  and  Described  with  the  Inhabitants  thereon  be  and  hereby  are  Erected 
into  a  Seperate  and  Destinct  Precinct  Accordingly  ;  The  precinct  being  of  the 
Contents  of  ten  miles  and  three  Quarters  in  bredth  and  Seven  miles  in  length; 
Bounded  westerly  on  a  Tract  of  Land  Reserved  by  the  Town  of  Hadley  to  ly  as 
Comon  forever.  Southerly  on  Boston  Road,  Easterly  on  the  Equivalent  Lands  and 
northerly  on  the  Town  of  Sunderland  And  the  petit"  and  Inhabitants  of  the  said 
Precint  are  hereby  obliged  and  Enjoyned  within  three  years  to  Build  a  Convenient 
House  for  the  Publick  worship  of  <  lod,  Settle  a  Learned  orthodox  Minister  among 
them  (one  of  Good  Conversation)  &  provide  for  his  handsome  &  honorable  Support ; 
and  the  better  to  Enable  them  to  proceed  herein.  It  is  hereby  further  Ordered 
that  the  Lands  Lying  and  being  within  the  said  Precinct  belonging  to  Non  Resi- 
dent proprietors  (not  belonging  to  the  old  Precinct  in  Hadley)  be  and  hereby  are 
subjected  to  a  Tax  of  two  pence  per  acre — for  the  Space  of  Six  years  next  coming 
to  be  applied  for  the  Support  of  the  ministry  there." 

The  lands  comprised  within  the  present  limits  of  the  township  of 
South  Hadley  were  set  off  as  the  second  or  south  precinct  of  Hadley  in 
1732  ;  the  new  precinct,  or  what  is  now  Amherst,  thus  became  by  the  act 
of  separation  "  Hadley  Third  Precinct."  It  had  previously  been  known 
as  "  Xew  Swamp,"  "  Foote's  Folly  Swamp."  "Hadley  Farms,"  ''Fast 
Farms,"  "  Hadley  Outer  Commons  "  and  "East  Hadley."  The  warrant 
for  the  first  meeting  in  the  new  Precinct  was  signed  by  Eleazar  Porter, 
justice  of  the  peace,  and  was  dated  Sept.  22,  1735.  It  was  served  by 
Ebenezer  Kellogg  and  the  meeting  was  held  Oct.  8.  At  that  time  it  was 
the  custom  to  hold  two  town  meetings  annually,  one  in  January  when 
ordinary  business  was  transacted,  and  one  in  March  when  officers  were 
elected  for  the  ensuing  year.  Previous  to  1735,  and  for  many  years  there- 
after, the  year  was  considered  to  end  March  25  instead  of  Jan.  1,  and  this 
has  frequently  caused  a  confusion  of  dates  in  copying  and  quoting  from 
ancient  records.  Thus  January,  February  and  March  up  to  the  25th  were 
accounted  a  part  of  and  dated  as  the  preceding  year.  The  Third  Precinct 
adopted  the  custom  of  the  town  in  holding  its  regular  meetings  in  January 
and  March,  and  also  introduced  a  custom  of  holding  special  meetings  which 
has  continued  up  to  the  present  time.  Samuel  Hawley  was  chosen  moder- 
3 


34 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


ator   of  the   first   meeting,  and   together   with   John    Ingram    and   Samuel 
Boltwood  was  chosen  a  member  of  the  committee  to  call  precinct  meetings. 


CHAPTER   V. 


David  Parsons,  the  First  Minister. — Organization  of  the  First 
Church. — Mr.  Parsons'  Salary  and  Firewood. — The  First 
Meeting-House. 

One  of  the  conditions  imposed  by  the  General  Court  in  setting  off  the 
new  precinct  was  the  building  within  three  years  of  a  "  Convenient  House 
for  the  Publick  worship  of  God,"  another  the  settling  of  a  "Learned 
orthodox  Minister  among  them  "  and  providing  "  for  his  handsome  and 
honorable  Support."  To  fulfilling  these  conditions  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Third  Precinct  addressed  themselves  at  their  first  public  meeting,  appoint- 
ing a  committee  to  have  charge  of  building  the  meeting-house  and  voting 
to  hire  a  minister  half  a  year.  This  committee  engaged  the  services  of 
Rev.  David  Parsons,  Jr.,  who  began  preaching  in  the  Third  Precinct  in 
November,  1735.  Mr.  Parsons  was  son  of  Rev.  David  Parsons  who  was 
settled  in  the  ministry  at  Maiden  and  afterwards  at  Leicester,  and  grand- 
son of  Joseph  Parsons,  Esq.  of  Northampton.  He  was  born  in  Maiden, 
March  24,  17  12,  and  was  graduated  from  Harvard  college  in  the  class  of 
1729.  He  married  Eunice,  daughter  of  Gideon  Wells  of  YYethersfield, 
Conn.  Three  years  after  graduation  he  took  the  degree  of  A.  M.  at 
Harvard,  the  theme  of  his  thesis  on  that  occasion  being  "  Whether  all  the 
Sacred  writings  are  contained  in  the  books  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ment," which  he  answered  in  the  affirmative.  He  was  described  by  a 
lifelong  friend  as  "a  man  of  strong  intellectual  powers,  with  a  penetrating 
eye,  giving  token  of  that  shrewd  and  judicial  mind  which  made  his  counsel 
valued  ;  retaining  his  classical  learning  beyond  most  men  of  his  age,  but 
with  '  divinity  '  as  his  favorite  study  :  a  doctrinal  preacher,  reverent  in 
manner,  devout  in  temper  and  fervent  in  prayer.  His  sermons  were 
scholarly  and  orthodox  to  a  degree."  Judd  says  in  his  history  of  Hadley, 
"April  26,  1 76 1,  Mr.  Parsons  of  Amherst  preached  at  Hadley  a  spring 
sermon,  from  the  beautiful  description  of  spring  in  Solomon's  Songs  11  : 
10 — 13."  And  again  :  "  Mr.  Parsons  of  Amherst  preached  a  sacramen- 
tal  sermon  at  Hadley,  March  31,  1754,  from  Cant.  1:12."     At  a  meeting 


REV.    DAVID    PARSONS.  35 

held  March  10.  1755.  the  precinct  voted  to  raise  fifteen  pounds  of  money 
to  be  paid  towards  the  minister's  rate.  At  a  meeting  held  Sept.  16,  1736, 
it  was  again  voted  to  hire  a  minister  six  months.  The  earliest  pages  of 
the  old  Precinct  and  District  records,  which  up  to  17S2  were  the  parish 
records  as  well,  and  which  are  copied  in  the  last  part  of  this  volume,  are 
largely  given  up  to  votes  concerning  the  Rev.  David  Parsons,  his  salary, 
his  settlement  and  his  firewood,  and  to  votes  concerning  the  building  and 
"seating1'  of  the  meeting-house.  At  the  risk  of  some  repetition,  it  is 
thought  best  to  present  here  in  connected  form  the  doings  of  the  early 
inhabitants  of  the  Third  Precinct  in  regard  to  their  first  minister  and  their 
first  meeting-house. 

In  April,  1737.  the  Precinct  voted  to  give  David  Parsons.  Jr.  a  call  to 
settle  in  the  ministry  ;  the  salary  was  to  be  ^80  the  first  year  and  £5  to 
be  added  yearly  until  the  sum  amounted  to  ^100.  It  was  also  voted  to 
build  him  a  house.  40  feet  in  length.  2  1  feet  in  breadth  and  two  stories 
high,  and  to  give  him  the  two  lots  of  land  granted  by  the  town  of  Hadley 
in  1733.  In  [uly  of  the  same  year  it  was  voted  to  try  to  get  more  lands 
for  his  settlement.  In  September  it  was  voted  to  give  him  £120  pounds 
salary.  These  inducements  evidently  were  not  sufficient,  for  in  November 
it  was  voted  to  hire  a  minister  for  five  months  and  to  give  him  40  shillings 
a  Sabbath.  Mr.  Parsons  preached  in  Southampton  in  1737  and  1738, 
but  that  he  also  preached  in  the  Third  Precinct  is  shown  by  bills  that  were 
allowed  at  the  Precinct  meeting  March  16,  1738,  including  one  from  John 
Cowls  of  five  shillings  for  keeping  Mr.  Parsons'  horse,  and  eight  shillings 
to  Jonathan  Cowls  for  keeping  Mr.  Parsons  upon  the  Sabbath.  December 
15,  1738.  it  was  voted  to  raise  ^Tioo  for  Mr.  David  Parsons  for  preaching 
the  year  past.  Under  the  same  date  is  found  the  first  vote  in  relation  to 
Mr.  Parsons'  firewood,  which  afterwards  proved  such  an  important  item  in 
the  allowance  for  his  support.  July  12,  1739,  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Precinct  extended  still  another  offer  to  Mr.  Parsons  to  settle  there  in  the 
ministry.  They  voted  to  give  him  the  two  lots  of  land  granted  by  the 
town  of  Hadley  and  ^175  of  money  towards  building  his  house.  In  Sep- 
tember of  the  same  year  they  voted  as  his  salary  ^100  the  first  year  and 
agreed  to  make  yearly  additions  until  the  salary  amounted  to  £  160.  Sept. 
28,  1739,  Mr.  Parsons  accepted  the  call  and  Nov.  7.  1739.  as  is  learned 
from  the  old  record  book,  he  was  "  ordained  Pastor  of  the  Church  of 
Christ  in  Hadley  Third  Precinct,  which  was  gathered  on  that  Day  &:  con- 
sisted of  the  Persons  hereafter  mentioned."' 

The  persons  who  thus  united  to  form  the  first  church  in  Hadley  Third 
Precinct  were  : 


3^ 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


David  Parsons,  pastor, 
Samuel   Mauley, 
Pelatiah  Smith, 
Aaron  Smith, 
Nathaniel  Smith, 


John  Ingram. 
John  Nash, 
John  Cowls. 
Jonathan  Smith, 
Jonathan  Cowls, 


Nathaniel  Kellogg, 
Eleazer  Mattoon, 
Ebenezer  Dickinson, 
Ebenezer  Kellogg, 
Joseph  Clary, 
Richard  Chauncey. 

These  names  include  those  of  ten  of  the  18  men  who  were  numbered 
among  the  east  inhabitants  in  1 73 1.  Of  the  other  eight,  four  died  previous 
to  1739  and  two  had  removed.  Stephen  Smith  and  Nathaniel  Church  were 
residents  of  the  Precinct  in  1739  but  their  names  do  not  appear  on  the 
church  roll.  To  these  original  members  of  the  church  there  were  added 
Jan.  1,  1740,  "by  recommendation  from  other  churches,"  the  following: 

Mehetabel  Hawley,  Wid.  Abigail  Smith, 

Alary  Cowls,  Elizabeth  Mattoon, 

Wid.  Hannah  Boltwood.        Sarah  Hawley, 

Wid.  Lydia  Ingram, 

Sarah  Clary, 

Rebecca  Hawley, 

Sarah  Kellogg, 

Sarah  Dickinson, 

Mary  Boltwood, 

Abigail  Moody. 


David  Smith. 
Hannah  Smith, 
Sarah  Cowls, 
Martha  Boltwood, 
Mehetabel  Ingram, 
Abigail  Field, 
Hannah  Nash', 
Elizabeth  Smith, 
Ruth  Boltwood, 


Elizabeth  Kellogg, 
Wid.  Sarah  Field, 
Mehetabel  Smith, 
Abigail  Smith, 
Elizabeth  Chauncey, 
Hannah  Murray, 


Of  these  28  persons  all  but  one  were  females  and  were  the  mothers, 
wives  and  daughters  of  the  original  members.  Of  the  sixteen  original 
members  all  but  one,  the  minister,  were  house-holders,  married  and  had 
children.  Of  the  women  who  united  with  the  church  there  were  six  wdiose 
husbands  were  not  members.  The  whole  number  of  families  represented 
in  the  church  by  either  husband  or  wife  was  24,  the  whole  number  in  the 
settlement  29.  Four  days  after  the  church  was  organized  the  pastor  bap- 
tized Jonathan,  the  son  of  Jonathan  and  Sarah  Cowls,  and  in  less  than  a 
month  he  baptized  three  more  children.  During  the  first  pastorate  there 
were  583  baptisms,  nearly  all  of  children.  Two  of  the  females  who  united 
with  the  church  were  young  and  unmarried,  Elizabeth  Smith  and  Ruth 
Boltwood.  The  sons  and  daughters  of  the  families  first  represented  in  the 
church  numbered  in  all  over  190,  not  all  living  at  one  time,  but  there  was 
no  lack  of  a  youthful  element  in  parish  or  congregation. 

The  salary  voted  to  Mr.  Parsons  at  the  time  of  his  settlement  was 
^100  for  the  first  year,  with  an  annual  increase  until  the  sum  should 
amount  to  ^TiCo.  This  was  to  be  paid  in  "  Province  Bills  of  ye  old  Tenour 
or  one-third  so  much  of  ye  New,"  until  the  year  1741.  Province  bills  were 
first  issued  in  Massachusetts  in  1702,  to  supply  a  lack  of  circulating 
medium.  As  these  bills  increased  in  number  their  value  suffered  a  corre- 
sponding decrease.      In  May,  1736,  a  new  issue  of  bills  was  made,   which 


THE    MINISTERS    FIREWOOD.  37 

was  ordered  to  be  equal  to  coined  silver  at  6s.  Sd.  per  ounce,  or  three 
times  as  much  as  the  old.  Thereafter  the  first  issues  were  known  as  "  old 
tenor  "  and  the  later  one  as  "new  tenor  "  or  "  lawful  money."  In  Novem- 
ber, 1 741,  there  was  still  another  issue,  of  which  one  pound  was  to  be 
equal  in  value  to  four  pounds  of  "old  tenor."  This  latest  issue  then 
became  ''new  tenor"  and  that  of  1736  was  referred  to  as  "middle  tenor." 
The  precinct  further  agreed  that  after  1741  it  would  pay  Mr.  Parsons' 
salary  in  money,  "if  any  be  passing"  or  in  some  commodity  equivalent  to 
"money  on  the  footing  money  now  stands."  The  salary  was  to  be  paid 
annually  in  the  month  of  March.  This  salary  was  to  be  raised  by  a  rate 
upon  polls  and  estates;  these  as  they  were  recorded  in  the  year  1738  were 
as  follows:  Polls  35,  each  valued  at  £1,  5s.  6d.;  estates  ^1101,  10s.  6d.; 
the  rate  was  made  at  one  shilling  on  the  pound.  In  1746  it  was  voted  to 
allow  Mr.  Parsons  35  shillings  the  ounce  for  his  salary  ;  in  1750  this  had 
arisen  to  £5  the  ounce.  In  1754  and  1755  the  district  added  each  year 
to  Mr.  Parsons'  salary  £92,  10s.  "old  tenor,"  and  in  1756  £13,  6s.  8cl. 
"new  tenor."  In  1757  the  addition  was  ,£15  "lawful  money."  In  1759, 
1760  and  1761  the  entire  salary  was  for  each  year  ,£66,  13s.  4d.  "lawful 
money."  In  1762  and  1763  the  sum  of  £§0  lawful  money  was  voted. 
In  1764  a  committee  was  appointed  to  consult  with  Mr.  Parsons  in  regard 
to  his  salary,  and  he  suggested  the  sum  of  £&o  lawful  money  with  firewood, 
or  £"93,  6s.  8d.  without  firewood.  The  latter  proposition  was  accepted. 
This  salary  was  to  be  paid  in  money,  or  should  that  be  scarce,  in  grain  and 
other  necessaries  of  life. 

Judd  says  in  his  Hadley  history  :  "  I  never  found  in  any  records  a 
minister  who  consumed  so  much  wood  as  Mr.  Parsons."  In  1738  it  was 
voted :  "  yt  Each  head  &  teame  be  Improved  to  get  firewood  for  Mr. 
Parsons."  In  1742,  60  loads  were  provided,  each  load  containing  probably 
from  two-thirds  to  three-fourths  of  a  cord;  in  1743,  Mr.  Parsons  received 
70  loads  of  wood,  in  1744,  80,  in  1749,  90  and  in  1751.,  100  "good"  loads. 
For  a  long  time  the  value  of  wood  was  only  the  expense  of  cutting  and 
drawing  it;  in  1742  it  was  valued  at  eight  shillings  the  load  old  tenor,  in 
1750,  three  shillings  per  load  new  tenor,  in  1763,  18  shillings  old  tenor.  In 
1745  the  precinct  voted  £40  old  tenor  for  providing  the  wood,  in  1747  it 
paid  Dea.  Ebenezer  Dickinson  ,£36  for  furnishing  it.  In  1749,  £122,  10s. 
was  appropriated  and  in  1750  £13,  10s.  "  lawful  money."  After  1764  Mr. 
Parsons  provided  his  own  firewood  as  per  agreement.  The  early  settlers 
made  use  of  oak,  walnut  and  other  hard  woods  as  firewood  ;  pine,  chest- 
nut and  other  soft  woods  were  not  generally  used  until  a  comparatively 
recent  period.  The  old  fashioned  fireplaces  of  generous  proportions  with 
the  strong  draught  furnished  by  the  great  stone  chimneys  were  great  con- 
sumers of  fuel. 


3$>  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

At  the  first  meeting  of  the  Third  Precinct  it  was  voted  to  build  a 
meeting-house  and  to  set  it  on  the  hill  east  of  John  Nash's  house  ;  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  see  to  the  building.  November  25  of  the  same 
year  it  was  voted  to  set  the  meeting-house  near  the  "  Hartling  Stake  ;" 
Dec.  25  it  was  voted  to  set  it  upon  the  east  end  of  Noah  Smith's  lot,  and 
Nov.  14,  173S  the  former  votes  were  revoked  and  the  original  location,  on 
the  hill  east  of  John  Nash's  house,  was  decided  on.  The  house  was  to  be 
45  feet  in  length,  35  in  breadth,  to  be  covered  with  "quarter-boards"  of 
spruce  and  roofed  with  spruce  shingles  "  with  out  sap."  March  22,  1737, 
it  was  voted  to  frame,  raise  and  cover  the  meeting-house  that  year.  Dec. 
15,  173S,  it  was  voted  to  raise  ^19  for  framing  the  meeting-house  and  ^3, 
17s.  were  voted  to  Ebenezer  Kellogg  for  rum  and  sugar  which  were  prob- 
ably important  factors  at  this  as  at  all  old-time  "  raisings."  The  house 
was  built  upon  the  hill  where  the  Amherst  College  observatory  now  stands, 
which  was  then  about  the  center  of  the  common.  It  was  not  completed 
until  1753,  although  meetings  were  held  in  it  before  1742.  March  25, 
1743,  it  was  voted  to  provide  fastenings  for  the  meeting-house  doors  and  to 
secure  the  windows;  it  was  also  voted  to  give  Aaron  Warner  30  shillings 
to  sweep  the  meeting-house  and  to  "give  a  signe  "  when  to  go  to  meeting, 
for  one  year.  March  16,  1  741,  it  was  voted  to  build  a  pew  for  the  minister's 
wife  and  said  pew  was  to  be  where  "  Rev.  Mr.  David  Parsons  shall  chuse." 
November  3,  1744,  it  was  voted  to  build  two  pews  in  the  meeting-house, 
one  upon  the  woman's  side  and  one  upon  the  men's  side,  and  also  to  finish 
the  outside  of  the  house;  December  11  the  vote  respecting  the  building 
of  pews  was  revoked  and  it  was  voted  to  build  all  pews  around  the  sides 
of  the  meeting-house.  November  16,  ij^S,  £  100  was  voted  for  building 
pews  in  the  meeting-house.  August  3,  1749,  it  was  voted  to  seat  the  males 
together  and  the  females  together.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  "  seat" 
the  meeting-house  ;  in  so  doing  they  were  to  have  regard  to  age,  estate  and 
qualifications.  This  question  of  "seating"  the  meeting-house  seems  to 
have  been  one  of  the  most  vexatious  problems  with  which  the  inhabitants 
of  the  Third  Precinct  had  to  deal.  A  person's  seat  in  the  meeting-house 
was  to  a  certain  extent  an  index  of  his  standing  in  the  community.  This 
fact  must  have  occasioned  rivalry  and  jealousy,  for  although  the  early 
inhabitants  were  a  God-fearing  people  they  were  not  superior  to  the  weak- 
nesses of  human  nature.  It  was  no  light  or  agreeable  task  that  the  com- 
mittee on  '•  seating  "  the  house  were  called  upon  to  perform  ;  however  ably 
or  conscientiously  they  may  have  accomplished  their  work  the  result  was 
bound  to  awaken  criticism.  There  were  certain  seats  that  were  regarded 
as  of  especial  dignity  and  honor,  and  these  were  awarded  to  persons  on 
whom  wealth  or  official  dignity  were  esteemed  to  confer  their  title.  The 
committee  which  first  seated  the  house  consisted  of  five  persons,  but  Jan. 


WATCH    ONCE    OWNED    BY    DR.    NATHANIEL    SMITH. 


YE    KINK."    THAT    FIRST    SI    MMONED    WORSHIPERS    TO    "MEETING 


THE    FIRST    MEETING-HOUSE.  39 

18,  1750,  it  was  voted  to  seat  the  meeting-house  anew  and  four  other 
persons  were  added  to  the  committee,  making  nine  in  all.  July  5,  1753, 
it  was  voted  to  make  four  pews  in  the  meeting-house,  "where  the  Hind 
seats  are  "  and  to  move  the  other  seats  forward.  March  22,  1754,  four 
persons  were  granted  liberty  to  build  a  pew  where  the  "  two  hind  seats  " 
were,  and  the  "  Late  Seators  "  were  requested  to  consider  if  they  could 
reasonably  make  any  alterations  in  seating  the  house.  March  24,  1755, 
the  committee  was  desired  to  make  some  alterations  so  as  to  provide  for 
new  comers.  March  24,  1760,  a  committee  of  five  was  chosen  to  seat  the 
meeting-house,  and  still  another  committee  for  the  same  purpose  Feb.  1, 
1762.  Dec.  19,  1763,  twelve  persons  were  granted  leave  to  build  a  pew 
in  the  place  of  the  "  two  hind  seats  in  the  upper  Teer  in  the  Gallary,"  but 
were  to  resign  the  same  when  the  district  required  it.  Jan.  5,  1767,  the 
house  again  required  seating  and  a  committee  of  five  was  appointed  to 
attend  to  the  matter.  March  16,  1768  it  was  voted  that  children  and 
"Prentices  "  should  be  required  to  keep  their  seats.  Jan.  21.  177  1,  it  was 
voted  to  make  some  changes  in  seating  the  meeting-house. 

Nov.  15,  1750,  it  was  voted  to  provide  glass  for  mending  the  meeting- 
house windows  and  Dec.  2,  1751,  to  finish  the  meeting-house  the  year 
ensuing.  No  picture  or  likeness  of  the  first  meeting-house  exists  :  it  is 
probable  that  none  was  ever  made.  Drawing  and  painting  were  not  among 
the  accomplishments  of  the  early  inhabitants  and  the  photographer's 
camera  was  unknown.  It  could  not  have  been  a  very  ornamental  structure  ; 
the  only  rules  that  governed  colonial  architecture  in  those  days  were  utility 
and  the  covering  of  a  maximum  of  space  at  a  minimum  of  expense.  It 
probably  was  of  the  dimensions  specified  in  the  original  vote  to  build  it.  45 
feet  in  length  and  35  in  breadth.  It  had  galleries,  and  the  seats  in  these 
were  probably  reserved,  as  was  the  custom,  for  persons  of  inferior  estate. 
It  had  no  bell  and  the  signal  for  attending  worship  was  the  blowing  of  a 
conch  shell,  which  was  indifferently  written  as  "  konk "  or  "kunk"  by 
keepers  of  the  early  records.  A  salary  was  voted  each  year  to  some  able- 
bodied  and  strong-lunged  person  for  sweeping  the  meeting-house  and 
blowing  the  conch.  There  was  no  musical  instrument  of  any  kind  as  an 
aid  to  the  congregational  singing,  except  it  might  have  been  a  tuning-fork 
or  pitch-pipe.  There  was  no  artificial  light  or  heat,  unless  some  of  the 
good  dames  brought  with  them  their  foot-stoves  and  filled  them  with  coals 
at  the  house  of  some  hospitable  neighbor.  Carpets  were  an  unknown 
luxury,  and  the  hard  wooden  seats,  innocent  of  cushions,  were  calculated 
to  keep  their  occupants  fully  awake  to  the  spiritual  admonitions  that  came 
from  the  pulpit. 

The  officers  of  the  parish  were  a  clerk  and  deacons.  John  Nash,  the 
first  clerk    elected,    served   for  many   years.      Eleazer    Mattoon    had    the 


4°  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

title  of  deacon  in  1739;  he  may  have  been  a  deacon  at  Northfield. 
Ebenezer  Dickinson  was  called  deacon  in  1740,  John  Nash  in  1742,  Jona- 
than Edwards  in  1766,  Simeon  Clark  in  1770,  Eleazar  Smith  in  1782.  The 
committees  on  building  and  seating  the  meeting-house  were  made  up  of 
the  most  influential  men  in  the  parish.  The  original  building  committee 
consisted  of  Samuel  Boltwood,  Ebenezer  Dickinson,  John  Cowls,  Peletiah 
Smith  and  John  Ingram,  Jr.  The  committee  appointed  in  1749  to  seat  the 
meeting-house  included  Lieut.  Jonathan  Smith,  Solomon  Boltwood,  John 
Nash,  Dea.  Ebenezer  Dickinson  and  Lieut.  Ebenezer  Kellogg. 

In  the  church  records  under  date  of  May  31,  1741,  is  found  the  first 
minute  in  regard  to  the  use  of  wine  at  communion  services  ;  it  reads  as 
follows : 

"  The  church  voted  to  raise  a  contribution  of  5s.  upon  each  communicant  for 
purchasing  a  stock  of  wine  for  the  year  ensuing,  and  procuring  furniture  for  the 
communion  table,  which  amounted  to  the  sum  of  — " 

Contributions  of  4s.  6d.  were  voted  in  1742  and  1744,  and  in  the 
records  under  date  of  March  26,  1746  is  the  following: 

"  At  a  church  meeting  regularly  warned  the  church  voted  that  such  members 
■of  the  church  as  neglected  to  pay  in  their  part  of  the  contribution  within  four  weeks 
after  it  was  publickly  called,  should  be  together  as  persons  who  walk  disorderly." 

The  additions  to  the  church  for  the  first  25  years  after  its  organization 
numbered  as  follows:  In  1741,  24;  1742,  10;  1746,  6  ;  1747,  2  ;  1748, 
2:    1749,    1;    1750,   3;    1751,    2;    1752,    5;    1753,    4;    1754,    9;    1755,    5; 

^s6^;  1757-  -  ^  ^s8'6;  1759*4;  1760-  II:  1762'6;  1763^  7- 

In  1735,  the  year  that  David  Parsons  began  his  ministry  in  the  Third 
Precinct  of  Hadley,  a  great  revival  of  religion  had  taken  place  among  the 
inhabitants  of  towns  in  the  Connecticut  river  valley.  Four  years  later,  or 
the  same  year  in  which  the  church  in  the  Third  Precinct  was  organized, 
there  was  another  great  religious  awakening  in  which  George  Whitefield, 
the  evangelist,  took  part.  There  can  be  little  question  that  this  arousing 
of  religious  interest  had  a  marked  effect  upon  the  membership  of  the  new 
church,  adding  to  its  numbers  and  cementing  them  more  closely  in  the  bonds 
of  Christian  fellowship.  Under  the  ministrations  of  David  Parsons  the 
church  grew  and  prospered,  with  no  serious  division  among  its  members 
until  his  death,  which  occurred  Jan.  1,  1781. 


HADLEY    APPROPRIATIONS    FOR    SCHOOLS.  4 1 


CHAPTER  VI. 


School  Appropriations  p,y  Hadley  and  by  the  Third  Precinct. — 
First  School  Houses. — Lands  Comprised  in  Hadley  Third 
Precinct. — Annexations  of  Land. 

It  is  probable  that  for  many  years  after  the  first  settlement  at  East 
Hadley,  and  after  the  setting  off  of  the  Third  Precinct,  the  children  of  the 
early  settlers  attended  school  in  the  parent  town.  The  Hadley  records 
under  date  of  March  6,  1748,  contain  the  following: 

"  Voted  that  one  hundred  Pounds  (old  tenor)  be  granted  and  raised  for  and 
towards  the  Support  of  Schooling  in  the  Second  and  third  precincts  :  that  is  to 
say,  Fifty  Pounds  for  the  use  of  the  Second  Precinct  and  Fifty  Pounds  for  the 
use  of  the  Third  Precinct." 

This  is  the  first  reference  that  can  be  found  in  regard  to  schooling  in 
the  Precinct,  although  Tudd  considers  it  probable  that  some  private  schools 
were  established  before  that  date.  In  1734,  Samuel  Mighill,  an  old  school- 
master, resided  in  the  Precinct.  May  17,  1754,  the  town  of  Hadley  appro- 
priated £6,  13s.  for  schooling  in  the  Second  Precinct;  South  Hadley  had 
been  set  off  as  a  separate  district  and  the  Third  Precinct  had  become  the 
Second.  Aug.  5  of  the  same  year  Hadley  voted  that  the  money  appropri- 
ated for  schools  in  the  Second  Precinct  "  be  employed  in  hiring  some  suit- 
able schoolmaster."  March  3,  1753,^80  old  tenor  was  voted  by  Hadley 
for  schooling  in  the  Second  Precinct ;  March  1.  1756,  the  sum  was  increased 
to  ^"150,  old  tenor.  March  7,  1757,  Hadley  allowed  ^"20  "lawful"  for 
schooling  in  the  Second  Precinct.  The  following  year  the  town  voted  that 
the  Precinct  should  be  set  off  as  a  separate  District  and,  consequently, 
made  no  further  provision  for  the  maintenance  of  its  schools. 

The  early  schools  in  the  Precinct  were  generally  taught  by  men. 
They  were  long  kept  in  private  rooms  and  were  in  session  but  a  few  months 
each  year.  The  pay  of  the  school-masters  was  small,  a  part  of  it  being 
borne  by  the  parents  of  the  pupils.  Free  public  schools  were  unknown 
until  a  much  later  period.  In  Judd's  unpublished  mss.  is  found  the  record 
of  a  conversation  with  John  Dickinson  of  Amherst,  born  in  1757,  in  which 
Mr.  Dickinson  said  that  when  he  was  young  he  thought  no  schoolmistresses 
were  employed  in  the  public  schools  ;  girls  went  to  school,  but  there  was 
not  much  schooling.  "  Mr.  Dickinson  and  Mr.  Pierce  used  to  keep  school 
in  Amherst  after  they  were  run  down  in  Hadley.  Dickinson  was  very  odd 
in    pulpit   and   school.     A   boy   said  he  made  more  fun  in  the  pulpit  than 


42  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Mr.  P."  The  Mr.  Pierce  mentioned  above  was  Josiah  Pierce  of  Hadley, 
who  began  to  teach  school  in  Amherst  Oct.  27,  1766  ;  he  taught  six  months 
or  more  in  the  year  for  three  years.  His  pay  was  32  shillings,  or  $5.33  a 
month,  and  his  board.  In  winter  evenings  he  kept  ciphering  schools  a  few 
weeks  at  one  shilling  an  evening.  In  the  winter  from  30  to  40  attended 
his  day  school  in  Amherst,  and  in  summer  about  half  as  many.  March 
29,  1769,  he  dismissed  the  school  for  want  of  wood.  He  probably  taught 
Latin  if  desired. 

The  first  vote  in  the  Third  Precinct  records  in  regard  to  schooling  is 
found  under  date  of  March  13,  1749,  or  about  one  year  after  the  first 
recorded  grant  of  school  money  by  the  town  to  the  precinct.  The  vote 
was  to  hire  three  "  scool  Dames  "  for  three  or  four  months  in  the  summer 
season  to  teach  children  to  read.  The  first  record  of  an  appropriation  for 
schools  by  the  Precinct  is  under  date  of  March  22,  1754;  the  amount  was 
£4.  The  records  contain  no  further  mention  of  school  appropriations 
until  March  19,  1759,  when  it  was  voted  to  raise  ^20  ;  this  was  the  year 
that  the  Precinct  was  raised  into  a  District,  by  the  name  of  Amherst.  The 
appropriations  made  for  schooling  in  the  years  immediately  succeeding 
were  as  follows:  Jan.  23,  1760,  ^10,  13s.,  4c!.;  March  iS,  1760,  £13,  6s., 
Sd.;  March  2,  1761,  ,£14;  Dec.  22,  1 76 1,  ,£5  "more";  April  28,  1762, 
^"13,  6s.,  Sd.;  Dec.  19,  1763,  ^"24;  Dec.  17,  1764,  ^20;  Jan.  6,  1766, 
£27  ;  J<™.  5,  1767,  £27;  Jan.  4,  1768,  ^24;  Jan.  2,  1769,  £27,  10s.; 
Jan.  1,  1770,  £29,  6s.;  Jan.  18.  1773,  £35;  Jan.  24,  1776,  ^26;  Jan.  20, 
i779»j£3°5  Nov.  14,  1777,  £50  ;  Jan.  12,1778,  £50;  Nov.  5,  1778,  £100  ; 
Dec.  28.  1778,  £iG6\  Jan.  3,  1780,  /T400;  Dec.  4,  17S0,  ^300  ;  Nov.  7, 
1781,  £24;  Jan.  7,  17S2,  ^24;  Jan.  20,  1783,  £36;  Oct.  16,  1783,^30; 
Jan.  19,  17S4,  ^45;  Nov.  15.  1784,^30;  Jan.  3,  1785  £30,  Oct.  13, 
1785,  /"40.  The  enormous  increase  in  school  appropriations  in  the  years 
1778  and  1780  was  caused  by  a  great  depreciation  in  the  currency,  and 
the  sudden  drop  to  ^,"24  in  1781  marks  a  restoration  of  normal  values  at 
the  close  of  the  war  of  the  revolution. 

The  location  of  the  first  school-houses  in  the  District  was  attended 
with  the  same  difficulties  and  even  more  discussion  than  the  choice  of  the 
site  of  the  original  meeting-house.  With  the  population  scattered  over  a 
wide  extent  of  territory,  and  with  poor  facilities  for  travel,  it  is  not  strange 
that  parents  desired  to  have  the  school-houses  located  as  near  as  possible 
to  their  own  homes.  At  a  meeting  held  Jan.  5,  1761,  it  was  voted  to  build 
two  school-houses,  and  at  the  same  time  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
consider  whether  it  would  be  best  to  have  two  or  three.  Apparently  they 
decided  upon  three,  for  Dec.  22  of  the  same  year  it  was  voted  to  build 
three  school-houses,  one  at  the  center,  "  near  the  place  where  Moses  War- 
ners house  formerly  stood,"  one  at  the  north,   "  in  the  highway  that  runs 


FIRST    SCHOOL-HOUSES.  43 

east  and  west  between  Joseph  Church  and  Jon'th  Coles,"  and  one  at  the 
south,  "in  the  highway  south  of  Nath'll  Colemans  Lot.*'  The  center 
school-house  was  to  be  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  Hunt's  block,  the  north 
near  where  the  North  Cong'l  church  now  stands,  and  the  south  not  far 
from  the  site  of  the  present  grammar  school-house  in  South  Amherst. 
These  school-houses  were  not  built  at  the  time,  for  Oct.  18,1762,  it  was  again. 
voted  to  build  three  school-houses,  and  three  committees  were  chosen  to 
have  charge  of  the  matter,  one  to  decide  on  the  location,  a  second  to 
••  wait  on  "  the  first  committee,  and  a  third  to  build  the  houses.  These 
committees  probably  were  unable  to  agree  among  themselves  or  to  arrange 
the  matter  to  the  District's  liking,  for  Dec.  17,  1764,  a  vote  was  passed  to 
build  four  school-houses,  a  "north,"  a  "south,'"  an  "  east  middle"  and  a 
"  west  middle."  Committees  were  chosen  to  fix  upon  the  locations  and 
other  committees  to  attend  to  the  building,  and  the  District  voted  to  abide 
by  their  decision.  Work  was  probably  begun  on  the  center  or  "middle" 
school-houses  soon  after,  and  one  of  them  was  completed  as  early  as  Jan. 
6,  1766,  for  at  a  meeting  held  that  day  it  was  voted  to  remove  the  meeting 
to  "the  School  House  which  is  near  Landlord  Warner's  dwelling  House." 
This  school-house  stood  where  W.  W.  Hunt's  store  now  is  ;  it  was  a  low, 
one-story  building  with  chimney  and  fire-place  near  the  east  end.  At  the 
same  meeting  it  was  voted  that  the  price  of  summer  work  upon  the  school- 
houses  should  be  two  shillings  per  day  and  the  price  of  fall  work  one 
shilling  and  sixpence.  Carpenter's  work  in  summer  was  to  be  two  shillings 
and  eightpence.  and  in  the  fall  two  shillings  and  fourpence.  March  17,1768, 
it  was  voted  to  remove  the  school-house  near  Landlord  M.  Warner's.  Jan. 
14,  1772.  it  was  voted  that  the  school-house  near  Edward  Smith's  house  be 
removed  to  the  east  side  of  the  street. 

In  1752,  the  town  of  Hadley  granted  £60  for  schooling  in  the  Second 
Precinct,  and  it  was  voted  to  spend  half  the  sum  for  hiring  a  school-master 
in  the  fall  and  the  remainder  for  hiring  "school  dames"  in  the  summer. 
July  5,  1753,  it  was  voted  to  provide  three  schools  in  the  precinct,  equally 
divided  according  to  the  number  of  scholars.  The  north  school-house 
was  apparently  located  in  that  section  now  known  as  the  "  city,"  which 
fact  excited  some  jealousy  among  the  residents  of  the  west  street ;  at  a 
meeting  held  Jan.  4,  1768.  it  was  voted  that  the  north  school  be  kept  one- 
half  of  the  time  in  the  west  street.  Oct.  23,  1769,  it  was  voted  to  allow 
the  north  and  south  schools  their  proportion  of  money  for  schooling.  Jan. 
21,  1  77  1.  the  selectmen  were  instructed  to  set  up  a  new  school  at  the  north 
end  of  the  District  six  weeks  in  addition  to  the  present  school.  Aug.  17, 
1772,  the  district  voted  to  "improve  M'r  William  Guy  Ballentine  for  Six 
months  from  his  first  Entering  in  the  School."  Judd  says  that  Mr.  Ballen- 
tine taught  Latin  and  English  and  read  theology  with  Mr.   Parsons.     Jan. 


-44  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

i8,  1773,  it  was  voted  to  postpone  till  the  March  meeting  the  article  pro- 
viding for  more  schooling  for  small  children  in  English.  March  S,  1773, 
it  was  voted  to  allow  five  months  schooling  to  "  each  quarter  of  the  town." 
April  14  of  the  same  year  the  District  voted  to  be  at  the  expense  of  twelve 
months  grammar  schooling  in  the  winter  season.  Nov.  5.  1778,  it  was 
voted  that  the  persons  who  sent  scholars  should  provide  wood  for  the 
schools  ;  also  that  school  should  be  kept  three  months  at  the  north  school- 
house  and  three  months  in  the  west  street  the  ensuing  winter.  Jan.  7, 
1779,  it  was  voted  that  money  raised  for  schooling  in  the  north 
part  of  the  town  should  be  used  in  the  north  school  house.  Oct.  21, 
1779,  a  committee  was  chosen  to  see  how  many  schools  should  be  kept 
in  town  and  at  what  places.  This  committee  reported  at  a  meeting 
held  the  6th  of  Jan.,  17S0,  that  six  schools  should  be  maintained  that  year, 
one  in  the  west  street  in  the  northern  part  of  the  town,  one  "  in  the  street 
leading  from  Ezra  Roods  to  Andrew  Kimbals,"  one  at  each  school- 
house  near  the  "  middle  of  the  town,  one  in  the  west  street  in  the  southern 
part  of  the  town,  and  one  in  the  school-house  at  the  southern  part  of 
the  town;"  at  an  adjournment  ofthis  meeting  it  was  voted  to  have  eighteen 
months  schooling  in  town  "the  present  year;"  this  allowed  three  months 
schooling  at  each  of  the  schools.  May  13,  1783,  it  was  voted  to  grant  the 
west  street  their  proportion  of  money  to  be  used  by  them  in  employing 
school  dames.  Nov.  15,  1784,  the  selectmen  were  instructed  to  set  up  six 
schools  within  the  town,  four  in  places  they  had  usually  been  kept  in  and 
.two  in  such  places  as  they  saw  fit.  Jan.  3,  1785,  it  was  voted  that  schools 
should  be  kept  three  months  in  the  year.  Of  the  earlier  private  schools 
in  town  there  is  no  record,  but  a  woman  living  in  Hadley  told  Judd,  the 
historian,  that  when  a  girl  she  had  attended  a  school  for  young  ladies  in 
Amherst,  taught  by  a  man;  this  was  before  Amherst  academy  was  established. 
When  the  petition  of  the  "  east  inhabitants  "  of  Hadley  to  be  set  off 
as  a  separate  precinct  was  granted  by  the  General  Court  in  1734,  the  terri- 
.tory  comprised  in  the  precinct  was  described  as  being  seven  miles  in  length 
and  two  and  three-quarters  miles  in  breadth,  bounded  on  the  north  by  Sun- 
derland, on  the  east  by  equivalent  lands,  on  the  south  by  the  Boston  road 
and  on  the  west  by  Hadley  common  lands.  In  laying  out  the  lands  in  the 
third  division  there  had  been  an  encroachment  on  the  equivalent  lands, 
and  when  later  on  the  line  was  run  by  compass  it  was  found  that  upwards 
of  3000  acres  had  been  wrongfully  included  in  this  division.  To  compen- 
sate those  who  had  drawn  lots  there  that  were  taken  from  them  by  the  later 
survey,  the  town  granted  to  them  in  1738  about  600  acres  in  that  section 
known  as  "  Flat  Hills."'  The  lands  included  in  the  second  division  were 
.not  all  laid  out    in    1703;   the    first    division    was    laid  out   as   far  north  as 


LANDS  GRANTED  TO  SOUTH  HADLEY.  45- 

the  Mill  river,  and  the  second,  beginning  at  the  Boston  or  Brookfield  road, 
1674  rods  to  the  north.  In  the  Hadley  records  under  date  of  March  5, 
1744.  is  found  the  following: 

••  Voted  and  Granted  to  the  Second  Precinct  in  Hadley  so  much  Land  north 
of  Dea.  Mattoon's  Land  in  the  third  Precinct  as  shall  make  them  Equal  in  Quality 
by  a  rule  of  Proportion  to  be  Considered  by  their  tax  to  what  was  Granted  to  the 
first  precinct  which  land  shall  be  laid  out  to  them  and  Judged  as  to  the  Quality  by 
a  Committee  for  that  purpose  appointed  if  the  Land  may  their  be  found  for  them. 

Voted  Dea.  John  Smith  Sen  Dr  Eastman  Lew  Chiliab  Smith  NathI  Kellogg 
Jun.  and  Dea.  Matoon  to  be  a  Committee  for  the  affair  abovesaid." 

Again  under  date  of  Jan.  7,  1744-5  : 

■•  The  Committee  abovesaid  having  viewed  the  land  in  the  third  Precinct  in 
Hadley  north  of  Dea.  Mattoon's  Land  Agreeable  to  the  Town's  vote  abovesaid 
have  Surveyed  and  Set  out  to  the  Second  Precinct  in  Hadley  two  parcels  of  land 
hereafter  Delinated  which  said  Committee  Judge  is  not  more  than  an  Equivalent 
to  them  by  the  Rule  of   Proportion  Agreeable  to  their  tax. 

The  Land  Lyeth  in  Two  Tracts  and  is  bounded  as  follows,  viz.  one  Tract  of. 
about  1S5  acres  is  bounded  East  and  west  on  Highways  north  on  the  mill  river  and 
south  on  Dea.  Matoon's  land  beginning  at  the  NT.  W.  corner  of  Sd  Matoon's  land 
from  which  it  runs  north  15  East  240  Rods  to  the  mill  river  from  thence  said  river 
is  the  west  Bounds  till  it  gets  about  ten  Rods  East  of  Nathaniel  Kellogg's  Corn 
mill.  Thence  south  three  hundred  and  forty  Rods  to  Matoon's  land.  Thence 
west  i7c  north  one  hundred  and  fifty  Rods  to  the  first  Boundery. 

The  other  Tract  contains  about  35  acres  and  is  bounded  North  W  on  the  mill 
river  and  south  on  Land  of  Thomas  Goodman  and  East  on  a  Highway  beginning 
at  the  N.  East  Corner  of  said  Goodman's  Land  from  which  it  runs  N.  100  Rods  to 
the  mill  River  and  from  said  Goodman's  N.  E.  Corner  it  runs  west  140  Rods  to  the 
mill  River  Note  that  in  both  tracts  of  Land  there  is  Highways  runing  thro,  the 
Land  of  4  Rod  wide  Each  where  they  are  Prickt  in  the  Plan;  or  where  the  Roads 
now  run  up  the  flat  Hills  and  by  the  mill  River. 

Joseph  Eastman  i 

Nath'l  Kellogg  Jnr     ,      Committee." 

John  Smith  > 

The  land  thus  laid  out  to  the  Second  Precinct,  afterwards  South 
Hadley,  was  in  the  northerly  part  of  the  second  division,  and  included  the 
land  not  distributed  in  1703. 

In  Hadley  records  under  date  of  Jan.  5,  1759,  the  following  appears: 

"Voted  and  Granted  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  First  and  Second  Precincts  in; 
said  Hadley,  and  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  South  Hadley, .all  the  Com- 
mon or  undivided  Lands,  excepting  those  that  are  in  possession  of  particular 
persons  by  Incroachment.  lying  in  the  Second  precinct  of  Hadley  aforesaid,  to  be 
divided  to  the  aforesaid  Precincts  of  Hadley.  and  to  the  said  District,  in  the  same 
proportion  that  each  of  said  parties  or  Societies  paid  in  the  Province  Tax  in  the 
same  year  that  the  aforesaid  District  of  South  Hadley  was  made  a  district  by.  the, 
Court." 


4-0  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST.    MASS. 

Under  date  of  Jan.  4,  1762  : 

"  Voted  That  a  petition  be  preferred  to  the  Great  and  General  Court  praying 
that  the  Higeway  near  Joseph  Clary's  in  Amherst  being  surrounded' by  Inhabitants 
of  Amherst,  may  be  annexed  to  Amherst,  and  that  Charles  Phelps  Esqr  and  Josiah 
Peirce  be  a  Committee  to  prepare  and  prefer  the  same.1' 

At  the  same  meeting  that  this  vote  was  passed  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  make  a  plan  of  the  highway.  At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  29  of 
the  same  year  Hadley  appointed  a  committee  of  five  to  sell  the  town's 
right  in  the  sequestered  lands  in  Amherst  on  the  best  terms  they  could 
make. 

In  1759,  when  the  Second  Precinct  of  Hadley  was  erected  into  the 
District  of  Amherst,  Isaac  Ward,  Reuben  Ingraham,  Philip  Ingraham, 
Isaac  Hubbard,  Edward  Elmer  and  their  respective  estates  were  annexed 
to  the  new  district.  In  November,  1772,  the  line  between  Amherst  and 
Hadley  was  run  by  Simeon  Parsons  and  the  selectmen  of  the  two  towns; 
its  directions  and  distances  as  recorded  in  Hadley  records  were  as  follows  : 
"Beginning  at  a  Stake  and  Stones  at  the  Pay  Road,  and  running  N.  120 
Et  670  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones  at  the  Southwest  corner  of  Richard 
Chauncey's  lot  ;  then  N.  8°  15'  Et  142  rods  to  a  Black  Oak  Tree  at  the 
So  Wt  corner  of  John  Billings  Lot  markt  W.  M.  then  N.  io°  Et  307  rods 
to  a.  Stub  and  heap  of  Stones  at  the  So  Wt  corner  of  Solomon  Boltwood's 
Lot;  then  N.  13°  Et  93  rods  to  a  Spruce  Staddle  at  the  end  of  a  Ditch  at 
the  So  Wt  corner  of  John  Taylor's  Lot ;  then  N.  8°  Et  336  rods  to  a  Ditch 
called  Porter's  So  Wt  ditch;  then  N.  120  Et  370  rods  to  a  Stub  the  South 
Side  of  Hadley  Mill  River,  then  N.  n°  Et  380  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones 
that  we  now  set  up  at  Sunderland  line."  Judd  says  in  his  unpublished 
mss.:  "In  laying  out  Flat  Hills,  1784,  the  east  line  of  Amherst  extended 
north  of  the  north  line  of  the  third  or  east  division,  not  far  from  573  rods 
to  the  N.  E.  corner.  This  upper  lot  is  bounded  east  on  town  line  and  west 
on  Mill  river,  and  next  lot  south  has  Mill  river  W.  and  N.  Third  division 
was  197  1  rods  at  W.  end  and  2051  reds  at  E.  end;  add  573  rods  at  N. 
end  and  the  E.  line  of  Amherst  was  2624  rods  or  8  miles  and  64  rods  long. 
It  was  longer  because  oblique."  In  1779  Amherst  petitioned  for  the  annex- 
ation of  the  eastern  part  of  Haclky  inner  commons  ;  Hadley  voted,  May 
13,  1779,  that  the  petition  be  dismissed. 

By  an  act  of  the  General  Court  passed  in  1788,  John  Dickinson, 
Nehemiah  Dickinson,  Simeon  Dickinson  and  Silas  Wright  and  their  estates 
were  set  off  from  the  town  of  Hadley  and  annexed  to  the  town  of  Amherst, 
also  the  bridge  over  the  Mill  river  in  the  county  road  leading  through 
Amherst  to  Sunderland.  Soon  after  1800  Amherst  made  a  second  attempt 
to  annex  the  Hadley  inner  commons,  but  was  again  defeated.  The  matter 
was  brought  before  the  General  Court,  and   Mr.   Kellogg  who  represented 


ANNEXATION    OF    LAND.  47 

Hadley  at  the  time  proposed  if  this  was  done  that  the  Connecticut  river  should 
be  made  the  western  boundary  of  Amherst,  and  Hadley  a  parish  of  Amherst. 
This  caused  a  fellow  member  to  remark  that  he  "  had  heard  of  the  sow 
eating  up  the  pigs,  but  never  before  heard  of  the  pigs  eating  up  the  sow." 
That  settled  the  matter.  Feb.  18,  1S12.  what  was  known  as  the  "  Mountain 
division  "  was  annexed  to  Amherst,  extending  the  town  boundary  on  the 
south  from  the  Bay  road  to  the  summit  of  Mt.  Holyoke.  It  began  at  the 
southwest  corner  of  Amherst's  bounds  and  ran  in  the  direction  of  Amherst's 
west  line  to  the  north  line  of  South  Hadley.  Thence  by  the  north  line  of 
South  Hadley  and  Granby  to  Belchertown  line,  thence  by  Belchertown  line 
to  southeast  corner  of  Amherst,  thence  by  the  south  line  of  Amherst  to  the 
first  corner  or  bound. 

Feb.  17,  1814,  the  following  act  was  passed  by  the  General  Court  : 

■•  Be  it  enacted,  etc. — That  all  the  lands  and  the  inhabitants  thereon,  lying  and 
being  in  Hadley.  described  within  the  following  limits  and  bounds,  not  already 
annexed  to  Amherst,  be.  and  the  same  are  hereby  set  off  from  Hadley,  and 
annexed  to  Amherst  :  that  is  to  say.  beginning  at  the  southwest  corner  of  David 
Smith's  land,  being  the  northeast  corner  of  Noah  Smith's  land,  lying  in  the  town  of 
Amherst,  on  the  east  line  of  Hadley  :  thence  running  west,  to  the  west  end  of  the 
first  division  of  lands  in  Hadley,  to  a  town-way:  thence  northwardly,  on  the  west 
line  of  said  division,  as  far  as  the  same  extends:  and  thence,  on  the  same  corner 
to  the  south  line  of  Sunderland,  to  the  original  northeast  corner  of  Amherst  : 
thence  southwardly,  on  the  original  line  between  Amherst  and  Hadley,  to  the 
first  mentioned  corner. 

Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  respective  valuations  of  the  towns  of  Hadley 
and  Amherst,  be  so  altered,  in  consideration  of  the  above,  that  the  sum  of  one 
cent,  in  the  proportion  of  one  thousand  dollars,  be  taken  from  Hadley  and  put  to 
Amherst:  and  that  all  taxes  already  granted  or  assessed  by  the  town  of  Hadley, 
on  the  polls  and  estates  hereby  set  off,  be  collected  in  the  same  manner  as  though 
this  act  had  not  been  passed." 

This  was  the  the  last  considerable  addition  to  the  lands  com- 
prised in  the  township  of  Amherst.  In  1S15  an  act  was  passed  that 
slightly  altered  the  boundary  line  between  Hadley  and  Amherst.  In 
1800,  John  Thayer,  Ebenezer  Bliss,  Reuben  Thayer  and  Nathaniel  Goodale 
were  set  off  from  Belchertown  and  annexed  to  the  second  parish  of  Amherst, 
for  "  parochial  privileges.*'  Later  on  the  farm  of  Elias  Smith,  situated  on 
the  road  from  Amherst  to  Hadley,  was  annexed  to  Amherst.  In  1795, 
Amherst  refused  to  have  any  part  of  Belchertown  annexed  ;  later  on  it 
refused  to  receive  a  part  of  Pelham.  The  original  surveyors  of  Hadley 
outer  commons  intended  that  the  tracts  of  land  laid  out  should  be  of  equal 
breadth,  extending  from  the  Brookfield  road  to  the  Mill  river.  The  narrow- 
ing of  the  third  division  owing  to  its  encroachment  on  the  equivalent  lands, 
the  addition  of  the  "  Flat  Hills"  territory,  and  the  annexation  from  time  to 
time  of  other  lands   formerlv   included    in  the  boundaries  of  Hadlev,  have 


4$  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

given  to  the  town  of  Amherst  its  present  irregular  outline.  In  the  atlas  of 
Massachusetts  published  by  George  H.  Walker  &  Co.  of  Boston  in  1891, 
the  east  line  of  Amherst  is  found  to  be  a  little  less  than  nine  miles  in 
length,  while  the  extreme  breadth  near  the  south  part  of  the  town  is  four 
miles  and  at  the  north  a  little  over  three  miles.  The  territory  contained  in 
the  three  divisons  laid  out  in  1703  amounted  to  over  13,000  acres,  which 
was  reduced  to  about  10,000  acres  by  the  cutting  off  of  the  equivalent 
land.  Including  the  additions,  the  territory  now  comprised  within  the 
town  limits  amounts  to  something  like  16,000  acres. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


The  First  Highways. — Encroachments  on  Highways. — Hadley 
Votes  Concerning  Roads  and  Bridges. — John  Morton  and 
Nathan  Dickinson. — New   Highways  Laid  Out. 

Aside  from  the  gospel  ministry,  there  was  no  other  one  subject  that 
occupied  so  much  the  attention  of  the  early  settlers  as  the  laying  out  and 
maintenance  of  highways.  Every  new  settlement  as  it  was  laid  out  had  its 
main  street  extending  from  end  to  end,  and  as  the  settlers  grew  in  numbers 
cross  streets  and  parellel  streets  were  added.  Prom  the  main  street  there 
would  be  narrow  highways  leading  to  the  woods,  the  meadows  and  the 
river.  When  a  journey  of  any  distance  was  to  be  made  dependence  was 
placed  upon  the  old  Indian  trails,  which  frequently  marked  out  the  paths 
of  highways  that  succeeded  them.  Travel  was  mostly  by  foot  or  horseback, 
carriages  being  unknown  in  this  section  until  well  along  in  the  eighteenth 
century.  The  wagons  or  carts  that  were  used  for  the  conveyance  of  farm 
produce  were  heavy  and  substantially-built  affairs.  The  first  well-marked 
road  passing  through  the  present  limits  of  Amherst  was  the  old  Bay  road, 
leading  through  lirookfield  to  Boston.  Judd  says  in  his  Hadley  history 
that  in  early  days  there  was  a  "  Nashaway  Path  "  north  of  Fort  river.  In 
1674  and  many  years  after,  the  Bay  road  crossed  Fort  river  near  the  south 
end  of  Spruce  hill.  In  his  unpublished  mss.  Judd  says  that  the  Bay  road 
was  laid  out  May  2,  1732,  by  a  jury  of  12,  under  Ebenezer  Pomeroy 
sheriff.  Concerning  this  historic  highway  more  will  be  recorded  in  a  later 
chapter. 


WIDTH    OF    HIGHWAYS.  49 

When  the  Hadley  outer  commons  were  first  surveyed,  in  accordance 
with  the  vote  of  the  town  there  were  left  between  the  first  and  second,  and 
between  the  second  and  third  divisions,  spaces  for  highways  40  rods  in 
width.  There  were  also  left  spaces  forty  rods  in  width  for  highways  to 
cross  the  first  and  second  divisions.  It  is  supposed  that  this  great  width 
was  allowed  that  the  future  inhabitants  in  laying  out  their  travel-ways 
might  deviate  from  a  straight  line  and  take  advantage  of  the  most  favorable 
portions  of  the  land  for  road-making.  But  whatever  the  object,  the  result 
was  a  series  of  encroachments  upon  the  highways  by  abutters,  and  seem- 
ingly endless  controversies  whose  echoes  have  hardly  died  away  at  the 
present  clay.  In  1754,  Hadley  reduced  the  western  highway  to  20  rods  in 
width  and  the  eastern  to  12  rods;  the  width  of  the  cross  highways  was 
also  reduced.  In  17SS,  Amherst  narrowed  the  highways  to  six  rods  and 
some  to  four  rods  in  breadth,  and  sold  the  land  thus  gained  to  owners  of 
adjoining  lots. 

January  5,  1735,  shortly  after  Hadley  Third  Precinct  was  set  off,  the 
town  of  Hadley  voted  as  follows  : 

•■  Voted  That  Each  Precinct  in  Hadley  may  and  shall  take  Effectual  Care  for 
the  keeping  in  good  Repair  all  the  Roads  or  highways  Belonging  to  their  own  Pre- 
cincts Respectively  in  such  a  way.  manner  or  method  by  a  Rate  or  otherways  as 
they  shall  think  best  from  time  to  time.  Bridges  only  Excepted  which  are  to  be 
done  at  the  charge  of  the  Town  in  such  manner  as  they  shall  see  cause." 

The  following    appears  in    Hadley    records    under    date     of     March 

5>  x744: 

"Voted  That  there  shall  be  a  Highway  laid  through  the  third  Division  of 
Land  East  of  the  Town  to  Pelham  bounds  where  the  Committee  appointed  shall 
think  best;  and  said  Committee  to  purchase  said  Highway  as  cheap  as  they  can." 

It  is  evident  that  the  encroachments  upon  the  highways  in  the  Third 
Precinct  must  have  begun  at  an  early  date,  for  in  Hadley  records  under 
date  of  March  4,  1745,  the  following  appears  : 

"Voted  that  there  be  a  Committee  to  lay  out  all  the  Streets  or  Highways  in 
the  East  Precinct  the  same  Bredth  as  per  Record  they  shall  appear  to  be  as  near 
as  may  be  in  the  same  places  and  on  the  same  Corners  as  they  were  originally  laid 
out  making  known  original  Bounds  as  Stakes  Markd  Trees  and  Ditches  etc.  their 
guide. 

Voted  Committee  Capt.  Cook  Leut  Chilliab  Smith  Nath1  Kellogg  Ebenezer 
Kellogg  Ebenezer  Dickinson  and  Solomon  Boltwood." 

This  committee  performed  its  task  and  reported  to  a  meeting  held 
Jan.  6,  1745-6,  when  the  town  passed  the  following  votes  : 

"Whereas  their  was  a  Committee  Chosen  and  appointed  Last  March  Town 
meeting  to  lay  out  anew  the  Streets  and  Roads  in  the  Third  Precinct  of  Hadley  ; 
and  they  having  clone  the  work:  and  returned  the  Plan  thereof: 

4 


50  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  That  said  Return  According  to  the  said  Plan  be  Excepted  and  Confirmed 
Whereas   it  appears  to  the  Town   by  the  Plan  abovesaid  that  many  persons 
have  Encroched  upon  the  Streets  and  highways  in  said  third  Precinct 

Voted  That  Col  Porter  Job  Marsh  and  Nath1  Kellogg  Jun.  and  Ebenezer 
Dickinson  Lt.  Jonathan  Smith  be  a  Committee  in  the  behalf  and  at  the  Charge  of 
the  Town  to  Persecute  said  Tresspassers  and  Incrochments  to  Effect  in  Law  or 
to  Compound  with  them  by  Selling  or  Exchanging  for  other  Lands  what  they  have 
taken  in  out  of  the  highway  as  abovesaid  and  as  said  Committee  shall  think  Best." 

In  Hadley  records  under  date  of  March  7,  1747.  is  found  the  first 
mention  of  a  bridge  in  the  Third  Precinct  : 

"  Voted  Committee  to  build  or  impower  some  person  to  build  a  Bridge  over 
Fort  River  in  Pelham  Road  Deac"s  Ebenezer  Dickinson  and  John  Nash." 

In  174S  there  was  felt  the  need  of  a  road  through  the  first  division, 
and  Hadley  voted  under  date  of  Jan.   2  : 

"'Voted a  Committee  to  look  out  a  convenient  place  for  a  Road  through  the 
first  Division  in  the  third  Precinct,  and  to  discourse  the  owners  of  the  Land,  and 
make  Report  where  they  Judge  a  Road  may  most  suitably  be  laid  out  and  what 
terms  the  Land  may  be  had  upon,  at  the  meeting  of  the  Town  next  March  :  Col. 
Eleazer  Porter,  Dea"  John  Nash  and  Lieut.  Nath1  Kellogg. 

Voted  a  Committee  to  build  a  convenient  Cart  Bridge  over  Fort  River,  near 
the  mill  in  the  third  Precinct,  at  the  expense  of  the  Town,  Dea"s  John  Nash  and 
Ebenezer  Dickinson,  and  M1'  Solomon  Boltwood  and  Lieut.  Ebenezer  Kellogg." 

The  same  year  under  date  of  March  6  the  following  vote  was  recorded  : 

"Voted  Committee  to  view  the  Bridge  over  the  Mill  River  in  the  3'1  Precinct, 
and  make  report  to  the  Town,  whether  they  judge  it  convenient,  to  rebuild  the 
same,  or  to  build  another  in  some  other  place,  and  what  place  they  think  most 
suitable,  if  the  place  where  the  Bridge  now  is.  be  not  by  them  thought  most  con- 
venient be  chosen. 

Voted  Messi  Peletiah  Smith,  Daniel  Dickinson  and  Nathaniel  Coleman  be 
joined  with  Dea  John  Nash  &c.  Committee  for  building  a  Bridge  over  the  Fort 
River  near  the  mill  in  the  third  Precinct  chosen  last  January." 

Nothing  was  done  in  regard  to  rebuilding  the  bridge  over  Mill  river 
that  year,  and  at  the  meeting  held  March  5,  1749.  the  following  vote  was 
passed  by  the  town  : 

''Voted  That  whereas  a  vote  of  this  Town  was  past  March  6,  174S,  relating  to 
rebuilding  the  Bridge  over  the  mill  River  in  the  third  precinct:  but  no  committee 
was  chosen  to  manage  said  affair  :  Messi.  Joseph  Smith,  Benj"  Smith  and  Jonathan 
Dickinson  be  a  Committee  for  that  affair,  and  they  are  accordingly  desired  and 
impowered  to  pursue  the  Instructions  of  the  said  vote,  and  to  make  Report  to  the 
Town  at  the  next  Town  meeting." 

In  j  746  the  town  of  Hadley  engaged  in  a  controversy  with  John  Mor- 
ton of  the  Third  Precinct,  accused  of  encroaching  upon  the  highway 
between  the  second  and  third  divisions,  which  was  carried  on  before 
referees,  the   county   courts   and  the   General    Court  for  more  than  fifteen 


JOHN    MORTON    AND    NATHAN     DICKINSON.  5  I 

years.  In  1750  and  afterwards  Nathan  Dickinson  was  joined  with  John 
Morton  as  defendants  in  the  various  actions  brought  by  the  town  for 
trespass.  Morton  and  Dickinson  came  from  Hatfield  and  were  the  first 
settlers  in  the  eastern  division  of  the  Third  Precinct.  They  laid  claim  to 
most  of  the  land  in  the  highway  adjoining  their  lots  and  refused  to  give  it 
up.  They  evidently  had  full  belief  in  the  justice  of  their  claim  as  appears 
from  their  memorial  to  the  General  Court.  The  case  was  a  celebrated  one 
in  its  daw  and  as  the  first  of  many  highway  controversies  that  have  arisen 
in  Amherst  is  worthy  of  extended  consideration.  There  is  no  record  as 
to  the  final  settlement  of  the  case,  but  as  the  decision  of  the  countv  court 
and  referees  favored  the  town  it  is  probable  that  Morton  and  Dickinson 
were  dispossessed  or  made  some  satisfactory  settlement  for  the  lands  they 
had  taken.  The  records  of  Amherst  contain  but  little  in  regard  to  the 
controversy,  but  those  of  Hadley  bear  many  allusions  to  it:  from  them  the 
following  are  quoted  : 

"April  19.  1749.  Voted  that  Eleazer  Porter  Esq  Dea  Joseph  Eastman.  Lieut 
Nathaniel  Kellogg,  Dea  Ebenezer  Dickinson  and  Dea  John  Nash  be  a  Committee 
authorized  and  impowered.  in  behalf  and  at  the  cost  of  the  Town,  To  sue  and  prose- 
cute to  Effect  in  Law  John  Morton  incroaching  upon  the  Highway  in  the  third 
Precinct;  as  also  all  other  persons  who  have  made,  or  shall  make  Incroachments 
on.  or  incumber  the  high-ways  in  said  Precinct." 

"July  26,  1750.  Voted  That  application  be  made  to  the  Great  and  General 
Court  for  some  Relief  under  the  Difficulties  subsisting  in  the  Third  Precinct  of 
this  Town,  relating  to  the  Highways  or  land  sequestered  for  Highways  within  said 
Precinct. 

Voted  that  Eleazer  Porter  Esq  and  Messi  Benjamin  Dickinson  and  Josiah 
Peirce,  be  a  Committee  to  prepare  a  Petition,  in  behalf  of  this  Town  to  be  preferred 
before  the  Great  and  General  Court,  praying  their  Direction  and  Help  in  order  to 
remove  the  Difficulties  subsisting  in  the  Third  Precinct  of  the  Town  relating  to  the 
High-ways  or  land  Sequestered  for  High-ways  within  said  Precinct:  and  they  are 
desired  to  prepare  the  same,  by  the  time  of  the  said  Court's  next  sitting. 

Voted  that  Eleazer  Porter  Esq.  is  desired  to  prefer  our  Petition  respecting  the 
High  ways  to  the  General  Court  at  their  next  session.'' 

■•  Nov.  19,  1750.  Whereas  there  has  long  subsisted  a  Controversy  between  the 
Town  of  Hadley  on  the  one  part,  and  John  Morton  and  Nathan  Dickinson  of 
said  Hadley  on  the  other  Part,  relating  to  some  land  by  the  said  Town  formerly 
Sequestered  for  an  High-way  between  the  Second  and  Third  Divisions  of  Land  in 
the  Third  Precinct ;  and  all  measures  hitherto  taken  for  a  Reconciliation  have 
proved  ineffectual : 

Therefore  voted  That  the  said  Controversy  be  submitted  to  the  Determination 
and  final  Decision  of  the  Hon''1  John  Chandler  and  James  Minot  Esquires,  Col 
Nahum  Ward  Esq.  They  viewing  the  said  Land  in  Controversy,  and  hearing  the 
parties  and  setting  out  the  said  Sequestered  Land  between  the  said  Second  and 
Third  Divisions;  and  also  those  Lands  Sequestered  for  an  Highway  between  the 
said  Second  Division  and  the  first  Division  in  said  precinct :  all  as  near  as  may  be 
to  the  original  laying  out  of  the  same  in  the  year  1703.  as  may  appear  to  them  from 


52  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    .MASS. 

the  Records  of  the  Town  and  such  Boundaries  as  are  to  be  found  remaining,  and 
that  Mr  Benjamin  Day  of  Springfield,  Surveyor,  be  impowered  to  assist  in  Run- 
ning the  Lines  ;  and  Stephen  Warner  and  Nath1  Church  of  Hadley  to  carry  the 
Chain. 

Said  John  Morton  and  Nathan  Dickinson  being  present  when  the  said  vote 
was  past,  and  giving  their  voice  in  and  Consent  to  the  same.     Allso 

Voted  that  Eleazer  Porter  Esqr.  Lieut  Nathaniel  Kellogg  and  Dea.  Ebenezer 
Dickinson  be  a  Committee  to  manage  the  affair  in  behalf  of  the  Town,  at  the  Cost 
of  the  Town." 

••  March  25.  1751.  Voted  that  the  Treasurer  be,  and  hereby  is  Impowered  and 
ordered  to  pay  out  of  the  Treasury  to  the  Committee  for  managing  the  affair 
relating  to  the  Controversy  subsisting  in  the  East  Precinct  about  the  Town  Land 
&c,  appointed  Nov.  19,  1750,  such  Sum  or  Sums  of  money  as  they  shall  call  for  to 
carry  on  the  said  affair."' 

••  May  11.  1752.  Voted  That  Messi  David  Smith,  Moses  Porter  and  Samuel 
Smith  Jun.  be  a  Committee  Impowered,  in  Behalf  of  the  Town,  and  at  the  Cost  of 
the  Town,  to  prosecute  and  Eject  such  persons  as  are  Trespassers,  and  shall 
Trespass  upon  any  of  the  Lands  by  the  Town  Sequestred  for  Highways  in  the 
Third  Precinct,  and  also  that  the  said  Committee  is  fully  authorized  and  Impow- 
ered by  the  Town  to  make  Sale  of  so  much  of  the  said  Sequestred  Land,  as  may 
be  needful  for  the  defraying  the  Charge  of  such  Prosecution,  as  also  to  Reimburse 
the  Charge  and  Cost  the  Town  has  already  been  at,  about  said  Land.  They 
always  leaving  at  least  Twenty  Pole  in  Breadth  for  Highways:  and  likewise,  that 
the  said  Committee  are  fully  authorized  and  Impowered,  in  Behalf  of  the  Town,  to 
Compound  and  agree  with  any  person  or  persons  Trespassing  on  any  part  of  the 
said  Land  on  such  Terms  as  they  shall  judge  equal  and  just. 

Voted  That  Eleazer  Porter  Esqr.  and  Messi  Nathaniel  Kellogg,  Edmund 
Hubbard,  David  Smith,  Enos  Nash,  and  Moses  Porter,  be  a  Committee,  to 
Examine  the  case  represented  to  the  Town  by  Samuel  Gaylord,  Complaining  he 
has  not  his  full  Complement  of  Land  by  him  purchased  of  the  Town,  in  the  third 
Precinct:  who  are  fully  authorized  and  Impowered,  in  Behalf  of  the  Town,  to 
agree  with  the  said  Gaylord;  and  also  to  represent  the  Town  in  any  Case  that 
may  be  depending  in  Law.  relating  thereto/' 

"March  29.  1754.  Voted  That  the  Sequestration  of  those  lands  between  the 
Divisions  of  land  in  the  Second  or  East  Precinct,  which  the  Town  of  Hadley 
formerly  reserved  for  Highways,  is  taken  off:  saving  with  regard  to  such  parts  of 
the  said  lands  as  are  now  established  for  Highways,  and  such  parts  as  have  been 
already  disposed  of  by  the  Town  of  Hadley. 

Voted  to  Impower,  Elect  and  authorize  Messi  John  Nash,  Ebenezer  Dickinson 
and  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Inhabitants  of  the  Second  Precinct  in  Hadley,  as  a  Com- 
mittee on  behalf  of  the  Town,  in  their  name,  to  prosecute  in  Course  of  Law.  and 
finally,  and  to  Effect  to  Dispossess  and  Eject  all  such  persons  as  have  Trespassed 
upon  the  lands  formerly  Sequestred  for  Highways  or  Common  Roads;  Provided 
always  the  Second  Precinct  be  at  the  whole  Charges  of  the  Prosecution  in  the  Law. 

Voted  That  the  Town  do  give,  grant,  alien,  convey  and  confirm  to  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Second  Precinct  in  Hadley  all  the  several  Tracts  of  land  originally 
Sequestred  by  the  Town  of  Hadley,  within  the  bounds  of  said  precinct,  for  the  use 
of  Roads  or  Highways,  save  so  much  as  the  town  now  have  established  for  High- 
ways, and  such  parcel  or  part  of  said  lands  as  hath  been  given  or  sold  to  any 
person  or  persons  in  any  of  the  said  land,  and  any  such  part  as  is  Trespassed  upon. 


JOHN    MORTON    AND    NATHAN     DICKINSON.  53 

or  in  possession  of  such  Trespassers:  Provided  the  said  second  precinct  pay  to  the 
first  precinct  their  Proportion  of  the  Charges  expended  about  said  lands  upon  the 
Two  Committees  and  their  Surveyor,  and  their  Charges  for  Entertainment,  Being 
Ten  Pound  Lawful  money:  as  also  the  South  District  their  Proportion  of  the 
aforesaid  Charges,  if  they  (being  set  off  from  said  Town)  have  just  and  Legal 
Rights  thereto." 

'•  .March  11.  175;.  Met  and  put  to  vote  whether  the  Town  is  of  the  mind  to 
appoint  and  authorize  Agents  to  make  answer  to  Messi  John  Morton  and  Nathan 
Dickinson  Complaining  against  the  Town,  relating  to  the  Highways,  and  past  in 
the  affirmative. 

Voted  That  Capt.  Jonathan  Smith  and  Messi  Ebenezer  Dickinson  and  John 
Nash,  are  appointed  and  authorized,  in  behalf  of  the  Town,  to  appear  and  make 
answer  to  the  complaint  of  Messi  John  Morton  and  Nathan  Dickinson,  relating  to 
the  High-ways,  with  Power  of  Substitution." 

"  Oct.  28.  1756.  Voted  Messi  Ebenezer  Dickinson,  Josiah  Chauncey  and 
Jonathan  Smith  be  appointed  and  authorized  to  appear  and  make  answer,  in  behalf 
of  the  Town,  to  Messi  Nathan  Dickinson  and  John  Morton  in  the  Case  relating 
to  the  Highways." 

••  Dec.  19.  1759.  Voted  That  the  Committee  appointed  to  make  answer  to  the 
memorial  of  Morton  and  Dickinson  be  Impowered  to  attest  the  memorial  of 
Amherst  in  answer  to  Morton  and  Dickinson,  if  Amherst  Committee  desire  it.  and 
they  apprehend  it  not  prejudicial  to  the  Town."' 

At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  29,  1762,  Hadley  appointed  a  committee  to 
make  sale  of  the  town's  right  in  the  sequestered  lands  and  Jan.  10,  1763, 
voted  to  dispose  of  the  right  at  a  vendue.  There  are  few  references  to 
this  case  in  Amherst  records ;  when  the  controversy  began  Amherst  was 
but  a  precinct  and  the  control  of  the  highways  rested  in  the  town.  As 
will  be  noted  in  Hadley  records,  the  town  grew  tired  of  the  contest  in 
1754,  and  voted  to  turn  the  matter  over  to  the  Precinct.  The  first  allusion 
to  the  matter  in  Amherst  records  is  found  under  date  of  March  21.  1753, 
when  a  committee  was  appointed  to  ''take  advice  of  sum  Gentelmen " 
concerning  the  lands  sequestered  for  highways.  July  5  of  the  same  year  the 
members  of  the  committee  were  instructed  to  take  advice  and  to  act  in  the 
affair  according  to  their  best  judgment.  Nov.  21,  1759,  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  make  answer  to  the  General  Court  against  the  petition  of 
Morton  and  Dickinson.  April  28,  1762,  a  committee  was  chosen  to  settle 
with  the  Hadley  committee  concerning  the  highways.  Amherst,  both  as  a 
precinct  and  as  a  district,  appears  to  have  aided  Hadley  in  all  possible 
ways  in  the  contest  with  Morton  and  Dickinson,  and  to  have  accepted 
readily  the  task  of  prosecuting  the  offenders.  To  understand  the  attitude 
assumed  by  Morton  and  Dickinson,  it  may  be  well  to  read  the  following 
abstract  of  an  entry  in  the  General  Court  records,  under  date  of  October, 
1759: 

"John  Morton  and  Nathan  Dickinson  petitioned  the  General  Court,  stating 
that  15  years  since  they  had  purchased  lands  in  the  third  division,  running  through 


54  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

the  whole  breadth  of  the  division,  and  had  built  on  or  near  the  westernly  end  of 
their  respective  lots.  In  March,  1754,  the  selectmen  of  Hadley  laid  out  a  private 
way  across  the  whole  breadth  of  petitioners'  lots,  alleging  that  the  land  so  taken 
away  was  the  estate  of  the  town.  Complaint  was  made  to  the  court  of  general 
sessions,  and  in  May,  1757.  was  submitted  to  a  referee;  the  referee  having  con- 
sidered the  case  reported  against  the  complainants."' 

That  Morton  and  Dickinson  were  not  the  only  persons  who  attempted 
to  add  to  their  possesions  by  taking  land  from  the  highways,  is  shown  by  a 
complaint  made  in  175S  against  Moses  Smith  and  Nathaniel  Kellogg  for 
fencing  in  a  part  of  the  Bay  road;  they  were  ordered  to  move  their  fences 
back.  In  1759,  Daniel  Kellogg  was  complained  of  "  for  erecting  a  wood 
mansion  house,  log  shop  and  some  fence  upon  the  street  between  the 
second  and  third  divisions  of  the  east  precinct."  Reuben  Dickinson  was 
also  complained  of  for  a  barn  and  fence  in  the  same  street.  In  1754,  a 
road  was  laid  out  through  the  East  Precinct,  Pelham  and  "  Quabbin  "  to 
Hardwick.  "  Quabbin  "  was  the  original  name  of  the  lands  now  com- 
prised in  the  town  of  Enfield  and  Greenwich.  This  road  began  at  the 
upper  end  of  the  "pine  plain  "  in  Hadley,  ran  to  the  "  Hartling  stake  " 
near  where  the  Amherst  house  now  stands,  crossed  the  second  division 
and  then  went  on  to  Pelham.  It  did  not  follow  the  old  path  all  the  way. 
This  road  then  first  became  a  county  road. 

The  early  settlers  called  the  low  places  between  mountain  peaks 
"cracks",  and  the  paths  or  roads  that  ran  through  them  "crack  roads  ". 
Such  a  path  was  in  existence  before  the  settlement  of  either  Amherst  or 
South  Hadley  in  what  was  known  as  the  "Round  Hill  crack  "  where  is 
now  the  highway  between  these  towns.  This  "crack  "  was  also  known  as 
"Turkey  pass "  from  its  use  by  hunters  after  turkeys  and  deer.  The 
"crack  road"  to  South  Hadley  from  Pine  hill  on  the  Bay  road  in  Amherst 
was  laid  out  in  1762  and  accepted  in  1763. 

In  Judd's  unpublished  mss.  is  found  the  following  account  of  the 
laying  out  of  highways  by  the  selectmen  of  Hadley,  March  iS,  1754: 
these  highways  were  in  the  East  Precinct,  but  the  precinct  records  do  not 
allude  to  this  action  : 

•■  No.  1.  Between  Jonathan  Cowls  and  land  lately  Samuel  Gaylord's,  10  rods 
wide.  This  was  across  first  or  west  division.  It  was  next  to  Gaylord's  lot  whii  li 
was  on  south  side  of  the  road  but  went  10  rods  east  of  Gaylord's  lot  to  Highway 
Xo.  2. 

Xo.  2.  From  .Mill  river  to  Bay  road,  twenty  rods  wide,  between  first  and 
second  divisions.     Began  at  a  red  oak  on  the  side  hill  east  of  the  dug  path  leading 

i  d r  Mill  river  below  Ephraim  Kellogg's  mill,  and  extending  to  the 

Bay  road  on  the  south.  The  whole  distance,  exclusive  of  that  from  Daniel  Dick- 
inson's to  Samuel  Church's  is  1813  rods,  but  not  so  much  in  a  straight  line.  The 
line  crooks  about  in  the  old  40  rods  highway.  Did  not  begin  so  far  north  as  Mill 
river.  When  these  lots  were  laid  out  in  1703  it  was  called  i960  rods  from  the  Hay 
road  to  Mill  river. 


HIGHWAYS    LAID    OUT.  55 

No.  3.  Highway  north  and  south  between  second  and  third  divisions,  begin- 
ning at  Bay  road  and  going  north  on  west  side  of  road  to  end  of  the  division,  in  all 
1568  rods.  This  road  is  12  rods  wide,  except  a  little  distance  near  Fort  river  it  is 
18  rods. 

No.  4.  Between  Ebenezer  Dickinson's  and  Josiah  Chauncey's  land,  ten  rods 
wide,  east  to  the  road  running  north  and  south  between  second  and  third  divisions. 
Length,  26S4  rods. 

No.  5.  Between  Jonathan  Dickinson  and  Moses  Warner's  lots,  north  of 
Warner's  lot  N.  11  E.  20  rods  made  breadth  of  the  road — then  E.  u  S.  100  rods, 
thence  E.  17-  S.  144  rods  to  S.  E.  corner  of  Jonathan  Dickinson's  lot,  then  S.  17° 
W.  to  Moses  Warner's  N.  E.  corner  16  rods.  Thence  back  on  Warner's  land  to 
beginning  -only  244  rods  long.     (  Was  not  this  the  Foots'  Folly  road?) 

Xo.  6.  Between  Solomon  Boltwood  and  Simeon  Clark.  Began  6  rods  X.  of 
Simeon  Clark's  X.  W.  corner;  then  E.  5  X.  100  rods  on  S.  side  of  road:  then  E. 
30  X.  72  rods  to  X.  side  of  road,  which  ends  1  rod  S.  of  William  Boltwood's  south 
door;  thence  E.  44  S.  76  rods  on  X.  side  of  road ;  thence  S.  1 1  W.  20  rods  to  the 
"Hartling  Stake  "  on  S.  side  of  road.  Road  20  rods  wide  in  every  part.  (This  is 
the  old  X.  road — present  road  at  X.  end  of  square,  that  is,  it  was  part  of  Hadley 
X.  road  to  Amherst.) 

Xo.  7.  Between  Moses  Cook  and  Xathaniel  Coleman.  Began  S.  11  W.  20 
rods,  from  X*.  Coleman's  S.  E.  corner:  then  W.  5-  X.  247  rods  on  S.  side  of  the 
road  to  W.  end  20  rods  wide. 

Xo.  8.  Between  John  Dickinson's  and  Ebenezer  William's  land.  Began  at 
William's  S.  E.  corner,  run  W.  9  X.  through  the  division  Road  10  rods  wide  south 
of  this  line. 

Xo.  9.  Lies  on  S.  side  of  John  Keets'  land  and  runs  through  the  third  divis- 
ion, 2  rods  wide.     Corner.  E.  io-i    S. 

Two  of  the  highways  ran  X.  and  S.:  6  were  across  the  first  andsecond  divisions 
(3  each  probably)  and  one  across  the  eastern  division." 

The  old  ••  Middle  road."  from  rear  of  the  "  pine  plain  "  homelots  to 
the  line  of  Amherst,  was  laid  out  in  the  path  called  the  "middle  highway," 
Oct.  26,  1769,  by  the  selectmen  of  Hadley. 

Osmyn  Baker,  in  a  conversation  with  Mr.  Judd  in  1S5S,  said  that 
when  he  was  young  the  house  of  his  grandfather,  Elijah  Baker,  and  that  of 
Gen.  Mattoon's  father  stood  on  opposite  sides  of  the  street,  where  they  are 
placed  on  the  plan  of  the  town  drawn  about  1770  and  before  alluded  to. 
This  was  the  end  of  inhabitants  on  that  road  and  the  land  north  was  poor. 
There  were  no  houses  for  three-quarters  of  a  mile  north  of  Elijah  Baker's  ; 
the  road  then  stopped  and  did  not  go  to  Mill  river  but  turned  off  each  way 
to  the  east  and  west  and  these  cross-roads  were  inhabited.  In  17S8  a  new- 
road  was  laid  out  from  Sunderland  to  the  Bay  road,  passing  through  the 
third  division  in  a  diagonal  course.  It  is  supposed  that  this  road  followed 
the  general  lines  of  West  Pleasant  street.  Shays  street  and  the  road  to 
Logtown. 

Jan.  7,  1750,  Hadley  appointed  a  committee  to  build  a  bridge  in  the 
Third    Precinct,  --over  the   Gutter    in   the   Street   near   William   Murray's 


56  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

house."  Aug.  3,  1 76 1,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  make  a  plan  of  the 
land  where  a  bridge  over  the  Mill  river,  near  Joseph  Clary's,  was  thought 
to  be  needful,  and  also  of  the  highway  in  that  place. 

The  first  mention  of  highways  in  the  Third  Precinct  records  is  found 
under  date  of  March  10,  1735-6,  when  it  was  voted  that  highway  work 
should  be  done  by  "  heads  and  Teams,"  and  that  a  team  should  be  equal 
to  a  hand  per  day.  March  16,  1738.  it  was  voted  that  highway  work  should 
be  done  by  ''pools,"  i.  e.  polls.  This  vote  was  repeated  in  1740  and  1742. 
but  in  1743  it  was  voted  that  the  highway  work  should  be  brought  into  a 
rate.  The  prices  allowed  for  highway  work  rose  and  fell  with  the  fluctua- 
ting value  of  the  currency.  The  highest  prices  paid  were  in  the  spring 
and  summer  months.  The  same  sum  was  allowed  for  a  man  as  for  a  team. 
In  1765,  Amherst  voted  for  repairs  (in  labor)  £50,  in  1777,^40;  in  1783, 
,£60;  in  1784,  £jo;  in  1 79 1,  ^100.  Surveyors  of  highways  were  first 
appointed  in  1763.  In  1774,  it  was  voted  that  the  highways  should  be 
put  in  equal  repair  with  the  county  roads.  Jan.  2,  1769,  Amherst  appointed 
a  committee  to  ascertain  the  bounds  of  the  townways  in  the  district,  to  erect 
sufficient  boundaries,  and  to  prosecute  persons  who  had  made  encroach- 
ments on  the  highways.  Highways  were  discontinued  from  time  to  time 
and  new  ones  laid  out.  Damages  were  claimed  and  allowed  to  individuals 
for  roads  laid  out  over  their  land,  and  there  were  frequent  exchanges  of 
land  for  highway  purposes.  In  1799,  the  Sixth  Massachusetts  Turnpike 
corporation  was  chartered  for  the  construction  of  a  road  from  the  east  line 
of  Amherst  to  Worcester,  passing  through  the  towns  of  Pelham,  Green- 
wich. Hardwick,  New  Braintree,  Oakham.  Rutland,  Holden,  and  Worcester, 
and  uniting  with  the  "great  road  in  Shrewsbury."  leading  from  New  York 
to  Boston. 


CHAPTER  VI 


Innkeepers.  —  Cemetery  and    Ti >wn    Lot.  —  Occupations.  —  Pauper 
Expenses. — Nkoroes. — Physicians. — Lawyers. 

The  first  innkeeper  in  the  Third  Precinct  was  Ebenezer  Kellogg,  from 
1734  to  1737,  and  again  from  1752  to  1757.  From  1744  to  175^.  Ephraim 
Kellogg,  brother  to  Ebenezer.  kept  an  inn.  From  1757  to  1 7 7  1 ,  Moses 
Warner  kept  an  inn  near  the  meeting-house,  which  proved  a  great  conven- 


LIQUORS    AND    LIQUOR    SELLERS.  57 

iencc  for  the  hungry  and  thirsty  voters  at  district  meetings.  From  175810 
1766,  Moses  Smith  kept  an  inn  on  the  Bay  road.  From  1758  to  1763,  Alex- 
ander Smith  kept  an  inn  on  the  highway  between  the  first  and  second  divis- 
ions, south  of  the  meeting-house.  Among  the  other  innkeepers  in  the  earlier 
history  of  the  town  were  Martin  Kellogg.  1771-73  ;  Gideon  Parsons, 1777-78; 
Flisha  Ingram,  1779-82  ;  Oliver  Clapp,  177S-85  ;  Seth  Wales,  1779-80; 
Daniel  Cooley,  1780:  Ezra  Rood,  1779-84;  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  1781  ; 
Nathaniel  Dickinson,  Jr.,  1783-85  ;  David  Trowbridge,  1781-82  ;  Joseph  Pet- 
tis, [783-88  ;  Nathaniel  Peck,  1785-87  ;  John  Belden,  1787.  The  old  inns  or 
taverns  were  a  peculiar  feature  of  earl}'  life  in  New  England.  Most  of  them 
were  simply  large  dwelling-houses,  with  two  or  three-'spare"rooms  where  trav- 
elers could  lodge  for  the  night,  and  find  a  supply  of  food  and  drink.  More 
attention  was  paid  to  supplying  the  wants  of  the  thirsty  than  of  the 
hungry.  The  bill  of  fare  was  simple  but  substantial  and  the  prices  charged 
were  reasonable.  But  unpretentious  as  were  these  country  taverns,  they 
were  the  center  of  social  life  in  the  community.  Here  were  held  the  old- 
fashioned  country  dances,  and  here  after  the  cows  were  milked  and  the 
••  chores  "  done  for  the  night  the  farmers  assembled  to  discuss  neighbor- 
hood matters,  talk  politics,  smoke  their  pipes  and  season  their  discussions 
with  New  England  rum.  Here  the  village  oracle  established  his  head- 
quarters, relating  anecdotes  of  earlier  clays  and  giving  opinions  on  matters 
of  politics,  theology,  and  social  economics  that  had  behind  them  the 
authority  that  comes  of  years  and  of  experience. 

The  early  settlers  in  New  England  were  a  temperate  people,  but  most 
of  them  came  from  England  where  indulgence  in  intoxicants  was  general. 
Following  the  custom  prevalent  in  the  mother  country,  licenses  to  sell 
liquor  were  granted,  but  only  to  persons  of  approved  standing  in  the  com- 
munity.  The  common  drinks  were  wine  and  beer,  until  rum  was  brought 
from  the  West  Indies.  Beer  was  first  made  from  imported  malt,  but  later 
on  of  malt  made  from  grain  raised  in  the  settlements.  Cider  was  used  as 
a  beverage  from  an  early  date,  and  from  its  cheapness  and  the  ease  with 
which  it  could  be  manufactured  became  a  common  drink.  "  Flip",  made 
of  beer,  sugar  and  spirits,  was  introduced  near  the  close  of  the  seventeenth 
century :  it  soon  became  a  favorite  tipple.  Drinking  in  moderation  was  a 
general  custom,  sanctioned  by  public  sentiment.  Liquor  played  a  promi- 
nent part  at  ••raisings"  and  in  nearly  all  public  celebrations.  There  was 
some  drunkenness,  but  little  of  an  offensive  character,  and  apparently,  in 
the  earlier  years,  little  poverty  or  suffering  resulting  from  it. 

Retailers  of  liquors  were  licensed  aside  from  tavern-keepers,  and  of 
these  Amherst  seems  to  have  had  more  than  its  proportionate  share. 
Judd  in  his  unpublished  mss.  gives  the  following  list  of  25  men  who  were 
licensed  retailers  in  Amherst  between   the   years    1759   and    17S4:  Josiah 


58  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Chauncey,  1759-67  ;  Peter  Smith,  1759-60;  Nathaniel  Coleman,  1761-62  ; 
Elisha  Ingram,  1766-73  ;  John  Field,  1768-73  ;  Eli  Parker,  1773  ;  Solomon 
Boltwood,  1773;  Elijah  Smith,  1783;  Jacob  McDaniel,  1783-85;  Elijah 
Hastings,  17S8;  Ephraim-  Kellogg,  1783;  Moses  Rowe,  1783;  Simeon 
Peck,  1782;  Samuel  Peck,  17S3  ;  Stephen  Smith,  1785-87  ;  Chiliab  Smith, 
177S  ;  Thomas  Bascom,  1778  ;  Moses  Cook,  1779-87  ;  Zebina.  Montague, 
17S4-S8  :  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.,  1779-80;  Elisha  Smith,  1780-81  ;  John 
Nash,  1784;  Andrew  Kimball,  1785-88;  Ebenezer  Boltwood,  1782-88; 
Eli  Putnam,  1782-84.  In  1789,  Seth  Wait,  Nathaniel  Peck,  Joseph  Pettis 
and  Oliver  Clapp  were  innkeepers;  in  1790,  Gideon  Parsons.  In  1785, 
John  Nash  kept  a  tavern  near  where  the  house  of  Mrs.  Edward  Tuckerm  an 
now  stands.  Some  of  these  taverns  or  inns  had  more  than  a  local  celebrity 
and  were  closely  connected  with  public  events  of  great  importance.  Of 
such  was  the  old  "  Clapp  tavern  "  at  East  Amherst,  a  sketch  of  which  will 
be  given  in  connection  .with  the  events  of  the  Revolutionary  war  and  the 
Shays   rebellion. 

In  January,  1730,  the  Town  of  Hadley  voted  to  its  '*  east  inhabitants  " 
liberty  for  a  burying  place  and  appointed  a  committee  to  lay  it  out ;  in 
March  of  the  same  year  the  committee  reported  that  they  had  laid  out  an 
acre  and  twenty  rods  of  land  "  joyning  on  Nath'l  Church's  lot  west." 
This,  with  additions  made  later  on,  comprised  the  land  in  the  old  "  West 
cemetery."  From  time  to  time  the  inhabitants  of  the  Precinct,  District  and 
Town  passed  votes  in  relation  to  fencing  and  caring  for  this  cemetery. 
The  first  person  to  be  buried  there  was  John  Scott,  who  died  Oct.  3,  1737, 
aged  27.  He  was  a  school-teacher  and  came  from  the  "Elbows",  now 
Palmer.  March  14,  1764,  it  was  voted  to  provide  a  grave  cloth  for  the  use 
of  the  district.  Hearses  for  conveying  the  dead  to  the  cemeteries  were 
unknown  in  this  section  until  the  beginning  of  the  19th  century.  There  is 
a  story  to  the  effect  that  when  Deacon  Eleazer  Mattoon  died  in  1767  the 
snow  was  so  deep  upon  the  ground  it  was  proposed  to  draw  his  body  to  the 
cemetery,  two  miles  distant,  upon  a  hand-sled,  but  the  Rev.  David  1'arsons 
would  not  listen  to  the  proposition  and  the  bearers  placed  the  coffin  upon 
their  shoulders  and  walked  with  it  through  the  snow  the  entire  distance  to 
the  place  of  burial. 

Amherst  had  a  town-lot,  that  embraced  some  of  the  land  upon  which 
the  Amherst  College  buildings  now  stand,  and  extended  to  the  north  and 
south.      March  5,  1739,  the  town  of   Hadley  passed  the  following  vote: 

••  Voted  an  addition  to  the  West  end  of  the  Town  Lot  Lying  in  the;,'1  Precinct 
of  Hadley,  said  addition  to  Extend  twenty  two  rod  west  upon  the  north  side  of 
said  Lot  and  twenty  rod  on  South  side  of  said  Lot,  and  said  addition  to  Lxtend 
lour  rod  north  against  .Nathaniel  Smith's  lot.'* 


SIGN  OF  JOHN  NASH  S  TAVERN. 


PAUPER    EXPENSES.  59 

This  town  lot  or  common  was  partly  a  swamp  and  partly  grown  up  to 
white  birch ;  it  was  used  as  a  pasture  ground  for  cattle.  On  the  east  side 
there  was  a  goose-pond  skirted  with  alders. 

The  Kelloggs,  who  were  the  first  innkeepers,  seem  also  to  have  been 
the  first  to  engage  in  milling.  The  first  grist-mill  was  owned  by  Ephraim 
Kellogg  and  was  situated  "far  up  on  Mill  river."  March  3,  1740,  Hadley 
••granted  to  Nathaniel  Kellogg  liberty  to  erect  a  saw  mill  on  Mill  river  at 
the  place  called  the  biggest  falls."  In  1744,  Nathaniel  Kellogg  had  a  corn- 
mill  on  Mill  river,  340  rods  north  of  the  upper  end  of  the  second  division. 
There  was  a  mill  on  Fort  river  prior  to  174S.  but  the  name  of  the  owner  is 
not  recorded.  In  1741,  Hadley  voted  that  "  15  rods  wide  of  the  highway 
joining  south  on  Jacob  Warner,  leading  through  the  second  tier,  should  be 
given  up  to  the  East  Precinct,  they  to  dispose  of  it  to  Aaron  Warner  to 
encourage  him  to  set  up  a  blacksmith's  trade  among  them."  There  were 
few  traders  in  the  settlement ;  in  1764.  Ephraim  Kellogg  traded  in  molasses, 
salt,  rum,  etc.  Between  1759  and  1764,  Josiah  Chauncey  and  Elisha  Ingram 
were  licensed  to  sell  tea,  coffee  and  chinaware. 

The  expense  of  caring  for  the  poor  was  small.  Jonathan  Atherton 
suffered  from  stone  in  the  bladder,  which  when  extracted  by  surgeons  in 
1  743  weighed  three  ounces  ;  he  was  aided  by  the  precinct  and  by  individuals. 
Of  the  French  people  who  were  driven  from  their  homes  in  Nova  Scotia 
and  dispersed  among  the  British  colonies  in  1755  and  1756,  nearly  a  thou- 
sand came  to  Massachusetts  and  one  family  was  sent  to  Hadley  in  1761. 
l'he\'  were  known  as  "  French  neutrals  "  and  were  supported  by  the  town. 
Amherst  contributed  to  their  support  and  in  1767  appropriated  50  shillings 
to  aid  in  sending  them  to  Canada.  I  )aniel  Smith  was  insane  for  many  years 
and  was  partly  supported  by  Hadley  and  partly  by  Amherst.  In  the 
Province  laws,  under  date  of  Jan.  12,  1759,  by  the  same  act  that  erected 
the  Second  Precinct  into  a  district,  it  was  ordered  that  Daniel  Smith,  "  an 
indigent  person  in  said  town,  be  supported  at  the  Expence  of  the  Town  of 
Hadley  and  of  said  District  in  equal  Moieties."  In  1779  and  after,  Moses 
Hawley  and  wife,  and  in  17S9,  widow  Mehitable  Smith,  received  aid  from 
the  town.  In  1S07,  Aaron  Kellogg,  insane,  and  Caesar  Prutt,  an  aged 
negro,  were  put  up  at  vendue  and  the  former  was  bid  off  for  a  year  at  S50 
and  the  latter  at  S65.  In  17S9,  the  town  appropriated  £6  for  the  support 
of  the  poor;  in  1793,  ^20;  in  1S01,  $75,  and  in  1S09,   S150. 

In  1765,  there  were  six  negroes  in  Amherst;  three  at  least  were  owned 
as  slaves,  one  by  Josiah  Chauncey,  one  by  John  Adams  and  one  by 
Ephraim  Kellogg.  There  were  other  slaveholders  in  earlier  years.  In 
1738,  Zechariah  Field  had  a  slave  valued  at  ^130.  Ebenezer  Kellogg 
owned  slaves.  Richard  Chauncey,  John  Ingram,  Sr.  and  Daniel  Kellogg, 
had  each  a  negro,  probably  a  slave. 


•  Go  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Nathaniel  Smith  was  the  first  resident  physician  in  the  Third  Precinct, 
where  he  practiced  his  profession  until  his  death  in  1789.  Dr.  Crouch  of 
Hadley  also  had  considerable  practice  in  the  East  Precinct.  Physicians 
in  the  early  days  used  medicines  of  undoubted  strength  if  not  efficacy. 
With  them  it  was  frequently  a  case  of  kill  or  cure.  Bleeding  and  blister- 
ing were  standard  remedies  for  almost  every  known  or  unknown  ailment; 
calomel  was  in  high  repute.  They  also  used  medicines  that  at  the  present 
day  are  unknown  to  the  pharmacopoeia.  In  1762,  Dr.  Crouch  paid  five 
shillings,  old  tenor,  to  David  Blodgett  of  Amherst  for  five  snake  balls  ; 
these  balls  were  made  of  parts  of  the  rattlesnake  and  were  esteemed  to 
possess  great  medicinal  virtues.  Seth  Coleman  began  the  practice  of 
medicine  in  Amherst  in  1767  and  died  in  18 16.  William  Kittredge  was  a 
physician  here  in  1784,  remaining  but  a  few  years.  Perhaps  the  most 
noted  of  the  earlier  physicians  of  Amherst  was  Dr.  Robert  Cutler,  who 
began  to  practice  in  Pelham,  in  1770,  removed  to  Amherst  before  1787  and 
did  not  die  until  1835.  Residents  of  Amherst  now  living  remember  well  old 
Dr.  Cutler.  Samuel  Gamwell  practiced  his  profession  in  Amherst  as  early 
as  1793. 

The  first  justice  of  the  peace  in  Amherst  was  Josiah  Chauncey, 
appointed  about  1758,  the  second,  Simeon  Strong,  in  1768.  Simeon 
Strong  was  one  of  the  most  noted  of  men  who  have  resided  in  Amherst. 
Me  was  son  of  Xehemiah  Strong  and  was  born  March  6,  1736,  in  North- 
ampton. He  removed  with  his  father's  family  to  Amherst  in  1741,  was 
graduated  from  Yale  College  in  the  class  of  '56,  read  law  with  Col.  Wor- 
thington  of  Springfield,  was  representative  to  the  General  Court  in  1767 
and  1769,  and  senator  in  1792  and  1793,  arose  to  great  eminence  in  his 
profession  and  in  1800  was  appointed  one  of  the  justices  of  the  Mass. 
supreme  court.  He  died  while  in  office,  Dec.  14,  1805.  He  was  one  of 
the  incorporators  of  an  association  chartered  in  1792  for  the  purpose  of 
building  canals  around  the  falls  in  the  Connecticut  river  at  South  Hadley 
and  Turners  Falls.  His  son  Simeon,  born  Feb.  22,  1764,  was  graduated 
from  Vale  College  in  1786  and  practiced  law  in  Conway  and  Amherst 
Another  son,  Solomon,  born  March  2,  1780,  was  graduated  from  Williams 
College  in  1798,  practiced  law  in  Royalston,  Athol.  Westminster  and  Leom- 
inster, was  member  of  Congress  1815-19;  in  18 19  was  appointed  judge  of 
the  circuit  court  of  common  pleas  and  in  1821  judge  of  the  court  of 
common  pleas,  a  position  he  held  until  1842.  Two  other  sons  of  Judge 
Strong,  Hezekiah  and  John,  practiced  law  in  Amherst,  both  Josiah 
Chauncey  and  Simeon  Strong  lost  their  office  as  justices  because  they  were 
unfriendly  to  tin-  cause  of  the  Revolution,  and  in  their  stead  were-  appointed, 
in  1775.  Moses  Dickinson;  in  17S1.  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  Jr.,  and  in  [783, 
Ebenezer  Mattoon.  Jr. 


THE    HENDERSON    HOUSE. 


HOUSE    BUILT   BY    NEHEMIAH    STRONG.    1744. 
(Oldest  House  in  Town.) 


FRENCH    AND    INDIAN    WARS.  6l 


CHAPTER  IX. 


French  and  Indian  Wars. — An  Old  Lawsuit. — Amherst  Troops  in 
the  Wars. — Petitions  for  Relief. — Militia  Company. 

In  1744,  some  fifteen  years  after  the  first  settlement  was  made  at  East 
Hadley,  war  between  Great  Britain  and  France  began  in  Europe  and  soon 
extended  to  the  colonies.  In  this,  as  in  the  earlier  wars,  France  made 
allies  of  the  Indians.  To  guard  against  attacks  from  the  savages  Massa- 
chusetts maintained  garrisons  at  Heath.  Rowe.  and  "East  Hoosuck",  after- 
wards Adams.  There  was  also  a  fort  garrisoned  by  Massachusetts  men  at 
Charlestown,  X.  H..  which  was  attacked  in  April,  1747.  and  bravely 
defended.  Among  the  garrison  were  rive  men  from  Hadley  South  and 
East  Precincts,  Eleazer  Smith.  William  Boltwood,  Nehemiah  Dickinson, 
Nathaniel  Church,  Jr.,  and  Fbenezer  Dickinson.  In  a  list  of  mounted 
soldiers  that  went  in  quest  of  the  enemy  to  "  Capt.  Bridgman's  fort,  above 
Northrield,"  under  command  of  Captain  Seth  Dwight,  Oct.  22,  1747,  and 
were  out  six  days,  are  found  the  names  of  Sergeant  Solomon  Boltwood, 
Joseph  (  Ian.  Aaron  Smith.  Pelatiah  Smith,  Hezekiah  Belding,  Samuel 
In-ram  and  William  Boltwood. 

As  a  result  of  the  scouting  expedition  to  the  north  in  October,  1747, 
a  lawsuit  was  brought  by  Fphraim  Kellogg  against  Solomon  Boltwood, 
which  was  among  the  celebrated  cases  of  the  time.  Lieut.  Boltwood  was 
ordered  to  go  with  a  detachment  of  men  to  the  relief  of  the  people  on  the 
northern  frontiers,  who  had  been  assaulted  by  the  enemy.  The  order  was 
given  by  Lieut.  Jonathan  Smith  of  Hadley,  who  procured  Fphraim  Kellogg's 
mare  for  Beltwood  to  ride  on.  Soon  after,  Kellogg  sued  Boltwood,  claim- 
ing that  the  latter  had  rode  the  mare  so  severely  she  was  in  a  great  measure 
ruined.  The  matter  came  before  the  courts  and  a  great  mass  of  evidence 
was  taken.  Among  the  witnesses  was  Isaac  Hubbard,  who  testified  as 
follows  : 

••  In  October  I  happened  to  be  at  the  House  of  Charles  Wright  when  Mr  Sol- 
omon Boltwood  and  Company  returned  from  up  the  Country  the  time  when  Mr. 
Boltwood  had  Ephraim  Kelloggs  mare  and  there  1  heard  one  of  the  Company 
Setting  forth  how  Exceeding  quick  they  came  from  Sunderland:  and  Altho  I 
Cannot  Speak  Positively  Concerning"  the  Number  of  Minutes,  yet  I  well  Remember 
that  in  the  time  of  it  I  made  a  Calculation  how  far  they  would  Ride  in  one  Hour 
and  I  Remember  it  was  Above  Twenty  Six  mile'  so  that  it  must  be  made  Ten 
minnits  the  Space  they  Rode  was  four  miles  So  C  alld  by  Every  one  that  is 
Acquainted  with  the  Rhoad ;  and  went  out  of  the  House  and  vieweJ  the  Horses, 
and  found  they  Sweat  Exceedingly  and  smok1  very  much." 


D2  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST.    MASS. 

A  mare  that  could  cover  four  miles  of  poor  roadway  in  ten  minutes 
must  have  been  considered  a  very  valuable  animal  in  those  days,  and  it  is 
small  wonder  that  her  owner  desired  a  round  sum  to  recompense  him  for 
her  "ruin".  But  Jonathan  Smith  testified  for  the  defence,  his  evidence 
going  to  show  the  mare  was  little  injured.  His  testimony  was,  in  brief, 
that  he  was  the  officer  that  sent  out  the  party  for  the  relief  of  the  frontiers, 
by  order  of  Col.  Porter,  in  the  fall  of  the  year  1747.  Mr.  Solomon  Bolt- 
wood  was  the  head  of  the  party  and  he  rode  upon  Ephraim  Kellogg's 
mare.  After  their  return,  hearing  that  Kellogg  complained  that  his  mare 
•was  abused,  he  took  notice  of  her  from  time  to  time  and  never  saw  her 
otherwise  to  appearance  than  sound  and  well.  She  was  then  with  foal, 
had  afterwards  a  likely  colt,  and  to  all  appearances  remained  sound  up  to 
the  time  of  the  trial.  The  case  was  before  the  courts  for  a  long  time,  was 
left  out  to  arbitrators  and  finally  settled  by  agreement. 

In  the  company  under  Capt.  William  Lyman  at  Fort  Massachusetts  in 
"East  Hoosuck"  in  1747-4S  were  William  Murray  and  Isaac  Goodale.  In 
the  company  of  Capt.  William  Williams,  out  from  March  10  to  Oct.  20. 
174S.  were  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Eleazer  Mattoon  and  Aaron  Smith.  In 
Col.  Joseph  Dwight's  company,  on  the  Western  frontiers  from  Aug.  7  to 
21,  174S.  were  the  following  from  the  East  Precinct:  Ensign  Solomon 
Boltwood,  Corp'l  Joseph  Hawley,  Josiah  Chauncey,  Ebenezer  Dickinson, 
Ebenezer  Kellogg,  William  Boltwood,  John  Ingram  and  Nathaniel  Church, 
Jr.  There  were,  probably,  men  from  the  Third  Precinct  of  Hadley  in  the 
army  that  besieged  and  captured  Louisburg  in  1745,  but  their  names  are 
not  known.  Soldiers  were  enlisted  for  this  expedition  in  all  the  Hampshire 
county  towns.  This  war  continued  until  174S,  when  it  was  ended  by  the 
treaty  of  Aix  la  Chapelle. 

The  last  of  the  French  and  Indian  wars  was  begun  in  1  754,  continu- 
ing for  nearly  ten  years.  Many  men  from  the  East  Precinct  took  part  in 
the  struggle.  In  the  company  commanded  by  Capt.  Israel  Williams  in 
1754-55  were  Corp'ls  Nathan  Dickinson  and  Preserved  Clapp.  A  part  of  this 
company  went  to  Huntstown  (now  Ashfield)  to  guard  the  inhabitants  while 
they  were  gathering  their  corn.  In  1755,  an  expedition  was  undertaken  by 
the  English  against  Crown  Point,  a  French  fortress  on  Lake  Champlain. 
Capt.  Moses  Porter  of  Hadley  led  a  company  in  this  expedition  and  among 
the  men  under  his  command  were  the  following  from  the  East  Precinct: 
Serg't  Reuben  Dickinson,  David  Dickinson,  David  Smith,  Jonathan 
Moody,  Jr.,  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  Preserved  Clapp;  in  a  company  under 
Capt.  Elijah  Smith  of  '"Cold  Spring"  (Belchertown)  were  Josiah  Chaun- 
cey, Samuel  Cutler.  (  >liver  Cowls,  Abner  How,  Eleazer  Harwood,  Philip 
Ingram:  in  Thomas  Kdward's  company  of  Col.  Joseph  Dwight's  regiment 
were  Joseph  Clary,  David  Dickinson,   Oliver  Cowls,    Samuel  Hawley,   Jr. 


AMHERST    SOLDIERS    IN    THE    WAR.  63 

and  his  son  Elijah.  The  latter  died  previous  to  March  19,  1757.  His 
father  received,  by  order  of  the  General  Court.  "  the  full  allowance  for  his 
son's  subsistence  on  his  return  from  ye  army  at  Lake  George  in  1755." 
In  Lieut.  Jonathan  Dickinson's  company,  Col.  Israel  Williams'  regiment, 
called  out  to  defend  the  Western  frontiers  when  Fort  William  Henry  was 
besieged  in  1757,  were  Lieut.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Nehemiah  Dickinson 
and  Abner  Adams.  In  Col.  Williams'  regiment  at  Charlemont  from  Jan. 
24  to  Nov.  30,  1757,  were  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  Jonathan  Moody,  Asahel 
Moody,  Justus  Williams  and  Simeon  Smith.  In  Lieut.  Joseph  Billings' 
company  that  marched  to  the  relief  of  Fort  William  Henry  when  it  was 
invested  in  1757  were  John  billing,  Samuel  Church  and  John  Nash.  In 
1758,  an  expedition  was  organized  for  the  invasion  of  Canada,  and  a  regi- 
ment was  raised  in  Hampshire  county  by  Col.  Israel  Williams  for  this 
service.  In  Elisha  Pomeroy's  company,  among  the  men  who  enlisted  in 
April  and  May  and  were  paid  on  an  average  for  45  days'  service,  were 
Corporals  David  Smith  and  Joseph  Dickinson  and  Oliver  Cowls,  David 
Dickinson,  Noadiah  Lewis,  Thomas  Morton.  Caesar  Prutt  and  Justus 
Williams.  Others  from  the  Hast  Precinct  who  took  part  in  this  expedition 
were  Nathan  Dickinson,  Jr.,  John  Keet,  Jr.,  Micah  Guilford,  Alexander 
Smith,  Abner  How,  Moses  Warner,  David  Blodgett,  Lemuel  Moody,  Eli 
Colton,  Paul  Guilford,  Charles  Chauncey,  Samuel  Graham.  Eleazar  Har- 
wood,  Isaac  Ward,  Abner  How,  Charles  Wright.  Philip  Ingram.  In  Selah 
Barnard's  company  in  1760  were  Ebenezer  Harwood,  Solomon  Sawtell, 
Micah  Guilford.  Benjamin  Harwood,  Zechariah  Harwood,  Simeon  Rude, 
Jabez  Snow,  Josiah  Chauncey.  Aaron  Smith,  Jr.  was  in  Major  Roger's. 
Rangers,  and  was  captured  near  Ticonderoga,  March  13,  175S. 

A  list  of  those  from  the  East  Precinct  who  took  part  in  this  war,  com- 
piled by  Judd,  contains  the  following  names  that  do  not  appear  above  : 
Elijah  Piaker,  Peletiah  Bucknam,  Benjamin  Bucknam,  Nehemiah  How, 
Isaac  Temple,  Nathan  Davis,  Simeon  Walker,  John  Gould.  In  the  fight- 
ing in  the  vicinity  of  Lake  George,  Sept.  8,  1755,  Zebadiah  Williams, 
"  perhaps  of  Amherst,"  was  killed. 

There  is  no  minute  concerning  these  wars  in  the  precinct  records. 
Bounties  were  paid  by  the  government  to  the  soldiers  who  enlisted  for  the 
expeditions  against  Louisburg  and  Crown  Point  ;  most  of  those  who 
engaged  in  the  service  were  young  men,  attracted  by  the  liberal  pay  and 
with  a  desire  to  travel  and  see  something  of  the  world. 

Soon  after  the  close  of  the  French  and  Indian  wars  the  General  Court 
was  flooded  with  petitions  for  aid  by  relatives  of  soldiers  who  had  been 
killed,  wounded,  or  carried  into  captivity.  The  following,  on  file  among 
the  state  archives,  were  presented  by  residents  of  Pelham  and  East  Hadley  : 


64  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

"  Petition  of  John  Conkey  of  Pelham  &  Aaron  Smith.  Sr.  of  Hadley,  to  the 
Hon.  Andrew  Oliver  of  Boston,  secretary  for  the  province. 

Pelham  Sept',r  ye  19th  175S. 

Honoured  Sir    > 

In  as  much  as  there  is  notification  to  those  that  have  their  relations  in  Captivity 
to  make  it  known  to  you 

These  are  therefore  to  inform  that  my  son  Joshua  Conkey  of  Pelham  and 
Aaron  Smith  of  Hadley  who  were  in  the  Publick  Service  under  Major  Rogers  and 
was  taken  the  13th  of  March  last  Near  Ticonderoga  and  as  we  are  informed  are 
alive  now  in  Keneda  we  therefor  pray  that  you  will  take  proper  Care  that  they  be 
brought  home  as  soon  as  may  be  which  is  all  at  present  from  your  Humble 
Servants. 

John  Conkey 
Aaron  Smith.  Senr" 

March  ig,  1760,  Petition  of  Isaac  Ward. 

•'  Whereas  my  Son  Isaac  Ward  of  Captain  Elijah  Smith's  Company  was,  in 
November  last,  left  Sick  at  Crown  Point,  without  any  Provincial,  being  allowed  to 
Stay,  to  take  care  of  Him:  upon  receiving  Information  thereof,  I  was  at  the  Charge 
of  Sending  two  men  to  his  relief;  who  proceeded  as  far  as  Green  Bush  with  their 
horses,  and  finding  it  impractable  to  Cross  the  Lake  at  that  Time  Returned  Home 
again,  without  Getting  any  Intelligence  of  my  Said  Son;  whereupon  I  Sent  another 
man  who  went  with  his  horse  as  far  as  Said  Green  Bush  where  he  got  Intelligence 
that  my  Said  Son  Died  about  the  twentieth  Day  of  December  last,  and  So  pro- 
ceeded no  further;  and  as  my  Said  Son  is  made  up  in  Said  Captain  Smith's  Muster 
Roll,  many  Days  Short  of  the  Time  when  he  Died — 

I  Humbly  Pray  that  Your  Excellency  and  Your  Honours  would  Graciously 
Grant  what  You  in  Your  Wisdom  Shall  Judge  reasonable  for  the  Charge  I  was  at 
on  account  of  my  Said  Son  :  and  also  Wages  for  him  from  the  Time  he  was  made 
up  to  in  Said  Captain  Smith's  Muster-Roil  to  the  Time  of  his  Death." 

This  was  accompanied  by  a  bill  of  expenses  amounting  to  over  ^14; 
the  General  Court  allowed  him  £6,  2,  4. 

May  23,  1764,  Benjamin  Rhoades  petitioned  the  Governor,  Council 
and  General  Court  for  pay  for  the  loss  of  the  services  of  his  apprentice 
Thomas  Quiggle,  who  was  a  private  soldier  at  Crown  Point  and  afterwards 
at  Ticonderoga,  when,  being  sent  by  his  officers  after  some  provisions  "he 
froze  his  feet  in  so  Terrible  a  manner  that  he  Lost  all  his  toes  &  hath  been 
under  ye  care  of  chirurgeons  ever  since  &  is  not  yet  Healed — by  which 
your  Petitioner  hath  greatly  suffer'd  in  ye  Loss  of  his  Labor  &  ye  Costs 
of  his  Maintenance  &c."  The  committee  of  the  Genera]  Court  to  whom 
the  petition  was  referred,  reported  in  favor  of  giving  Mr.  Rhoades  £3. 

A  militia  company  was  organized  in  the  precinct  soon  after  1740,  its 
first  officers  being  Jonathan  Smith,  lieutenant,  and  Kbcnezer  Kellogg, 
ensign.  Jonathan  Smith  became  captain  about  1749  and  Ebenezer  Kellogg 
lieutenant.  Some  of  the  first  settlers  had  taken  part  in  the  earlier  Indian 
wars,  so  the  military  spirit  was  not  lacking.     The  training  received  in  these 


SECOND    AND    THIRD    PRECINCTS.  65 

companies  and  the  experience  gained  in  the  campaigns  against  the  French 
and  Indians  were  of  incalculable  service  later  on  when  the  war  against 
England  began.  The  colonists  while  few  in  number,  possessing  little 
knowledge  of  the  science  of  war,  were  naturally  good  fighters,  and  having 
a  thorough  acquaintance  with  the  country  were  enabled  to  take  advantage 
of  the  frequent  mistakes  of  the  enemy.  The  militia  companies  of  the 
early  days  were  intended  not  so  much  for  ornament  as  for  service.  Their 
discipline  was  hardly  of  the  character  inculcated  at  West  Point,  and  their 
maneuvers  would  excite  more  laughter  than  applause  if  executed  at  the 
present  day,  but  they  learned  how  to  fight  and  how  to  obey,  two  necessary 
attributes  of  the  soldier  of  to-day  as  of  him  who  lived  one  hundred  and 
fifty  years  ago.  They  were  sadly  lacking  in  arms  and  equipment  and 
uniforms,  viewed  from  a  modern  standpoint,  but  they  possessed  fighting 
qualities  that  would  put  to  shame  many  of  the  finely  equipped  companies 
of  the  present  time. 


CHAPTER  X. 


Petition  to  Become  a  District. — The  District  Organized, — Amherst 
and  Lord  Amherst. — Province  Taxes. — Statistics  in   177  i. 

In  1753,  the  Second  Precinct  of  Hadley  was  erected  into  the  district 
of  South  Hadley,  and  the  old  Third  Precinct  became  the  new  Second. 
The  lands  at  South  Hadley  were  settled  earlier  than  those  at  Amherst,  and 
the  settlers  south  of  the  mountain  increased  more  rapidly  than  those  in 
the  East  Precinct,  in  173  1  outnumbering  the  latter  two  to  one.  There  was, 
however,  a  steady  growth  in  the  East  Precinct  that  was  destined  in  a  few 
years  to  give  it  a  larger  population  than  South  Hadley  or  even  the  parent 
settlement,  although  for  many  years  the  latter  continued  to  rank  first  in 
wealth  and  taxable  estate.  For  many  years  before  they  were  set  off  as 
districts,  the  South  and  East  Precincts  could  have  united  and  out-voted  the 
First  Precinct  and  controlled  the  town,  but  there  is  nothing  in  the  old 
records  to  show  that  such  action  was  ever  attempted  or  even  contemplated. 
A  majority  of  the  selectmen  were  always  chosen  from  the  old  village, 
excepting  in  175 1  and  1757.  The  first  selectman  and  the  first  assessor 
to  represent  the  East  Precinct  were  chosen  in  1732.  In  1756  the  inhabi- 
tants in  the  East  Precinct  exceeded  those  in  the  old  First  Precinct. 
5 


66  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

As  long  as  the  precinct  organization  was  continued,  it  was  necessary 
for  the  transaction  of  town  business  to  go  to  the  old  village  ;  this,  as  years 
passed  by  and  the  population  of  the  East  Precinct  steadily  increased, 
came  to  be  regarded  more  and  more  as  a  hardship.  The  need  of  a  district 
organization  was  apparent,  and  in  1758  steps  were  taken  to  bring  it  about. 
The  following  paragraphs,  quoted  from  the  Province  Laws  in  1758  and 
1759,  show  the  method  of  procedure  : 

"June  S,  175S.  A  Petition  of  John  Nash  and  Others,  a  Committee  of  the 
Second  Precinct  in  Hadley  in  the  County  of  Hampshire — Setting  forth  the  incon- 
veniences they  Labour  under  by  being  connected  with  the  first  Precinct,  as  well  on 
account  of  their  high  Taxes,  from  which  they  do  not  reap  a  proportional  Advan- 
tage, as  on  account  of  their  Distance  from  the  Place  where  their  Town  Meetings 
are  constantly  held,  and  praying  that  they  with  the  Addition  of  some  of  the  Inhab- 
itants of  the  said  first  Precinct  may  be  erected  into  a  distinct  and  separate  District 
agreeable  to  the  Limits  mentioned,  accompanied  with, 

A  Certificate  from  Isaac  Ward  and  Others,  Resident  on  a  Tract  of  Land,  lying 
in  the  first  Precinct  in  said  Town,  and  adjoining  to  the  second,  shewing  that  they 
are  desirous  of  being  incorporated  with  the  said  second  Precinct,  as  a  separate  and 
distinct  District,  they  being  much  more  conveniently  situated  for  transacting 
Business  there,  than  where  they  now  belong. 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  Read  and  Ordered.  That  the  Petitioners 
serve  the  Clerk  of  the  first  Precinct  in  the  Town  of  Hadley  with  an  Attested  Copy 
of  this  Petition,  that  they  shew  cause,  if  any  they  have,  on  the  second  Friday  of 
the  next  Sitting  of  the  Court  why  the  Prayer  thereof  should  not  be  granted. 

In  Council.     Read  and  Concurred." — Council  Records,  vol.  XX 1 1.,  p.  381. 

"January  9.  1759.  A  petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  second  Precinct  in 
Hadley  Praying  as  entered  8  June  last  to  be  erected  into  a  District. 

In  Council  Read  again  together  with  the  Answer  of  the  first  Parish  in  the 
Town  of  Hadley  ;  and  the  other  Papers  accompanying  the  same.  And  Ordered 
That  Benjamin  Lynde  and  William  Brattle,  Esqrs  with  such  as  the  honourable 
House  shall  join  be  a  Committee  to  take  the  Petition  and  papers  under  considera- 
tion and  report  what  they  judge  proper  to  be  done  thereon. 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  Read  and  Concurred  and  Mr  Tyng,  Mr  Niles 
and  Capt.  Stevens  are  joined  in  the  Affair." 

"Jan.  12,  1759.  The  Committee  appointed  the  9"1  Instant  on  the  Petition  of 
the  Inhabitants  of  the  second  Precinct  in  Hadley  reported  according  to  Order.  In 
Council.  Read  and  Accepted.  And  Ordered  That  the  Petitioners  have  leave  to 
bring  in  a  Bill  for  erecting  the  Second  Parish  in  Hadley  into  a  District  agreeable 
to  the  foregoing  Report.  And  further  Ordered  That  Daniel  Smith  an  indigent 
Person  in  said  Town  be  supported  at  the  Expence  of  the  Town  of  Hadley  and  of 
said  District  in  equal  .Moieties. 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  Read  and  Concurred." 

"An  act  for  erecting  the  Second  Precinct  in  the  Town  of  Hadley,  in  the 
county  of  Hampshire,  into  a  District  by  the  name  of  Amherst. 

Whereas  the  inhabitants  of  the  second  precinct  in  the  Town  of  Hadley,  in  the 
county  of  Hampshire,  have  petitioned  this  court,  setting  forth  sundry  difficulties 
they  labour  under  by  means  of  their  not  being  a  district  and  praying  they  may  be 
so  erected, — 


ACT    ERECTING    THE    DISTRICT    OF    AMHERST.  67 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  Governor,  Council  and  House  of  Representatives. 

That  the  said  second  precinct  in  Hadley,  according  to  its  present  known 
bounds,  be  and  hereby  is  erected  into  a  separate  and  distinct  district  by  the  name 
of  Amherst :  and  that  the  inhabitants  thereof  do  the  duties  that  are  required,  and 
enjoy  all  privileges  that  towns  do  or  by  law  ought  to  enjoy  in  this  province,  that  of 
sending-  a  representative  to  the  general  assembly  only  excepted:  and  that  the 
inhabitants  of  said  district  shall  have  full  right  to  join  witli  the  inhabitants  of  the 
said  town  of  Hadley  in  electing  a  representative  annually,  and  shall  be  notified  of 
the  time  and  place  of  election  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  town  of^Hadley.  by 
a  warrant  from  the  selectmen  of  Hadley.  directed  to  the  constable  of 'said  district, 
requiring  him  to  warn  the  inhabitants  of  said  district  to  attend  the  meeting  for  that 
purpose  at  the  time  and  place  by  them  assigned,  which  warrant  shall  be  seasonably 
returned  by  said  constable  ;  and  the  representative  may  be  chosen  indifferently  out 
of  siid  town  or  either  of  the  districts,  his  pay  and  allowance  to  be  borne  by  the 
town  of  Hadley  and  the  said  districts,  in  the  proportion_that  they  respectively  pay 
to  the  province  tax. 

And  be  it  further  enacted. 

That  Isaac  Ward.  Reuben  Ingraham.  Phillip  Ingraham.  Isaac  Hubbard  and 
Edward  Elmer,  and  their  respective  estates  lying  within  the  bounds  of  the  tract  of 
seventeen  hundred  and  seventy-seven  acres  petitioned  for,  and  adjoining  to  the 
said  second  precinct  line,  be  and  hereby  are  annexed  to  the  said  district,  there  to 
enjoy  privilege  and  do  duty. 

And  be  it  further  enacted. 

That  Timothy  Dwight  Esqr  be  and  hereby  is  directed  andjimpowered  to  issue 
his  warrant,  directed  to  some  principal  inhabitant  within  said  district,  requiring 
him  to  warn  the  inhabitants  of  said  district  qualified  to  vote  in  town  affairs,  to 
assemble  at  some  suitable  time  and  place  to  choose  such  officers  as  are  necessary 
to  manage  the  affairs  of  said  district:  provided,  nevertheless,  the  inhabitants  of 
said  district  shall  pay  their  proportionable  part  of  all  such  town,  county  and 
province  charges  as  are  already  assured  in  like  manner  as  tho*  this  act  had  not 
been  made."     [Passed  Feb.  13,  published  Feb.  14,  1759.] 

Judd  says,  Hadley  consented  that  East  Hadley  should  be  a  district, 
but  opposed  the  annexation  of  the  five  families,  who  seem  to  have  resided 
on  the  road  leading;  from  Amherst  to  Sunderland.  Two  minutes  regarding; 
the  matter  are  found  in  Hadley  records,  one  under  date  of  March  6,  1758, 
which  reads  as  follows  : 

"  Voted  That  the  East  Precinct  be  sett  off  a  saparate  District  according  to  their 
present  Bounds." 

The  other,  under  date  of  Feb.  8.  1760  : 

••  Voted  That  the  District  of  Amherst,  shall  have  their  proportionable  part 
of  the  Town  Stock  of  Powder.  Lead  and  Flints,  as  they  paid  in  the  last  Province 
Tax,  before  they  were  erected  into  a  separate  District  " 

The  town  and  district  organization  was  practically  the  same  ;  their 
powers  were  identical,  save  that  to  towns  was  reserved  the  privilege  of  send- 
ing representatives  to  the  General  Court.  Amherst  chose  a  delegate  to  the 
Provincial  Congress  in  1774,  thus  assuming  the  privilege  accorded  only  to 


68  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

towns.     In  1776,  it  assumed  the  name  of  the  "  town  of  Amherst  ",  to  which 

it  had  no  legal  title.  No  special  act  for  its  incorporation  as  a  town  was 
ever  passed,  but  March  23,  1786.  it  was  enacted  by  the  General  Court  that 
all  districts  incorporated  prior  to  Jan.  1,  1777.  should  be  towns.  This 
carried  with  it  the  privilege  of  sending  a  representative  to  the  General 
Court,  a  privilege  that  was  also  a  duty,  as  it  appears  that  in  17S2  Amherst 
was  fined  £28,  6,  S  for  not  sending  a  representative  ;  one-half  this  fine 
was  afterwards  remitted.  In  the  management  of  its  own  affairs  the  district 
was  supreme,  electing  officers,  making  rates  and  controlling  highways.  The 
first  meeting  in  the  new  District  was  held  March  19,  1759,  with  Ebenezer 
Dickinson  moderator,  when  a  full  list  of  officers  was  elected. 

There  has  been  more  or  less  controversy  as  to  how  the  name  Amherst 
came  to  be  bestowed  upon  .  the  District.  The  statement  has  been  made 
that  in  the  bill  for  erecting  the  District,  the  name  "  Norwottuck  "  was  written 
in,  and  afterwards  erased  by  Governor  Pownall  and  "  Amherst  "  substituted. 
The  records  at  the  state  house  in  Boston  contain  nothing  to  verify  this 
statement,  and  no  documentary  evidence  can  be  found  to  substantiate  it. 
It  is  possible,  and  even  probable,  that  the  name  "  Norwottuck  "  was  sug- 
gested and  favored  by  some  of  the  residents  in  the  Second  Precinct.  It  was 
the  old  Indian  name  for  this  section  of  the  Connecticut  valley,  signifying 
"in  the  midst  of  the  river."  The  privilege  of  bestowing  names  upon  the 
new  districts  was  one  of  the  perquisites  of  the  colonial  governor,  and  there 
is  every  reason  to  believe  that  when  the  bill  erecting  the  District  was  passed 
by  the  General  Court,  a  blank  was  left  for  the  name  and  this  blank  was 
filled  in  by  the  governor  with  the  word  "  Amherst".  At  that  time  Thomas 
Pownall,  Esq.  was  governor-general  of  the  Province  of  Massachusetts 
Bay,  under  appointment  of  King  George  II.  of  England.  He  was  an 
intimate  friend  of  General  Jeffery  Amherst,  whom  the  king  had  placed  in 
command  of  the  expedition  against  Louisburg,  and  this  friendship,  coupled 
with  the  success  of  the  expedition  and  the  fame  and  honor  which  it  brought 
to  Gen.  Amherst,  made  it  natural  and  fitting  that  the  name  Amherst  should 
be  bestowed  upon  the  new  District. 

The  following  interesting  article,  concerning  the  name  "Amherst"  and 
Lord  Amherst,  was  written  especially  for  this  History  by  Prof.  Herbert  B. 
Adams  of  Johns  Hopkins  University,  a  native  of  Amherst,  who  has  in 
many  ways  shown  his  interest  in  the  preparation  of  this  work. 

AMHERST    AND    LORD    AMHERST. 

The  name  Amherst  is  of  old  English  origin  and  was  first  applied  to 
a  landed  estate  in  the  parish  of  Pembury,  in  the  county  of  Kent.  Early 
forms  of  the  name  were  Hemhurste  and  Hemmehurst,  compound  words 
formed  by  prefixing  the  Saxon  Hem,  meaning  a  border,  to  the  Saxon  Hurst, 


GENERAL    JEFFERY    AMHERST.  69 

meaning  a  wood.  Amherst  therefore  probably  signifies  the  border  of  a 
forest,  or  Edge-wood* 

The  Amherst  family  derived  its  name  from  the  situation  of  its  land. 
Gilbertus  de  Hemmehurst  is  on  record  as  early  12  15.  The  family  occupied 
its  Amherst  estate  for  over  five  centuries,  but  now  lives  at  a  country-seat 
called  ••  Montreal  House'",  near  Seven  Oaks.  Kent.  The  present  owner  is 
Earl  Amherst,  who  signs  his  name  simply  "  Amherst  ".  His  father  and 
grandfather  before  him  were  Earls,  but  the  man  in  honor  of  whom  our 
town  was  named  in  1759  was,  at  that  time,  Major  General  Amherst. 

Jeffery  Amherst  was  born  January  29,  17  17.  He  was  the  second  son 
of  a  barrister  and  early  (173  1)  entered  the  English  army,  serving  as  staff- 
officer,  under  General  Ligonier  and  the  Duke  of  Cumberland,  in  those  old 
wars  which  England  waged  for  the  defense  of  Hanover  and  in  alliance 
with  Frederick  the  Great.  In  1758  Colonel  Amherst  was  called  home  from 
German}-  and  made  a  Major  General  by  William  Pitt,  who  was  looking  for 
new  and  efficient  men  to  lead  the  English  campaigns  against  the  French 
in  America.  Braddock  had  been  defeated  and  killed.  Oswego  and  the 
lake  region  were  lost.  The  Earl  of  Loudon  had  failed  to  capture  Louis- 
bourg  and  was  now  recalled. 

In  May.  1 7 5 S ,  General  Amherst  was  put  in  command  of  the  Louis- 
bourg  expedition,  with  over  12,000  troops  and  a  great  fleet  of  which  Bos- 
cawen  was  Admiral.  Under  Amherst  was  Brigadier  Wolfe,  bold,  dashing, 
and  eager  for  glory,  but  not  distinguished  like  his  chief  for  prudence  and 
absolute  self  control.  Parkman  says  of  Amherst  :  "  He  was  energetic  and 
resolute,  somewhat  cautious  and  slow,  but  with  a  bulldog  tenacity  of  grip". 
Amherst  had  the  best  fighting  qualities  of  his  race  and  nation,  and  was 
withal  sagacious,  far-sighted,  and  eminently  humane  in  his  policy  of  dealing 
with  men. 

On  the  eastern  coast  of  the  island  of  Cape  Breton  may  still  be  seen, 
in  a  land-locked  harbor,  the  ruins  of  old  Louisbourg,  once  the  French  strong- 
hold, guarding  the  Northern  Atlantic.  Captured  in  1745.  by  a  provincial 
army  under  Colonel  Pepperrell  (see  a  good  account  in  New  England  Mag- 
azine, June,    1895 )  the  place  had  been  ignominiously  restored  to  France  by 

*  Ik  Marvel  (Donald  G.  Mitchell)  long  ago  adopted  '"Edgewood"  for  the  name  of  his  place. 
Professor  F.  A.  March,  of  Lafayette  College,  Easton,  Pa.,  a  graduate  of  Amherst  College  and  one 
of  the  most  eminent  English  philologists  in  America,  says,  in  a  letter  dated  Sept.  14.  1895  :  "I  can 
find  nothing  more  to  establish  or  explain  the  history  of  Amherst  suggested  by  the  earlier  forms 
which  you  mention.  I  would  take  kemme as  descriptive  of  hurst.  Amherst  =  a  border  fodder-wood, 
bordering  an  open  meadow,  perhaps,  or  a  stream.  That  makes  a  good  name  enough  to  be  an 
accepted  hypothesis  for  the  given  facts.  But  the  general  run  of  the  names  of  hurst  makes  one 
suspect  that  the  hemme  is  a  variation  of  hatnme  or  helmc  for  elmme.  and  that  the  original  name  was 
an  enclosed  wood,  or  elm-wood,  or  Ham ' s  or  Am's-wood." 

Thus  we  have  a  pleasing  variety  of  good  old  Saxon  etymologies  to  choose  from.  Still  another 
is  Homewood,  if  we  accept  the  derivation  of  Amherst  from  Hamhurst  by  dropping  the  letter  "h." 
Homewood  is  as  good  a  name  as  Edgewood  or  Elmwood.    Amhurst  is  a  family  name  in  England. 


70  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

treaty  in  r  748.  Since  then  the  fortifications  had  been  greatly  strengthened. 
They  were  a  mile  and  a  half  in  extent  and  enclosed  an  area  of  120  acres 
in  the  form  of  a  peninsula  triangle,  protected  on  two  sides  by  the  sea  and, 
on  the  land  side,  considered  impregnable.  In  spite  of  the  difficulties 
occasioned  by  heavy  surf  and  a  craggy  shore,  a  landing  was  effected  at 
Fresh  Water  Cove  by  the  gallantry  of  Wolfe  and  his  soldiers,  supported 
by  Amherst  and  the  whole  army.  The  British  fleet  cooperated  and  destroyed 
the  French  shipping.  General  Amherst  commanded  operations  and  con- 
ducted the  siege.  Batteries  were  erected  at  various  points  around  the 
harbor.  By  means  of  trenches  the  siege-guns  were  brought  nearer  and 
nearer  to  Louisbourg,  whose  great  bastions  began  at  last  to  give  way. 
After  an  heroic  defense  of  two  months,  the  French  commander  was  com- 
pelled to  sue  for  terms.  Amherst  demanded  the  surrender  of  the  whole 
garrison  as  prisoners  of  war  and  a  definite  reply  within  an  hour.  A  French 
officer  was  sent  out  to  beg  for  more  honorable  conditions,  but  Amherst 
refused  to  parley.  He  sent  back  a  curt  and  peremptory  message  to  Drucour, 
the  commandant :  "  You  will  have  the  goodness  to  give  your  answer,  yes 
or  no,  within  half  an  hour.''  A  contemporary  account  says  :  "  A  lieuten- 
ant-colonel came  running  out  of  the  garrison,  making  signs  at  a  distance 
and  bawling  out  as  loud  as  he  could,  '  We  accept  !  We  accept  !  '  He 
was  followed  by  two  others,  and  they  were  all  conducted  to  General 
Amherst's  headquarters." 

Louisbourg  was  duly  surrendered  July  26,  175S,  with  all  its  stores  and 
munitions  of  war,  together  with  the  whole  island  of  Cape  Breton  and  also 
the  Isle  St.  Jean  or  Prince  Edward  Island.  All  the  outlying  coast-pos- 
sessions of  France  in  this  region  were  thus  cut  off  at  one  blow.  It  was  a 
signal  victory.  Throughout  the  English  colonies  men  thanked  God  and 
took  courage.  England  went  wild  with  joy.  The  flags  captured  at  Louis- 
bourg were  carried  in  triumph  through  the  streets  of  London  and  were 
placed  as  trophies  in  the  cathedral  of  St.  Paul.  In  recognition  of  his  dis- 
tinguished services  General  Amherst  was  made  Commander-in-Chief  of  the 
K  ing's  forces  in  America  and  his  name  was  honored  throughout  the  English- 
speaking  world. 

From  the  beginning  of  recorded  history  towns  have  been  named  after 
illustrious  men.  The  town  of  Amherst,*  Massachusetts,  is  a  living  monu- 
ment to  the  hero  of  Louisbourg.  On  the  13th  of  February,  1759,  (see 
Acts   and    Resolves,    vol,    iv.,    [73),  the    precinct    hitherto    known   as  East 

Le  oi  tin-  I  nited States  shows  that  "  Amherst  "  is  a  local  name  not 
only  in  Massachusetts,  bul  also  in  Maim-.  New  Hampshire,  Pennsylvania,  Virginia,  Ohio,  Wiscon- 
sin, Minn.  isi  it  a  and  Is;  nis,  is.  I  here  is  .1  town  called  "'Amherst  "  in  Nova  5i  "i  i  1  (midway  between 
st.  John  and  Halifax)  on  the  Bay  of  Fundy;  and  there  is  an  "  Amherst  Island",  the  chief  of  the 
M.i "i  lien  group,  at  the  entrance  to  the  Gull  of  St.  Lawrence.  I  here  is  an  Amh<  rstburg  in  ( Intario, 
in  Amherst  island  in  Lake  Ontario.  The  name  is  applied  to  a  seaport  in  Burmah,  to 
islands  off  the  coast  of  Arakan,  and  to  a  group  ofl  Kon  1. 


GENERAL    JEFFERY    AMHERST.  7  I 

Hadley,  or  Hadley  Farms,  or  East  Farms,  was  made  a  separate  district*  with 
all  town  privileges  except  special  representation  and  with  the  distinctive 
historic  name  of  Amherst.  Our  beautiful  town,  still  on  the  edge  of  the 
woods  in  almost  every  direction,  was  a  fitting  although  unconscious  revival 
in  New  England  of  the  old  English  Hemhurst,  for  the  conscious  purpose 
of  honoring  the  man  who  bore  the  Amherst  name  and  who  had  restored 
the  greatest  conquest  in  American  colonial  history.  The  recovery  of  Louis- 
bourg  was  absolutely  necessary  for  the  siege  of  Quebec  in  1759  by  Wolfe 
and  the  final  occupation  of  Canada  in  1760  by  General  Amherst. 

It  is  a  great  mistake  to  suppose  that  French  dominion  in  America  was 
destroyed  at  Quebec.  Wolfe's  exploit  was  another  glorious  victory,  but  it 
did  not  end  the  war.  The  French  army  escaped,  returned  again  in  1760 
under  Gen.  Levis,  and  defeated  Wolfe's  successor,  General  Murray,  before 
the  walls  of  Quebec,  as  Wolfe  had  defeated  Montcalm.  But  for  the  oppor- 
tune arrival  of  an  English  fleet,  the  reckless  Murray  would  have  lost  all 
that  the  daring  Wolfe  had  won.  It  was  left  for  General  Amherst  to  capture 
the  army  of  Le'vis  at  Montreal,  where,  after  taking  Ticonderoga,  Crown 
Point.  Oswego,  Fort  Niagara,  and  restoring  all  posts  lost  by  his  predeces- 
sors, Amherst  brought  together  three  English  armies  in  a  masterly  strategic 
combination.  Under  Amherst's  orders  Murray  moved  up  the  St.  Lawrence 
from  Quebec  with  2,500  men,  the  remnant  of  Wolfe's  forces.  Brigadier 
Haviland  advanced  northwards  from  Crown  Point  with  3.400  men,  forced 
the  passage  out  of  Lake  Champlain,  and  marched  through  the  woods  to 
the  St.  Lawrence  to  unite  with  Murray  below  Montreal.  Amherst  descended 
the  river  from  Lake  Ontario  with  10,000  soldiers,  1.000  Indians,  and  all 
his  artillery.  It  was  considered  something  of  an  exploit  by  his  contempor- 
aries. Sir  Joshua  Reynolds,  with  unerring  instinct,  seized  upon  that  descent 
of  the  rapids  with  an  army  in  open  boats  as  the  most  heroic  scene  in 
Amherst's  life  time.  He  is  represented  as  watching  the  passage  of  the 
flotilla  at  one  critical  point  as  he  stands  upon  the  heights  above  the  river. 
For  artistic  reasons  the  great  painter  pictured  his  hero  in  the  full  regalia 
of  a  Knight  of  the  Bath,  with  armor  glistening,  the  red  sash  over  his 
shoulder,  and  a  golden  sunburst  upon  his  breast.  His  helmet  is  removed 
and  rests  before  him,  while  he  leans  thoughtfully  upon  a  marshal's  trun- 
cheon, with  the  map  of  Canada  spread  out  before  him. 

Horace  Walpole,  in  his  Memoirs  of  George  II.  (111.  287-288)  says : 
"  Wolfe,  with    all   the   formidable   apparatus   of  modern   war,  had   almost 

*Judd.  in  his  excellent  History  of  Hadley,  p.  426,  says  ••Amherst  was  a  district  in  August.  1775, 
and  a  town  in  January.  1776.  The  date  of  its  incorporation  as  a  town  is  not  known."  Amherst 
simply  grew  as  a  District.  She  acted  with  Hadley  in  public  matters  as  long  as  it  was  convenient 
to  do  so.  and  then  virtually  seceded.  Amherst  obtained  practical  recognition  as  a  separate  town 
by  independent  representation  in  the  General  Court  two  years  before  the  United  Colonies  declared 
themselves  free  from  the  mother  country. 


72  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

failed  before  Quebec :  Amherst  with  barks  and  boats  invaded  Montreal, 
and  achieved  the  conquest,  though,  what  would  have  daunted  the  heroes 
of  antiquity,  he  had  the  cataracts  to  pass.  He  surmounted  that  danger 
with  inconsiderable  loss*,  and  appeared  before  Montreal  on  the  very  same 
clay  with  General  Murray."  The  English  armies  then  closed  around  the 
French  on  the  island  of  Montreal  as  the  Germans  closed  around  Sedan, 
Sept.  i,  1870,  when  Sheridan,  shutting  his  field  glass,  said  to  Moltke,  "It 
is  all  over  with  the  French  now."  It  was  all  over  with  the  French  then, 
on  that  morning  of  the  7th  of  September,  1760,  when  the  three  armies  of 
Amherst,  Murray,  and  Haviland,  came  together  from  those  far-distant 
points  of  departure,  Oswewo,   Quebec  and  Crown  Point. 

On  the  following  day,  Vaudreuil,  the  French  governor,  signed  the 
capitulation  of  Montreal,  and  with  it  surrendered  all  Canada,  on  the  terms 
demanded  by  General  Amherst.  "  Half  a  continent,"'  said  Parkman,  "  had 
changed  hands  at  the  scratch  of  a  pen."' 

The  present  generation  is  in  danger  of  forgetting  who  Amherst  was 
and  what  he  did  to  make  our  forefathers  rejoice  in  his  name  for  our 
town.  They  knew  the  reason  for  their  rejoicing.  The  pulpits  of  New 
England  resounded  with  Amherst's  praises.  The  pastor  of  the  Old  South 
Church  in  Boston  said  to  his  congregation:  "We  behold  His  Majesty's 
victorious  troops  treading  upon  the  high  places  of  the  enemy,  their  last 
fortress  delivered  up,  and  their  whole  country  surrendered  to  the  King  of 
Great  Britain  in  the  person  of  his  General,  the  intrepid,  the  serene,  the 
successful  Amherst."  In  like  manner  all  the  churches  of  Massachusetts 
observed  a  clay  of  Thanksgiving.  Parliament  gave  the  victorious  Com- 
mander-in-Chief a  vote  of  thanks  and  he  was  appointed  Governor  General 
of  British  North  America.  He  took  up  his  residence  in  New  York  City 
and  was  knighteclt  at  Staten  Island,  Oct.  25,  1761,  by  authority  of  the 
King  and  William  Pitt. 

Sir  Jeffery  Amherst  returned  to  England  in  November,  1763,  and  was 
for  many  years  a  popular  hero.  Honors  and  emoluments  were  heaped 
upon  him  all  the  rest  of  his  days.  In  fact,  he  became  Commander-in-Chief 
of  all  the  Forces  of  Great  Britain  and  was  the  adviser  of  the  English  gov- 
ernment during  the  war  of  the  American  Revolution.  In  17S7  he  was 
created  Lord  Amherst  of  Montreal,  having  already  in  1776  been  made 
Baron  Amherst}  of  Holmesdale,  Kent.  When  at  last,  in  1795,  he  resigned 
the  office  of  Commander-in-Chief,  he  refused  an  earldom.  The  following 
year    he    was    made    Field  Marshall.      He  died  August  3,  1797,  at  the  ripe 

*Amherst  lost  64  boats  and  100  lives  in  the  Cedar  Rapids  alone. 

Magazine  <>i   .  Imerii  an  History,  11.,  502. 
{The  supporters  to  the  Amherst  coat-of-arms  are  two  Indians  in  full  battle  array.    The  family 
motto  is  Constantiaet  Virtute. 


PROVINCE    TAXES    ON    HADLEY    AND    AMHERST.  73 

old  age  of  eighty,  leaving  no  children.  His  title  and  property  and  country- 
seat  '%  Montreal  "  in  Kent,  passed  to  Ids  nephew.  William  Pitt  Amherst, 
whose  name  commemorates  the  great  minister  to  whom  the  Amherst  family 
and  the  English  nation  owed  in  no  small  degree  their  glory  in  America. 
Jeffery  Amherst*  should  be  remembered  as  the  hero  of  Louisbourg  and  as 
the  conqueror  of  Canada. 


In  the  General  Court  Records,  under  date  of  October,  1759,  the  fol- 
lowing appears  : 

•■  A  Petition  of  Jonathan  Smith  and  others  Selectmen  of  Hadley.  Setting  forth 
that  the  District  of  Amherst  being  taken  off  from  said  Town,  they  are  apprehen- 
sive that  part  of  the  province  Tax  which  ought  to  be  paid  by  Amherst  still  lies 
upon  Hadley.  and  that  said  District  ought  also  to  be  assessed  for  part  of  the 
Representative's  pay  in  1757  and  175S.  And  praying  the  Interposition  of  this 
Court  for  their  Relief. 

In  the  House  of  Representatives;  Read  and  Voted  That  the  Tax  laid  upon 
the  Town  of  Hadley  in  the  County  of  Hampshire  this  year  shall  be  assessed  and 
levied  upon  said  Town,  and  upon  the  District  of  Amherst  in  the  same  County  in 
the  proportion  following  that  is  to  say.  Two  hundred  and  eighty  pounds  seven 
shillings  and  ninepence  thereof  upon  the  Polls  and  Estates  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
said  Town:  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-eight  pounds  fifteen  shillings  and  nine- 
pence  thereof  upon  the  Polls  and  Estates  of  the  Inhabitants  of  said  District,  and 
the  Assessors  of  said  Town  and  District  respectively  are  hereby  ordered  to  govern 
themselves  accordingly  in  making  their  Assessments." 

At  the  session  of  the  General  Court  in  May,  1761.  the  western  part 
of  Hampshire  county  was  set  off  and  incorporated  as  a  distinct  county  by 
the  name  of  Berkshire.  At  this  same  time  there  arose  a  controversy  among 
the  towns  in  Hampshire  as  to  whether  Northampton  or  Hadley  should  be 
the  shire  town.  The  towns  on  the  west  side  of  the  Connecticut  river  gen- 
erally favored  Northampton,  while  those  on  the  east  side  preferred  Hadley. 
Amherst  sent  a  petition  to  the  General  Court  signed  by  Jonathan  Dickin- 
son, Peter  Smith,  John  Dickinson,  John  Field  and  Joseph  Eastman,  select- 
men, urging  the  claims  of  Hadley,  as  nearest  the  center  of  the  county, 
and  being  itself  "very  handsomely  situated".  One  great  objection  to 
Northampton  was  the  difficulties  experienced  in  crossing  the  river,  particu- 
larly in  times  of  flood. 

*There  is  no  life  of  Amherst.  His  dispatches  are  preserved  in  the  public  record  offices  at  London 
and  Halifax.  In  Albany  there  are  many  of  his  letters  to  Col.  Bradstreet,  Sir  William  Johnson  and 
Gov.  DeLancey.  written  by  secretaries  but  bearing  Amherst's  well-known  signature.  Other  original 
materials  are  printed  in  the  X.  Y.  Colonial  Documents,  vol.  vn.  and  in  the  Aspinwall  Papers. 
Among  the  Parkman  mss.  in  the  Mass.  Hist.  Society  are  copies  of  five  letters  from  Amherst  to  Pitt, 
written  at  Louisbourg.  Parkman's  "  Pontiac  "  and  his  "  Montcalm  and  Wolfe  "  contain  many  inter- 
esting passages  relating  to  General  Amherst.  See  also  G.  E.  Hart's  "Fall  of  Xew  France"  and 
numerous  references  in  Winsor's  Xarrative  and  Critical  History  of  America,  vol.  v.:  Wright's  Life 
of  Wolfe  ;  Stone's  Life  of  Sir  William  Johnson  ;  and  Lanman's  Michigan.  Lodge's  Portrait--,  vol. 
vni..  lias  a  very  inaccurate  sketch  of  "Jeffery,  First  Lord  Amherst."'  Leslie  Stephen's  Dictionary 
of  Xational  Biography  (18S5)  sives  a  better  notice,  with  a  short  iist  of  authorities,  by  H.  M.  Stephens, 
who  justly  says  of  Amherst:  "His  greatest  glory  is  to  have  conquered  Canada :  and  if  much  of 
that  glory  belongs  to  Pitt  and  Wolfe,  neither  Pitt's  combinations  nor  Wolfe's  valor  would  have 
been  effectual  without  Amherst's  steady  purpose  and  unflinching  determination." 


74  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

In  1 76 1 ,  the  province  tax  of  Amherst  was  ,£142,  3,  9;  in  1762,  the 
same;  in  1763,  ,£92,  7,  11  ;  in  1764  and  1765,  the  same;  in  1766,  ,£75, 
16,  S  ;  in  1767,  £16,  2,  3  ;  in  1769,  ^56,  17,  6  ;  in  1770,  .£47,  7,  11. 
Amherst's  proportion  of  the  representative's  pay  was.  in  1761,  £4.,  10;   in 

i762>  £5  I    in  I763.  £3,  4;    in  i764-  £3  ;  in  1 765^   £6<  2  I  in    nGCj<   £l, 
10;    in  1767,  £8,  s  ;    in  1769,  £9,  io  ;    in  1770,  £5,  10. 

The  following  statistics  of  Amherst  in  177  1  are  taken  from  Judd's  His- 
tory of  Hadley  :  Ratable  polls,  196  ;  unratable  polls,  9  ;  dwelling  houses, 
120;  barns,  84;  shops,  14;  gristmills,  2;  sawmills,  3;  potash  works,  2; 
money  at  interest,  ^"1312  ;  stock  in  trade.  ,£"73  ;  horses,  three  years  old 
and  more,  153  ;  oxen,  four  years  old  and  more,  187  ;  cows,  three  years  old 
and  more,  319  ;  sheep,  one  year  old  and  more,  647  ;  swine,  one  year  old 
and  more.  214;  barrels  of  cider  made,  524;  acres  of  tillage  land,  1292  ; 
bushels  of  grain  raised,  6596;  acres  of  English  and  upland  mowing,  S27  ; 
tons  of  hay  from  it.  720  ;  acres  of  fresh  meadow,  389  ;  tons  of  hay  mowed, 
337  ;  acres  of  pasturage,  419.  These  statistics  were  copied  by  Mr.  Judd 
from  original  papers  in  the  state  house.  From  other  sources  he  gained 
the  following:  Families  in  1765,  104;  white  people  in  1765,  639;  white 
people  in  1776,  915  ;  polls  in  1784,  276.  Side  by  side  on  the  same  page 
with  these  figures  are  other  statistics  of  the  same  date  from  Hadley,  South 
Hadley  and  Granby.  They  show  that  Amherst  had.  in  population  and  in 
many  branches  of  industry,  outstripped  the  parent  town.  Thus  while 
Amherst  had  196  "ratable"  polls,  Hadley  had  147,  South  Hadley  131,  and 
Granby  95.  Amherst  had  120  dwelling  houses,  Hadley  88,  South  Hadley 
79,  Granby  61.  Amherst  had  89  barns,  Hadley  82,  Granby  47.  Amherst 
had  £2  more  money  at  interest  than  Hadley,  but  Hadley's  stock  in  trade 
was  ^1252  while  Amherst's  was  but  ,£73.  Amherst  had  the  most  horses, 
oxen,  cows,  sheep  and  swine  ;  it  had  also  the  rather  doubtful  honor  of 
making  the  most  barrels  of  cider.  Hadley  had  more  tillage  land  and 
raised  a  much  larger  quantity  of  grain,  but  Amherst  had  nearly  four  times 
as  many  acres  of  English  and  upland  mowing  and  raised  a  proportionally 
larger  quantity  of  hay.  Hadley  had  the  largest  number  of  acres  of  fresh 
meadow,  Amherst  the  most  acres  of  pasturage.  Amherst  had  five  more 
families  than  Hadley  in  1765,  86  more  white  people  in  1765,  234  more 
white  people  in  1776  and  73  more  polls  in  1784. 

1  Iadle_\-  had  39  corn-houses;  the  other  towns  returned  none.  The 
''unratable  polls"  were  those  of  old  and  infirm  men.  Of  the  mills  in 
Amherst,  besides  those  owned  by  the  Kelloggs,  which  have  been  referred 
to  before,  there  was  a  mill  owned  by  John  Adams,  perhaps  the  one  on 
Mill  river;  Simeon  Clark  owned  three-fourths  of  a  mill  and  another  was 
owned  in  iaths.  The  potash  works  in  Amherst  were  owned,  one  by  Martin 
Kellogg,  the  other  by  Elisha  Ingram,  Moses  Warner  and  John  Billings.    Resi- 


STATISTICS.  75 

dents  of  Amherst  who  had^ioo  or  more  at  interest  were:  Solomon 
Boltwood,  ^300;  Nehemiah  Strong,  ^200;  Simeon  Strong,  £100; 
Nathaniel  Smith,  ^100:  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  ^100.  Solomon  Boltwood 
and  Daniel  Kellogg  had  each  eight  cows,  and  Mr.  Boltwood  had  35  sheep. 
The  cider  made  in  the  four  towns  averaged  4^  barrels  to  a  house.  There 
was  a  distillery  in  Amherst  ;  Col.  Ephraim  Smith,  born  in  Hadley  in  t 788, 
told  Mr.  Judd  that  he  had  carted  many  loads  of  cider  to  Amherst  to  be 
distilled,  by  a  man  who  lived  near  where  the  South  Cong'l  church  now 
stands.  The  same  man  carried  on  a  rye  distillery,  and  rye  was  carried 
from  Hadley  to  Amherst  and  gin  returned.  Amherst  had  many  maple 
trees  and  considerable  quantities  of  sugar  and  molasses  were  made. 
Horses  were  of  inferior  grade  and  were  chiefly  used  under  the  saddle.  The 
harness  was  simple,  generally  made  by  the  shoemaker  and  rope-maker. 
Horses  were  used  in  farming  operations  before  oxen. 

In  1767,  Simeon  Smith,  son  of  Moses  Smith  who  lived  on  the  Bay 
road  in  Amherst,  started  a  wagon  freight  route  between  Amherst  and 
Boston,  over  the  Bay  road  by  way  of  Brookfield.  This  was  the  pioneer 
route  of  the  kind  in  Hampshire  country.  He  sometimes  carried  loads  that 
weighed  more  than  a  ton.  which,  over  the  rough  country  roads,  must  have 
proved  a  severe  tax  upon  his  horses.  He  carried  to  Boston  grain,  meat, 
farm  produce  and  quantities  of  potash,  the  latter  worth  in  Boston  in  1770 
34  shillings  per  cwt.  On  his  return  trips  he  would  bring  back  supplies 
for  the  traders,  including  generous  quantities  of  New  England  rum. 

Between  the  years  1750  and  1775.  horses  were  valued  at  what  in  our 
currency  would  amount  to  from  Sio  to  S40.  The  charge  for  hiring  a  horse 
was  from  one  to  twopence  per  mile  traveled.  When  oxen  were  introduced 
they  took  the  place  of  horses  in  farming  occupations.  Oxen  were  worth 
from  Si 5  to  S45  per  yoke.  Early  in  the  iSth  century,  Hadley  began  to 
fatten  cattle  for  the  Boston  market,  an  example  that  was  followed  in 
Amherst  soon  after  its  first  settlement.  Cattle  were  driven  to  Boston  and 
sold  on  credit,  the  result  being  many  lawsuits  in  the  Hampshire  courts. 
Some  cattle  were  killed  and  the  meat  salted  down  in  barrels  before  being 
shipped  to  Boston.  There  were  few  regular  butchers  in  this  section, 
farmers  slaughtering  their  own  cattle  when  in  need  of  fresh  meat.  Great 
quantities  of  pork  were  raised  and  consumed,  this  being  the  principal  meat 
food  of  the  early  settlers.  The  pork  was  salted  clown  in  brine,  some  of  it 
being  afterwards  smoked  in  large  pieces.  The  old  name  for  lard  was  suet... 
and  it  brought  about  the  same  price  in  the  market  as  butter.  Hogs,  fat 
and  lean,  were  driven  from  the  Connecticut  river  to  Boston  ;  considerable 
quantities  of  pork  were  shipped  to  market  in  barrels. 

Cows  were  fairly  plentiful,  their  price  ranging,  in  our  money,  from  S7 
to  Si  1.     Milk  was  a  staple  article  of  diet:     combined  with  bread  or  hasty- 


76  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

pudding  it  furnished  many  a  breakfast  and  supper  table.  Cows  were 
allowed  to  run  at  large  and  during  most  of  the  year  were  able  to  secure 
sufficient  feed.  Sometimes  they  were  placed  in  charge  of  a  keeper,  but  as 
a  general  thing  the  bells  they  wore  were  considered  a  sufficient  guarantee 
against  their  straying  away  and  becoming  lost.  Sheep  were  raised  both 
for  mutton  and  wool.  The  price  of  live  sheep  in  1790  was  one  penny  per 
pound,  the  price  of  wool  previous  to  the  Revolution,  from  eight  pence  to 
■one  shilling  per  pound.  A  carding  machine  was  erected  in  the  north  part 
of  Amherst  in  1S03  ;  previous  to  this  the  wool  was  carded  by  women. 
Some  of  the  best  wool  was  not  carded  but  combed  ;  from  this  worsted 
was   spun. 

Hens  were  early  introduced  and  were  kept  by  all  farmers.  They  sold 
for  from  fourpence  to  sixpence  each  in  1700,  while  eggs  were  worth  three- 
pence per  dozen.  Tame  turkeys  were  far  from  plentiful,  but  wild  ones 
abounded.  Geese  were  rare  in  Hampshire  county  until  the  middle  of  the 
iSth  century.  There  was  always  a  good  market  for  geese-feathers,  the 
price  previous  to  1750  being  18  shillings,  old  tenor,  per  pound.  Wild  bees 
were  hunted,  many  swarms  being  found  in  the  woods  and  on  the  mountain. 

Tobacco  was  in  general  use  both  for  smoking  and  chewing.  The 
traders  in  Hampshire  county  sold  great  quantities  of  pipes.  Cigars  were 
not  introduced  until  near  the  end  of  the  century.  Little  patches  of  tobacco 
were  raised  in  Amherst  as  in  surrounding  towns.  The  price  of  leaf 
tobacco  was  from  twopence  to  sixpence  per  pound. 

Butter  and  cheese  were  made  in  large  quantities  for  home  consump- 
tion. The  price  of  butter  in  1775  was  five  or  sixpence,  of  cheese  four  or 
fivepence.  A  mill  for  making  linseed  oil  was  established  at  North  Hadley 
in  1795. 

Wild  strawberries,  dewberries  and  huckleberries  abounded.  They 
were  gathered  by  the  children,  many  of  them  to  be  eaten  at  home  and 
some  to  be  sold  in  the  market  at  a  penny  a  quart.  Checkerberries  were 
abundant  and  highly  esteemed  by  the  children. 

Chestnuts  and  walnuts  were  very  plentiful.  Chestnuts  have  always 
been  regarded  as  common  property,  but  from  an  early  time  walnuts  came 
to  be  regarded  as  a  regular  farm  crop  to  be  gathered  and  sold  in  the 
markets.     Many  walnut  trees  were  cut  and  sold  for  timber  and  firewood. 

Watches  and  clocks  were  luxuries  known  to  but  few  of  the  early 
settlers;  they  depended  lor  the  time  of  day  on  hour-glasses,  sun  dials,  and 
■"noon-marks"  on  the  window  casings.  Dr.  Nathaniel  Smith  had  an  old- 
Eashioned  "bullseye"  watch,  still  treasured  by  Mrs.  Enos  baker,  one  of 
his  lineal  descendants. 

The  first  carriage  owned  in  Amherst  was  a  "  fall-back  chaise,"  taxed 
to   Simeon    Strong    in    1791.       The   first   one-horse   wagons   made   in  this 


THE    REVOLUTIONARY    WAR.  77- 

vicinity  were  manufactured  by  Mason  Abbe  at  Amherst.  Joseph  Smith  of 
Hadley  bought  one  of  Abbe,  in  1808.  In  1S09,  Abbe  removed  to 
Belchertown. 

The  spring  plowing  was  done  in  Amherst  and  surrounding  towns  from 
April  10  to  April  25.  Barley,  flax,  rye,  oats  and  peas  were  sown  in  April 
and  the  first  week  in  May.  Corn  was  planted  from  May  5  to  23,  hoed  the. 
first  time  from  June  1  to  15,  the  second  time  from  June  15  to  July  5.  the 
third  time  from  July  6  to  25  ;  stalks  were  cut  from  Sept.  5  to  14,  and  corn 
picked  from  Sept.  24  to  Oct.  14.  Homelots  were  mowed  the  first  time  from 
June  14  to  July  5,  the  second  time  from  July  15  to  Aug.  10.  The 
meadows  were  mowed  from  July  1  to  10.  Rye  and  wheat  were  reaped  from. 
July  19  to  Aug.  5.  Barley  was  mowed  the  last  week  in  July.  Peas  were 
''hooked''  from  Aug.  23  to  Sept.  5.  Oats  and  rye  were  cradled  from  Aug.  1, 
to  15.  Flax  was  pulled  from  Aug.  1  to  10,  spread  and  turned  in  September, 
taken  up  the  last  of  October.  Fall  plowing  was  done  and  winter  rye  and. 
wheat  sowed  in  September.  Potatoes  were  dug,  beans  gathered,  turnips 
pulled  and  pumpkins  carted  in  October.  They  had  severe  frosts  that  fre- 
quently did  great  damage  to  crops. 


CHAPTER  XI, 


Amherst  in  the  Revolution. — Minute  Men. — Tories. — The  Cana- 
dian Campaign. — Names  of  Amherst  Soldiers. 
Amherst  bore  an  honorable  part  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  When 
kingly  oppression  was  no  longer  to  be  borne,  the  words  of  defiance  that 
were  uttered  on  the  shores  of  Massachusetts  Bay  found  ready  and  resonant 
echo  from  the  valley  of  the  Connecticut.  From  no  town  in  the  valley  was 
there  a  more  prompt  and  patriotic  response  than  Amherst  gave  to  the  com- 
mittee of  correspondence  at  Boston.  The  District,  still  a  district  although 
it  had  assumed  the  name  of  town,  was  among  the  first  to  pledge  its  strong ' 
support  to  a  declaration  of  independence  of  Great  Britain,  before  such  a 
declaration  had  been  formulated.  It  was  ready  to  pledge  money  and  men. 
and  supplies,  anything  needful  for  carrying  on  the  war  for  independence. 
The  martial  spirit  of  its  citizens,  in  many  instances  strengthened  by 
experience  gained  in  the  French  and  Indian  wars,  was  ready  for  the  conflict 
which,  it  was  recognized,  was  inevitable.  Nor  was  this  a  mere  spasm  of. 
patriotism,  destined  to  die  out  when  confronted  with  the  grim  realities  of 


78  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST.    MASS. 

war.  During  the  long  years  of  bloody  strife  that  were  to  follow,  with  a 
large  percentage  of  its  citizens  personally  engaged  in  the  conflict,  oppressed 
by  heavy  taxation,  Amherst  was  prompt  to  honor  every  demand  that  was 
made  upon  it  for  the  support  of  the  "  common  cause ".  This,  too,  in 
presence  of  enemies  at  home,  who  had  no  sympathy  with  the  principles 
and  objects  for  which  the  colonists  contended.  There  is  no  prouder  page 
in  Amherst  history  than  that  which  tells  of  what  was  done  by  its  patriotic 
citizens  in  the  war  for  independence.  The  sons  and  grandsons  of  men 
English-born,  with  reverence  inbred  in  them  for  all  that  pertained  to  the 
kingly  estate,  they  had  breathed  deeply  of  the  free  air  that  wanders  over 
the  mountain-peaks  and  through  the  valleys  of  New  England  and  felt  in 
every  fibre  of  their  being  that  they  too  might  be,  must  be,  free.  They  were 
not  optimistic  from  ignorance  ;  they  knew  the  power  of  England  and 
realized  the  fate  that  awaited  them  should  the  conflict  go  against  them  ; 
they  realized  the  heavy  odds  in  opposition,  but  they  believed  the  Lord  was 
on  their  side  and  they  knew  that  one,  with  God,  was  a  majority. 

The  old  town  records  contain  in  outline  the  history  of  these  eventful 
years,  an  outline  that  can  never  be  filled  in  as  fully  as  it  ought,  but  it  gives 
to  us  an  insight  into  the  character,  the  motives  and  the  deeds  of  those  who 
dwelt  in  Amherst  when  the  crystallization  of  the  American  nation  was  first 
in  process.  The  names  of  some  who  took  part  in  the  eventful  contest  are 
here  recorded,  but  the  list  is  not  complete,  nor  can  it  ever  be.  The 
names  that  are  missing  from  this  roll  of  honor  are  recorded  in  a  Book 
unseen  of  human  eyes.  Without  repeating  in  full  the  many  votes  passed 
by  Amherst  during  the  revolutionary  period,  it  may  be  well  to  summarize 
them,  giving  such  additional  facts  as  are  at  the  historian's  command. 

Ian.  26,  1774,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  draw  up  a  letter  to  be 
sent  to  the  committee  of  correspondence  at  Boston.  The  members  of  that 
committee,  five  in  number,  were  among  the  most  influential  men  in  the 
community,  and  included  two  men,  Reuben  and  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  who 
had  taken  part  in  the  French  and  Indian  war.  The  letter  they  prepared, 
stirring  and  patriotic  in  tone,  may  be  found  on  page  68  of  the  District 
records ;  it  was  accepted,  entered  upon  the  town  book  and  forwarded  to 
the  committee  of  correspondence  at  Boston.  Sept.  20,  1774,  a  standing 
committee  of  correspondence  was  chosen,  and  Oct.  3,  of  the  same  year. 
Nathaniel  Dickinson,  Jr.  was  elected  a  delegate  to  the  first  Provincial 
Congress,  which  met  at  Concord,  Oct.  1 1.  Jan.  2,  1775,  Mr.  Dickinson  was 
•elected  a  delegate  to  the  Provincial  Congress  which  met  at  Cambridge. 
Feb.  1,  of  that  year.  Hadley  voted,  Jan.  13,  1775,  that  its  selectmen 
.should  confer  with  the  districts  of  Amherst  and  South  Hadley  and  the 
town  of  Granb.y  to  know  whether  or  not,  they  or  any  of  them,  would  unite 
with  Hadlev  to  send  a  delegate  to  the  Congress  at  Cambridge,  but  Amherst 


AMHERST    MINUTE    MEN. 


79 


seems  to  have  forestalled  this  action  by  choosing  a  delegate  of  its  own. 
Feb.  23,  1775.  Amherst  voted  to  purchase  a  supply  of  powder,  lead  and 
Hints,  and  at  the  same  meeting  voted  to  pay  the  province  money  then  in  the 
District's  possession  or  that  remained  to  be  collected  to  Henry  Gardner  of 
Stowe,  rather  than  to  Harrison  Gray;  the  latter  held  his  appointment  from 
the  king.  A  committee  of  inspection  was  chosen  at  this  meeting,  also  one 
to  procure  subscriptions  for  the  needy  persons  in  Boston  and  Chaflestown. 
April  19,  1775.  came  the  ''Lexington  alarm."  to  which  the  ••minute 
men  "  throughout  the  colony  responded.  It  was  the  prompter's  call  to  the 
overture  of  the  might}-  war  drama,  that  was  to  extend  through  long  and 
weary  acts  until  the  final  curtain  descended  upon  a  nation  new-born  and 
consecrated  for  all  time  to  liberty  under  the  law.  A  congress  of  committees 
from  every  town  and  district  in  Hamphire  county,  except  Charlemont  and 
Southwick,  had  been  held  in  Northampton,  Sept.  22  and  23,  1774.  "to 
consult  upon  measures  to  betaken  in  this  time  of  general  distress  in  the  prov- 
ince, occasioned  by  the  late  attacks  of  the  British  Parliament  upon  the  consti- 
tution of  said  province.''  Amherst  was  represented  at  this  convention  by 
Moses  Dickinson,  Jacob  Mel  )aniel  and  John  Dickinson.  A  series  of  resolu- 
tions was  adopted,  calling,  among  other  things,  for  a  Provincial  Con- less  to 
assemble  at  Concord  in  October,  recommending  that  no  province  money 
be  paid  to  "  H.  Gray,  treasurer",  and  exhorting  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
county  to  acquaint  themselves  with  the  military  art.  under  such  persons  as 
they  might  choose,  and  to  supply  themselves  with  arms  and  ammunition. 
In  accordance  with  these  resolutions,  companies  of  "  minute  men  "  were 
formed  in  nearly  every  town  and  district,  prepared  to  march  to  the  scene  of 
disturbance  on  the  first  alarm.  It  was  natural  that  the  command  of  the 
Amherst  company  should  be  entrusted  to  Reuben  Dickinson.  A  son  of 
Ebenezer  Dickinson  one  of  the  original  settlers,  in  the  prime  of  life,  a 
prominent  man  in  district  affairs,  his  military  experience  gained  in  the 
French  and  Indian  wars  especially  fitted  him  for  the  position.  His  company 
was  one  of  the  first  from  this  vicinity  to  respond  to  the  Lexington  alarm, 
and  with  him.  under  his  command,  went  the  following  men: 

Joseph  Dickinson.  2d  lieut.,  Ezra  Rood,  serg't,  Adam  Rice,  corp '1. 

Ebenezer  Eastman.  corp"l.  Clement  Marshall.  Ebenezer  Kellogg. 

John  Hodden,  John  Ingram,  Reuben  Dickinson.  Jr.. 

Thomas  Morton.  John  Eastman.  Ebenezer  Mattoon, 

Samuel  Buckman.  Luke  Corfm.  Stephen  Smith. 

Waitstill  Dickinson.  Eldad  Moody.  Timothy  Green. 

Azariah  Dickinson.  Ebenezer  Dickinson.  Elihu  Dickinson. 

Martin  Smith.  Reuben  Smith.  Simeon  Smith, 

William  May.  Ambrose  Williams. 

Other   members    of  this    company    came    from    surrounding   towns : 
Daniel  Shavs  of  Pelham.  afterwards  leader  of  the  Shays  rebellion,   was  a 


So  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

sergeant  in  it.  The  company  marched  to  Cambridge  and  was  in  commis- 
sion eleven  days,  although  some  of  its  members  remained  longer  in  service. 
The  men  on  the  "alarm  roll  "  of  the  company  were  paid  ,£89,  1,  5. 

Lieut.  Noah  Dickinson  of  Amherst  also  led  a  company  to  Cambridge 
at  the  time  of  this  alarm  ;   the  following  Amherst  men  were  in  his  command  : 

Henry  Franklin,  serg't,  Lemuel  Moody,  serg't,  Joel  Moody,  corp'l, 

David  Blodgett,  Oliver  Clapp,  Elisha  Dickinson, 

Amasa  Allen,  Stephen  Cole,  Chileab  Smith, 

Nathaniel  Dickinson,  Hezekiah  Cole,  Jacob  Warner, 

Elihu  Hubbard,  Zachariah  Hawley. 

In  Capt.  Noadiah  Leonard's  company  that  responded  to  this  alarm, 
and  served  seven  days,  were  the  following  from  Amherst  : 

Reuben  Bishop,  Samuel  Field,  Elias  Smith, 

Moses  Hastings,  Simeon  Pomeroy,  Gideon  Henderson, 

Samuel  Gould,  John  Billings,  Isaac  Goodale. 

In  Lieut.  Eli  Parker's  company,  that  also  responded  to  this  alarm, 
were  the  following  from  Amherst  : 

Thomas  Bascom,  serg't,  Joel  Billings,  Thomas  Hastings, 

Gideon  Dickinson,  John  Ingram,  Noah  Smith, 

Elijah  Hastings,  Reuben  Cowls,  Enos  Coleman, 

Elijah  Elmore,  John  Lee. 

These  companies  all  served  in  the  Hampshire  county  regiment  com- 
manded by  Col.  Ruggles  Woodbridge  of  South  Hadley.  The  latter  part  of 
April,  1776,  the  "minute  men"  disbanded.  Capt.  Reuben  Dickinson 
organized,  May  1,  a  new  company  that  served  for  three  months  and  eight 
da  vs.  This  contained  many  members  of  the  old  company,  as  is  shown 
by  the  following  list  of  Amherst  men  : 

Adam  Rice,  serg't,  Ebenezer  Kellogg,Jr.,corp'l,  Elihu  Dickinson,  corp'l, 

Levi  Smith,  fifer,  Elijah  Alden,  Samuel  Buckman, 

Benjamin  Buckman,  Elijah  Baker,  Luke  Coffin, 

Giles  Church,  Azariah  Dickinson,  David  Hawley, 

John  Hastings,  Ebenezer  Kellogg,  Henry  Lee, 

Archelas  Leonard,  Clement  Marshall,  John  Dickinson, 

David  l'ettis,  Caesar  Prutt,  Daniel  Rolf, 

James  Shay,  Ambrose  Williams,  Richard  Waite. 
Shelah  Dickinson. 

Daniel  Shays  was  2d  lieut.  of  this  company.  The  pay  of  the  com- 
pany to  Aug.  1,  1775,  was  .£280,  12,  10. 

("apt.  James  Hendrick  of  Amherst  led  a  company  to  Cambridge  at  the 
time  of  the  Lexington  alarm ;  from  a  return  of  his  command  from  Charles- 
town  Camp  Xo.  3,  dated  Jan.  13,  1776,  the  following  Amherst  names  are 
taken  : 


AMHERST    SOLDIERS. 


8l 


Joel  Moody,  serg't, 
Stephen  Smith, 
Samuel  Ingram. 
Elisha  Dickinson, 
Ethan  Billings, 
Jonathan  Edwards. 


Reuben  Dickinson,  Jr., 
Joseph  Nash, 
Aaron  Dickinson, 
Ebenezer  Pettis, 
Henry  Dyer, 
Timothy  Smith. 
Elijah  Elmer. 


Joseph  Pettis, 
Amariah  Dana. 
Martin  Smith, 
Levi  Clark. 
John  Lee, 
Timothy  Smith.  2d. 


In  a  list  of  eight-months'  men  who  served  from  the  outbreak  of  the 
war,  many  of  them  being  ''minute  men"  who  afterwards  enlisted  in  the 
Continental  service,  are  found  the  names  of  the  following  Amherst  men : 

In  Capt.  Noadiah  Leonard's  company: 

Moses  Cook,  serg*t, 
Simeon  Pomeroy, 
Aimer  Nash, 
Gideon  Henderson, 

Samuel  Church. 


Samuel  Gould,  lieut, 
Moses  Hastings, 
John  Billings, 
Isaac  Goodale, 
Amos  Nash, 


Samuel  Field,  corp'l. 
Samuel  Gould. 
E lias  Smith. 
Ebenezer  Field, 


Joseph  McClench. 


Robert  Brown. 


Stephen  Hills. 


In  Capt.  John  Wiley's  company  : 

John  Burns.  Michael  Kief, 

In  Capt.  Moses  Kellogg's  company  : 

Thomas  Dunton,  Simeon  Forbes. 

John  Nichols. 

In  Capt.  John  Popham's  company: 

Jeremiah  Lampson,  —  Weston, 

A  return  of  men  belonging  to  Ephraim  Coney's  company,  dated  Cam- 
bridge, Oct.  7,  1775,  contains  the  name  of  Daniel  McGrath  of  Amherst, 
who  was  taken  captive  June  17,  the  day  of  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill. 
Capt.  Moses  Kellogg's  company  was  "  on  command  to  Quebec  "  and 
Robert  Brown  and  John  Nichols  are  said  to  have  enlisted  in  "  the  train," 
i.  e.  the  artillery.  Capt.  Popham's  company  was  connected  with  Col. 
Richard  Gridley's  regiment  of  artillery.  The  company  commanded  by 
Capt.  Reuben  Dickinson,  numbering  60  men,  was  stationed  June  14,  1775, 
"at  the  college."  This  company  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill, 
June  17,  but  was  not  in  the  intrenchments.  Sept.  30,  1775,  the  company 
was  stationed  on  the  west  side  of  Prospect  Hill,  and  in  December  at  Lach- 
mere's  Point,  where  one  of  its  members,  Abel  Woods  of  Shutesbury,  was 
wounded  by  a  cannon-ball  from  a  British  man-of-war. 

May  4,  1775,  Amherst  appointed  a  committee  to  provide  stores  for 
the  army  assembled  at  Cambridge.  At  the  same  meeting  the  District 
"  entered  into  an  examination  of  Mr.  Josia.h  Chauncey."  While  the  spirit 
of  patriotism  was  strong  within  the  District,  an  influential  body  of  citizens 
remained  loyal  to  King  George.  John  Dickinson  estimated  that  nearly 
6 


82  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

half  the  inhabitants  were  tories  or  neutrals  ;  among  the  more  prominent 
tories  were  Dr.  David  Parsons,  Simeon  Strong,  Solomon  and  William 
Boltwood,  Josiah  and  Isaac  Chauncey.  Mr.  Dickinson  stated  to  Mr. 
Judd  that  the  residents  in  Shutesbury  and  Pelham  were  ready  to  assist, 
"  in  a  mob  way  or  otherwise,"  in  disposing  of  the  troublesome  element. 
But  the  patriots  in  Amherst  were  abundantly  able  to  fight  their  own  battles; 
and  were  prompt  to  discipline  such  as  were  unfriendly  to  the  "  common 
cause."  Josiah  Chauncey  held  a  commission  from  the  king  as  justice  of 
the  peace,  and  this  he  was  ordered  to  burn,  also  to  deliver  his  firearms  into 
the  hands  of  the  selectmen.  He  also  held  a  commission  as  captain  in  the 
militia,  received  from  Gov.  Hutchinson  in  1773.  John  Field  held  a  com- 
mission as  lieutenant  in  the  same  company  and  John  Nash  one  as  ensign. 
At  a  meeting  of  officers  held  in  Northampton,  Nov.  11,  1774,  these  officers, 
and  thirty  others,  renounced  all  authority  they  might  have  by  commission 
from  Gov.  Hutchinson,  but  this  did  not  satisfy  the  patriots  in  Amherst  ; 
they  made  Mr.  Chauncey  give  them  his  commission  and  burned  it  in  public, 
with  some  display.  At  a  meeting  held  May  9,  it  was  voted  that  John 
Nash  should  destroy  his  commission  and  that  the  arms  of  Mr.  Chauncey 
should  be  returned  to  him.  May  24,  1775,  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  Jr.,  was 
elected  a  delegate  to  the  Congress  to  be  held  at  Watertown  the  31st  of 
that  month  ;  and  July  10,  Moses  Dickinson  was  chosen  as  representative 
to  the  General  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Watertown  the  19th.  The  Rev.  Dr. 
David  Parsons  was  an  ardent  tory,  and  doubtless  took  little  pains  to  conceal 
his  disapproval  of  the  actions  of  the  patriots  ;  at  a  meeting  held  Aug.  10. 
1775,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  go  to  him  and  desire  him  to  attend  the 
meeting,  but  there  is  no  record  as  to  the  committee's  success  in  their  mission. 
June  13,  1776,  the  District  voted  that  if  Congress  should  declare  the 
colonies  independent  of  Great  Britain,  "  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Amherst  solemnly  engage  with  our  lives  and  fortunes  to  support  them  in 
the  measure."     A  noble  pledge,  as  nobly  to  be  fulfilled. 

June  25,  1776,  the  General  Court  ordered  that  5000  men  should  be 
raised.  Those  going  from  six  counties  were  designed  for  Canada,  from 
four  counties  for  New  York,  where  Gen.  Washington  had  established  his 
headquarters.  The  troops  to  be  raised  in  Hampshire  county  were  to  mart  h 
to  Canada,  and  were  offered  a  bounty  of  £7  each.  The  number  to  be 
raised  in  the  count)-  was  754,  of  which  Amherst  was  to  furnish  27,  Hadley 
13,  South  Hadley  12,  Sunderland  9,  and  other  places  in  proportion  to  their 
population.  This  order  was  followed  on  the  1  oth  of  July,  immediately 
after  the  declaration  of  independence,  by  an  order  for  the  enlistment 
of  every  25th  man  in  the  state,  to  reinforce  the  northern  army.  The  form 
of  enlistment  in  Hampshire  and  Berkshire  counties  was  as  follows  : 


AMHERST    SOLDIERS.  83 

••  We  the  subscribers  do  hereby  severally  inlist  ourselves  into  the  Service  of 
the  United  American  Colonies,  until  the  first  Day  of  January  next,  if  they  Should 
require  it: — and  each  of  us  do  engage  to  furnish  and  carry  with  us  into  the  Ser- 
vice aforesaid,  a  Good  effective  Fire  Arm  &  Blanket;  (also,  a  good  Bayonet  & 
Cartridge  Pouch,  and  a  Hatchet,  or  Tomahawk  or  Cutting  Sword,  if  possible. 
And  we  severally  consent  to  be  Formed  into  a  Regiment  under  the  Command  of 
such  Field  Officers.  Captains  and  Subalterns  as  are  or  may  be  appointed  &  com- 
missioned by  the  American  Congress  &  when  so  formed,  we  engage  to  March 
under  said  Officers  into  Canada  with  the  utmost  Expidition,  and  we  further  agree 
during  the  Time  aforesaid  to  be  subject  to  such  Generals  or  superior  Officers  as 
are  or  shall  be  appointed,  and  to  be  under  such  Regulations  in  every  respect  as 
are  provided  for  the  American  Army. 

Dated  the of A.  I).  1776." 

Among  the  first  to  respond  to  this  call  was  Capt.  Reuben  Dickinson, 
who  enlisted  a  company  of  86  men  from  Amherst  and  adjoining  towns. 
This  company  was  attached  to  Col.  Ruggles  YYoodbridge's  regiment  and 
marched. to  Ticonderoga.  They  served  from  July  i,  1776  to  March  1, 
1777  and  received  pay  at  the  rate  of  one  penny  per  mile  and  one  clay's 
pay  for  each  20  miles.      Following  are  the  names  of  the  men  from  Amherst : 

Timothy  Henderson. corp*l.  David  Adams,  drummer.       Firmin  Woods, 

John  Billings,  Jr.,  Daniel  Lane,  David  Hawley. 

Hezekiah  Cowls.  John  Hodden.  Elihu  Dickinson, 

Amasa  Allen.  Gideon  Lee.  Noah  Hawley. 

Enos  Rolf.  Noah  Gould.  John  Workman, 

James  Barnes.  Abner  Nash,  Simeon  Pomeroy. 

Simeon  Peck.  Jr..  Samuel  Gould.  Jr.,  Benjamin  Rolf, 

Adam  Dike,  John  Hastings. 

In  Zaccheus  Crocker's  company  of  Col.  \\  right's  regiment  were  the 
following  from  Amherst: 

Silas  Billings.  Joel  Dickinson,  Archelus  Leonard. 

April  23,  1777,  two  battalion  of  750  men  each  were  ordered  from 
Hampshire  county  for  two  months'  service  around  Ticonderoga.  The 
following  men  from  Amherst  responded  to  this  call,  and  were  enrolled  in 
Capt.  Oliver's  company  of  Col.  Grafton's  regiment  : 

Reuben  Dickinson,  Jr.,        James  Barnes,  Elijah  Baker. 

David  Pettis.  Joseph  Aldrich.  Hezekiah  Cowls, 

Samuel  Gould.  Preserved  Briggs. 

John  St.  Clair  served  in  Sumner's  company  and  John  Fox  in  Flower's 

company  of  Grafton's  regiment  ;   Xoah  Gould.    Samuel    Harper   and   

Bigelow  in  Shays'  company  in  Putnam's  regiment,  David  Hawley  in 
Day's  company  of  Alden's  regiment,  Nath'l  Vale  in  Alvord's  company  of 
Shephard's  regiment  and  Samuel  Buckman  in  Miller's  company  of  Putnam's 
regiment. 


84 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


A  pay-roll  of  Capt.  Eli  Parker's  company  in  Col.  Leonard's  regiment 
of  miiitia,  who  marched  from  Hampshire  county  to  Ticonderoga,  May  8, 
1777,  contains  the  names  of  the  following  men  from  Belchertown,  Granby 
and  Amherst,  the  particular  place  of  residence  not  being  given.  Their 
enlistment  was  for  two  months  : 


Eleazer  Warner,  istlieut,    Samuel  Cook.  2d  lieut., 
Silas  Matthews,  serg't,         David  Town,  serg"t, 
Timothy  Stockwell,  serg't,  E.  Nash,  drummer, 
Amasa  Smith,  corp'l,  Samuel  Hastings,  corp'l, 

Nathaniel  I!utterfield,corp'l, Moses  Alvord, 


John  Burchit, 
Enos  Cook. 
Silvanus  Chapin. 
Samuel  Deane, 
Enos  Goodman. 
Oliver  Hastings, 
John  Kibbee, 
Amos  Lamb. 
Lewis  Morgan, 
Daniel  Plumley, 
Caleb  Smith, 
Stephen  Shumway, 
Samuel  Taylor, 
Jonathan  Warner. 
Sewal  Warner, 
Jeremiah  Pike, 


John  Bush, 
Juda  Clark, 
Benjamin  Clough, 
Jonas  Ellwell. 
Eliph'  Gaylord, 
Timothy  Hilyard. 
Ebenezer  Kentfield, 
Elisha  Moody, 
Simeon  Peck. 
Daniel  Reed, 
Paul  Smith, 
Enoch  Thayer, 
William  Towne, 
Enos  Woodbrady, 
David  Worthington, 
Aaron  Smith. 


Enos  Day,  ensign, 
Matthew  Moody,  serg't, 
Reuben  Smith,  lifer. 
John  Cole,  corp'l, 
Joshua  Burt. 
Jonathan  Burnett. 
Israel  Cole, 
Adonijah  Cole, 
Daniel  Gould. 
Joseph  Goodale, 
Elijah  Hannum, 
Silas  Lee, 
William  Montague, 
James  Persifield, 
Daniel  Smith, 
Elisha  Steele, 
Amasa  Shumway. 
William  Towne,  2d. 
William  Waite. 
Joshua  Whitney, 
Nathan'l  Abbott. 


In  Capt.  Aaron  Haynes'  company  in  the  Canadian  campaign  were 
Selah  Dickinson,  who  served  from  April  1  to  December,  1776,  and  Ebene- 
zer Kellogg,  who  enlisted  May  1,  and  died  Nov.  22,  of  the  same  year. 

In  a  list  of  those  who  served  at  least  six  months  previous  to  March, 
1777,  at  Dorchester,  in  ("apt.  Oliver  Lyman's  company,  were  the  following 
from  Amherst  : 


1  [enry  Lee,  serg't. 
Isaac  Gould, 
Nathaniel  Edwards, 


Jonathan  Warner, 
Azariah  I  Hckinson, 
Simeon  Dickinson. 


John  Fox, 
Levi  Dickinson, 


In  a  list  of  those  who  served  two  months  from  May  7  to  July 8,  1777, 
under  Capt.  John  Thompson,  called  out  to  reinforce  the  Northern  army, 
are  found  the  following  Amherst  names  : 


Noah  Dickinson,  lieut., 
Levi  Smith,  fifer,  > 

Simeon  Dickinson, 
Elijah  Dickinson, 
Thomas  Morton, 


Luke  Coffin,  serg't, 
David  Blodgett, 
Levi   Dickinson, 
Timothy  Dickinson. 
Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr. 


Ebenezer  Eastman,  corp'l, 
Benjamin  Buckman, 
Zimri  Dickinson, 
John  Ingram, 


[n  Capt.  Jeremiah  Ballard's  company  with   the   northern    army  from 


AMHERST    SOLDIERS.  85 

May  10  to  July  20,    1777,   were   Lieut.   Jonathan    Dickinson,    David   Lord 
and  Aaron  Smith. 

In  July.  1777.  Capt.  Reuben  Dickinson  marched  with  his  company  to 
Mosses'  creek  to  reinforce  the  army  and  was  attached  to  Col.  Elisha  Porter's 
regiment.  The  company  served  3S  days  and  included  the  following  men 
from  Amherst  : 

Joel  Moody,  serg't,  Daniel  Benjamin.  Azariah  Dickinson, 

Medad  Dickinson.  Medad  Moody.  Thomas  Williams. 

Giles  Church.  John  Dickinson.  Enos  Cook, 

Amos  Ayres  Nathaniel  Dickinson.  Timothy  Green. 

Samuel  Ingram.  Henry  Chandler.  Joseph  Pettis. 

Reuben  Smith. 

Amherst  was  represented  in  the  expedition  that  marched  for  the 
defense  of  Pennington.  Aug.  17.  1777.  by  the  following  men,  under  com- 
mand of  Capt.  Oliver  Smith  : 

Jonathan  Ingram.  John  Kibbee,  Moses  Kellogg. 

Elihu  Dickinson,  Ebenezer  Pomeroy. 

They  supplied  their  own  provisions,  carried  their  own  baggage,  and 
were  out  seven  days. 

Aug.  9,  1 7  77. there  was  a  call  for  further  reinforcements  for  the  Northern 
army,  and  Capt.  Moses  Hawley  and  Capt.  Samuel  Cook  went  to  the  front 
and  were  attached  to  Col.  Woodbridge's  regiment  in  the  army  of  Gen. 
Gates.  In  Capt.Hawley's  company  were  Lieut.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Lieut. 
Elisha  Baker  and  Serg't  Lemuel  Clark  of  Amherst  ;  in  Capt.  Cook's  com- 
pany were  the  following  Amherst  men  : 

Ebenezer  Mattoon,  lieut.,  Luke  Coffin.  serg"t.  Adam  Rice,,  serg't. 

Levi  Smith,  lifer.  David  Blodgett.  Zimri  Dickinson. 

Timothy  Dickinson.  Simeon  Dickinson.  Isaac  Marshall. 

Abner  Nash,  Jacob  Warner.  Philip  Ingram. 

Capt.  Hawley's  company  was  out  from  Aug.  14  to  Nov.  29;  Capt. 
Cook's  company  from  Aug.  17  to  Dec.  7  :  the  latter  was  in  the  battle  of 
'•  Bemis  Heights",  Oct.  7.  These  companies,  as  well  as  that  under  com- 
mand of  Capt.  Reuben  Dickinson,  took  part  in  the  battles  of  Sept.  19  and 
Oct.  7.  and  were  present  at  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne,  Oct.  17. 

Aug.  x8,  1777,  there   was   an   alarm    at    New  Providence,  and  of  the 
companv  under  Lieut.  Noah  Dickinson's  command   that  responded,  being 
out  four  clays,  were  the  following,  mostly  from  Amherst : 
Isaac  Hubbard,  serg't,         Joseph  Dickinson,  serg't,      Henry  Franklin,  serg't, 
Josiah  Warner,  serg't,  Ebenezer  Mattoon.  Aaron  Alvord. 

John  Ingram.  Abner  Adams.  .  Amariah  Dana. 

William  May.  Martin  Kellogg,  Justus  Williams, 

Ebenezer  Dickinson.  Daniel  Church.  Jeremiah  Cody. 

Zachariah  Hawlev.  John  Eastman.  Elisha  Dickinson, 

Levi  Dickinson. 


86  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

There  was  an  alarm  at  Stillwater,  Sept.  23,  and  Capt.  Reuben  Dick- 
inson responded  with  his  company  in  which  were  the  following  Amherst 
men : 

Noah  Dickinson,  lieut.,  Henry  Franklin,  serg't,  Josiah  Warner,  serg't, 

Thomas  Marshall,  corp'l,  Benjamin  Buckman,  corp'l,  Stephen  Smith, 

John  Ingram,  Elihu  Dickinson,  David  Blodgett, 

David  Cowls,  Nathan  Dickinson,  Elihu  Hubbard, 

William  May.  Simeon  Cowls,  Hezekiah  Belding, 

Ebenezer  Dickinson,  Lemuel  Moody,  Timothy  Green. 

Ebenezer  Eastman,  Henry  Chandler,  Seth  Dickinson, 
Elijah  Dickinson. 

In  January,  1777,  a  call  was  issued  for  men  to  serve  three  years; 
among  those  who  enlisted  were  the  following  from  Amherst : 

Willis  Coy,  Reuben  Dickinson,  Samuel  Gould, 

David  Pettis,  Joseph  Young,  Samuel  Brown. 

Noadiah  Lewis  enlisted  to  serve  during  the  war. 

In  the  foregoing  list  of  names,  some  that  are  credited  to  Amherst 
cannot  be  found  on  any  list  of  inhabitants  at  that  time.  The  muster- 
rolls  and  pay-rolls  from  which  they  were  copied  are  far  from  accurate  and 
complete  in  giving  the  towns  to  which  the  soldiers  belonged,  but  it  is  thought 
best  to  give  all  the  names  that  appear  on  these  rolls  as  coming  from 
Amherst,  lest  by  omitting  those  that  are  unfamiliar  an  injustice  should  be 
done.  If  there  is  repetition  of  names,  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the 
same  men  served  in  different  commands,  and  that,  especially  as  regards 
the  Dickinsons,  there  were  many  individuals  of  the  same  name. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


The  Committee  of  Safety. — Tories  Imprisoned. — Simeon  Strong's 
Blanket. — The  Battle  of  Saratoga. — Hiring  and  Drafting 
Soldiers. 

While  the  soldiers  that  Amherst  sent  out  were  engaged  in  active  ser- 
vice against  the  enemy,  the  patriots  who  remained  at  home  were  as  busily 
engaged  in  suppressing  toryism  which  flourished  in  Amherst  to  a  notable 
degree.  Jan.  21,  1777,  the  District  appointed  .1  committee  to  notify  the 
Rev.  David  Parsons  that  his  conduct  was  "  not  friendly  with  regard  to  the 


DISCIPLINE    FOR    TORIES.  87 

Common  Cause.'*  Mr.  Parsons'  reply  is  not  on  record.  July  7  of  the 
same  year  the  selectmen  brought  in  a  list  of  four  persons  who  were 
••  supposed  to  be  Inimical  to  the  Interest  of  the  United  States."  It  is 
interesting  to  note  that  at  a  meeting  held  Aug.  12.  each  of  these  names  was 
ordered  to  be  stricken  from  the  list.  The  action  of  the  town  in  striking 
these  names  from  the  list  was  not  in  accordance  with  the  sentiments  of  the 
local  committee  of  safety,  which  at  the  time  was  impowered  with,  or  arro- 
gated to  itself,  police  powers  of  extraordinary  latitude.  Committees  from 
other  towns  were  called  in  consultation,  the  accused  were  summoned  before 
them,  with  the  following  result  as  shown  in  a  memorandum,  not  dated, 
contained  in  the  state  archives  : 

••  At  a  meeting  from  the  several  Towns  (viz.)  Sunderland,  Shutesbury  and 
Leverett,  by  request  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  together  with  the  Militia  Officers 
of  the  Town  of  Amherst,  to  advise  with  and  take  into  Consideration  the  Dangerous 
Situation  of  that  town  together  with  the  State  of  America  from  a  number  of  per- 
sons, in  the  aforesaid  Town  who  are  suspected  to  be  Enemies  to  the  American 
States  after  examining  and  questioning  the  following  Persons  before  this  Body 
namely  Ebenezer  Boltwood,  John  Field.  John  Nash,  Simeon  Strong,  Esq.,  John 
Field  Jun.  Samuel  Boltwood.  Moses  Cooke,  Ephraim  Kellogg,  John  Boltwood.  It 
is  our  Opinion  that  all  the  above  mentioned  persons  are  all  unfriendly  to  their 
country  &  ought  to  be  esteemed  as  such — It  is  therefore  the  Steadfast  Resolve  of 
this  Body  that  the  above  named  persons  together  with  Dean  Edwards,  Daniel 
Kellogg.  Joseph  Church  and  Esqr  Chauncey  be  confined  Namely  Ebenr  Boltwood 
John  Field  John  Nash  Simeon  Strong  Esqr  John  Field  Jun  Sam1  Boltwood  Moses 
Cooke  John  Boltwood  Esq  Chauncey  be  confined  all  together  at  the  house  Mr  John 
Field  now  Dwells  in  with  a  Sufficient  Guard  to  attend  them  on  their  own  cost  may 
have  license  if  they  please  to  attend  publick  worship  under  s'1  Guard  also  Dean 
Edward  Daniel  Kellogg  Joseph  Church  and  Ephraim  Kellogg  be  confined  to  their 
farms  with  this  penalty  that  if  they  break  over  said  limits  that  they  be  closely  con- 
fined upon  their  own  cost  these  have  also  liberty  to  attend  publick  worship  &  funerals 
within  the  limits  of  their  own  town  and  retire  immediately  home — It  is  also  resolved 
that  all  and  every  of  the  above  named  Persons  make  an  immediate  Surrender  of  their 
fire  Arms  powder  Ball  Sword.  Bayonet  Cutlass  and  every  warlike  implement  that 
may  be  of  quick  &  Dangerous  use  into  the  hands  of  this  body  or  their  committee 
chosen  for  that  purpose  to  be  kept  &  justly  appraised  with  the  owners  name  and  an 
exact  account  of  every  utensel  Delivered  to  said  Committee  to  be  kept  till  further 
orders:  we  are  also  of  opinion  that  not  any  of  the  above  named  Persons  or  any 
belonging  to  their  families  be  allowed  to  keep  a  house  of  entertainment  If  they  Do 
they  will  incur  the  Despleasure  of  this  Body." 

The  committee  of  safety  having  taken  this  action,  application  was 
made  by  them  to  the  General  Court  to  learn  what  should  be  done  with  these 
prisoners,  for  such,  in  a  restricted  sense,  they  were.  The  following  minute 
shows  how  this  application  was  received  at  Boston  : 

••  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  inimical  of  John  Billing  in  behalf 
of  the  Committee  of  Amherst,  and  also  the  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  of  said 
Town,  have  considered  the  same  and  are  of  opinion  that  the  Laws  of  the  State 
have  made  ample  provsion  for  the  punishing  of  offenders. 


SS  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

That  the  Persons  apprehended  &  under  Guard  ought  forthwith  to  be  carried 
before  the  next  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  the  County  of  Hampshire.  And  the  Charges 
against  them  be  exhibited  in  writing.  That  such  Justice  may,  if  the  matter  alledged 
shall  appear  to  him  a  Violation  of  the  Law  of  the  State  order  them  to  Recognize 
in  reasonable  Sums  with  Surety,  to  appear  before  the  next  Superior  Court  of  Judi- 
cature &c  for  Said  County  to  answer  thereto,  and  in  the  mean  Time  to  keep  the 
Peace  and  be  of  good  behavior  or  Commit  them  to  Goal  if  the  Nature  of  the 
crime  shall  appear  to  him  to  require  it — and  in  case  the  charges  exhibited  against 
them  shall  not  appear  sufficient  to  induce  the  Justice  to  commit  them  to  Prison  for 
Trial,  or  to  oblige  them  to  find  sureties  to  answer  the  cause  before  the  Sup  Court 
The  said  Persons  now  under  Guard  be  released  from  their  confinement. 

D.  Sewell. 
Sep  10th  1777  Read  &  approved  Jn°  Avery  Dep  Sec'y." 

The  petition  of  the  imprisoned  men,  alluded  to  above,  was  addressed 
to  the  Council  and  read  as  follows : 

"To  the  Honble  Council  of  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay  Humbly  shows  the 
Subscribers  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst,  in  the  County  of  Hampshire 
and  now  Prisoners  in  close  confinement  in  Said  Amherst  by  order  of  a  Body  of 
People  from  several  Towns  lately  assembled  there,  that  on  the  twenty  six  Day  of 
June  last  past  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Town  was  holden  there 
persuant  to  the  late  act  of  the  General  Court  of  this  State  in  order  to  examine  and 
determine  whether  any  of  the  Inhabitants  were  inimical  to  the  Cause  of  America 
So  as  to  be  dangerous  to  the  Safety  of  the  States,  which  Meeting  being  thence 
continued  by  several  adjournments  to  the  12th  day  of  August  current  it  was  voted 
by  a  full  and  clear  Majority  of  said  Inhabitants  that  the  Names  of  all  such  Persons 
as  had  been  Exhibited  on  the  List  by  the  Selectmen  as  Suspected  Persons  (being 
only  four  in  Number)  should  be  struck  off  from  the  List,  and  there  having  been  no 
other  Names  voted  by  the  Town  to  be  added  to  said  List,  the  Meeting  was  dis- 
solved. Afterwards  to  wit  on  the  25th  Day  of  August  Current  we  were  required  in 
the  Name  of  a  body  of  People  assembled  at  the  Meeting  House  in  said  Town  to 
appear  there,  and  having  accordingly  appeared  we  were  soon  ordered  under  Guard, 
and  after  sometime  of  confinement  brought  separately  before  the  same  People  and 
demanded  of  in  the  Name  of  the  Body  by  one  who  officiated  as  Chairman  to  make 
direct  answer  to  this  Question  (viz)  Are  you  desirous  to  be  independent  of  the  (  rown 
of  Great  Britain  according  to  the  Declaration  of  the  Congress  passed  in  the 
War  1776?  to  which  some  of  us  answered  expressly  in  the  Negative,  others 
answered  that  having  been  Present  at  the  Meeting  that  was  called  by  order 
of  the  General  Court  for  collecting  the  sentiments  of  the  People,  they  did 
not  vote  for  Independence  because  they  were  not  of  opinion  it  would  be  for 
the  Interest  of  the  Country.  Another  question  was  then  commonly  put  (viz.) 
have  you  ever  altered  your  opinion  Since?  Which  was  answered  in  the 
negative — whereupon  Each  one  was  remanded  into  Confinement,  untill  the  Number 
of  the  Examined  and  confined  amounted  to  thirteen,  who  being  ordered  back  to 
th  ■  Same  Body  of  People  a  certain  Paper  was  ordered  by  the  Chairman  to  be  read 
to  US  by  the  Clerks  as  the  Resolves  of  the  whole  Body;  a  true  copy  of  which  (as 
lieve)  and  of  the  Question  put  to  us  we  shall  herewith  exhibit,  in  the  Hand 
writing  of  him  who  officiated  as  Clerk  tho  we  are  not  able  to  procure  an  attestation 
of  it  as  by  the  Authority  of  which,  and  according  to  the  Tenor  of  it  we  are  now 
imprisoned  and  although  no  mention  is  therein  made  what  Shall  be  the  Duration 


PETITION    FOR    RELEASE.  89 

of  our  Confinement,  yet  we  were  told  before  the  same  Body  of  People  that  it  was 
their  Intent  that  we  should  be  thus  confined  untill  Application  Should  be  made  to 
the  General  Court  to  know  how  we  should  be  disposed  of:  and  we  are  informed 
that  it  was  by  them  left  with  the  Comtee  of  Amherst  to  make  such  Application. 
But  whereas  we  think  it  probable  that  the  Cognisance  of  such  a  matter  will  belong 
to  the  HonUe  Council  rather  than  to  the  General  Court,  we  beg  yr  Honors  Candid 
Attention  to  the  Matters  herein  set  forth,  and  that  this  our  Representation  may  be 
admitted  and  attended  to  by  the  Honble  General  Court  or  Council  according  as  one 
or  the  other  Shall  receive  the  Application  from  the  Com"'1' — and  accordingly  we 
hereby  inform  your  Honors  that  we  know  of  no  .Matter  proved  or  alledged  against 
us  as  the  Cause  of  our  Confinement  but  what  is  above  Expressed  :  that  we  were 
not  called  upon  by  the  People  assembled  to  answer  to  any  Matter  of  Charge  nor 
accused  of  having  done  or  attempted  anything  against  the  Interest  of  the  States  ; 
and  whenever  any  of  us  alleged  that  whatever  were  our  private  Sentiments  respect- 
ing the  War.  we  had  done  our  full  Proportion  in  the  Expence  of  the  War,  no  one 
appeared  to  contradict  or  deny  it.  Having  made  this  our  humble  Representation 
to  your  Honors,  we  beg  your  kind  Attention  to  our  Situation  and  Circumstances, 
and  that  your  Honors  in  yr  Wisdom  &  Justice  would  be  pleased  to  grant  us  all  that 
Relief  and  Liberty  which  our  past  Conduct  which  we  trust  has  been  innocent  & 
inoffencive  affords  us  Grounds  to  hope  for  &  Expect  and  as  in  Duty  bound  shall 
pray. 

Amherst.  Aug1  29th  1777 

Josiah  Chauncy,  Simeon  Strong.  John  Field. 

Ebenezer  Boltwood,      Moses  Cook.  Samuel  Boltwood, 

John  Field, Jun'r  John  Boltwood.  John  Xash. 

The  troops  in  the  field  were  sadly  in  need  of  supplies  and  frequent 
calls  were  made  upon  the  towns  for  provisions  and  clothing.  In  January, 
1776,  Hampshire  county  was  called  upon  to  furnish  300  blankets,  of  which 
Amherst  was  to  supply  eight.  The  selectmen,  finding  it  difficult  to  secure 
the  blankets  and  fire-arms  necessary  to  equip  their  soldiers.  "  impressed  " 
a  blanket  from  Simeon  Strong.  Esq.  a  leading  Tory.  "Squire  Strong  brought 
suit  against  David  Blodgett,  the  town  constable,  and  the  case  was  carried 
before  the  General  Court,  which,  after  protracted  discussion,  rendered  the 
following  judgment  : 

"On  th3  Petition  of  Moses  Dickinson  and  others.  Selectmenof  the  Town  of 
Amherst,  respecting  an  Action  brought  against  David  Blodgett.  Constable  of  that 
Town,  by  Simion  Strong,  Esq.,  for  forcibly  taking  from  him  the  said  Strong  a 
Blanket : 

Resolved,  that  the  Selectmen  pay  the  said  Strong  for  his  Blanket  at  the 
apprized  Value  thereof  and  that  the  Action  commenced  by  the  said  Strong  against 
the  said  Blodget  be  stayed:  and  that  the  Parties  suffer  the  Costs  which  have 
arisen  to  them  respectively.  "" 

In  August  of  the  same  year  the  Commissary  General  was  ordered  to 
deliver  to  Air.  Simeon  Smith  125  pounds  weight  of  gunpowder  for  the  town 
of  Amherst.  In  1777,  Amherst  received  £2  1.  o.  9.  in  payment  for  mileage 
and  canteens.      Feb.  5,  1776,  a  convention  of  the  ->  Committees  of  Safety*' 


QO  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

in  the  several  towns  in  Hampshire  county  was  held  at  Northampton  ;  at 
this  gathering  Amherst  was  represented.  The  convention  considered  the 
suffering  condition  of  the  Northern  army  and  advised  the  committee  of 
supplies  to  forward  at  once  such  supplies  as  were  necessary  for  the  comfort 
of  the  army,  "not  doubting  that  the  General  Court  will  approve  thereof." 
The  campaign  against  Burgoyne  by  the  Northern  army  was  ably  con- 
ceived and  skilfully  executed.  The  surrender  of  Eurgoyne's  army  was 
the  first  great  victory  for  the  Continental  cause,  the  better  appreciated 
because  won  against  great  odds  and  at  a  time  when  the  fortunes  of  the 
revolutionists  were  at  a  low  ebb.  The  army  under  Gen.  Gates  was  largely 
composed  of  Massachusetts  men,  among  whom  none  did  better  service 
than  the  troops  from  Hampshire  county  and  from  Amherst.  They  were 
represented  at  every  important  battle  and  skirmish  in  the  campaign  and  were 
present  at  the  final  surrender.  Of  the  Amherst  men  who  were  engaged  in 
the  conflict,  none  bore  a  more  honorable  part  or  in  after  life  achieved 
greater  distinction  than  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.  He  served  first  as  lieu- 
tenant in  the  company  of  Capt.  Samuel  Cook  and  afterwards  was  lieutenant 
in  Capt.  Furrival's  company  of  artillery.  During  the  campaign,  while  at 
his  home  in  Amherst,  he  was  ordered  by  Gen.  Gates  to  proceed  to  Spring- 
field and  convey  a  number  of  cannon  from  that  place  to  the  field  of  oper- 
ations in  New  York.  He  rode  from  Amherst  to  Springfield  on  Sunday  and 
with  a  small  body  of  men  accomplished  the  task;  as  he  afterwards  took 
pleasure  in  saying,  "those  cannon  told  at  Saratoga."  Lieut.  Mattoon  took 
an  active  part  in  the  battle  of  Saratoga,  and  the  Hartford  (Conn.)  Courant 
under  date  of  Jan.  n,  1836,  published  a  most  interesting  report  of  the 
battle  written  by  him,  in  a  letter  addressed  to  Philip  Schuyler,  Esq.  From 
this  letter  a  few  brief  paragraphs  are  quoted  : 

••  ( ien.  Gates,  indeed,  obtained  the  honor  of  capturing  Burgoyne  and  his  army  : 
but  let  me  tell  you,  sir,  that  it  was  more  through  the  wise  and  prudent  counsels  of 
your  brave  and  distinguished  ancestor,  and  die  energy  and  intrepidity  of  Generals 
Lincoln  and  Arnold,  than  through  the  ability  and  foresight  of  Gates." 

"The  action  of  the  19th  of  September  (Bemis  Heights)  commenced  about  ten 
o'clock  a.  M.  and  continued  during  the  day,  each  army  alternately  advancing  and 
retiring." 

•'  On  the  7th  of  October  the  American  army  was  posted,  their  right  wing  rest- 
ing on  the  North  River  and  their  left  extending  on  to  Bemis'  heights.  Generals 
Nixon  and  Glover  commanding  on  the  right,  Lincoln  the  centre,  and  Morgan  and 
Lamed  the  left.  The  British  army,  with  their  left  resting  on  the  river,  commanded 
by  Phillips:  their  center  by  Gen.  Redheisel ;  and  the  extreme  right  extending  to 
the  heights,  was  commanded  by  Lord  Balcarras,  where  he  was  strongly  fortified. 
Their  light  troops  were  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Frazier  and  Ld.  Auckland." 

■■In  a  few  minutes,  Capt.  Furrival's  company  of  artillery,  in  which  I  was 
lieutenant,  was  ordered  to  march  towards  the  fire,  which  had  now  opened  upon  our 
piquet  in  front,  the  piquet  consisting  of  about  300  men.     While  we  were  marching, 


BATTLE    OF    SARATOGA.  9  I 

the  whole  line,  from  the  river  up  to  our  piquet  or  front,  was  engaged.  We  advanced 
to  a  height  of  ground  which  brought  the  enemy  in  view,  when  we  opened  our  fire. 
But  the  enemy's  guns,  eight  in  number,  and  much  heavier  than  ours,  rendered  our 
position  untenable." 

"We  then  advanced  into  the  line  of  infantry.  Here  Lieut.  M'Lane  joined  me. 
In  our  front  there  was  a  field  of  corn,  in  which  the  Hessians  were  secreted.  On 
our  advancing  towards  the  corn  field,  a  number  of  men  rose  up  and  fired  upon  us. 
M'Lane  was  severely  wounded.  While  I  was  removing  him  from  the  field,  the 
firing  still  continued  without  abatement." 

■•  During  this  time  a  tremendous  firing  was  heard  on  our  left.  We  poured  in 
upon  them  our  canister  shot,  as  fast  as  possible,  and  the  whole  line,  from  left  to 
right,  became  warmly  engaged.  The  smoke  was  very  dense,  and  no  movements 
could  be  seen:  but  as  it  soon  arose,  our  infantry  appeared  to  be  slowly  retreating, 
and  the  Hessians  slowly  advancing,  their  officers  urging  them  on  with  their 
hangers." 

"  The  troops  continuing  warmly  engaged.  Col.  Johnson's  regiment  coming  up, 
threw  in  a  heavy  fire,  and  compelled  the  Hessians  to  retreat.  Upon  this  we 
advanced  with  a  shout  of  victory.     At  t'.ie  same  time  Auckland's  corps  gave  way.' 

"  The  firing  had  now  principally  ceased  on  our  left,  but  was  brisk  in  front  and 
on  the  right.  At  this  moment.  Arnold  says  to  Col.  Brooks,  (late  Governor  of 
Massachusetts.)  '  Let  us  attack  Balcarras'  works.'  brooks  replied  -No.  Lord 
Auckland's  detachment  has  retired  there:  we  can't  carry  them.'  '  Well.  then,  let  us 
attack  the  Hessian  lines.'  Brooks  replies,  '  With  all  my  heart.'  We  all  wheeled  to 
the  right,  and  advanced.  Xo  fire  was  received,  except  from  the  cannon,  until  we 
got  within  eight  rods,  when  we  received  a  tremendous  fire  from  the  whole  line. 
But  few  of  our  men.  however,  fell.  Still  advancing,  we  received  a  second  fire,  in 
which  a  few  men  fell,  and  Gen.  Arnold's  horse  fell  under  him.  and  he  himself  was 
wounded.  He  cried  out,  '  Rush  on.  my  brave  boys.'  After  receiving  the  third  fire, 
Brooks  mounted  their  works,  swung  his  sword,  and  the  men  rushed  into  their  works. 
When  we  entered  the  works,  we  found  Col.  Bremen  dead,  surrounded  with  a  num- 
ber of  his  companions,  dead  or  wounded.  We  still  pursued  slowly  :  the  fire,  in  the 
mean  time,  decreased.  Xight-fall  now  put  an  end  to  this  day's  bloody  contest. 
During  the  day  we  had  taken  eight  cannon  and  broken  the  center  of  the  enemy's 
lines." 

Gen.  Mattoon  concludes  his  description  of  the  battle  with  the  follow- 
ing account  of  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne.  as  witnessed  by  himself  : 

-Just  below  the  island  we  passed  the  river  and  came  to  Gen.  Gates'  markee, 
situated  on  a  level  piece  of  ground,  from  130  to  150  rods  south  of  Schuyler's  creek.. 
A  little  south  and  west  of  this,  there  is  a  rising  ground,  on  which  our  army  was 
posted,  in  order  to  appear  to  the  best  advantage.  A  part  of  it  was  also  advanta- 
geously drawn  up  on  the  east  side  of  the  river.  About  noon  on  the  17th,  Gen.  Bur- 
goyne. with  a  number  of  his  officers  rode  up  near  to  the  markee  in  front  of  which  Gen. 
Gates  was  sitting,  attended  with  many  of  his  officers.  The  sides  of  the  markee  were 
rolled  up.  so  that  all  that  was  transacted  might  be  seen.  Gen.  Burgoyne  dismounted 
and  approached  Gen.  Gates,  who  rose  and  stepped  forward  to  meet  him.  General 
Burgoyne  then  delivered  up  his  sword  to  Gen.  Gates,  who  received  it  in  his  left  hand, 
at  the  same  time  extending  his  right  hand  to  take  the  right  hand  of  Gen.  Burgoyne.' 

••  After  a  few  minutes'  conversation.  Gen.  Gates  returned  the  sword  to  Gen. 
Burgovne,  who  received  it  in  the  most  graceful  and  gentlemanly  manner.     The  rest 


"92  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

of  Burgoyne's  officers  then  delivered  up  their  swords,  and  had  them  restored  to 
them  likewise.  They  then  all  repaired  to  the  table  and  were  seated ;  and  while 
dining,  the  prisoners  were  passing  by." 

The  surrender  of  Burgoyne  was  followed  by  the  release  from  service 
•  of  large  bodies  of  Massachusetts  troops,  who  had  been  called  out  to 
reinforce  the  Northern  army  and  whose  term  of  enlistment  lasted  for  only 
a  few  months.  But  with  the  cessation  of  hostilities  along  the  northern 
frontier  came  attacks  in  other  quarters,  demanding  new  levies  to  fill  the 
Continental  armies.  In  the  closing  months  of  the  year  1777  Gen.  Wash- 
ington and  his  army  were  in  camp  near  Philadelphia;  the  battles  of  Bran- 
dywine  and  Germantown  had  been  fought  and  the  British  had  taken  pos- 
session of  Philadelphia.  But  early  in  1 7 78  the  United  States  had  concluded 
a  treaty  with  France,  and  a  French  fleet  was  making  ready  to  take  an  active 
part  in  the  contest.  The  British  troops  evacuated  Philadelphia  in  June, 
retreating  to  New  York.  In  July  the  French  fleet  came  to  anchor  off  New 
York  harbor.  It  was  decided  to  make  a  combined  attack  by  land  and  sea 
upon  Newport,  R.  I.,  then  held  by  a  British  army  of  6000  men  under  Gen. 
Pigot.  Gen.  Sullivan,  in  command  of  the  American  army  in  the  east,  had 
been  directed  by  Gen.  Washington  to  call  upon  Massachusetts,  Connecticut 
and  Rhode  Island  for  5000  militia,  a  call  which  was  promptly  answered. 
April  20,  1778,  the  Massachusetts  General  Court  ordered  that  2000  men 
should  be  raised  to  fill  up  the  fifteen  battalions  which  the  state  was 
required  to  furnish ;  of  these,  242  were  to  come  from  Hampshire 
county.  The  fine  for  refusing  to  go  was  ^20.  The  term  of  service  was 
nine  months,  and  each  man  was  to  have  sixpence  a  mile  for  travel.  On 
the  same  day  an  order  was  passed  for  raising  1300  men  for  North  River 
and  200  for  Rhode  Island,  of  which  Hampshire  county  was  required  to 
furnish  182.  During  the  same  year  another  order  was  passed  to  raise 
1800  men  for  Rhode  Island,  of  whom  199  were  to  come  from  Hampshire. 
June  23  an  order  was  passed  to  raise  1000  men  to  guard  the  prisoners  sur- 
rendered by  Burgoyne.  Of  the  men  who  enlisted  for  one  year  and  did 
service  in  the  state  of  Rhode  Island,  were  Lieut.  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Elijah 
■  Dickinson  and  Philip  Ingram  of   Amherst. 

Jan.  22,  177S,  a  muster-roll  of  Capt.  Reuben  Dickinson's  company, 
belonging  to  Col.  Porter's  regiment,  bore  the  names  of  the  following 
Amherst  men  : 

David  Peters,  Hezekiah  Cowls,  Joseph  Aldrich, 

Elijah  Baker,  John  Fox,  David  Hawley, 

James  Barnes,  Samuel  Buckman,  Noah  Gould, 

Nathaniel  Yale,  Enos  Rolfe,  Samuel  Harper, 

John  Sanglere,  John  Woodbury.  Noah  Bigelow. 

These    men    were    enlisted    for    three    years,    except    Woodbury,    who 


AMHERST    SOLDIERS. 


93' 


enlisted  for  eight  months.  A  list  of  men  drafted  for  nine  months  service 
from  their  arrival  in  Fishkill  in  17  78,  contains  the  following  names  of 
Amherst  men  who  were  in  Col.  Porter's  regiment  : 

David  Leonard.  Timothy  Dickinson,  Zimri  Dickinson, 

Benjamin  Buckman,  Simeon  Peck,  David  Gould. 

May  15,  177S.  Amherst  hired  nine  men  for  three  years'  service  in  the 
Continental  army;  the  only  Amherst  man  among  them  was  Ebenezer' 
Boltwood.  The  following  Amherst  men  served  in  Capt.  Samuel  Fairfield's 
company  of  Col.  Nathan  Sparhawk's  regiment  at  Dorchester,  during  the 
latter  part  of  1778:  Timothy  Green,  Henry  Chandler,  Joseph  Kimball, 
Elias  Smith.  March  11,  1778,  Amherst  voted  that  persons  not  own- 
ing independence  of  the  crown  of  Great  Britain  should  not  be  allowed 
to  vote.  Nov.  5  of  the  same  year  a  vote  was  passed  in  favor  of  a 
new  constitution  ;  this  vote  was  repeated  at  a  meeting  held  May  17,  1779. 
July  12,  1779,  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.  was  chosen  a  delegate  to  the  state 
convention  at  Concord.  Oct.  21,  1779,  the  sum  of  ,£434.  10  was  granted1 
to  replace  money  taken  out  of  the  treasury  to  pay  bounties  and  mileage  to 
soldiers. 

June  8,  1779,  the  General  Court  passed  an  order  to  raise  800  men  for 
service  in  Rhode  Island  and  2000  men  to  fill  up  the  Continental  battalions. 
Of  the  troops  for  Rhode  Island,  Hampshire  county  was  to  furnish  102. 
A  pay-roll  of  Capt.  YVoodbridge's  company,  in  Rhode  Island  service,  that 
continued  to  Jan.  1,  17S0,  contains  the  names  of  the  following,  credited  to 
Amherst : 
Simeon  Dickinson.  Elisha  Dickinson.  Oliver  Briggs. 

Thev  were  to  have  ^16  per  month  in  addition  to  the  continental  pay 
Of  the  2000  men  for  general  service  Hampshire  was  to  raise  228.  The 
time  service  was  to  be  nine  months,  and  the  fine  for  refusing  to  go 
when  drafted  .£45.  Oct.  9  there  was  another  order  passed  to  raise  2000 
men,  of  which  number  Hampshire  was  to  furnish  450.  The  fine  for  refus- 
ing to  serve  was  £50.  Each  soldier  was  to  receive  £16  per  month  in  addi- 
tion to  his  Continental  pay.  a  bonus  of  £30  from  the  town  he  repre- 
sented,   and    to    draw    two    shillings  mileage. 

The  nine  months'  men  who  were  drafted  under  the  act  of  June  8  were 
attached  to  Col.  Porter's  regiment;   Amherst  is  credited  with  the  following  . 

Jonathan  Allen.  Joseph  Kimball,  Joseph  Young, 

William  Ewing,  Daniel  Darby.  William  Darby. 

The   following   names   are   of  men    raised   in   Amherst  for  service  in 
Rhode  Island,  under  the  same  act.  who  served  in  Capt.  Joshua  Woodbridge's, 
company  of  Col.  Nathan  Tyler's  regiment  : 


94  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Timothy  Ingram.  David  Blackman,  Samuel  Dickinson, 

Elihu  Dickinson,  Jonathan  Belding,  Lewis  Coleman. 

Joseph  Goodale,  Oliver  Briggs,  Thaddeus  Gilbert, 

Asaph  Lane,  Zimri  Dickinson. 

Early  in  July,  1779,  British  troops  numbering  some  2600  engaged  in 
a  marauding  expedition  up  Long  Island  sound,  burning  the  towns  of  Fair- 
field and  Norwalk  and  plundering  New  Haven.  An  attack  was  planned  on 
New  London,  but  the  British  forces  were  recalled  to  New  York.  In  the 
American  garrison  at  New  London,  in  Capt.  Elijah  Dwight's  company, 
from  July  20  to  Aug.  25,  were  the  following  men  from  Amherst: 

Luke  Coffin,  lieut.,  Enos  Nash,  Silas  Lee, 

John  Boltwood,  Joseph  Church.  Nathan  Smith, 

Reuben  Ingram.  Nathan  Perkins.  Enos  Kellogg, 

Zimri  Dickinson,  Elihu  Warner,  Silas  Wright, 

Carmi  Wright  Thomas  Adams,  Eldad  Moody. 

Daniel  Gould.  David  Lord. 

The  name  of  Silas  Johnson  does  not  appear  in  this  list,  but  from 
other  sources  it  is  learned  that  he  served  at  New  London,  and  afterwards 
at  West  Point  and  in  Washington's  army  in  its  retreat  "  across  the  Jerseys." 

The  year  1780  brought  with  it  new  demands  for  troops  and  supplies 
upon  the  residents  of  Hampshire  county.  As  the  war  dragged  on  from 
year  to  year,  their  resources  were  steadily  diminished  and  it  grew  harder 
and  harder  to  furnish  the  quotas  of  men  that  the  needs  of  the  American 
armies  demanded.  But  there  was  no  regret  for  action  ahead}-  taken. 
no  thought  of  purchasing  peace  at  the  price  of  liberty.  Great  induce- 
ments were  offered  to  men  to  enlist  in  the  military  service  ;  these  fail- 
ing, drafts  were  resorted  to.  There  had  been  a  steady  and  alarming 
depreciation  in  the  value  of  the  Continental  currency,  and  Oct.  16,  17S0, 
Amherst  voted  £10,000  to  pay  for  beef  for  the  army.  Dec.  18  of  the 
same  year,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  enquire  and  report  to  the  town 
how  soldiers  might  best  be  procured  to  serve  in  the  Continental  army,  for 
three  years  or  during  the  war.  This  committee  reported  at  an  adjourned 
meeting  held  Dec.  28,  and  Amherst  voted  to  offer  bounties  in  money  and 
clothing  in  addition  to  Continental  pay  to  such  as  would  enlist.  At  the 
same  meeting  £460,  "  new  currency  "  was  appropriated  for  beef  and  grain 
to  supply  the  army.  During  the  year  there  were  in  the  Continental  service 
near  West  Point  the  following  men  from  Amherst  : 

Simeon  Morton.  .Aaron  Bartlett,  Lemuel  Root, 

Edward  Gould,  Zimri  Dickinson.  Noah  Hawley, 

Hezekiah  Moore,  Gideon  Moore,  William  Moore. 

Nathan   Perkins.  Joseph  Bobbins.  Solomon  Dickinson, 

Joseph  Kimball. 


AMHERST    SOLDIERS.  95 

During  the  summer  of  17S0  a  large  force  of  men  assembled  as  Spring- 
field, who  were  enlisted  for  the  term  of  six  months  and  also  marched  from 
that  place  to  reinforce  the  Continental  army.  They  were  enrolled  in  divis- 
ions ;  in  Capt.  Dix's  company  of  the  seventh  division  were  the  following- 
men,  credited  to  Amherst: 

Hezekiah  Moore,  Gideon  Moore,  William  Moore. 

Lemuel  Conant,  Noah  Hawley,  Lemuel  Root, 

Solomon  Dickinson,  Simeon  Morton,  Zimri  Dickinson. 

David  Lord. 

In  Ebenezer  Kent's  company  of  the  eighth  division  were  : 
Joseph  Kimball,  Joseph  Robbins,  Edmund  Gould. 

In  the  thirteenth  division  were  : 

Aaron  Bartlett.  Nathan  Perkins,  Jr. 

In  a  list  of  men  who  were  enlisted  by  Col.  Porter  for  three  months, 
in  accordance  with  an  order  of  the  General  Court  pissed  June  22.  1780. 
are  the  names  of  the  following  from  Amherst  : 

Reuben  Warner.  Levi  Smith,  William  Ri(    . 

Azariah  Dickinson.  Nathaniel  Peck.  Elisha  Warner, 

Jonathan  Kellogg,  Daniel  Prince. 

In  a  list  of  men  drafted  to  march  to  Horse  Neck  under  Col.  Samuel 
Howe  in  1780,  are  the  names  of  the  following  men  who  are  credited  to 
Amherst.- 

Robert  Anions.  Benjamin  Leach.  Levi  Nash, 

John  Boltwood.  Solomon  Boltwood,  Zachariah  Field. 

April  2,  1781,  Amherst  voted  that  persons  who  had  paid  any  money 
for  hiring  soldiers  the  preceding  year  should  be  allowed  the  same.  July 
30  of  the  same  year,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  hire  the  men  that  were 
required  of  the  town  for  three  months'  service  in  the  army.  The  men 
hired  by  this  committee  served  in  Capt.  Oliver  Coney's  company  of  Col. 
Sears'  regiment,  from  Aug.  12  to  Nov.  15  ;  their  names  were  as  follows  : 

Solomon  Dickinson,  cop'l,  John  Fox.  drummer,  Simeon  Morton. 

Levi  Dickinson,  Joseph  Kimball.  Noah  Hawley, 

Eli  Parker.  Edward  Gould.  John  Belding. 

Elijah  Ingraham. 

During  the  year  the  following  were  hired  to  serve  in  the  army  for  three 
years  : 

Hezekiah  Moore.  Daniel  Squier,  Silas  Billings. 

Josiah  B.  Gould.  Samuel  Prince.  Daniel  Abbott, 

Jepthah  Putnam,  Roger  Crary.  Thomas  Squier, 

William  Moore. 


96  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Obed  Hunt  and  William  Moore  enlisted  for  six  months.  The  men  of 
the  town  eligible  for  military  service  were  divided  into  classes;  each  class 
was  required  to  furnish  a  man  and  see  that  he  received  his  bounty.  Under 
the  order  of  the  General  Court  passed  in  December,  1780,  Amherst  enlisted 
eight  men,  five  at  £60,  two  at  £70  and  one  at  £§0.  Daniel  Ellis  enlisted 
May  15,  1 78 1,  for  three  years  and  received  .£60  :  Samuel  Prince  enlisted 
Aug.  1,  1 78 1,  for  the  same  term  and  received  the  same  bounty.  The  fol- 
lowing memoranda  are  copied  from  the  state  archives  : 

••  Mustered  and  Received  of  Cap'  Ebenezer  Mattoon  chairman  of  Class  No.  1 
for  the  Town  of  Amherst  a  certain  Isaac  Heart  a  Recruit  Inlisted  for  the  Term  of 
Three  Years." 

••  These  May  Certifie  that  the  Class  whereof  I  was  one  for  Procuring  a  man  in 
the  Continental  Service  for  the  term  of  three  years  hired  Jepha  Putnam  and  gave 
him  for  a  hire  the  sum  of  Sixty  pounds  paid  in  Silver  money. 

Sign'1  Jos  Williams,  Head  of  the  Class. 

Amherst,  June  15th  1781. 

To  the  Selectmen  of  Amherst."' 

The  state  and  town  taxes  levied  to  provide  funds  to  carry  on  the  war 
were  heavy  and  oppressive.  In  1779  and  1780,  Massachusetts  assessed  on 
its  inhabitants  five  taxes,  payable  in  bills,  amounting  nominally  to  17^- 
millions  of  pounds.  Of  this  sum  ill  millions  of  pounds,  or  $37,000,000, 
were  assessed  in  two  taxes  in  1780  to  call  in  continental  bills.  When  these 
bills  were  paid  in,  they  were  worth  about  one  cent  on  a  dollar  in  silver. 
In  April,  178 1,  one  dollar  in  silver  was  equal  to  $200  in  bills.  In  those 
clays  the  soldiers  frequently  paid  $50  for  one  meal  or  for  a  mug  of  flip. 
In  1780,  two  state  taxes  were  laid  upon  Amherst,  ,£"16,283  an<^  £l^i^>12>->  the 
two  amounting  to  $109,653,  payable  in  continental  bills.  The  polls  were 
assessed  ^20  in  each  of  the  two  rates.  In  the  same  year  a  tax  was  laid 
on  Amherst  of  ^768,  "  hard  money."  A  new  state  constitution  was 
adopted  by  Massachusetts  in  January,  17S0;  under  this  constitution 
Amherst  elected,  in  October  of  the  same  year,  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  Jr.  as 
its  representative  ;  he  was  re-elected  in  17S1  and  1783.  In  1784  and  1785, 
Capt.  Eli  Parker  served  as  representative;  in  17S7  and  178S,  Daniel 
Cooley. 

All  through  the  war,  and  even  after  its  close,  the  residents  of  Amherst 
who  were  loyal  to  the  continental  cause  were  troubled  by  the  toryism  of 
their  neighbors.  The  discipline  inflicted  in  the  early  stages  of  the  struggle 
upon  Josiah  Chauncey,  Simeon  Strong,  and  John  Nash,  and  the  significant 
votes  concerning  the  attitude  assumed  by  the  Rev.  David  Parsons  were 
not  without  a  salutary  effect.  Isaac  Chauncey,  son  of  Josiah.  was  among 
those  whose  loyalty  to  the  king  and  enmity  to  the  revolution  were  not  kept 
within  proper  bounds ;  in  1  776,  the  committee  of  safety  ordered  that  he 
should  remain  within  the  bounds  of  his  father's  farm  "except  on  Sundays 


IMPRISONMENT    OF    ISAAC    CHAUNCEY.  97 

and  to  Funerals,"  and  later  on  caused  him  to  be  confined  in  the  jail  at 
Northampton,  as  "an  enemy  to  America."  He  petitioned  the  General 
Court  for  release,  claiming  that  he  was  out  of  town  and  did  not  know  that 
the  notification  had  been  served,  that  he  had  not  a  fair  trial  and  should  be 
released  on  bail  pending  a  new  trial  ;  but  he  was  given  "  leave  to  withdraw  " 
the  petition.  Later  on  he  was  "confined  to  certain  limits,"  but,  on  Aug.  26, 
1776,  was  advertised  by  the  committee  as  having  "clandestinely  departed 
('tis  supposed)  to  some  part  of  Connecticut  on  no  good  design  ;  this  is  there- 
fore to  desire  the  good  people  of  that  State  or  of  other  States,  where  he 
may  be  found,  to  secure  him  in  such  manner  that  he  may  not  have  it  in 
his  power  to  injure  America."  Lieut.  Robert  Boltwood  was  advertised 
after  the  same  fashion.  The  warrant  committing  Mr.  Chauncey  to  jail 
was  found  among  the  papers  of  Capt.  Aaron  Wright,  at  that  time  the 
jailer  of  Hampshire  county,  after  his  death  ;   it  reads  as  follows  : 

"To  Capt.  Aaron  Wright,  keeper  of  the  jail  in  Northampton,  in  the  County  of 
Hampshire  and  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay: — 

Sir:  As  Isaac  Chauncey  of  Amherst  in  the  county  and  colony  aforesaid,  hath 
been  convicted  before  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  Amherst,  aforesaid, 
of  being  an  enemy  to,  and  acting  in  opposition  to  the  just  rights  and  privileges  of 
America,  you  are  hereby  desired  to  take  into  custody  and  closely  imprison  him 
the  said  Isaac  Chauncy,  till  he  shall  be  dismissed  by  lawful  authority. 

John   Billings,  Chairman  of  Com. 
Amherst.  April  12.  1776. 

According  to  the  within  direction,  I  have  committed  Isaac  Chauncey  to  Capt. 
Wright,  Jail-keeper  in  Northampton.     The  cost  is  16s. 

Martin  Smith,  Constable. 
April  13.  1776." 

The  "within  direction  "  alluded  to  by  the  constable,  was  addressed  to 
Capt.  Wright,  and  read  as  follows  : 

"  To  Capt.  Aaron  Wright : 

Sir:    You  are  hereby  informed  that  it  is  expected  that  you  hold  Mr.  Isaac 
Chauncy  in  custody  upon  his  own  cost,  until  the  judgment  of  cost  be  satisfied  and 
you  own  charges  secured.     The  cost  is  £1.  17s.,  6d.     Likewise  thefeeof  the  officers 
entered  on  the  mittimus. 
Amherst,  May  10.  1776.  Johx  Billings,  Chairman." 

In  September  of  the  same  year,  the  Amherst  committee  sent  another 
person  to  Northampton  jail,  who  had  been  convicted  before  them  "  of 
being  notoriously  inimical  to  the  cause  of  American  liberty." 

Rev.  Abraham  Hill,  the  pastor  at  Shutesbury,  was  a  violent  tory  and, 
at  the  same  time,  a  great  friend  of  Rev.  David  Parsons ;  it  is  probable  that 
the  two  "  exchanged  pulpits  "  and  that  Mr.  Hill  mixed  up  politics  with 
theology,  for  in  January,  1780,  Amherst  voted  that  he  should  not  be  allowed 
to  preach  in  the  town  again.  The  political  controversies  waged  between 
7 


q8  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

neighbors  on  week-days  were  not  allowed  wholly  to  subside  even  on  Sun- 
day, for  it  is  stated  that  in  the  intervals  between  the  morning  and  afternoon 
services  the  whigs  and  tories  waged  such  a  war  of  words  that  they  quite 
broke  up  the  afternoon  meeting. 


CHAPTER  XI 


Prominent  Patriots. — Ebenezer  Mattoon. — Leading  Opponents  of 
the  Revolution. — Josiah  Chauncey. — John  Field. — The 
Bolt  woods. 

Among  the  men  of  Amherst  who  were  ardent  patriots  and  whom  the 
events  of  the  Revolutionary  war  brought  prominently  to  the  front  were 
three,  Reuben  Dickinson,  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  Jr.  and  Ebenezer  Mattoon, 
Jr.,  who  deserve  more  than  a  word  of  mention. 

Reuben  Dickinson  was  son  of  Ebenezer  Dickinson,  one  of  the  earliest 
settlers  in  Amherst.  In  the  expedition  against  Crown  Point  in  1755, 
during  the  French  and  Indian  war,  he  served  as  sergeant  in  the  company 
commanded  by  Capt.  Porter.  When  the  convention  held  at  Northampton 
in  1774  advised  the  people  to  perfect  themselves  in  military  discipline,  he 
organized  a  company  of  militia  or  "minute-men  "  and  led  them  to  Cam- 
bridge at  the  time  of  the  Lexington  alarm.  The  company  served  eleven 
days  and  was  disbanded  ;  May  1,  1775,  Capt.  Dickinson  organized  a  com- 
pany which  served  for  three  months  and  eight  days.  A  part  of  this 
company  was  present  at  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  but  not  in  the  intrench- 
ments.  Zaccheus  Crocker  of  Shutesbury  was  lieutenant  of  the  company, 
and  Daniel  Shays  of  Pelham  ensign.  John  Dickinson,  a  member  of  the 
company  and  then  in  his  18th  year,  told  Judd  the  historian  in  1847,  that 
one-half  the  company  was  ordered  out  in  the  morning  but  did  not  go.  He 
thought  the  men  were  not  short  of  powder  but  were  driven  off  by  bayonets. 
When  the  call  was  issued  by  the  General  ('(nut,  June  25,  1776,  for  troops 
to  reinforce  the  Northern  army,  Capt.  Dickinson  enlisted  a  company  of  68 
men  from  Amherst  and  surrounding  towns,  which  took  part  in  the  expedi- 
tion against  Ticonderoga,  being  out  from  July  16,  1776  to  March  1,  1777. 
In  July,  1777,  Capt.  Dickinson  with  his  company  was  stationed  at  Mosses 
Creek,  and  on  their  return  from  that  place  were  at  once  ordered  out  on  an 
alarm  to  Stillwater.      The  company  took  part  in  the  battles  of  Bemis  Heights 


NATHANIEL     DICKINSON,    JR.  99 

and  Saratoga,  and  was  present  at  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne.  After  the 
close  of  the  war  Capt.  Dickinson  removed  to  Thetford,  Vt,  but  died  in 
Amherst,  Nov.  12.  1803,  at  the  home  of  his  sister,  Mrs.  Jerusha  Blodgett, 
while  there  on  a  visit.  He  was  married  and  had  nine  children,  five  boys 
and  four  girls. 

Nathaniel  Dickinson,  Jr.  was  the  son  of  Nathaniel  who  removed  from 
Shutesbury  to  Amherst  after  i  745.  Nathaniel,  Jr.  was  graduated  from  Har- 
vard College  in  the  class  of  1  7  7  1 .  having  as  a  classmate  David  Parsons,  son 
of  the  Rev.  David.  They  were  the  first  natives  of  Amherst  who  went 
to  college.  After  his  graduation  he  was  indentured  to  Major  Hawley  of 
Northampton  for  three  years,  to  study  law.  and  the  term  of  his  service  had 
just  expired  when  the  warning  notes  of  the  Revolution  were  sounded. 
When  only  24  years  of  age  he  was  elected  a  delegate  from  Amherst  to  the 
first  Provincial  Congress  ;  he  was  also  elected  to  the  second  Congress  which 
met  at  Cambridge,  and  to  the  third  which  met  at  YVatertown.  He  served 
as  representative  to  the  General  Court  in  1778,  1780  and  1783.  He  served 
upon  Amherst's  committees  of  correspondence,  was  the  author  of  a  large 
part  of  the  Revolutionary  papers  of  the  District,  was  moderator  at  town 
meetings,  town  clerk  and  treasurer,  selectman  and  assessor,  and  devoted 
his  time  largely  to  public  business.  In  1781  he  was  appointed  justice  of  the 
peace  by  Governor  Hancock,  after  which  he  was  commonly  known  as  "  Squire 
Nat."  fie  was  an  ardent  advocate  of  the  cause  of  the  revolutionists,  and  when 
that  cause  was  assailed  was  ever  ready  to  defend  it.  It  is  related  that  once, 
when  the  Rev.  David  Parsons  was  compelled  to  read  from  the  pulpit  a 
proclamation  issued  by  authority  of  the  new  government,  he  added  to  the 
formal  conclusion  "God  save  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,"  the 
following  expression  of  his  own  views,  "  But  I  say,  God  save  the  king.5' 
Whereupon  Mr.  Dickinson  sprang  to  his  feet  in  his  pew  and  exclaimed  in 
tones  that  echoed  through  the  church,  "  And  /  say.  you  are  a  damned 
rascal !"  Mr.  Dickinson  married.  Dec.  9.  1779,  Sarah,  daughter  of  Ebenezer 
Marsh  of  Hadley,  by  whom  he  had  two  children,  Susanna  and  Walter. 
He  died,  Nov.  10,  1802,  aged  51  years. 

Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.  attained  to  the  greatest  prominence  in  public 
affairs  of  any  of  the  earlier  residents  in  Amherst.  Probably  no  better, 
certainly  no  more  authentic  record  of  his  life  is  in  existence  than  the  fol- 
lowing autobiographical  sketch,  found  among  his  papers  after  his  death 
and  copied  from  the  Hampshire  Gazstte  in  which  it  was  printed  in  1843. 
It  is  addressed  to  William  Cogswell,  D.  D.  and  reads  as  follows  : 

"To  Wm.  Cogswell,  D.  D. 

Dear  Sir:  — Your  printed  Circular,  addressed  to  the  graduates  of 
Dartmouth  College,  requesting  them  to  furnish  you  with  brief  biographical  notices 
of  themselves,  for  publication.  I  duly  received.     The  plan  you  propose  I  cordially 


IOO  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

approve — when  completed,  it  will,  I  think,  embody  facts  that  will  be  very  gratify- 
ing to  the  Alumni  of  that  institution,  and  also  the  friends  of  literature. 

If  my  own  history  can  add  anything  to  the  completion  of  your  plan,  it  is  at 
your  service.  In  replying  to  your  interrogatories  I  shall  follow  their  numerical 
order. 

I  was  born.  1755.  in  Amherst,  then  a  precinct  of  Hadley.  My  parents  were 
Ebenezer  Mattoon  and  Dorothy  Smith  daughter  of  Doct.  Nath'l  Smith  of 
Amherst.  The  earliest  knowledge  I  have  of  my  ancestry  extends  hack  to  the  year 
1676.  Then  Philip  Mattoon.  an  unmarried  young  man  (who  came  1  believe  from 
Glasgow,  in  Scotland)  was  among  47  men  at  Marlboro,  who,  with  others  from 
Boston,  were  sent  up  under  Capt.  Wm.  Turner  to  defend  the  inhabitants  on  Con- 
necticut river  from  the  invasions  of  the  Indians.  The  next  year,  (1677,)  he  resided 
at  Springfield,  and  was  married  to  Sarah  Hawks.  About  16S8,  he  removed  to 
Deerfield,  where  he  died  in  1696,  leaving  several  sons,  one  of  whom,  Eleazer, 
settled  at  Northfield.  He  was  my  Grand-Father.  In  1734,  he  removed  to  Amherst, 
with  his  family,  my  father,  Ebenezer,  being  his  only  son,  then  16  years  of  age. 
My  studies,  preparatory  for  college,  were  pursued  under  the  tuition  of  Rev.  David 
Parson,  the  first  minister  of  Amherst.  I  entered  college  in  1772  and  graduated  in 
1776.  In  the  Spring  of  '76,  after  examination  for  degrees,  with  three  others  of  my 
class,  I  obtained  permission  of  the  faculty  to  go  to  Canada,  and  engage  in  the 
revolutionary  army,  receiving  a  promise  that  our  degrees  should  be  regularly  con- 
ferred. Soon  after  my  arrival  at  Canada,  I  received  a  Lieutenant's  Commission, 
and  performed  the  duties  of  an  Adjutant  for  that  year.  The  next  year  I  was 
Lieut,  in  the  Artillery  in  the  northern  campaign,  and  was  in  St.  Clair's  retreat  from 
Ticonderoga.  and  in  the  hard  fought  battles  and  capture  of  Burgoyne.  Continuing 
in  the  army,  I  was  in  the  battle  fought  by  Gen.  Sullivan  on  Rhode  Island.  In  1779 
I  left  the  army,  returned  to  Amherst,  and  was  married  to  Mary  Dickinson,  of 
Amherst,  where  I  still  reside.  I  studied  no  profession  except  that  of  arms.  In 
17S0  and  '81,  I  represented  the  town  in  General  Court.  Was  made  justice  of 
peace  in  1782,  and  held  the  office  till  1796.  Was  elected  Captain  in  the  Militia  in 
17S2.  Major  in  '85,  Col.  in  '89,  Brigadier  in  '92,  and  in  '96  Maj.  General  of  the  4th 
division  Militia  in  this  Commonwealth.  In  1S16  I  resigned  my  Commission  of 
Maj.  Gen.  and  was  appointed  Adjutant  General,  which  office  I  held  until  two 
years  after,  when  I  was  compelled  to  resign  on  account  of  the  entire  loss  of  my 
sight.  I  was  a  member  of  the  Senate  of  this  Commonwealth  two  years,  1795  and 
'96.  In  1766,  I  was  appointed  Sheriff  of  the  (old)  County  of  Hampshire,  and  con- 
tinued in  office  nearly  20  years.  I  was  in  the  6th  and  7th  Congress.  In  1S20.  I 
was  a  member  of  the  Convention  for  amending  the  Constitution  of  our  Common- 
wealth. In  1792,  '96,  1820,  and  '28  I  was  one  of  the  Electoral  College  for  the 
choice  of  President  and  Vice  President  of  the  United  States. 

I  have  had  six  children. .two  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  The  names  of  the  four 
are  Mary  Dickinson.  Ebenezer,  Noah  Dickinson,  and  Dorothy  Smith.  Three  are 
still  living.  Mary  I),  [since  deceased]  resides  in  Philadelphia,  Ebenezer  in  Amherst, 
and  Noah  I),  in  Ohio. 

In  an  historical  sketch  of  Gen.  Mattoon,  written  by  Zebina  C.  Mon- 
tague and  published  in  the  Hampshire  and  Franklin  Express  under  date  of 
M.iv  21,  [858,  are  many  interesting  anecdotes  concerning  his  military  and 
civil  services.  When  he  returned  to  Amherst  after  his  discharge  from  the 
army  he  brought  with  him  an  old  iron  field-piece,    a    six-pounder,  that  had 


EJJENEZER    MATTOON,    fit. 


EBENEZER    MATTOON,    JR.  IOI 

seen  service  in  the  Northern  army.  After  the  capture  of  Burgoyne,  the 
Americans  replaced  their  old-fashioned  ordnance  with  the  more  modern  and 
effective  cannon  captured  from  the  enemy,  and  the  discarded  field-pieces 
were  many  of  them  given  to  officers  in  the  »American  army.  This  old 
cannon  was  stored  for  many  years  in  Gen.  Mattoon's  barn,  and  was  used 
in  Fourth  of  July  celebrations  as  well  as  in  celebrating  other  events  of  less 
patriotic  interest.  It  was  destined  to  play  an  important  part  in  a  neighbor- 
hood quarrel  of  which  more  will  be  related  in  succeeding  pages.  As  high 
sheriff  of  Hampshire  count}'.  Gen.  Mattoon  officiated  in  1S06  at  the  execu- 
tion of  Halligan  and  Daly  at  Northampton,  for  murder  and  highway 
robbery.  This  was  one  of  the  first  executions  in  Hampshire  county. 
While  on  a  visit  to  boston  in  1816,  in  connection  with  his  duties  as  adjutant- 
general,  he  caught  a  severe  cold  which  settled  in  his  eyes  and  soon  resulted 
in  total  blindness.  He  built  the  house  at  East  Amherst  now  owned  and 
occupied  by  0.  P.  Gaylord  :  it  was.  at  that  time,  esteemed  one  of  the  finest 
residences  in  the  village.  During  the  closing  years  of  his  life  Gen.  Mattoon 
drew  a  pension  as  a  revolutionary  soldier.  He  died,  Sept.  11,  1843,  aged 
SS  years. 

In  the  Hampshire  Gazette  of  Aug.  29,  1832,  appears  the  following 
list   of  Revolutionary   soldiers   from  Amherst  who  applied  for  pensions  : 

Gideon  Stetson,  John  Dickinson,  Judah  Clark. 

Timothy  Henderson,  Benjamin  Kimball.  Simeon  Dickinson, 

Nathan  Sprout.  Silas  Johnson,  Ebenezer  Mattoon, 

Jonathan   Dickinson,  John  Hunt.  Samuel  Thompson, 

Simeon  Pomeroy.  .Nathan  Kellogg,  Jonathan  Thayer. 

Prominent  among  the  opponents  of  the  Revolution  were  the  Rev. 
David  Parsons,  Simeon  Strong.  Esq.,  Josiah  Chauncey,  John  Field,  and 
three  members  of  the  Boltwood  family,  Ebenezer,  Solomon  and  William. 
( )f  David  Parsons  and  Simeon  Strong  brief  biographical  sketches  have 
already  been  given.  Josiah  Chauncey  was  for  many  years  a  leading  man 
in  the  community.  The  son  of  Rev.  Isaac  Chauncey,  for  many  years 
pastor  of  the  church  in  Hadley,  he  was  born  Nov.  14,  1716.  In  1758  he 
was  appointed  justice  of  the  peace,  holding  that  office  until  the  outbreak  of 
the  war  of  the  Revolution.  In  1760  and  1762,  he  represented  Hadley, 
South  Hadley.  Granby  and  Amherst  in  the  General  Court.  From  the 
"  Memorials  of  the  Chaunceys  ",  edited  by  William  Chauncey  Fowler  and 
published  in  1S5S,  the  following  is  copied  : 

"Josiah  Chauncy.  youngest  son  of  the  Rev.  Isaac,  was  born  Nov.  4,  1716. 
He  resided  in  Hadley  precinct  (Amherst)  before  1737.  He.  with  his  two  brothers, 
Richard  and  Charles,  having,  in  their  father's  family,  enjoyed  more  than  common 
advantages,  and.  taking  a  leading  part  in  public  affairs,  must  have  had  great  influence 
in  giving  a  character  to  the  infant  town  of  Amherst.  He,  if  any  one,  was  the 
Father  of  the   Town.     He  was  for  a  considerable  time  usually  moderator  of  the 


102  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

public  meetings;  was  for  a  long  time  justice  of  the  peace;  town  clerk;  selectman; 
assessor;  Representative  to  the  General  Court.  In  1755  he  was  sent  to  the  General 
Court  to  appear  in  behalf  of  the  precinct  in  its  petition  to  be  set  off  a  district:  he 
went  to  boston  and  secured  the  object  of  the  petition.  As  a  Justice  of  the  Peace 
many  important  cases  were  tried  before  him.  An  aged  lady,  who  remembered  him 
well  told  me  that  there  were  frequently  large  collections  of  people  assembled  to 
witness  the  trials  before  Judge  Chauncey.  In  the  time  of  the  Revolutionary  War, 
he,  like  many  of  the  leading  men  in  the  region,  was  suspected  of  being  a  Tory. 
They  felt  that  the  time  had  not  come  to  take  up  arms  against  Great  Britain.  Rev. 
David  Parsons,  Judge  Simeon  Strong,  Dr.  Seth  Coleman,  and  others,  sided  with 
Esquire  Chauncey.  Mr.  Chauncey  held  no  office  during  the  war.  but  immediately 
on  the  declaration  of  peace  he  resumed  his  place  at  the  head  of  affairs.  He  cul- 
tivated a  large  and  excellent  farm  about  half  a  mile  south  of  the  college  now  owned 
by  Mr.  Horace  Kellogg.  The  remains  of  the  fish-pond  which  he  constructed  are 
still  to  be  seen.  He  was  a  professor  of  religion  from  early  life.  About  the  year 
1802  he  removed  with  his  family  from  Amherst  to  Albany  Co.,  now  Schenectady 
Co..  X.  V..  where  he  died  and  was  buried  the  same  year." 

John  Field  was  son  of  Zechariah  Field  and  was  born  in  Hatfield,  Jan. 
12,  1 7  iS.  He  was  a  prominent  man  in  the  community  and  among  the 
large  property  owners  as  is  shown  by  Amherst's  valuation  list  in  1770.  In 
1773  he  was  appointed  by  Gov.  Hutchinson  a  lieutenant  of  militia,  but 
gave  up  his  commission  the  following  year  owing  to  the  disturbances 
incident  to  the  outbreak  of  the  war.  He  married,  July  10,  1739,  Hannah, 
daughter  of  Samuel  Boltwood,  by  whom  he  had  eleven  children. 

The  Boltwoods  were  among  the  earliest  settlers  in  the  eastern  part  of 
Hadley,  Samuel  Boltwood  being  numbered  among  the  "east  inhabitants  " 
in  1  73  1,  while  Solomon  came  to  the  new  settlement  as  early  as  1737.  They 
were  men  of  note,  prominent  in  public  affairs  and  the  name  of  Boltwood 
appears  frequently  on  town  and  district  records.  In  1770,  Solomon  Bolt- 
wood  was  the  largest  property-owner  in  the  district,  his  estate  being  rated 
at  .£228.  William,  son  of  Solomon,  was  commissioned  a  lieutenant  and 
served  in  the  French  and  Indian  war.  Solomon,  brother  to  William,  and 
his  son  Ebenezer,  were  among  the  earliest  merchants,  or  "  traders"  as  they 
were  then  called,  in  the  east  settlement. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


Proposed  Division*  of  Amherst. — Petition  Against  a    Division. 

The  first  meeting-house,  completed  in  1753,  afforded  at  that  time  and 
for  some  years  after  ample  accommodations  for  the  worshipers  who 
assembled  there  on  the   Sabbath,  and   the    voters   who  gathered   on    town- 


VOTES    TO    DIVIDE    AMHERST.  103 

meeting  days.  But  owing  to  a  considerable  increase  in  population,  the 
need  of  a  larger  meeting-house  became  apparent  as  early  as  1 77  i ,  when  the 
question  of  building  one  began  to  be  agitated.  This  question,  innocent  in 
itself,  formed  the  basis  of  a  controversy  that  was  waged  with  bitterness 
for  many  years,  whose  echoes  even  now  are  heard  in  our  town-meetings  as 
the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  "  center  "  of  the  town  are  placed  in  oppo- 
sition to  those  of  the  outlying  villages.  It  was  a  bitter  struggle  at  the  out- 
set, and  but  for  the  sound  common-sense  displayed  by  the  General  Court, 
would  doubtless  have  resulted  in  a  division  of  the  lands  in  Amherst  into 
two  parishes  and  later  on  two  townships.  A  majority  of  the  first  perma- 
nent settlers  had  located  near  what  is  now  the  center  village,  and  the 
meeting-house  was  set  as  near  the  center  of  population  as  could  be  conven- 
iently. As  new  members  were  added  to  the  settlement,  the  lands  to  the 
north  and  south  and  east  were  occupied,  the  population  becoming  more 
generally  distributed  over  the  territory  comprised  in  the  District.  The 
voters  and  church-goers  at  the  extremities  of  the  District  soon  grew  into 
a  majority,  a  fact  they  were  quick  to  appreciate  and  take  advantage  of. 
They  needed  a  pretext  for  action,  and  this  was  afforded  when  the  question 
of  building  a  new  meeting-house  was  broached.  Their  proposition  was  to 
divide  the  District  by  an  east  and  west  line  through  the  center,  the  latter 
thus  being  placed  at  the  extremity  of  the  two  new  districts.  At  a  meeting 
held  Jan.  13,  1772,  the  proposition  was  submitted  to  the  voters  and  passed 
in  the  affirmative.  Legislative  sanction  was  necessary  in  order  to  such  a 
division  of  territory,  but  that  some  immediate  benefit  might  be  obtained  it 
was  voted.  April  14,  1773,  to  build  two  new  meeting-houses  at  the  expense 
of  the  whole  District.  Of  the  120  owners  of  real  estate  in  the  District 
when  this  controversy  began,  70  were  opposed  to  the  division,  but  there 
were  in  addition  some  25  legal  votes  living  at  the  ends  of  the  District, 
mostly  farmers'  sons,  to  whom  their  fathers  conveyed  small  tracts  of  land 
that  they  might,  in  accordance  with  legal  provisions,  vote  upon  the  question. 
This  gave  a  majority  to  the  divisionists,  leaving  the  wealthy  property- 
owners  at  the  center  powerless  as  far  as  any  action  by  the  District  was  con- 
cerned. The  natural  recourse  was  an  appeal  to  the  General  Court  for  a 
stay  of  proceedings  and  a  hearing.  The  following  petition  was  drawn  up 
and  forwarded  to  the  General  Court  in  May,  1773  : 

"  To  his  Excellency  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq.  Captain  General  and  Governor 
in  Chief  in  and  over  his  Majesty"s  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Eay  in  New 
England  and  Vice  Admiral  of  the  same. 

To  the  Hon1'1  his  Majesty's  Council  and  House  of  Representatives  in  General 
Court  assembled  at  Boston  on  the  26th  day  of  May  A.  D.  1773. 

The  subscribing  Petitioners  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  in  the 
County  of  Hampshire. 

Most  humblv  shew. 


104  HIS  TORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

That  the  District  of  Amherst  contains  a  Tract  of  Land  nearly  equal  to  seven 
miles  in  length  and  three  miles  in  breadth  taken  together:  That  in  the  year  1735, 
a  Precinct  or  Parish  was  erected  there  by  the  name  of  The  Third  Precinct  of 
Hadley,  in  which  town  said  lands  then  were.  That  in  the  year  1738  a  Meeting 
House  was  erected,  and  in  the  year  1739  a  Minister  was  settled  there.  That  in  the 
year  1759  the  same  Parish  or  Precinct  was  erected  into  a  District  by  the  name  of 
Amherst,  with  some  Inhabitants  of  Hadley  Parish  with  their  Farms  annexed 
thereto.  That  your  Petitioners  are  most  of  them  inhabitants  of  the  middle  Part 
of  the  said  District,  whose  Lands  and  Estates  are  adjacent  to  the  said  Meeting 
House  on  each  side,  and  towards  each  end  of  the  District,  and  that  they  and  their 
predecessors  were  the  first  original  settlers  of  the  Parish  of  East  Hadley.  from 
which  said  Amherst  was  erected,  who  bore  the  principal  part  of  the  burden  of 
beginning  and  bringing  forward  the  settlement  at  first,  of  building  a  Meeting 
House,  supporting  the  Ministry  and  all  other  charges;  and  have  continued  to  bear 
the  greater  part  of  Expenses  of  every  kind  from  the  original  settlement  of  the 
Parish  to  this  day.  That  though  they  have  long  held  a  state  of  good  agreement 
and  harmony  among  themselves,  and  conducted  their  affairs  both  ecclesiastical 
and  civil  with  great  unanimity,  yet  are  now  in  a  most  unhappy  controversy  with  the 
inhabitants  of  the  remote  parts  of  the  District  respecting  the  building  a  Meeting 
House  for  Public  Worship.  That  partly  by  reason  of  the  Inhabitants  who  were 
admitted  from  Hadley  Parish  to  be  incorporated  with  Amherst  at  their  own  request, 
and  because  of  their  great  distance  from  their  own  Meeting  House,  partly  by 
reason  of  the  increase  of  settlers  in  the  remoter  parts  and  near  the  two  ends  of  the 
District,  and  partly  by  the  methods  used  by  the  opposite  party  to  multiply  their 
votes,  by  transferring  property  from  the  father's  List  to  the  son's  who  tho'  qualified 
according  to  the  letter  of  the  Province  Law  ought  to  every  equitable  purpose  to 
be  considered  as  having  no  property  at  all :  Your  Petitioners,  though  owning  the 
greater  part  of  the  Property  within  the  District,  are  yet  in  respect  of  their  number 
of  voters  become  a  minor  party,  and  being  as  they  conceive  oppressed  and  likely 
still  to  be  oppressed  by  the  strength  of  a  prevailing  majority,  and  being  under 
necessity  thereof  to  seek  redress  &  Protection  in  Legislative  Power,  humbly  beg 
leave  to  open  and  state  their  matters  of  complaint  in  the  following  manner  (viz.) 

That  within  two  years  last  past  the  Increase  of  inhabitants  made  it  needful  to 
provide  a  new  Meeting  House  for  Public  Worship  :  That  on  a  motion  for  this  pur- 
pose, the  Inhabitants  of  the  remoter  settlements  towards  each  end  of  the  District 
united  together  in  a  Design  of  procuring  the  district  (however  small  in  its  extent) 
to  be  divided  into  two  Districts,  so  that  the  extremities  of  the  two  Districts  should 
be  at  the  present  Centre,  and  your  Petitioners  on  each  side  of  the  present  Meeting 
I  louse,  to  be  at  the  remote  or  extreme  parts  of  the  two  proposed  Districts.  This 
Proposal  was  brought  before  a  District  Meeting  holden  on  the  13"1  Day  of  January 
A.  I).  1772.  and  though  opposed  by  your  Petitioners,  a  vote  was  then  passed  for 
the  proposed  Division,  That  from  a  supposed  insufficiency  in  the  proceeding,  the 
same  matter  was  again  brought  before  a  District  Meeting  holden  the  io'1'  Day  of 
March  in  the  same  year  :  and  there  being  then  an  equal  number  of  voters  on  each 
side  of  the  question  no  vote  was  passed,  That  afterwards  the  Party  for  the  Division 
entered  into  an  agreement  for  effecting  their  purpose  by  procuring  a  .Majority  for 
erecting  two  Meeting  Houses  at  the  joint  expense  of  the  whole  District  before  any 
Division  should  be  made,  or  any  new  District  erected,  and  to  place  them  so  as  to 
subserve  their  design  of  a  future  Division  towards  the  ends  of  the  present,  and  in 
the  middle  of  each  proposed  District,  whereby  they  apprehended  that  your  Peti- 


PETITION    AGAINST    A    DIVISION. 


io5 


tioners  overpowered  by  their  majority,  would  be  finally  brought  by  compulsion  to 
join  with  them  in  procuring  such  a  Division.  That  pursuant  to  this  design  a  meeting 
was  holden  on  the  14th  day  of  April  last  past,  at  which  (having  previously  multi- 
plied their  votes  in  the  manner  above  described)  they  procured  a  majority  for 
erecting  the  two  Meeting  Houses:  and  a  vote  was  accordingly  passed,  And  tho" 
nothing  as  yet  hath  been  done  in  pursuance  of  said  vote,  yet  your  Petitioners  are 
threatened  with  the  speedy  execution  of  it.  All  which  votes  and  proceedings,  by 
attested  copies  thereof  herewith  exhibited  will  appear.  On  which  state  of  facts 
your  petitioners  humbly  beg  leave  to  represent  and  observe:  That  the  wdiole 
District  of  Amherst  being  of  no  larger  extent  than  nearly  as  above  set  forth,  cannot 
admit  of  having  a  new  District  erected  therefrom  in  the  manner  contended  for, 
without  effecting  the  ruin  of  the  whole,  as  neither  of  the  two  could  be  able  to 
support  public  expenses:  That  the  Division  contended  for  is  such  for  which  no 
precedent  can  be  procured,  nor  any  reason  assigned  :  That  the  very  remotest  of 
the  Inhabitants  have  no  further  travel  to  the  centre  of  Amherst  than  what  is 
common  to  many  of  the  Inhabitants  of  most  of  the  Towns  within  the  Province. 
.And  if  any  reason  could  be  given  for  so  extraordinary  a  measure,  the  same  must 
hold  and  hold  much  stronger  in  almost  every  Town  and  District  and  produce 
Divisions  and  subdivisions  throughout  the  whole.  That  your  Petitioners  think  it 
most  injurious  to  themselves  to  be  dictated  by  an  opposite  Party  in  respect  to  their 
tenderest  rights,  and  especially  in  matters  relating  to  the  Worship  of  God.  That 
their  opponents  are  unjustly  endeavoring  to  compel  them  to  join  in  societies  wherein 
they  have  no  disposition  to  join,  and  many  of  them  to  abandon  their  Parish,  Church 
and  Minister,  to  which  they  are  most  cordially  united:  and  to  be  so  incorporated 
together  in  each  respective  new  formed  society  with  those  of  an  adverse  Party,  of 
opposite  sentiments  and  exasperated  minds:  That  each  of  the  little,  weak  and 
already  ruined  societies  must  have  nothing  in  prospect  but  to  be  if  possible  further 
ruined  by  increasing  Confusion  and  Discord  among  themselves.  That  vour  Peti- 
tioners having  acquired  their  Estates  at  a  rate  proportionate  to  the  value  of  their 
pres  nt  situation,  may  not,  consistent  with  justice,  have  such  privileges  wrested 
from  them.  That  confiding  in  the  Equity  of  their  cause,  they  would  cheerfully  have 
submitted  it  to  the  decision  of  the  General  Court :  but  that  their  opponents  (either 
thro'  diffidence  of  the  success  of  their  cause,  or  for  some  other  reason  to  your 
Petitioners  unknown)  wholly  declining  to  make  any  application  to  the  General 
Court  for  a  new  District  to  be  erected,  have  adopted  the  violent  measure  of  forcing 
your  Petitioners  to  contribute  to  the  expense  of  the  said  two  Meeting  Houses, 
which  purpose  if  executed  they  consider  as  a  manifest  oppression  under  colour  of 
Law.  and  an  high  abuse  of  the  Power  vested  in  Towns  and  Districts  by  the  Acts 
of  this  Province.  That  the  vote  whereof  your  Petitioners  complain  was  procured 
by  voters  qualified  by  unfair  means,  as  above  expressed,  and  that  your  Petitioners 
having  the  property  of  more  than  half  the  Estate  within  the  District,  and  who 
must  therefore  bear  the  greater  part  of  the  expense,  the  wdiole  of  which  they 
should  esteem  to  be  worse  than  lost.  Your  Petitioners  further  beg  leave  to  repre- 
sent that  during  the  whole  controversy  they  have  adopted  every  pacific  measure  ; 
have  never  used  any  undue  method  to  multiply  their  voters,  choosing  rather  to  want 
a  majority  than  to  procure  it  by  unfair  m-ans.  And  now  find  all  attempts  of 
Accomodation  to  be  in  vain:  and  despairing  of  justice  without  the  intervention  of 
Legislative  Power,  Your  Petitioners  most  humbly  pray  the  attention  of  your  PZxcel- 
lency  and  Honors  to  their  unhappy  situation.  And  though  they  are  sensible  that 
no  division  of  Amherst  can  be  made  without  great  prejudice  to  the  whole,  and  if 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


left  to  their  own  election  should  be  very  far  from  desiring  it  in  any  manner  what- 
ever :  Yet  since  the  opposite  Party  seem  resolved  to  please  their  own  humor  at  the 
expense  of  your  Petitioners"  ruin.  Your  Petitioners  most  humbly  pray  your  Excel- 
lency and  Honors  to  interpose  for  their  relief,  by  allowing  them,  whose  interests 
and  sentiments  are  united,  to  be  a  corporation  and  Parish  by  themselves  in  the 
middle  of  Amherst,  enjoying  all  privileges,  and  being  liable  to  all  duties  of  a  Paro- 
chial nature  that  are  incumbent  on  the  District  of  Amherst,  leaving  our  Opponents 
their  election  to  remain  with  us  on  reasonable  terms:  or  be  incorporated  together 
among  themselves  as  their  remote  situations  will  best  permit  or  join  to  be  incor- 
porated with  some  adjacent  towns  or  Parishes,  as  they  can  obtain  consent  for 
admittance  there.  And  if  the  granting  your  Petitioners  prayer  herein,  should  seem 
to  throw  their  opponents  into  much  calamity,  which  your  petitioners  by  no  means 
desire,  if  it  may  be  avoided :  Yet  since  our  opponents  which  are  now  the  Major 
Party  will  be  content  with  nothing  short  of  Division  and  Division  to  be  effected 
by  such  violent  means,  your  Petitioners  humbly  pray  your  Excellency  and  Honors 
to  make  such  a  Division  as  will  save  and  protect  an  injured  and  innocent  Party : 
and  suffer  our  opponents  rather  to  be  ruined  alone,  than  leave  them  the  Power  of 
involving  your  Petitioners  with  them  :  Otherwise  that  your  Excellency  and  Honors 
would  provide  for  our  safety  by  passing  an  Act  or  Order  for  depriving  the  District 
o!  Amherst  of  the  power  of  raising  or  assessing  any  monies  on  the  Inhabitants  for 
the  building  of  such  Meeting  Houses,  or  for  excusing  yr  petitioners  from  contri- 
buting any  proportion  of  any  Taxes  raised  for  such  purpose ;  or  grant  relief  to 
your  Petitioners  in  any  other  way  or  manner  as  you  in  yr  great  wisdom  shall  think 
tit.  And  for  the  preventing  any  contention  or  disturbances  that  might  arise  in  the 
District  between  the  Parties  in  the  mean  time,  y1  Petitioners  most  humbly  pray  that 
an  Order  may  be  passed  for  staying  all  proceedings. either  in  erecting  said  Meeting 
Houses,  or  in  Demolishing  the  present  Meeting  House  until  the  final  Determina- 
tion of  yr  Excellency  &  Honors  hereon.  They  also  pray  that  a  committee  of  the 
General  Court  may  be  appointed  to  repair  to  Amherst,  to  examine  into  the  Matters 
all  :ged  in  this  Petition  if  yr  Excellency  &  Honors  think  fit  :  And  that  all  the  costs 
arising  by  this  application  may  be  ordered  to  be  paid  by  the  District  of  Amherst. 
And  as  in  duty  bound  shall  pray 


Josiah  Chauncey 
Simeon  Strong 
Jona  Dickinson 
Jonathan  ('owls 
John  Field 
Nathan  Moody 
Alex'  Smith 
Moses  Warner 
Daniel  Kellogg 
Elisha  Ingram 
Nathan   Dickinson 
1 1'  zekiah  Belding 
W"  Boltwood 
Jona  Edwards 
Nathaniel  Coleman 
Jonathan  Moody 
<  rideon  I  lenderson 
Nath1  Alex1   Smith 


John  Morton 
Moses  Cook 
Jona  Dickinson  Jr. 
David  Blodgett 
Gid  Dickinson  Jr. 
Reuben  Cowls 
John  Billings 
Thomas  Hastings 
Samuel  ( rould 
Moses  Warner 
I  >avid  Smith 
Simeon  Clark 
Joseph  Bolles 
I  lezekiah  Howard 
Timothy  Clap 
Simeon   I'eck 

Ebenr  Kellogg 

Aaron  Warner 


Noah  Dickinson 
.Simeon  Pomeroy 
Joseph  Dickinson 
David  Hawley 
Thomas  Bascom 
Eph"'  Kellogg  Jr. 
Jonathan  Smith 
Jona  Nash  Jr. 
Martin  Smith 
Joel  Billings 
Thomas  Hastings  Jr. 
Nathaniel  Smith 
( rideon  Dickinson 
Barnabas  Sabin 
Edward  Elmer 
John  Morton  Jr. 
I  )avid  Stockbridge 
Josiah   .Moody 


ACTION  BY  THE  GENERAL  COURT.  lOf 

Jonathan  Nash  John  Field  Jr.  Ebenr  Dickinson 

Isaac  Goodale  Xoah  Smith  Seth  Coleman 

Elijah  Baker  Joseph  Church  John  Xash 

Solo"1  Boltwood  Xoadiah  Lewis  Joseph  Morton 

Waitstill  Hastings  Silas  Matthews 

Nath1  Peck  Timothy  Hubbard 

I  do  hereby  certify  that  the  whole  Rateable  Estate  of  Amherst  as  footed  by 
the  Assessors  on  their  last  List  amounts  to  £.7^°°  :  o 

And  of  that  sum  what  belongs  to  one  of  the  Anabaptist  persuasion,  and  others 
not  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  amounts  to  £2°2  '■   '5 

And  that  the  Estate  of  the  above  named  Petitioners  on  the  List  amounts 
to  .£4220:  13 

Seth  Coleman 
1 ) istrict  Clerk. 

This  petition  seems  to  have  had  the  desired  effect  so  far  as  any  imme- 
diate division  was  concerned  ;  on  June  iS,  the  General  Court  passed  an 
order  staying  all  proceedings  relative  to  building  any  new  meeting-house 
in  the  District  excepting  on  or  near  where  the  house  then  stood.  Jan.  26, 
1774,  Amherst  appointed  Reuben  and  Moses  Dickinson  agents  to  present 
a  petition  to  the  General  Court  for  a  division,  and  also  to  answer  the 
Court's  citation,  issued  on  account  of  the  petition  printed  above.  At  a 
meeting  held  June  3,  it  had  been  voted  by  a  large  majority  to  divide  the 
District  by  an  east  and  west  line  from  the  center  of  the  meeting-house  ; 
these  agents  were  to  secure,  if  possible,  the  authority  of  the  General  Court 
for  carrying  out  the  provisions  of  this  vote.  After  a  hearing,  the  General 
Court  ordered  that  a  committee  consisting  of  Artemas  Ward,  Esq.  of  the 
Council  and  Mr.  Pickering  and  Col.  Bacon  of  the  House  "  repair  to  the 
District  of  Amherst,  view  the  same,  hear  the  parties  on  the  spot,  and  make 
report  what  they  think  proper  for  the  Court  to  do  thereon  :  and  that  the 
Inhabitants  of  s'd  District  in  the  mean  time  wholly  surcease  &  forbear  all 
proceedings  relative  to  the  building  any  new  Meeting  House  or  Houses  in 
said  District."  March  14,  Amherst  appointed  a  committee  to  meet  the 
General  Court's  committee  to  consult  with  them  concerning  the  division  of 
the  District.  There  is  no  record  of  the  committee's  report  to  the  General 
Court,  but  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  it  was  adverse  to  those  who 
favored  division;  the  following  entry  is  found  in  the  Province  Laws,  Vol. 
V.:   p.  411  : 

"  Upon  the  petition  of  Josiah  Chauncsy  and  others,  inhabitants  of  the  district 
of  Amherst,  it  was,  on  the  10th  of  June,  1774, — 

Ordered  that  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said  District  pay  into  the  original  Peti- 
tioners for  their  costs  and  charges  in  and  about  prosecuting  and  supporting  their 
said  Petition  the  sums  of  twenty  eight  pounds,  fifteen  shillings  and  eight  pence, 
and  that  the  Treasurer  of  the  said  District  be  and  hereby  is  impowered  and  directed 
to   pay   the   same  out  of  the   Treasury   accordingly  :  and   that  the  sum  of  thirty 


Io8  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

pounds,  nine  shillings  and  two  pence  be  paid  out  of  the  Province  Treasury  to  the 
Committee  appointed  at  the  last  Session  of  the  General  Court  to  repair  to  Amherst, 
for  their  time  and  expence  in  the  affair,  and  that  the  same  be  laid  on  the  said  Dis- 
trict in  the  next  Province  Tax." 

This  action  of  the  General  Court,   and  the    outbreak   of  the    Revolu- 
tionary war,  appear  to  have  put  an  end  to  the  plan  for  dividing  the   town. 


CHAPTER    XV. 


Controversy  Concerning  a  New  Minister. —  Dr.  David  Parsons. — 
Action  by  Church  and  Parish. — Ecclesiastical  Councils. 
— Second  Parish  Organized. 

The  Rev.  David  Parsons  died  Jan.  i,  1781.  Hiswillwas  not  admitted 
to  probate  until  May,  1786.  His  son  David  and  Simeon  Strong,  Esq. 
were  made  executors.  He  gave  to  his  son  Gideon  the  "  Tavern  house  " 
and  other  property.  This  tavern-house  stood  on  the  site  now  occu- 
pied by  the  Amherst  house  ;  a  man  named  Trowbridge  had  first  kept 
a  tavern  there.  When  Mr.  Parsons  died  the  District  was  considerably 
indebted  to  him  for  salary  due  and  unpaid.  March  19,  17S1,  the  District 
appointed  a  committee  to  settle  with  his  heirs.  This  committee  failed  to 
•effect  a  settlement,  and  July  6,  1781,  the  District  voted  to  pay  his  executors 
all  the  salaries  due  him,  in  gold  or  silver,  and  also  to  pay  interest  on  the 
amount.  Before  this  settlement  was  effected,  the  question  as  to  who  should 
succeed  Mr.  Parsons  in  the  ministry  became  prominent  in  district  affairs. 
The  parties  who  sought  in  1772  to  divide  the  District  were  dissatisfied  with 
the  result  of  their  efforts  and  cherished  little  love  for  those  who  had  brought 
their  plans  to  naught.  There  was  also  a  political  question  involved.  Rev. 
David  Parsons  was  a  tory,  and  while  during  his  life  there  had  been  no 
open  rupture  between  himself  and  members  of  his  congregation,  he  had 
not  from  many  the  high  esteem  with  which  in  the  early  times  ministers  of 
the  gospel  were  wont  to  be  regarded  by  their  parishioners.  Now  that  a 
new  minister  was  to  be  engaged,  the  matter  of  his  political  preferences  was 
felt  to  be  of  importance.  May  18,  1781,  the  selectmen  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  provide  a  preacher;  June  25  of  the  same  year,  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  join  with  the  church  committee  "to  procure  a  settlement 
•of  the  Gospel  Ordinances  in  the  Town.  "  This  committee  was  instructed 
.to  employ  Mr.  David  Parsons  to  supply  the  pulpit  for  the  present. 


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DK.    DAVID    PARSONS. 


REV.    AARON    M.    I  i  'I.  I  ON. 


FIRST    CHURCH— FOURTH    MEETIXG-HOUSE. 


DR.    DAVID     PARSONS.  109* 

David  Parsons  was  the  son  of  Rev.  David  Parsons,  and  was  born  in 
1749.  He  was  graduated  from  Harvard  College  in  the  class  of  1 7 7 1 T 
studied  theology  with  his  father,  was  licensed  to  preach  in  1775,  and 
preached  in  Roxbury,  Mass.  and  ■  in  several  towns  in  Connecticut  so 
acceptably  that  he  received  two  or  three  calls  to  settle  in  the  ministry.  He 
had  about  made  up  his  mind,  owing  to  the  unsettled  state  of  the  country 
and  his  infirm  health,  to  engage  in  mercantile  pursuits,  but  was  persuaded. 
to  supply  the  Amherst  pulpit  for  a  time.  The  following  description  of 
Dr.  Parsons.  1  he  received  the  degree  of  D.  D.  from  Brown  University  in 
1800)  was  furnished  by  Rev.  Samuel  Osgood  of  Springfield,  and  formed  a 
part  of  the  address  delivered  by  Rev.  Charles  H.  Williams,  at  the  exercises 
commemorating  the  150th  anniversary  of  the  church: 

"Dr.  Parsons  had  the  advantage  of  an  uncommonly  fine  person,  of  about 
medium  height  and  rather  inclined  to  corpulency,  his  features  regular,  eyes  raven 
black,  and  his  whole  face  beaming  with  intelligence  and  good  nature.  He  possessed 
social  qualities  of  a  high  order.  His  great  fluency  of  utterance,  his  fine  flow  of 
social  feeling,  his  extensive  knowledge  of  men  and  things,  and  his  inexhaustible 
fund  of  anecdote,  seemed  to  mark  him  as  a  leader  in  almost  any  conversation  that 
might  be  introduced.  His  preaching  was  sensible  and  instructive,  and  gave  you 
the  impression  that  there  was  a  great  deal  of  reserve  power.  He  read  his  sermons, 
closely  and  had  little  or  no  action  in  the  pulpit,  though  he  was  far  from  being  tame 
or  dull  in  his  delivery.  He  had  not  only  the  keenest  sense  of  the  ridiculous,  but  he- 
indulged  himself  in  this  way  without  much  restraint." 

Such  was  the  man  whom  many  of  the  residents  in  Amherst  were 
anxious  to  secure  as  successor  to  his  father  in  the  gospel  ministry.  Doubt- 
less he  had  faults  ;  it  is  said  that  some  of  those  who  seceded  from  the 
parish  on  account  of  his  settlement  did  so  owing  to  a  want  of  confidence 
in  his  character.  Judd  says  the  rumor  was  that  Dr.  Parsons  used  to  go  to 
ball-rooms  to  watch  the  dancers,  a  heinous  offence  at  one  time  in  the  eyes 
of  the  descendants  of  the  Puritans.  But  his  worst  offence  was  found  in 
his  political  faith ;  he  was  a  tory,  as  his  father  had  been  before  him. 
This  was  a  fault  that  many  of  his  congregation,  fresh  from  the  battles  and 
privations  of  the  Revolutionary  struggle,  could  not  condone.  The  dwellers 
in  the  District,  in  their  like  and  dislike  of  Dr.  Parsons,  were  about  evenly 
divided.  It  is  related  that  on  one  occasion  the  admirers  and  opponents 
of  Dr.  Parsons  passed  out  of  the  meetingdiouse  and  lined  up  in  front  of  it, 
the  two  lines  being  of  about  equal  length.  The  opposition  party  had  at 
the  time  no  candidate  of  their  own  for  the  ministry ;  they  were  simply 
opposed  to  the  settlement  of  Dr.  Parsons. 

Their  opposition  was  without  avail.  Sept.  13,  1781,  the  District 
voted  to  hire  Mr.  Parsons  as  a  preacher  for  three  months  ;  Jan.  7,  1782,  it. 
voted  to  pay  him  $5  per  Sabbath  for  39  Sabbaths,  and  April  8  of  the  same 
year,  to   invite   him    to   preach    two   months   on    probation  for  settlement.. 


IIO  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

June  17,  the  District  voted  to  concur  with  the  church  in  their  invitation  to 
Mr.  Parsons  to  settle  in  the  ministry,  at  the  same  time  stating  the  sums  they 
were  prepared  to  offer  for  settlement  and  salary.  At  a  meeting  held  Aug. 
12,  1782,  favorable  response  was  received  from  Mr.  Parsons;  bearing  in 
mind,  doubtless,  the  recent  experience  of  his  father's  executors  in  settling 
accounts  with  the  District,  and  regarding  as  well  the  unstable  condition  of 
the  country's  finances,  he  wrote  down  in  explicit  terms  his  understanding 
of  the  District's  offer,  an  act  that  must  have  endeared  him  to  the  methodi- 
cal minds  and  business-like  instincts  of  his  parishioners.  The  District 
endorsed  this  qualified  acceptance,  and  appointed  a  committee  to  make  the 
"  usual  and  decent  preparations  "  for  his  ordination. 

The  steps  already  taken  by  the  church  in  regard  to  Mr.  Parsons'  call 
and  settlement  may  be  outlined  as  follows:  June  iS,  1781.  it  was  voted 
'•  That  as  soon  as  convenient  the  church  will  be  in  a  way  for  the  resettle- 
ment of  Gospel  Ordinances  among  them,"  and  a  committee  was  appointed 
for  the  purpose  of  procuring  a  preacher  to  supply  the  pulpit.  This  com- 
mittee was  instructed  to  confer  with  the  District  committee  and  to  make 
an  effort  for  union  and  harmony  in  all  measures  that  should  relate  to  the 
resettlement  of  the  gospel  ordinances.  At  a  meeting  held  June  10,  17S2, 
the  following  votes  were  passed  : 

"To  give  Mr.  David  Parsons  a  call  to  settle  with  this  church  in  the  work  of 
the  Gospel   Ministry. 

That  the  Committee  be  directed  to  wait  on  Mr.  Parsons  with  the  foregoing 
vote. 

That  the  committee  be  directed  to  lay  the  votes  for  calling  Mr.  Parsons  to  the 
Ministry  before  the  town  for  concurrence  as  soon  as  may  be." 

Aug.  19,  1782,  the  church  appointed  a  committee  to  confer  with  Mr. 
Parsons  concerning  his  ordination,  fixed  as  the  date  for  that  event  the 
second  Wednesday  in  October,  appointed  the  first  Wednesday  in  October 
a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  preparatory  to  the  ordination,  and  directed  the 
committee  to  invite  the  following  churches  and  pastors  to  assist  in  the 
■exercises  : 

First  Church  in  Springfield,  Rev.  Robert  Breck. 
'The  Church  in  Sunderland.  Rev.  Joseph  Ashley. 
The  Church  in  Hadley,  Rev.  Samuel  Hopkins. 
The  Church  in  Northfield,  Rev.  John  Hubbard. 
I  he  Church  in  Greenfield,  Rev.  Roger  .Newton. 
The  Church  in  Barre,  Rev.  Josiah  Dana. 
The  Church  in  Granby,  Rev.  Simon  Backus. 

At  a  meeting  held  Sept.  15,  1 7 S 2 ,  the  church  voted  to  change  the 
day  "f  ordination  from  the  second  to  the  first  Wednesday  in  October 
[(),!.    2),   and   also  appointed  the   day   for   fasting  and  prayer  one  week 


ACTION"    TAKEN     BY    "THE    AGGRIEVED."  Ill 

earlier.  Oct.  2,  17S2.  David  Parsons  was  ordained  and  installed  as  pastor 
of  the  church  in  Amherst,  the  ordination  sermon  being  preached  by  Rev. 
Robert  Breck  of  Springfield.  It  was  a  solemn  occasion,  marking  an  era 
in  ecclesiastical  affairs  in  the  District. 

When  the  opponents  of  Mr.  Parsons  found  themselves  unable  to  pre- 
vent his  settlement  as  pastor  of  the  church,  they  withdrew  from  its  com- 
munion and  took  measures  for  organizing  a  new  parish.  They  sought  and 
secured  an  advisory  council  in  which  were  represented  five  churches  located 
in  towns  on  the  west  side  of  the  Connecticut  river,  the  delegates  meeting 
in  Amherst.  Oct.  1.  2  and  3.  Acting  upon  the  advice  of  this  council. 
twenty-two  of  the  ••aggrieved  brethren,  "  as  they  termed  themselves, 
agreed,  Oct.  15,  to  organize  a  new  church.  A  second  council  was  sum- 
moned and  met  in  Amherst.  Oct.  28  and  29.  at  the  house  of  Capt.  Ebenezer 
Mattoon,  from  which  fact  it  was  afterwards  generally  known  as  "  Capt. 
Mattoon's  Council.  "  At  this  council,  or  immediately  after  its  adjourn- 
ment, a  paper  was  drawn  up.  signed  and  submitted  to  the  church,  concern- 
ing which  the  following  reference  is  found  in  the  First  church  records: 

"They  sent  to  the  church  a  paper  called  the  Testimony  and  Representation, 

signed  by  21  members  of  ye  church,  purporting  their  dissatisfaction  at  the  conduct 
of  ye  church  and  their  determination  to  leave  them,  that  they  were  so  grieved  at 
their  conduct  that  they  could  not  walk  with  them.  These  aggrieved  as  they  style 
themselves  presented  the  church  with  a  report  of  an  exparte  council  dated  Oct. 
2S.  'S2  they  had  called  for  advice,  which  was  read  and  the  following  votes  passed. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  church  on  the  io"'  day  of  Nov.  immediately  after  divine 
service,  the  following  votes  were  passed,  viz. 

Upon  the  question  proposed  whether  this  church  will  appear  before  an  Eccle- 
siastical Council  chosen  by  a  number  of  the  Brethren  who  style  themselves  the 
aggrieved  at  their  adjournment,  and  endeavour  to  place  wherein  the  aggrieved  have 
given  a  representation  of  their  wrongs  and  sufferings? 

Voted  in  the  negative. 

Upon  a  second  question  whether  this  church  will  unite  with  the  aggrieved 
Brethren  in  the  choice  of  a  mutual  council,  and  submit  to  their  decision  the  matter 
referred  to  in  the  Testimony  and  Representation  ? 

Voted  in  the  affirmative." 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  await  upon  the  council  at  their  adjourn- 
ment, at  the  house  of  Capt.  Mattoon,  and  to  present  them  a  copy  of  the 
church  votes.  It  was  voted  to  send  the  "  aggrieved  committee  "  a  letter, 
offering  to  unite  with  them  in  the  choice  of  a  mutual  council,  and  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  treat  with  the  aggrieved  upon  the  question  of  sub- 
mitting all  matter  of  grievance  to  such  a  council.  "  Capt.  Mattoon's 
council  "  met  on  adjournment,  Nov.  11  and  12,  and,  having  considered  the 
propositions  submitted  by  the  church  and  its  pastor,  decided  that  they 
were  unequal  and  unjust.  They  advised  the  aggrieved  that,  unless  the 
church  would  unite  with  them  in  calling  a  mutual  council  within  four  weeks, 


112  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

they  should  proceed  to  organize  as  a  church  and  settle  a  minister.  This 
advice  was  promptly  accepted  and  acted  upon,  and  on  the  12th  day  of 
November.  17S2.  the  Second  church  in  Amherst  was  organized.  Why  the 
mutual  council,  for  which  both  parties  to  the  controversy  expressed  their 
desire,  was  not  summoned,  is  not  a  matter  of  record. 

The  First  church  did  not  regard  the  organization  of  the  Second 
church  as  regular,  and  for  many  years  claimed  the  members  of  the  latter  as 
still  belonging  to  the  original  organization.  At  a  meeting  of  the  First 
church  held  Dec.  3,  1782,  it  was  voted  to  summon  an  ecclesiastical  council, 
"to  look  into  the  affairs  of  the  church  and  give  their  advice  respecting  the 
Brethren  who  style  themselves  the  aggrieved."  This  council  was  sum- 
moned to  meet  Jan.  14,  and  invitations  to  send  delegates  were  addressed 
to  the  churches  in  Northfield,  Greenfield,  Hadley,  Granby,  West  Spring- 
field, Suffield,  Fast  Windsor,  Hartford,  Barre,  Rutland,  Spencer,  Belcher- 
town,  Brookfield,  Fast  Parish,  West  Windsor,  North  Parish,  and  the  First 
church  in  Springfield.  ( )f  these,  but  seven  churches  were  represented  in 
the  council,  viz.:  Northfield,  Greenfield,  Springfield,  West  Windsor,  Barre, 
Brookfield  and  Belchertown.  Having  considered  the  testimony  presented 
before  it,  the  council  recommended  the  church  "  to  exercise  forbearance 
and  condescension  towards  their  Brethren  who  had  unwarrantably  with- 
drawn from  their  communion,  and  cordially  to  receive  them  upon  their 
return,  deeming  their  return  a  sufficient  retraction  of  their  errors." 

In  the  Faws  and  Resolves  of  Massachusetts,  under  date  of  Feb.  13, 
17S3,  the  following  is  recorded  : 

■■  Resolve  on  the  petition  of  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Amherst. 

Resolved,  that  the  petitioners  notify  the  town  of  Amherst,  by  leaving  with  the 
town  clerk  of  said  town  an  attested  copy  of  their  petition,  and  this  order  thereon, 
to  show  cause,  if  any  they  have,  on  the  second  Wednesday  of  the  next  session  of 
the  General  Court,  why  the  prayer  of  the  said  petitioners  should  not  be  granted, 
and  that  the  said  town  of  Amherst  be,  and  hereby  are  directed,  not  further  to  tax 
the  said  petitioners  for  the  support  of  the  Rev.  David  Parsons  in  the  ministry  in 
said  town,  or  for  defraying  the  charges  which  have  arisen  on  account  of  his  settle- 
ment in  said  town,  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  the  next  setting  of  the  General 
Court.  This  notification  is  to  be  performed  at  least  sixteen  days  before  thesecond 
Wednesday  of  the  next  session  of  this  court.*' 

In  May,  [783,  the  Second  Parish  was  incorporated,  the  act  passed  by 
the  General  Court  reading  as  follows  : 

"An  Act  for  incorporating  a  Number  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Amherst  in  the  County  of  Hampshire,  into  a  separate  Parish,  by  the  Name  of  the 
Second  Parish  in  the  Town  of  Amherst 

Whereas  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst,  in  the  said 
county,  herein-after  named,  have  petitioned  this  Court  to  be  incorporated  into  a 
separate  parish, for  reasons  set  forth  in  the  petition 


INCORPORATORS    OF    THE    SECOND    PARISH. 


IJ3 


Therefore  be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  in  Gen- 
eral Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of  the  same.  That  the  said  petitioners, 
namely, 

Muses  Dickinson, 

Joseph  Eastman, 

Peletiah  Smith 

Hezekiah  Belding, 

John  Robins, 

Joseph  Robins, 

John  Ingraham, 

Nathan  Perkins, 

Ebenezer  Dickinson,  3d, 

Lemuel  Moody, 

Nathan  Dickinson.  Jr., 

Stephen  Cole, 

Amariah  Dana, 

David  Cowls, 

Benanuel  Leach, 

Joseph  Eastman,  Jr., 

Reuben  Dickinson, 

Reuben  Dickinson.  Jr., 

Amos  Ay  res. 

Adam  Rice, 

Solomon  Dickinson, 

Ebenezer  Ingraham. 

Zimri  Dickinson, 

Phineas  Allen, 

and  Gad  Dickinson  together  with  their  estates  which  they  now  have,  or  may  here- 
after possess,  in  their  own  right,  in  the  said  town  of  Amherst,  be,  and  hereby  are 
incorporated  into  a  separate  parish  by  the  name  of  the  second  parish  in  the  town 
of  Amherst." 

Among  the  names  here  given  in  the  act  of  incorporation  are  those  of 
four  men  who  were  prominent  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  Capt.  Ebenezer 
Mattoon,  Capt.  Reuben  Dickinson,  Lieut.  Noah  Dickinson  and  Lieut. 
Joseph  Dickinson.  They  were  leading  opponents  of  Dr.  David  Parsons, 
among  the  first  to  withdraw  from  church  communion  before  his  settlement, 
and  active  in  bringing  about  the  organization  of  the  new  parish.  The 
early  records  of  the  Second  church  have  been  lost,  and  it  is  impossible  to 
give  with  certainty  the  names  of  the  22  original  members.  When  the  first 
pastor  was  installed,  in  1786,  there  were  57  members  of  the  church,  among 
them  the  following  who  were  probably  of  the  original  number  : 


Nathan  Dickinson, 
John  Dickinson. 
Timothy  Green, 
Noah  Dickinson, 
Henry  Franklin, 
Abijah  Williams. 
Azariah  Dickinson, 
.Samuel  Henry, 
Noah  Hawley, 
Oliver  Clapp, 
Ebenezer  Eastman. 
Gideon  Moore, 
Thomas  Marshall. 
Joseph  Dickinson, 
Simeon  Cowls, 
Abner  Adams. 
Samuel   Ingraham, 
Thomas  Morton, 
Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr., 
Justus  Williams, 
Jacob  Warner,  Jr., 
Asa  Dickinson, 
Eli   Putnam. 
David  Blodget.  Jr.. 


John  Billing, 
Ebenezer  Mattoon, 
Ebenezer  Dickinson, 
Ebenezer  Williams, 
Jacob  Warner, 
James  Merrick,  2d, 
Andrew  Kimbal, 
Noadiah  Lewis, 
Joseph  Morton, 
Giles  Church, 
Nathaniel  Dickinson,  2dT 
Waitstill  Dickinson, 
John  Eastman. 
David  Rich. 
Elihu  Dickinson, 
Reuben  Ingraham. 
Clement  Marshall, 
Ebenezer  Dickinson.  2d. 
Aaron  Billing, 
Gideon  Lee, 
Levi  Dickinson, 
Nathan  Perkins.  Jr.. 
Joseph  Williams, 
Simeon  Dickinson, 


Noah  Dickinson. 
Hezekiah  Belding, 
Abner  Adams, 
John  Eastman, 
Ebenezer  Dickinson,  2d, 
Amariah  Dana, 
Timothy  Green, 


Simeon  Dickinson, 
Reuben  Dickinson, 
Ebenezer  Mattoon, 
Ebenezer  Dickinson, 
Joseph  Eastman.  Jr., 
David  Cowles, 
John  Dickinson. 


Nathan  Dickinson, 
Samuel  Henry, 
Joseph  Eastman, 
Joseph  Dickinson, 
Reuben  Ingram, 
John  Billings, 


114  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Among  the  deacons  who  served  the  church  in  its  earlier  years  were 
John  Billings,  Hezekiah  Belding,  Nathan  Franklin,  Elijah  Eastman,  Medad 
J  Hckinson,  Zechariah  Hawley  and  Eliab  Thomas. 

The  first  meeting  of  the  Second  parish  after  its  incorporation  was 
held  June  24,  1783,  at  the  house  of  John  Billings,  who  was  chosen  moder- 
ator of  the  meeting.  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.  was  chosen  clerk  and  treas- 
urer for  the  year.  Moses  Dickinson,  Noah  Dickinson  and  Ebenezer  East- 
man were  elected  "  to  perform  the  duty  of  selectmen  with  regard  to  the 
parish;"  Amariah  Dana.  John  Billings  and  Moses  Dickinson,  assessors; 
John  Eastman  and  Thomas  Marshall,  collectors.  July  7,  1783,  the  parish 
voted  to  raise  ^50  to  provide  preaching  and  to  defray  other  necessary 
charges. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


Second  Parish  Meeting  House. — Rev.  Ichabod  Draper,  the  First 
Pastor. — A  Tetter  ok  Discipline. — Decree  by  the  Gen- 
eral Court. 

July  28,  1783,  Oliver  Clapp,  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  2d,  and  Giles  Church 
were  appointed  "  to  measure  the  road  to  find  the  center  of  the  parish,  for 
the  purpose  of  erecting  a  meeting-house  in  the  centre,  as  should  be  thus 
formed."  At  a  meeting  held  a  few  days  later,  it  was  voted  "to  set  the 
meeting-house  in  the  nearest  convenient  place  to  the  centre  of  the  parish," 
and  also  "  to  measure  from  every  man's  door,  to  find  the  centre  of  travel." 
A  committee  of  twelve  was  appointed  to  build  the  meeting-house.  There 
was  the  usual  difference  of  opinion  as  to  where  the  building  should  stand. 
The  members  of  the  parish  were  unable  to  settle  the  question  satisfactorily 
among  themselves  ;  at  a  meeting  held  Nov.  12,  1783.  Dea.  Smith  of  Granby, 
Capt.  Cooke  of  Sunderland  and  Mr.  Weston  of  Belchertown  were  appointed 
a  committee  "to  affix  the  place  for  erecting  the  meeting-house  ",  and  Dea. 
Gray  of  Pelham  was  to  serve  as  a  substitute  should  any  of  the  others  fail 
to  come.  The  committee  selected  a  place  near  Lieut.  Dickinson's  house, 
about  in  the  center  of  the  common,  southeast  of  where  the  present  house 
of  worship  stands.  The  parish  voted  to  accept  the  location,  and  also 
voted  at  the  same  meeting  "to  provide  one  barrel  of  rum  and  hall  a  hundred 
of   sugar,  for  raising  said  house  "  and  "  bread  and  cheese  for  the  raisers  at 


REV.     ICHABOD    DRAPER.  I  I  5 

noon,  and  a  comfortable  supper  at  night."  The  raising  of  the  meeting- 
house was  begun  on  the  19th  and  completed  on  the  21st  of  Nov.,  17S3, 
and  the  first  religious  service  was  held  in  it  Feb.  15,  1784. 

Early  in  1784,  the  church  and  parish  concurred  in  an  invitation  to 
Rev.  Joseph  Willard  of  Paxton  to  settle  with  them  in  the  gospel  ministry. 
but  Mr.  Willard  declined.  In  September,  1785,  a  call  was  extended  to 
Mr.  Ichabod  Draper  to  become  the  pastor  of  the  church,  and  he  accepted. 
The  parish  offered  him  ^200  for  his  settlement,  /"6o  for  his  salary  the 
first  year,  £65  the  second  year,  and  ^70  for  the  third  year  and  each  year 
thereafter.  He  was  also  to  receive  30  cords  of  wood  annually,  ''as  soon  as 
he  wants  it  for  his  own  firing." 

Mr.  Draper  was  a  native  of  Dedham  ;  he  was  graduated  from  Har- 
vard College  and  was  about  31  years  of  age  when,  Jan.  25,  1786,  he  was 
installed  as  the  first  pastor  of  the  Second  Church  in  Amherst.  He  con- 
tinued in  the  duties  of  the  pastorate  until,  on  account  of  physical  infirmi- 
ties, he  was  dismissed,  Oct.  3,  1809.  May  29,  1809,  it  was  voted  as  the 
opinion  of  the  parish  that  Rev.  Mr.  Draper's  intimities  were  such  as  to 
render  him  in  a  great  measure  incapable  of  performing  his  ministerial 
duties.  The  parish  offered  to  pay  him  his  salary  and  wood  as  it  became 
due  until  the  end  of  the  year,  if  he  would  take  a  dismission.  At  a  meeting 
held  June  12.  1809,  Mr.  Draper's  reply  to  this  proposition  was  considered 
and  voted  unsatisfactory.  A  motion  was  made  to  see  if  the  parish  would 
offer  Mr.  Draper  any  further  pecuniary  consideration  to  take  a  dismission, 
and  was  negatived  by  a  unanimous  vote.  June  26.  1809,  the  parish  voted 
to  take  such  measures  as  seemed  necessary  to  dissolve  the  pastoral  relation 
between  Mr.  Draper  and  the  parish.  Sept.  13  of  the  same  vear,  it  voted 
to  concur  with  the  church  in  an  offer  to  pay  to  Mr.  Draper  his  salarv  and 
wood  for  that  year,  and  Si 00  additional,  if  he  would  take  a  friendly  dis- 
mission ;  if  he  refused,  to  join  with  the  church  in  calling  a  mutual  ecclesi- 
astical council.  Nov.  16,  1809,  the  parish  committee  were  instructed  to 
hire  a  candidate  to  supply  the  pulpit.  Mr.  Draper  continued  to  reside  in  Am- 
herst until  his  death  in  1S27.  The  second  pastor  of  the  church  was  Nathan 
Perkins.  Jr.,  a  native  of  Hartford,  Conn,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale  College 
in  the  class  of  1795.  The  parish  offered  him  S500  for  his  settlement  and 
$400  for  his  annual  salary,  with  30  loads  of  wood  additional.  At  a  meet- 
ing held  Aug.  28,  18 10,  the  vote  in  regard  to  the  sum  to  be  paid  for  his 
settlement  was  rescinded  and  an  annual  salary  of  $500  was  offered.  He 
was  installed,  Oct.  10,  18 10,  and  continued  in  the  pastorate  until  his  death 
in  1842. 

It  was  natural  that  the  members  of  the  First  church  and  parish  should 
regard  with  jealous  interest  the  proceedings  of  their  seceding  brethren. 
They  undertook,  on  different  occasions  and  in  various   ways,  to  discipline 


Il6  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

the  members  of  the  Second  church,  whom  they  professed  still  to  regard  as 
members  of  their  own  body.  As  an  example  of  the  feeling  that  existed 
among  the  members  of  the  elder  organization,  it  is  interesting  to  note  the 
contents  of  a  letter  which  was  adopted  at  a  meeting  of  the  First  church, 
May  9,  17S4.  signed  by  the  pastor  and  a  copy  sent  to  the  "withdrawing 
brethren."      It  reads  as  follows: 

"The  Pastor  and  church  of  X  in  Amherst  to  ye  Brethren  who  have  withdrawn 
themselves  from  ye  communion  of  the  chh  and  who  call  themselves  the  2'1  Chh. 
Beloved  Brethren  : 

The  sacred  obligation  incumbent  on  you  and  us.  resulting"  from 
our  profession  of  X"'-v  and  from  the  solemn  engagements  which  you  and  we 
expressly  took  upon  ourselves  when  we  entered  into  the  communion  of  the  chh. 
and  covenanted  with  each  other  to  walk  in  the  faith  and  fellowship  of  the  Gospel, 
and  to  watch  over  one  another  for  our  mutual  and  spiritual  good,  require  and  con- 
strain us  at  the  present  time  to  make  our  solemn  and  serious  address  to  you  on  the 
subject  of  your  separation  from  our  communion  and  the  manner  in  which  you 
effected  it.  We  claim  no  right  to  exercise  spiritual  dominion  over  your  faith  or 
practice,  but  think  it  our  duty  as  fellow  Christians,  as  professed  Disciples  and  Ser- 
vants of  one  common  Lord,  whose  undoubted  right  and  duty  it  is  on  proper  occa- 
sions to  exhort  and  admonish  one  another,  to  remind  you  of  your  duty,  and  of  what 
we  judge  to  be  your  error  and  offence.  Permit  us  then  with  Christian  freedom,  in 
faithfulness  to  ourselves  and  to  you,  to  lay  before  the  several  matters  wherein  you 
are,  in  our  judgement,  clearly  blameable  and  irregular,  wherein  you  have  manifestly 
err'd  from  the  path  of  duty,  have  not  walked  orderly  according  to  the  rules  of  our 
common  profession,  and  thereby  given  just  cause  of  offence  to  us  and  to  the  chh. 
of  Christ. 

In  the  first  place  you  have  withdrawn  from  our  communion  suddenly  and  pre- 
cipitately and  erected  a  separate  communion  among  yourselves,  without  even 
requesting  our  assent,  or  by  giving  in  regular  notice  of  your  intended  separation. 

In  the  next  place  you  separated  from  us.  or  from  a  church  which  had  offended 
you.  yet  you  never  dealt  with  us  or  with  Christian  brethren  touching  matters  of 
offence,  never  conformed  your  conduct  to  the  plain  precepts  of  the  Gospel — you 
neither  endeavored  to  heal  the  breach,  nor  made  any  attempt  nor  used  any  means, 
nor  allowed  any  time  for  reconciliation.  You  took  offence  at  our  proceedings  at 
the  ordination  of  our  Pastor,  on  the  very  next  Lord's  Day  you  withdrew  from  us 
and  erected  a  separate  worship.  However  just  might  have  been  your  grounds  for 
offence,  you  ought  to  have  sought  reconciliation  in  the  use  of  those  excellent  means 
that  are  clearly  prescribed  by  our  Divine  Lord.  There  was  at  least  a  possibility  of 
gaining  your  offending  Brethren. 

Moreover  you  have  repeatedly  rejected  our  offers  of  treating  the  supposed 
offences  in  the  ancient  regular  and  Christian  method  of  a  Mutual  Council  of  sister 
churches.  If  your  conduct  in  this  sudden  separation  was  good  and  regular,  why 
would  you  not  come  to  the  light  that  your  deeds  might  be  made  manifest? 

Lastly,  your  separation  was  not  only  irregular  as  to  the  manner,  but  groundless 
in  respect  of  the  matter.  We  had  given  you  no  just  ground  of  offense,  and  in  our 
judgment  von  have  made  a  Schism  in  the  body  of  Christ  directly  contrary  to  the 
teaching  of  his  ( rospel. 

Hear  us  then,  Brethren,  while  we  would  in  the  spirit- of  love  and  meekness 
solemnly  put  you  in  mind  to  consider  the  sacred  obligations  you  have  taken  upon 


m :t  passed  by  the  general  court.  117 

yourselves,  the  Duties  you  owe  to  our  common  Lord,  to  the  church  of  Christ  in 
general  and  to  this  church  in  particular,  to  compare  your  conduct  with  those  duties 
and  obligations,  to  consider  whether  you  are  not  in  danger  of  falling  within  the 
unhappy  description  of  those  that  cause  divisions  and  offences  contrary  to  the 
doctrine  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  and  of  incurring  the  condemnation  of  those  that 
are  contentious  and  obey  not  the  truth. 

Hear  us  brethren,  whilst  we  earnestly  beseech  you  to  retract  your  error,  to  do 
honour  to  our  Divine  Lord  and  his  Gospel,  by  doing  all  within  your  power  towards 
a  reparation  of  the  injury  you  have  done  his  cause,  and  by  making  such  satisfaction 
to  your  offended  brethren  as  the  rules  of  Christianity,  the  precepts  of  the  Gospel, 
and  the  order  of  the  church  require." 

To  this  communication  the  members  of  the  Second  church  returned 
a  prompt  and  spirited  answer,  defending  their  action  and  placing  upon  the 
First  church  the  blame  for  the  differences  that  existed.  As  may  readily  be 
imagined,  correspondence  of  this  character  did  little  towards  healing  the 
breech  between  the  churches  and  their  members.  The  First  church  refused 
to  recognize  the  younger  organization  in  any  way  ;  conferences  were  held 
and  the  advice  of  ministerial  associations  was  sought  from  time  to  time 
by  the  one  church  or  the  other.  In  the  year  17S8,  the  General  Court 
having  been  appealed  to  for  aid,  the  following  act  was  passed,  under  date 
of  June  17  : 

'•  An  act  in  addition  to  the  act  passed  in  May,  1783. 

Whereas  further  provision  is  necessary  for  the  support  of  public  worship,  in 
the  said  town  of  Amherst,  and  to  promote  the  peace  and  mutual  good  will  of  the 
inhabitants  thereof. 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives  in  General 
Court  assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the  same,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  said 
town  of  Amherst,  shall  be  taken  and  considered  as  belonging  to  that  Parish,  in  the 
said  town,  where  they  have  usually  attended  public  worship  for  the  term  of  one 
year,  next  before  the  passing  of  this  Act,  and  that  in  future  the  inhabitants  of  the 
said  town,  with  their  heirs  and  successors,  shall  have  liberty  to  attend  public 
worship  at  that  Parish  in  the  said  town,  which  they  shall  prefer,  and  shall  pay  paro- 
chial taxes  where  they  shall  so  attend,  they  producing  to  the  respective  Assessors, 
a  Certificate  from  the  minister  of  the  Parish  to  which  they  shall  remove,  or  from 
the  Parish  Clerk,  in  case  there  be  no  minister,  that  they  have  generally  attended 
public  worship  there,  for  the  space  of  one  whole  year  together,  next  preceding  the 
date  of  such  certificate  ;  and  previous  to  such  removal,  entering  their  names,  express- 
ing their  intention,  with  the  Clerk  of  the  Parish  from  which  they  shall  remove. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  all  taxes  or  arrears 
of  taxes,  which  have  been  assessed  in  consequence  of  and  agreeably  to  the  incor- 
poration Act  of  the  said  second  Parish,  shall  be  collected  in  the  same  manner,  as  if 
this  Act  had  not  been  made  :  Provided  that  the  sons  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
second  Parish,  that  have  been  taxed  by  the  first  Parish,  and  those  who  have 
removed  into  the  said  town,  and  have  attended  worship  at  the  second  Parish,  and 
have  been  taxed  by  the  first  Parish,  shall  not  beheld  to  pay  such  assessments. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  any  person  remov- 
ing into  said  to*wn.  may  attend  public  worship,  and  pay  parochial  taxes  at  either 
Parish,  he  entering  his  name  with  the  Clerk  thereof,  for  that  purpose. 


I  iS  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  the  real  estate 
owned  by  non-resident  proprietors,  shall  be  taxed  for  the  use  of  the  parish  where 
the  occupier  belongs,  according  to  the  regulations  aforesaid:  and  if  there  be  no 
occupier  who  is  an  inhabitant  in  said  town,  then  the  taxes  of  it  shall  be  paid  to  the 
Parish,  which  such  proprietor  shall  direct.'' 


CHAPTER    XVI 


Hard  Times  Following  the  Revolution. — Causes  Leading  to  the 
Shays  Rebellion. — Heavy  Taxation. — Legal  Troubles.  - 
Mob  Law  at  Northampton. — Neighborhood  Contentions. 
— Arraignment  of  Government  by  Hatfield  Convention. 

At  the  close  of  the  war  of  the  Revolution  Massachusetts  was  practi- 
cally bankrupt;  the  same  was  true  of  the  towns  in  the  state  and  of  many  of 
their  inhabitants.  The  war  had  been  fought  and  won  on  promises  to  pay, 
and  now  that  the  struggle  was  over  and  the  time  for  redemption  of  these 
promises  drew  near,  there  was  nothing  in  the  public  treasury  and  but  little 
in  private  strong-boxes  to  satisfy  the  demands  of  creditors.  The  Conti- 
nental currency  had  depreciated  until  it  was  worth  little  more  than  the 
intrinsic  value  of  the  paper  it  was  printed  on.  To  redeem  its  promises  to 
the  national  government  the  state  must  have  money;  whence  could  it  be 
obtained?  Commerce  was  practically  extinct:  the  fisheries,  which  had 
been  a  mine  of  wealth  for  many  years,  had  been  neglected  ;  the  whale 
fishery,  which  at  the  beginning  of  the  war  had  employed  150  vessels  and 
yielded  an  annual  revenue  through  the  island  of  Nantucket  alone  of 
/,  1 07,000,  at  the  close  of  the  struggle  employed  but  19  vessels;  manu- 
factures were  as  yet  in  their  infancy  ;  agriculture,  the  leading  pursuit  of 
the  people,  had  declined  in  proportion  as  larger  numbers  of  able-bodied 
i  itizens  were  required  for  military  service.  The  state  must  raise  the  money 
it  needed  by  a  tax  upon  the  towns;  the  latter  were  but  ill  prepared  to  stand 
a  further  drain  on  their  scanty  resources.  When  the  inhabitants  of 
Amhersl  engaged  with  their  "lives  and  fortunes"  to  support  the  cause  of 
independence  of  Greal  Britain,  it  may  be  doubted  it  they  fully  realized 
how  heavy  was  the  financial  burden  they  were  about  to  incur.  They  were 
poor  at  the  beginning  of  the  war  ;  they  grew  more  impoverished  each  year 
that  it  continued,  and  when  it  ended  there  was  little  save  the  liberty  for 
which  they  had  fouerht  and  endured  that  thev   could  call  their  own.     The 


STATE    AND    PRIVATE     INDEBTEDNESS.  I  19 

war  taxes  were  heavy,  but  when  peace  came,  instead  of  a  lightening  of  the 
burden  there  was  an  increase  that  made  it  greater  than  the  people  could 
bear.  In  addition  to  the  public  debt,  there  had  been  during  the  war  an 
alarming  increase  in  private  indebtedness.  The  confusion  of  the  times 
had  excused  or  prevented  many  persons  from  fulfilling  their  private  con- 
tracts. This  public  and  private  indebtedness  and  the  means  taken  for 
satisfying  the  same  were  potent  among  the  causes  of  a  series  of  public 
disturbances  which  culminated  in  what  was  known  as  the  "  Shays' 
Rebellion." 

It  is  not  intended  in  these  pages  to  give  an  extended  narrative  of 
this  insurrection,  peculiar  in  many  of  its  features  and  resulting  most  dis- 
astrously to  those  who  engaged  in  it,  but  Amherst  was  the  scene  of  many 
of  its  incidents  and  Amherst  men  took  part  in  it,  giving  it  a  legitimate 
place  in  the  town's  history.  The  operations  of  the  insurgents  extended 
throughout  Massachusetts  and  into  other  states,  but  the  following  narra- 
tion relates  principally  to  events  that  occured  in  this  immediate  vicinity.' 
The  facts  as  given  are  mainly  derived  from  '-The  History  of  the  Insurrec- 
tions in  Massachusetts,  in  the  year  1786,  and  the  Rebellion  Consequent 
Thereon,"  written  by  George  Richards  Minot,  A.  M.,  and  printed  at  Wor- 
cester in  the  year  1788,  soon  after  the  close  of  the  rebellion.  The  incidents 
of  local  character  are  derived  from  reliable  sources. 

When  the  war  of  the  Revolution  began,  the  entire  debt  of  Massachu- 
setts was  less  than  ,£100,000  ;  at  its  conclusion  the  private  state  debt  was 
upwards  of  £"1,300,000.  and  the  state's  proportion  of  the  federal  debt  not 
less  than  £1,500,000;  besides  this  there  was  owing  to  the  officers  and 
soldiers  who  had  served  in  the  armies  £250,000,  making  a  total  of  over 
£"3,000,000.  The  raising  of  the  interest  upon  this  sum,  enormous  as  it 
was  then  considered,  to  say  nothing  of  any  payment  upon  the  principal, 
was  a  problem  that  taxed  to  the  utmost  the  wisdom  of  a  people  as  yet  but 
little  versed  in  matters  of  finance. 

The  people  were  prejudiced  against  laying  taxes  on  foreign  imports 
and  also  against  excise,  or  internal  revenue  taxation,  believing  such  methods 
opposed  to  the  spirit  of  republican  government  ;  but  the  exigencies  of  the 
times  caused  compliance  with  the  resolution  of  Congress  for  levying  a 
general  import  duty  of  five  per  cent.  Soon  after  the  close  of  the  war  there 
was  a  great  increase  in  the  importation  of  articles  of  foreign  manufacture  ; 
the  exports,  in  comparison,  were  small,  and  the  balance  of  trade  being 
largely  against  the  states,  the  difference  had  to  be  paid  in  specie,  causing 
an  alarming  decrease  in  the  circulating  medium  of  the  country.  Private 
contracts  were  first  made  to  give  way  to  the  payment  of  public  taxes, 
owing  to  an  idea  that  the  scarcity  of  specie  did  not  admit  of  the  payment 
of  both.     The  former,  therefore,  were  made  payable  in  other  property  than 


T20  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

money,  by  an  act  passed  July  3,  1782,  commonly  known  as  the  "Tender 
Act."  By  this  it  was  provided  that  executions  issued  for  private  demands 
might  be  satisfied  by  neat  cattle,  or  articles  particularly  enumerated,  at  an 
appraisement  of  impartial  men  under  oath.  The  operations  of  this  act 
proved  most  unsatisfactory  and  the  following  year  it  was  repealed.  The 
scarcity  of  coin  naturally  suggested  a  further  increase  in  the  paper  cur- 
rency. Great  quantities  of  this  medium  were  still  in  circulation,  having 
been  issued  during  the  war.  The  delinquency  in  the  payment  of  taxes 
had  obliged  the  state  treasurer  to  anticipate  them  by  issuing  orders  upon 
the  collectors  ;  these  orders  had  accumulated  to  a  large  amount,  and  became 
a  kind  of  currency  at  a  depreciated  value.  With  the  paper  money  already 
in  circulation  constantly  lessening  in  value,  it  would  seem  that  common 
sense  as  well  as  common  honesty  would  have  protested  against  any  further 
increase  of  this  unsecured  indebtedness.  In  these,  as  in  later  times,  there 
were  speculators  who  availed  themselves  of  the  necessities  of  government 
to  add  to  their  private  gain.  They  purchased  securities  at  a  great  discount, 
risking  the  chance  that  the  government  would  keep  faith  with  its  creditors. 
These  speculators  were  held  in  great  public  contempt,  and  it  soon  became  a 
common  observation  that  the  government  ought  not  to  be  compelled  to  pay 
full  value  for  what  had  been  purchased  at  a  discount.  The  General  Court 
was  urged  to  avail  itself  of  this  depreciation  for  the  benefit  of  the  com- 
monwealth ;  to  the  everlasting  credit  of  Massachusetts  let  it  be  recorded 
that  the  attempts  of  these  "  readjusters  "  of  the  public  debt  failed  com- 
pletely. Another  proposition  that  was  made,  and  favored  with  consider- 
able enthusiasm,  was  that  a  considerable  quantity  of  paper  money  should 
be  issued  and,  to  avoid  any  difficulty  in  redeeming  it,  that  it  might  be  by 
law  depreciated,  at  fixed  rates,  in  certain  given  periods,  until  at  a  suitable 
time  the  whole  should  be  extinguished.  The  fact  that  such  a  proposition 
should  be  seriously  considered,  and  brought  before  the  General  Court, 
shows  most  clearly  to  what  desperate  straits  the  finances  of  the  people 
had  come. 

At  the  close  of  the  war  a  vast  number  of  suits  were  pending  before 
the  civil  courts  ;  these  afforded  employment  for  the  lawyers  whose  numbers 
rapidly  increased.  The  debtor  class,  a  majority  in  every  community,  was 
compelled  to  expend  large  sums  of  money  in  fees  for  the  lawyers  and  in 
costs  of  court.  At  that  time  imprisonment  for  debt,  a  barbarous  custom 
imported  from  England,  was  sanctioned  by  law  in  Massachusetts.  The 
people,  impoverished  through  their  devotion  to  the  cause  of  liberty,  were 
unable  to  pay  their  debts,  and  found  their  remaining  property  subject  to 
confiscation  and  themselves  liable  to  imprisonment  at  the  behest  of  their 
creditors  enforced  by  the  court's  decision.  Small  wonder  that  the}'  began 
to  look  with  aversion  upon  lawyers  as  a  class,  and  to  regard  the  courts   as 


MOB    LAW    AT    NORTHAMPTON.  12  1 

instruments  of  oppression.  So  strong  became  the  antagonism  against 
members  of  the  legal  profession,  they  were  in  many  instances  excluded 
from  the  House  of  Representatives.  The  action  of  the  courts  was  freely 
criticized  and  frequent  complaints  were  urged  against  the  entire  judicial 
system  of  the  state. 

From  criticism  to  hostile  action  was  but  an  easy  step.  In  April,  1782, 
a  mob  assembled  at  Northampton  of  sufficient  force  to  disturb  the  holding 
of  the  supreme  judicial  court  and  the  court  of  common  pleas.  This  mob 
was  raised  and  led  by  Samuel  Ely,  an  "  irregular  "  preacher,  who  had 
acted  as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  several  years  at  Somers,  Conn.  Holland, 
in  his  History  of  Western  Massachusetts,  describes  Ely  as  "  a  vehement, 
brazen-faced  declaimer,  abounding  in  his  hypocritical  pretensions  to  pity, 
and  an  industrious  sower  of  discord."  A  council  of  ministers  had  com- 
pelled him  to  leave  his  parish  at  Somers,  and  he  removed  to  Northampton. 
For  his  connection  with  the  mob  at  Northampton  he  was  arrested,  and 
pleading  guilty  to  the  indictment  against  him,  was  condemned  to  a  term  of 
imprisonment  in  Springfield.  While  under  sentence,  a  mob  assembled  and 
released  him.  Three  persons,  who  were  considered  ringleaders  in  the 
rescue,  were  arrested  and  imprisoned  at  Northampton.  Another  mob 
gathered  to  effect  their  release.  The  militia,  1200  strong,  gathered  under 
die  command  of  Gen.  Elihu  Porter,  sheriff  of  the  county,  to  defend  the 
jail.  The  insurgents.  300  strong,  undenCapt.  Reuben  Dickinson,  assembled 
in  Hatfield  and  sent  a  demand  to  Gen.  Porter  that  the  three  men  should 
be  delivered  up  forthwith.  This  demand  was  acceded  to  in  so  far  that  the 
three  men  were  released  upon  their  parole  of  honor.  The  General  Court, 
at  its  session  held  the  following  November,  pardoned  every  man  concerned 
in  the  riot  except  Ely. 

As  early  as  1781,  conventions  began  to  be  held  in  Western  Massachu- 
setts to  consult  upon  the  real  and  fancied  grievances  of  the  people.  The 
first  mention  of  these  conventions  found  in  the  Amherst  records  is  under 
date  of  Jan.  25,  1782,  when  Elijah  Baker  and  Joseph  Eastman  were  chosen 
"  to  go  to  Shutesbury  on  the  30th  of  January  to  meet  the  Towns  that  meet 
there."  Aug.  6  of  the  same  year,  John  Billings,  Elijah  Baker  and  Martin 
Kellogg  were  appointed  delegates  to  a  county  convention  held  at  Hatfield. 
Jan.  20,  1783,  Amherst  voted  to  pay  the  delegates  to  these  two  conven- 
tions three  shillings  per  clay  for  their  services  and  an  additional  sum  for 
horse-hire.  A  convention  was  held  at  Deerfield,  Sept.  29,  1783,  and  one 
at  Hatfield,  Oct.  20  of  the  same  year.  At  some,  if  not  all,  of  these  con- 
ventions, petitions  were  drawn  up  and  forwarded  to  the  General  Court, 
relating  the  grievances  of  the  people  and  praying  their  redress  by  legislation. 

Between  the  years  1783  and  1786,  there  was  little  change  for  the 
better   in    the   financial   condition    of  the   people.     Taxes  continued  to  be 


122  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

high  and  the  means  for  paying  them  was  no  more  abundant.  During  this 
period,  however,  there  are  recorded  no  efforts  to  interfere  with  the  sittings 
of  the  courts.  August  22,  1786,  a  convention  of  delegates  from  50  towns 
in  Hampshire  county  assembled  at  Hatfield,  and  after  voting  that  the 
meeting  was  constitutional,  drew  up  a  paper  containing  a  long  list  of 
grievances,  supplemented  with  recommendations  to  the  towns  in  the  county 
and  their  inhabitants.  '1  nese  grievances  included,  among  others,  the 
existence  of  the  Senate,  the  mode  of  representation,  the  existence  of  the 
courts  of  common  pleas  and  general  sessions,  the  supplementary  aid 
(granted  to  the  national  government),  the  mode  adopted  for  the  payment 
and  speedy  collection  of  the  last  tax,  the  mode  of  taxation,  as  it  operated 
unequally  between  polls  and  estates,  and  between  landed  and  mercantile 
interests,  the  method  of  practice  of  the  attorneys  at  law,  the  want  of  a 
sufficient  medium  of  trade,  to  remedy  the  mischief  arising  from  the  scarcity 
of  money,  the  embarrassments  of  the  press,  and  the  neglect  of  the  settle- 
ment of  important  matters  depending  between  the  Commonwealth  and 
Congress,  relating  to  monies  and  averages.  The  leading  recommendations 
were  an  emission  of  paper  money  subject  to  a  depreciation,  a  revision  of 
the  constitution,  and  an  immediate  assembly  of  the  General  Court  that  the 
grievances  complained  of  might  be  redressed.  It  was  also  voted  "That 
this  convention  recommend  it  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  county,  that  they 
abstain  from  all  mobs  and  unlawful  assemblies,  until  a  constitutional  method 
of  redress  can  be  obtained."  Copies  of  the  proceedings  of  this  conven- 
tion were  to  be  transmitted  to  the  conventions  of  the  counties  of  Worces- 
ter and  Berkshire;  a  copy  was  also  to  be  sent  to  the  press  in  Springfield 
for  publication. 

It  is  hardly  possible  to  conceive  of  a  more  severe  arraignment  of  the 
existing  government  than  was  contained  in  this  list  of  grievances.  The 
executive,  legislative  and  judicial  departments  were  in  turn  condemned, 
and  a  condition  of  affairs  predicated  which,  had  it  really  existed,  would 
have  justified  a  second  revolution.  It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  this 
paper  was  not  the  product  of  a  gathering  of  irresponsible  malcontents, 
bu1  oi  delegates  selected  by  the  towns  they  came  from  and  doubtless  fully 
competent  to  represent  the  views  of  a  majority  of  the  inhabitants  of  those 
towns.  Whatever  its  subject  matter,  therefore,  it  carried  it  with  the  weight 
of  opinion  of  Hampshire  count}-.  It  held  the  government  up  to  public 
contempt;  small  wonder,  then,  that  individuals  should  lose  respect  for 
institutions  that  collectively  they  had  condemned.  Aug.  29,  four  days  after 
the  convention  had  adjourned,  was  the  day  appointed  for  the  sitting  of 
tic  court  of  common  pleas  and  general  sessions  of  the  peace  at  Northamp- 
ton. On  that  date  a  large  mob  gathered  from  the  various  towns  in  the 
county  and  took  possession    of  the    grounds   surrounding   tin'   court-house 


INTERFERENCE  WITH  THE  COURTS.  I  23 

where  the  court  had  already  assembled.  The  numbers  of  this  mob  were 
estimated  by  Minot  at  some  1500  ;  the  papers  of  the  day  and  vicinity  give 
a  considerably  smaller  estimate.  Many  of  the  mob  were  armed  with 
muskets  and  swords,  and  they  took  no  pains  to  conceal  their  object,  which 
was  to  prevent  a  sitting  of  the  courts.  A  messenger  was  despatched  to  the 
justices,  politely  informing  them  that,  as  the  people  labored  under  divers 
grievances,  it  was  "  inconvenient  "  that  the  court  should  sit  for  the  trans- 
action of  business,  until  there  was  an  opportunity  for  redress.  The  officers 
of  the  court  were  not  slow  to  understand  the  meaning  contained  in  these 
politic  words  and  adjourned  the  court  without  day:  the  mob  thereupon 
retired  and  quietly  dispersed.  Among  those  who  took  part  in  the  gather- 
ing at  Northampton  which  prevented  the  sitting  of  the  courts  was  a  party 
of  men  from  Amherst  led  by  Lieut.  Joel  Billings.  In  the  manuscript  ar- 
chives at  the  state-house  in  Boston  is  a  paper  which  states,  "  Lieut.  Billings 
came  in  at  the  head  of  his  party  with  his  Sword  Drawn  <S;  his  men  mostly 
armed  with  guns,  cutlasses,  etc." 

On  being  notified  of  this  violation  of  the  laws.  Governor  James  Bow- 
doin  promptly  issued  a  proclamation  calling  on  the  officers  and  citizens  of 
the  Commonwealth  to  suppress  such  treasonable  proceedings;  but  the 
mischief  had  been  accomplished.  On  the  week  succeeding  the  demonstra- 
tion at  Northampton,  occurred  the  day  for  opening  the  courts  of  common 
pleas  and  general  sessions  at  Worcester.  Here,  as  at  Northampton,  a 
mob  of  armed  men  assembled  and  prevented  the  sitting  of  the  courts. 
Similar  outrages  were  committed  at  Great  Barrington  and  at  Concord 
during  the  month  of  September.  At  Great  Barrington,  three  of  the  four 
justices  were  compelled  to  sign  an  obligation  that  the}"  would  not  act  under 
their  commissions  until  the  grievances  complained  of  should  be  redressed  ; 
the  jail  also  was  broken  open  and  the  debtors  confined  there  released. 
A  proclamation  had  been  issued  by  Gov.  Bowdoin  for  assembling  the 
General  Court  in  October,  but  owing  to  the  riots  throughout  the  state  the 
date  was  changed  to  Sept.  27. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


Conspiracy  Against  the  Supreme  Court. — Daniel  Shays. — Action 
by  the  General  Court. — Militia  Called  Out. — Bloodshed 
at  Springfield. — Retreat  of  the  Insurgents. 

Thus  far  the  demonstrations  of  the  insurgents  had  been  directed 
against  the  inferior  courts  ;  in  attacking  these,  the  rioters  had  made  them- 
selves liable  to  indictment  for  hisfh  misdemeanor.      In  order  to  shield  them- 


224  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

selves  from  this  danger,  they  determined  to  prevent  the  sitting  of  the 
supreme  judicial  court.  This  court  was  to  open  at  Springfield  on  Tues- 
day, Sept.  26.  The  government  anticipated  trouble  and  made  arrange- 
ments to  protect  the  court  in  the  exercise  of  its  functions.  Gov.  Bowdoin 
ordered  that  the  court-house  should  be  taken  possession  of  by  600  men 
•under  command  of  Major  Gen.  William  Shepard.  On  the  Saturday  even- 
ing preceding  the  opening  clay,  120  men  assembled  at  the  court-house  and 
quietly  took  possession  ;  by  Tuesday  their  numbers  had  arisen  to  300  or 
more.  Minot  says,  "This  party  was  well  officered  and  equipped,  and 
■contained  the  most  respectable  characters  for  abilities  and  interest,  in  the 
county  of  Hampshire."  The  insurgents  also  gathered,  and  by  Tuesday 
morning  they  were  fully  equal  to  the  government  party  in  numbers,  but 
•greatly  inferior  in  officers  and  arms. 

At  this  time  the  man  whose  misfortune  as  well  as  fault  it  was  to  lend 
a  name  to  the  insurrection  first  assumed  prominence  in  its  affairs.  Daniel 
Shays  was  born  in  Hopkinton  in  the  county  of  Middlesex  in  1747.  His 
parents  were  very  poor,  so  poor  as  to  have  depended  in  some  instances 
upon  their  neighbors  for  the  necessities  of  life.  He  had  but  little  educa- 
tion, going  to  work  at  an  early  age  for  a  farmer  in  Framingham.  He  after- 
wards lived  for  a  time  at  Great  Barrington,  removing  from  there  to  Pelham. 
At  the  age  of  28,  on  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  he 
-entered  the  service  of  his  country,  with  the  rank  of  ensign.  At  the  battle 
of  bunker  Hill  he  served  in  the  regiment  of  Col.  Ruggies  Woodbridge  of 
South  Hadley,  within  the  intrenchments.  In  1776,  he  was  appointed  a 
lieutenant  in  Col.  Varnum's  regiment  and  was  detached  on  recruiting 
.service.  He  enlisted  a  company  of  men,  whose  engagement  to  serve  was 
based  on  the  condition  that  he  should  be  their  captain.  He  was  allowed 
the  pay  of  a  captain,  from  January,  1777,  but  a  commission  was  not  issued 
to  him  until  1779.  He  did  gallant  service  at  the  storming  of  Stony  Point 
and  in  the  compaign  that  resulted  in  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne.  He  was 
in  Col.  Putnam's  regiment  at  Newark,  N.  J.,  when  in  October,  1780,  he 
was  discharged  from  service.  He  was  a  brave  man,  ambitious,  of  good 
appearance  and  pleasing  address,  but  seemingly  utterly  devoid  of  principle, 
lie  found  it  easy  to  enlist  men  for  carrying  out  his  projects  however  vision- 
ary, and  was  thoroughly  unscrupulous  as  to  the  means  employed  in  attain- 
ing his  purposes.  Such  a  man  was  the  natural  leader  of  the  discontented, 
rebellious  victims  of  a  state  of  public  and  private  affairs  for  which  they 
held  Others  to  be  blamed.  Associated  with  Shays  was  Luke  Day  of  Spring- 
field, who  had  been  commissioned  as  captain  at  the  outbreak  of  the  Rev- 
olution and  had  served  honorably  throughout  the  war.  He  wasademagog 
.and  a  braggart,  a  fitting  associate  for  Shays.  Neither  had  military  abilities 
.suitable  to  a  high  command. 


RIOTING    AT    SPRINGFIELD.  125 

The  insurgents  were  greatly  incensed  at  the  government  for  having 
taken  possession  of  the  court-house  before  their  arrival.  They  sent  a 
request  to  the  judges  that  none  who  had  engaged  in  the  recent  riots  should 
be  indicted,  but  the  judges  replied  they  should  execute  the  laws  of  the 
country  agreeable  to  their  oaths.  But  the  court  was  unable  to  transact 
business  ;  on  Wednesday  the  panel  of  jurors  not  being  filled,  those  jury- 
men who  appeared  were  dismissed.  On  Thursday  the  court  adjourned, 
after  resolving  that  it  was  not  expedient  to  proceed  to  the  county  of  Berk- 
shire. Captain  Shays  who  commanded  the  insurgents  paraded  his  men 
through  the  streets  of  Springfield  and  sent  insolent  demands  to  the  court,, 
and  to  Col.  Burt,  who  commanded  the  government  forces  in  Gen.  Shepard's 
absence;  the  latter,  desirous  of  avoiding  bloodshed,  allowed  the  rioters  to 
parade,  and.  after  the  court's  adjournment,  when  the  government  troops- 
marched  to  the  defence  of  the  arsenal,  the  rioters  were  allowed  to  occupy 
the  ground  on  which  the  troops  had  been  stationed.  On  Friday  the  rioters 
disbanded,  satisfied  with  what  they  had  accomplished,  it  is  probable  that 
there  were  Amherst  men  under  the  command  of  Shays  at  Springfield,  but 
there  are  no  records  in  existence  from  which  their  names  may  be  ascer- 
tained. ( )f  the  government  forces,  there  was  an  Amherst  company  com- 
manded by  Capt.  Moses  Cook,  which  "served  in  Defence  of  Government 
at  Springfield  in  September,  1786";  the  following  were  members  of  this 
company  :  Moses  Cook,  captain  ;  Elijah  Hastings,  Joseph  Pettis.  Samuel 
Boltwood,  Silas  Billings,  Stoughton  Dickinson,  Eleazer  Boltwood,  Solomon 
Boltwood,  Levy  Cook,  David  Trowbridge,  Zechariah  Field,  Martin  Cook. 
They  served  seven  days  and  their  pay-roll  amounted  to  ^11,  15,  9. 
Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.  also  served  with  the  government  forces  for  nineteen 
days  and  received  £9,  3,  4. 

September  27,  the  Legislature  assembled,  and  Governor  Bowdoin  iru 
an  address  from  the  chair  made  a  statement  regarding  the  disturbances 
that  had  taken  place  and  the  measures  he  had  taken  to  quell  them.  The 
address  was  referred  to  a  joint  committee,  which  submitted  a  report  express- 
ing abhorrence  of  the  proceedings  against  the  judicial  courts,  approving 
the  governor's  conduct  in  raising  the  militia  for  their  defence,  promising  to 
pay  those  who  had  been  or  should  be  called  into  service,  recommending  a 
revival  of  the  militia  law,  promising  an  examination  into  and  redress  of  all1 
grievances,  and  providing  that  the  privilege  of  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus 
should  be  suspended  for  a  limited  time.  This  report  was  adopted  by  the 
Senate,  and  the  House  agreed  to  all  but  the  habeas  corpus  clause,  which 
was  recommitted.  A  riot  act  was  also  passed,  providing  that  all  offenders 
who  should  continue  for  the  space  of  an  hour  their  combinations,  after  the 
act  had  been  read  to  them,  should  have  their  property  subject  to  confisca- 
tion and  be  liable  to  a  penalty  of  thirty-nine  stripes  and  imprisonment  for 


T26  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST.    MASS. 

not  more  than  one  year.  These  proceedings  served  to  alarm  and  anger 
Shays,  and  he  sent  a  copy  of  the  following  letter  to  the  selectmen  of  the 
towns  in  Hampshire  county: 

"Pelham,  Oct.  23,  1786. 
GENTLEMEN  :— By  information  from  the  General  Court,  they  are  determined 
to  call  all  those  who  appeared  to  stop  the  Court,  to  condign  punishment.  There- 
fore, I  request  you  to  assemble  your  men  together,  to  see  that  they  are  well  armed 
.and  equipped,  with  sixty  rounds  each  man,  and  to  be  ready  to  turn  out  at  a  minute's 
warning:  likewise  to  be  properly  organized  with  officers. 

Daniel  Shays." 

In  spite  of  the  action  by  governor  and  Legislature,  the  disturbances 
-continued  and  increased  in  violence.  Inflammatory  appeals  to  the  people 
by  the  insurgents  were  published  in  the  press  of  Western  Massachusetts. 
The  court  of  general  sessions  at  Worcester  was  unable  to  transact  any 
business  in  November,  owing  to  the  interference  of  a  large  body  of  armed 
insurgents;  the  court  sessions  at  Springfield  in  December  had  to  be  given 
up  from  similar  cause.  The  rioters  having  met  with  the  most  pronounced 
success  in  the  western  counties,  determined  to  confine  their  operations  to 
that  section.  A  committee  of  seventeen  was  appointed  to  raise  and 
organize  a  large  force  of  men  in  Hampshire  county  ;  among  the  members 
of  this  committee  were  Capt.  Shays  of  Pelham  and  ("apt.  Billings  of 
Amherst.  The  form  of  enlistment  used  in  recruiting  these  forces  was  as 
follows  : 

■■  We  do  Each  one  of  us  acknowledge  our  Selves  to  be  Inlisted  into  a  Company 

Commanded  by  Capt. &    Lieut    billiard    &    in    Colo  Hazeltons  Regiment  of 

Regulators  in  Order  for  the  Suppressing  o£  tyrannical  government  in  the 
Massachusetts  State,  And  we  do  Ingage  to  obey  Such  orders  as  we  Shal  Res  :eve 
from  time  to — to  time  from  our  Superior  officers,  and  to  faithfully  Serve  for  the 
term  of  three  months  from  the  Date  in  Witness  hereof   we  have  hereunto  Set  our 

names the  Conditions  of  Will  be    for  a  Sarg'  Sixty    Shillings    Pr  Month    Cop1 

Fifty  Shillings  a  Month  Privet  Forty  Shillings  a  Month  and  if  git  the  Day  their 
will  be  a  Consedrable  Bounty  Ither  Forty  or  Sixty  Pounds."' 

There  is  no  record  to  show  how  the  insurgents  expected  to  raise  the 
money  to  satisfy  these  "conditions  ";  owing  to  circumstances  over  which 
they  had  no  control  the  bounty  was  never  paid.  The  insurgents  gathered 
at  Worcester  in  December,  where  the  courts  met  and  adjourned,  agreeably 
to  til-  governor's  instructions,  until  January:  the  courts  at  Springfield  were 
also  adjourned,  as  Shays  and  his  men  had  taken  possession  of  the  court- 
house, and  sent  a  petition,  equivalent  to  a  command,  that  they  should  not 
proceed  with  business.  News  of  these  proceedings  reached  the  governor, 
and,  the  General  Court  not  being  in  session,  the  Council  advised  that 
4,400  men  should  be  raised  at  once  for  protecting  the  courts  and  punishing 
violations  of   the  law.      Of   this  number,  700  were  to  be    raised    in    Suffolk 


WARRANT    FOR    ARREST    OF    INSURGENT    LEADERS.  I  27 

county,  500  in  Essex,  Soo  in  Middlesex,  1200  in  Hampshire  and  1200  in 
Worcester.  These  troops  were  to  be  raised  for  30  days  and  the  command 
of  the  whole  was  given  to  Major  General  Benjamin  Lincoln  ;  those  from 
Hampshire  county  were  ordered  to  assemble  at  Springfield  on  the  18th  of 
January.  On  the  12th  of  January  the  governor  issued  an  address  to  the 
people  of  the  Commonwealth,  relating  the  circumstances  that  had  com- 
pelled the  calling  out  of  the  militia,  and  urging  all  good  citizens  to  cooperate 
with  the  government  in  restoring  peace  and  harmony  within  the  borders  of 
the  state.  Jan.  19,  a  warrant  was  issued  by  Governor  Bowdoin,  addressed 
to  the  sheriff  of  Hampshire  county,  for  the  apprehension  of  Capt.  Asa 
Fish  of  South  Brimfield,  (apt.  Alpheus  Colton  of  Longmeadow,  Luke 
Day  and  Elijah  Day  of  West  Springfield,  Capt.  Gad  Sacket  of  Westfield, 
Capt.  Aaron  Jewell  of  Chesterfield,  Capt.  John  Brown  of  Whately,  Samuel 
Moore  of  Worthington,  Daniel  Shays  of  Pelham,  Joseph  Hinds  of  Green- 
wich, ('apt.  Joel  Billings  of  Amherst,  Obed  Foot  of  Greenfield,  Capt. 
Abel  Dinsmore  of  Conway,  Capt.  Matthew  Clark  of  Coleraine,  Capt. 
Samuel  Hill  of  Charlemont,  Capt.  Thomas  Grover  of  Montague,  and  John 
Powers  of  Shutesburv.  This  warrant  was  not  returned  until  April  4,  when 
Sheriff  Eleazer  Porter  endorsed  it  to  the  effect  that  he  had  apprehended 
and  committed  to  jail  Colton.  Clark  and  Brown;  the  rest  he  had  not  been 
able  to  take  except  Joel  billings.  "  but  he  being  under  the  sanction  of  a 
Flagg  was  released  by  order  of  Genl  Lincoln."  At  a  meeting  held  Jan. 
12,  Amherst  appointed  a  committee  to  draw  up  a  petition  to  the  General 
Court,  stating  the  grievances  of  the  people  and  suggesting  measures  for 
their  alleviation.  The  petition  was  drawn  up  and  adopted  at  a  meeting- 
held  a  week  later. 

The  proclamation  of  the  governor,  the  calling  out  of  the  militia,  and 
other  evidence  that  the  government  which,  up  to  that  time,  had  partially 
tolerated  if  it  had  not  countenanced  the  insurrection,  was  about  to  call  in 
play  all  available  forces  for  its  suppression,  served  notice  upon  Shays  and 
his  followers  that  decisive  action  must  betaken  sptedily  or  their  cause  was 
lost.  They  decided  to  attack  the  arsenal  at  Springfield  which,  if  captured, 
would  afford  them  abundant  supplies  of  arms  and  ammunition  for  carrying 
on  the  struggle  in  which  they  were  enlisted.  The  troops  raised  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  state  assembled  at  Roxbury.  Jan.  19,  and  marched  to 
Worcester,  reaching  there  the  2 2d.  The  courts  met  at  Worcester  the  fol- 
lowing day,  and  in  presence  of  the  troops  commanded  by  Gen.  Lincoln 
the  insurgents  considered  it  the  part  of  wisdom  not  to  interfere.  Previous 
to  the  marching  of  the  troops  from  Roxbury,  orders  had  been  given  to 
Gen.  Shepard  to  take  possession  of  the  post  at  Springfield.  Here  he  col- 
lected about  900  men  being  afterwards  reinforced  with  200  men,  all  from 
the    militia   of   Hampshire   county.     This   army   was  furnished  with  field- 


128  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

pieces  from  the  arsenal.  If  the  insurgents  were  to  carry  the  post,  the 
attack  must  needs  be  made  before  the  arrival  of  Gen.  Lincoln  and  his 
army.  The  forces  of  the  insurgents  numbered  about  1900,  stationed  and 
commanded  as  follows  :  At  West  Springfield  were  400  men  under  command 
of  Capt.  Luke  1  >ay,  at  Chicopee  400  from  Berkshire  county  led  by  Eli 
Parsons,  and  at  the  east  on  the  Boston  road  1100  men  under  command  of 
Capt.  Shays.  Jan.  24,  Shays  sent  a  message  to  Day,  informing  him  that 
he  should  attack  the  post  the  following  day  and  should  count  on  his  assist- 
ance. Day  sent  a  message  in  reply  that  he  could  not  assist  on  the  day 
proposed  but  would  the  day  following.  The  message  of  Day  was  inter- 
cepted and  given  to  General  Shepard.  Jan  25,  Day  sent  an  insolent  mes- 
sage to  General  Shepard,  demanding  that  the  troops  in  Springfield  should 
lay  down  their  arms,  that  their  arms  should  be  deposited  in  the  public 
stores,  and  that  the  troops  should  return  to  their  homes  upon  parole.  The 
same  day  Shays,  who  was  at  Wilbraham,  sent  a  message  to  General  Lin- 
coln, stating  that  he  was  unwilling  to  shed  blood,  and  proposing  that  all 
the  insurgents  should  be  indemnified  until  the  next  sitting  of  the  General 
Court  and  until  an  opportunity  could  be  had  for  hearing  their  complaints, 
that  the  persons  who  had  been  taken  by  the  government  should  be  released 
without  punishment,  that  these  conditions  should  be  made  sure  by  procla- 
mation of  the  governor,  on  which  the  insurgents  should  return  to  their 
homes  and  wait  for  constitutional  relief  from  the  insupportable  burdens 
under  which  they  labored. 

This  message  was  doubtless  a  blind,  intended  to  delay  Gen.  Lincoln 
in  his  march,  for  no  sooner  had  it  been  dispatched  than  Shays  started  with 
his  forces  for  Springfield.  About  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  they  were 
seen  approaching  the  arsenal  upon  the  Boston  road.  Gen.  Shepard, 
impressed  with  the  importance  of  the  occasion,  sent  repeated  messages  to 
Shays,  inquiring  what  were  his  intentions  and  warning  him  that  if  his  men 
approached  nearer  the  arsenal  they  would  be  fired  upon.  Shays  replied 
that  it  was  his  intention  to  gain  possession  of  the  arsenal  and  barracks. 
As  the  insurgents  continued  to  advance,  Gen.  Shepard  ordered  a  discharge 
of  cannon,  but  directed  that  the  first  two  volleys  should  be  fired  in  the  air  ; 
still  they  advanced,  and  when  within  fifty  rods  of  the  battery  the  guns  were 
trained  on  the  center  of  the  insurgents'  column  and  fired.  The  column 
was  thrown  into  dire  confusion  ;  a  cry  of  "  murder  "  arose,  and  as  the 
smoke  from  the  discharge  cleared  away  the  insurgents  were  seen  in  full 
retreat,  the  efforts  of  Shays  to  rally  them  being  unavailing.  Three  of  the 
party  were  killed  by  the  cannon,  Kzekicl  Root  and  Ariel  Webster  of  (nil 
and  Jabez  Spicer  of  Leyden,  and  one  was  mortally  wounded,  John  Hunter 
of  Shelburne. 


RETREAT  OF  THE  INSURGENTS.  1 29 

The  retreat  continued  as  far  as  Ludlow,  where  Shays  and  his  men 
spent  the  night.  The  following  day  they  marched  to  Chicopee,  over  200 
men  deserting  along  the  route,  and  there  effected  a  junction  with  the 
Berkshire  men  under  Eli  Parsons.  Gen.  Lincoln  with  his  troops  arrived 
at  Springfield.  Jan.  27.  Although  late  in  the  day  it  was  determined  to  act 
at  once  and  prevent  all  possibility  of  a  union  between  the  forces  of  Day 
and  Shays.  Day  was  still  stationed  in  West  Springfield  and  had  placed 
guards  at  the  ferry-house  and  at  the  bridge  across  Agawam  river.  Under 
the  command  of  Gen.  Lincoln,  four  regiments  and  four  pieces  of  artillery 
crossed  the  river  on  the  ice,  while  the  Hampshire  troops,  under  command 
of  Gen.  Shepard,  marched  up  the  river  on  the  east  bank.  The  insurgents 
under  Day's  command  made  no  show  of  resistance,  but  retreated  precipi- 
tately through  Southampton  to  Northampton,  throwing  away  along  the 
route  their  muskets,  knapsacks  and  ammunition  ;  a  few  of  them  were 
captured  by  the  government  cavalry.  The  following  clay,  Shays,  having 
learned  of  Day's  retreat,  started  with  his  forces  and  marched  through 
South  Hadley  to  Amherst  and  thence  to  Pelham.  During  this  retreat 
many  houses  were  plundered,  and  one  man  was  killed,  the  men  mistaking 
their  own  rear  guard  for  the  advance  of  Gen.  Lincoln's  army.  At  the 
house  of  Major  Goodman  in  South  Hadley  the  insurgents  stole  two  barrels 
of  rum,  his  account-books  and  many  articles  of  household  furniture. 
They  also  broke  open  the  house  of  Col.  Woodbridge  and  took  such  articles 
as  they  desired.  Shays  endeavored  in  vain  to  prevent  these  outrages. 
From  Northampton,  the  party  under  Day  had  continued  its  retreat  through 
Amherst  to  Pelham,  arriving  there  in  advance  of  Shays. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


Pursuit    of   the    Insurgents. — Correspondence    Between    Lincoln 

and  Shays. — The  March  to  Petersham. — Terms  of  Amnesty. 

— Amherst  Men  who  Took  the  Oath  of  Allegiance. — The 

Conkey  Tavern. — The  Clapp  Tavern. 

Immediately  on   learning   of    Shays'   retreat,   Gen.    Lincoln   and  his 

army  started  out  at  2  o'clock  in  the  morning  in  pursuit.      Shays  had  several 

hours  the  start  of  his  pursuers,  and  when   the   latter   arrived   in  Amherst 

Shays  and  his  men  were  already  .on   their  way   to    Pelham,    whither   Gen.. 

Lincoln  thought  it  inadvisable  to   follow   them   at  the   time  ;   he   therefore. 

9 


j^O  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

marched  his  troops  to  Hadley,  to  secure  the  rest  of  which  they  were  sorely 
in  need.  Minot  says:  "Upon  an  examination  of  the  houses  at  Amherst, 
it  was  discovered,  that  most  of  the  male  inhabitants  had  quitted  them  to 
follow  the  insurgents  ;  and  that  ten  sleigh  loads  of  provisions  had  gone 
forward  from  the  county  of  Berkshire,  for  their  use.  Under  such  appear- 
ances, a  strict  prohibition  was  laid  upon  the  remaining  inhabitants,  against 
affording  any  supplies  to  their  deluded  neighbors.'' 

The  forces  of  the  insurgents  were  posted  on  the  east  and  west  hills  in 
Pelham,  bleak  and  forbidding  in  the  winter-time  and  difficult  of  access 
from  the  deep  snow  surrounding  them.  A  more  inhospitable  place  to 
maintain  an  army  for  any  length  of  time  it  would  be  difficult  to  select. 
Jan.  30,  Gen.  Lincoln  sent  a  letter  directed  to  Capt.  Shays,  and  the  officers 
commanding  the  men  in  arms  against  the  government  of  the  Common- 
wealth. In  it  he  expressed  the  conviction  that  the  insurgents  must  realize 
that  they  were  unable  to  execute  their  original  purposes.  He  warned  them 
that  if  they  did  not  disband  he  should  approach  and  apprehend  the  most 
influential  characters  among  them.  They  were  instructed  to  tell  their 
privates  that  if  the  latter  would  "instantly  lay  clown  their  arms,  surrender 
themselves  to  government,  and  take  and  subscribe  the  oath  of  allegiance 
to  this  Commonwealth,"  they  would  be  recommended  for  mercy  to  the 
General  Court.  To  this  letter  Shays  returned  a  counter  proposition,  to  the 
effect  that  he  and  his  men  would  lay  down  their  arms  on  condition  of  a 
general  pardon  ;  he  also  requested  that  hostilities  should  cease  until  an 
answer  should  be  received  to  a  petition  that  had  been  sent  by  the  insurgents 
to  the  General  Court.  The  following  day  three  of  the  insurgent  leaders 
came  to  Gen.  Lincoln's  quarters  at  Hadley,  bringing  a  letter  signed  by  Fran- 
cis Stone,  1  )anie]  Shays  and  Adam  Wheeler,  which  read  as  follows  : 

"  As  the  officers  of  the  people,  now  convened  in  defence  of  their  rights  and 
privileges,  have  sent  a  petition  to  the  General  Court,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  accom- 
modating our  present  unhappy  affairs,  we  justly  expect  that  hostilities  may  cease 
on  both  sides,  until  we  have  a  return  from  our  legislature." 

To  this  Gen.  Lincoln  sent  the  following  reply: 

HADLEY,  January  31st.  17S7. 
Gentlemen,  Your  request  is  totally  inadmissible,  as  no  powers  are  delegated 
to  me  which  would  justify  a  delay  of  my  operations.  Hostilities  I  have  not  com- 
menced. I  have  again  to  warn  the  people  in  arms  against  government,  immediately 
to  disband,  as  they  would  avoid  the  ill  consequences  which  may  ensue,  should  they 
be  inattentive  to  this  caution. 

11.  Lincoln." 

The  General  Courl  (omened  Feb.  3,  1 7 S 7 .  The  governor  in  his 
address  gave  a  review  of  events  connected  with  the  insurrection  and  the 
measures  he  had  taken  for  its  suppression.      The  next  day  a  declaration  of 


MARCH    TO    PETERSHAM.  131 

rebellion  was  adopted  by  both  houses,  as  well  as  an  approval  of  Gen. 
Lincoln's  offer  of  clemency  to  privates  and  non-commissioned  officers 
among"  the  insurgents,  on  condition  of  their  surrendering  their  arms  and 
subscribing  to  the  oath  of  allegiance.  They  approved  the  measures  the 
governor  had  taken,  desired  him  to  continue  them  persistently  and  vigor- 
ously, and  promised  him  such  support  as  was  in  their  province  to  render. 
The  petition  of  the  insurgents  was  presented,  but  it  was  voted  "that  the 
said  paper  cannot  be  sustained."  It  was  plain  that  the  insurgents  had 
little  hope  of  favorable  action  on  their  petition,  for  Feb.  3,  the  same  day 
that  the  General  Court  convened,  they  withdrew  from  Pelham  and  marched 
to  Petersham.  Information  of  this  movement  was  brought  to  Gen.  Lincoln 
at  Hadley  the  same  clay  at  noon,  but  it  was  at  first  supposed  to  be  only  a 
removal  from  the  west  to  the  east  hill  in  Pelham.  When,  about  6  P.  m.. 
intelligence  was  received  that  the  insurgents  had  left  their  post  and  gone 
eastward.  Gen.  Lincoln  at  once  ordered  his  troops  in  pursuit;  at  8  o'clock 
the  army  was  in  motion  and  then  ensued  one  of  the  hardest  and  most 
fatiguing  marches  on  record.      Minot  describes  it  as  follows  : 

•■  Nothing  more  than  the  usual  inclemency  of  the  season  opposed  their  march 
until  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,  by  which  time  they  had  advanced  as  far  as  Xew 
Salem.  Here  a  violent  north  wind  arose,  and  sharpened  the  cold  to  an  extreme 
;  a  snow  storm  accompanied,  which  tilled  the  paths  ;  the  route  of  the  army 
lying  over  high  land,  exposed  the  soldiers  to  the  full  effects  of  these  circumstances, 
while  on  their  way:  and  the  county  being  thinly  settled,  did  not  afford  a  covering 
for  them  within  the  distance  of  eight  miles.  Being  thus  deprived  of  shelter  by  the 
want  of  buildings,  and  of  refreshment— by  the  intenseness  of  the  cold,  which  pre- 
vented their  taking  any  in  the  road,  their  only  safety  lay  in  closely  pursuing  a  march, 
which  was  to  terminate  at  the  epiarters  of  the  enemy.  They  therefore  advanced 
the  whole  distance  of  thirty  miles,  subject  to  all  these  inclemencies,  without  halting 
for  any  length  of  time.  Their  front  reached  Petersham  by  nine  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  their  rear  being  five  miles  distant." 

Anyone  who  has  tramped  over  Hampshire  and  Franklin  hills  at  night 
in  the  dead  of  winter,  with  a  howling  north  wind  blowing  and  piling  the 
snow  as  it  descends  into  drifts  all  but  impassable,  can  appreciate  something 
of  the  dangers  and  fatigue  that  were  undergone  by  Gen.  Lincoln's  troops 
on  that  forced  march  from  Haclley  to  Petersham.  The  advance  guard 
entered  the  town  in  command  of  Col.  Haskel ;  a  company  of  artillery  with 
two  pieces  of  cannon  immediately  followed  and  the  whole  body  of  the 
army  was  brought  up  as  early  as  possible.  The  insurgents  were  taken 
completely  by  surprise  ;  they  instantly  evacuated  the  houses  in  which  they 
were  quartered  and  thronged  into  a  back  road  leading  toward  Athol, 
scarcely  firing  a  gun.  Gen.  Lincoln's  troops  pursued  them  about  two 
miles,  capturing  about  150  ;  of  the  remainder  many  returned  to  their 
homes   and   others  fled   into   the  states  of  Vermont,  New  Hampshire  and 


I32  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

New  York.  This  was  the  last  attempt  made  by  any  large  body  of  men  to 
oppose  the  government  forces  in  Massachusetts,  although  for  several  weeks 
succeeding  a  kind  of  guerilla  warfare  was  carried  on  by  the  insurgents  of 
Berkshire  count)-,  with  damage  to  property  and  outrageous  assaults  on 
individuals.  Feb.  7,  Gen.  Lincoln  received  a  message  from  Gen.  Patterson, 
requesting  him  to  hasten  to  Pittsfield  with  his  troops.  They  marched  the 
same  day  to  Amherst,  a  distance  of  25  miles,  and  thence  through  Hadley, 
Northampton,  Chesterfield,  Worthington,  Peru,  Hinsdale  and  Dalton,  to 
Pittsfield. 

Feb.  9,  Gov.  Bowdoin  issued  a  proclamation  for  the  apprehension  of 
Daniel  Shays,  Luke  Day,  Adam  Wheeler  and  Eli  Parsons;  a  reward  of 
^150  was  offered  for  the  capture  of  Shays  and  Vj'ioo  for  each  of  the 
others.  The  General  Court  having  learned  of  the  defeat  of  Shays  and 
the  ending  of  organized  rebellion,  gave  serious  attention  to  the  conditions 
of  indemnity  that  should  be  offered  the  insurgents.  The  following  were 
decided   upon  : 

'•That  the  offenders,  having  laid  down  their  arms  and  taken  the  oath  of 
allegiance  to  the  Commonwealth,  should  keep  the  peace  for  three  years,  and,  during 
that  term,  should  not  serve  as  jurors,  be  eligible  to  any  town  office,  or  any  other 
office  under  the  government,  should  not  hold  or  exercise  the  employment  of  school- 
masters, innkeepers,  or  retailers  of  spirituous  liquors,  or  give  their  votes  for  the 
same  term  of  time  for  any  office,  civil  or  military,  within  the  Commonwealth, 
unless  they  should,  after  the  1st  day  of  .May.  1788,  exhibit  plenary  evidence  of 
their  having  returned  to  their  allegiance  and  kept  the  peace,  and  of  their  possessing 
such  an  unequivocal  attachment  to  the  Government,  as  should  appear  to  the  ( General 
Court  a  sufficient  ground  to  discharge  them  from  all  or  any  of  these  disqualifications." 

The  governor  was  empowered  to  extend  the  release  of  these  conditions 
to  such  of  the  privates  among  the  insurgents  as  had  taken  up  arms  for 
the  government  before  Feb.  1st.  The  persons  absolutely  excepted  from 
the  indemnity  were  : 

••Such  as  were  not  citizens  of  the  state,  such  as  had  been  members  of  any 
General  Court  in  the  state,  or  of  any  state  or  county  convention,  or  had  been 
employed  in  any  commissioned  office,  civil  or  military  :  such  as,  after  delivering  up 
their  arms,  and  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance  during  the  rebellion,  had  again  taken 
and  borne  arms  against  the  government;  such  as  had  fired  upon,  or  wounded  any 
of  the  loyal  subjects  of  the  Commonwealth;  such  as  had  acted  as  committees, 
counsellors,  or  advisers  to  the  rebels:  and  such  as.  in  former  years,  had  been  in 
arms  against  the  government,  in  the  capacity  of  commissioned  officers,  and  were 
afterwards  pardoned,  and  had  been  concerned  in  the  rebellion.*' 

All  insurgents  wire  required  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  :  the  form 
of  this  oath  may  be  found  on  page  138  of  the  town-meeting  records  in  this 
volume.  It  is  only  by  consulting  the  lists  of  those  who  subscribed  to  this 
oath   that    a   correct   estimate    may    be  obtained  of  the  large  percentage  of 


LIST    OF    AMHERST    INSURGENTS. 


l33 


Amherst  residents  who  were  engaged  more  or  less  actively  in  this  rebellion. 
These  lists  are  preserved  in  the  manuscript  archives  at  the  state-house  in 
Boston,  from  which  the  following  Amherst  names  are  transcribed.  These 
persons  appeared  before  Eleazer  Porter,  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.  or  Nathaniel 
Dickinson,  each  of  whom  was  a  justice  of  the  peace,  during  the  months 
of   February  and  March,  17S7,  and  subscribed  to  the  oath  : 


Moses  Dickinson, 
Martin  Kellogg, 
Joel  Moody. 
Seth  Wood. 
Giles  Church. 
Thomas  Goodale, 
David  Goodale. 
Ezekiel  Ingram. 
Israel  Dickinson. 
Henry  Franklin, 
Eleazer  Smith. 
Moses  Cook. 
Isaac  Goodale. 
Jonathan  Warner, 
Josiah  Smith. 
( lershom  Ingram. 
Asahel  Clark. 
Eleazer  Dana. 
Elisha  Dickinson, 
Gideon  Dickinson.  Jr., 
Oliver  Clapp, 
Zechariah  Hawley, 
Joel  Billings.  Jr., 
Samuel  Prince, 
Azariah  Dickinson, 
Amasa  Allen. 
Stephen  Cole, 
Edward  Roth, 
Levi  Dickinson, 
Ephraim  Robbin. 
John  Kellogg. 
Noadiah  Lewis. 
Reuben  Cowls, 
Simeon  Pomeroy, 
Eli  Parker.  Jr., 
Henrv  Lee. 


Nathaniel  Dickinson,  2d, 
Silas  Moody. 
Nathaniel  Moody. 
Samuel  Nash, 
John  Fox. 
William  Clapp. 
Isaac  Robins, 
Aaron  Merrick. 
Timothy  Green, 
Alexander  Smith. 
Moses  B.  Mings, 
Medad  I  Hckinson, 
Samuel  Ingram. 
William  Moody, 
( )liver  Cowls, 
Jonathan  Field. 
Joseph  Dickinson. 
Clark  Law  ton. 
Robert  Ingram. 
Thomas  Samuel, 
Reuben  Ingram. 
Jonathan  Maynard, 
Samuel  Thompson. 
David  Pomeroy, 
Asa  Dickinson. 
Titus  Matthews. 
Simeon  Cowls, 
Elijah  Smith. 
John  Ingram.  2d, 
Isaac  Hubbard, 
Enos  Dickinson, 
James  Hendrick, 
Reuben  Warner, 
Moses  Hastings, 
Elias  Smith. 


Waitstill  Dickinson, 
Elisha  Moody, 
Timothy  Smith, 
David  Billings. 
John  Lee, 
Ebenezer  Cooley. 
Ephraim  Kellogg.  Jr., 
Timothy  Green,  Jr.. 
Reuben  Nash, 
James  Merrick. 
Simeon  Clark, 
Ephraim  Kellogg, 
Jonathan  Moody. 
Lemuel  Moody. 
David  Blodgett, 
Ebenezer  Dickinson. 
David  Smith. 
Noah  Smith, 
Gideon  Ingram. 
John  Field. 
Thomas  Adams. 
Ezekiel  Dickinson, 
Nathan  Dickinson.  Jr., 
Ebenezer  Ingram. 
Jacob  Warner.  Jr., 
Andrew  Kimball.  Jr., 
Leonard  Roth, 
Daniel  Kellogg.  Jr.. 
Amariah  Dana, 
Noadiah   Smith. 
Ethan  Smith. 
Samuel  Hastings, 
Alexander  Guill, 
Perez  Dickinson. 
Samuel  Smith. 
Medad  Moody. 


Simeon  Smith, 

Reuben  Dickinson  and  John  Nash  did  not  take  the  oath  until  July, 
and  it  was  not  until  September  that  Joel  Billing,  Aaron  Billing  and  Calvin 
Rich  placed  their  names  upon  the  list.  The  offence  of  Medad  Mooch- 
was  in  lending  his  gun  to  a  rioter,  unwillingly.  From  the  foregoing  list  it 
will   be   seen  that  a   large    majority   of  the  men  in  Amherst  favored  the 


13-1  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

rebellion  ;  how  many  of  them  bore  arms  under  Shays  cannot  be  stated 
with  accuracy,  but  when  Gen.  Lincoln  passed  through  the  town  in  pursuit 
of  the  insurgents  he  found  but  few  men  at  home. 

The  government  next  turned  its  attention  to  the  trial  of  the  more 
notorious  of  the  insurgents.  At  a  special  session  of  the  supreme  judicial 
court  for  the  county  of  Hampshire,  held  at  Northampton  April  9,  Jason 
Parmenter  of  Bernardston,  Daniel  Luddington  of  Southampton,  James 
\\  nite  of  Coleraine,  Alpheus  Colton  of  Longmeadow,  Moses  Dickinson, 
Jr.  of  Northfield  and  Henry  McCulloch  of  Pelham  were  tried  for  high 
treason,  and  all  but  Dickinson  were  convicted  and  sentenced  to  death. 
The  court  assigned  as  counsel  for  their  defence  Simeon  and  Caleb  Strong. 
Shortly  after  sentence  was  pronounced  the  governor  was  overwhelmed  with 
petitions  for  a  pardon  for  the  convicts.  One  of  these,  in  favor  of  Henry 
McCulloch,  was  dated  at  Pelham,  but  contained  many  Amherst  signatures, 
among  others  those  of  Ebenezer  Boltwood,  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.,  Zebina 
Montague  and  Noadiah  Leonard.  Gen.  Mattoon  also  wrote  two  letters  in 
McCulloch' s  favor,  one  addressed  to  Dr.  Robert  Cutler  and  one  to  Major 
Thomas  Gushing.  After  several  postponements  of  the  time  for  the  execution 
of  his  sentence,  McCulloch  was  finally  pardoned.  Shays  after  his  retreat  from 
Petersham  fled  to  Winchester,  New  Hampshire,  from  whence  he  made  his 
way  into  New  York  state.  He  was  subsequently  pardoned  by  the  governor 
and  returned  to  his  home  in  Pelham,  but  afterwards  removed  to  Sparta,  N. 
V.,  where  he  died  in  poverty  in  September,  1825,  aged  78  years. 

The  Shays  rebellion  brought  into  prominence  two  taverns,  one  located 
in  Pelham,  the  other  in  Amherst.  The  old  "  Conkey  tavern,"  situated  in 
the  east  part  of  Pelham  which  in  1822  was  set  off  as  a  part  of  the  town  of 
Prescott.  was  only  a  half  mile  from  the  residence  of  Daniel  Shays.  It  was 
built  in  1758,  fifteen  years  after  the  town  was  incorporated,  by  William 
Conkey.  It  was  two  stories  in  height  and  fronted  toward  the  south.  There 
were  two  rooms  on  the  ground  floor  with  a  huge  chimney  between,  a  small  hall 
and  a  stairway  in  front  of  the  chimney  leading  to  the  second  story,  which 
also  contained  two  rooms.  A  " lean-to  "  extended  across  the  rear  of  the 
main  part,  in  which  was  the  long  low  kitchen  and  the  pantry  on  each  end, 
with  doors  on  either  side  of  the  great  stone  lire-place  opening  into  the 
dining-room  at  the  east  end  of  the  main  building  and  the  bar-room  at  the 
west  end.  The  apartment  over  the  dining-room  was  used  at  times  as  a 
dancing-hall  and  had  a  large  tire-place  to  warm  it.  No  lath  or  plaster  was 
in  the  tavern,  the  rooms  being  sheathed  on  the  sides  and  overhead.  In 
1776,  the  house  was  repaired  and  the  stone  chimney  taken  down  to  the 
tops  of  the  fire-places  and  rebuilt  of  bricks.  There  was  an  ample  cellar 
and  an  attic.  On  the  corner  of  the  tavern  outside  hung  the  sign,  a  pine 
board  about  two  feet  square,  on  one  side  of   which  was  painted  a  horse  and 


i  in:  kathan   dickixson   house.     ( Built  before  1745.) 


THE    OLD    CONKEY    TAVERN. 


THE    CONKEY    TAVERN.  135 

rider,  on  the  other  a  horse  with 
a  groom  holding  it  by  the  bridle. 
The  bar-room  was.  as  doubtless 
it  was  intended  to  be,  the  most 
comfortable  and  home-like  place 
in  the  building.  It  contained  a 
great  open  fire-place,  in  which  in 
winter-time  the  blazing  logs  were 
piled  high  and  the  crackling 
flames  bade  defiance  to  the  winds 
that  came  howling  down  from  the 
bleak  hills  of  Shutesbury  and 
Prescott.  In  the  southwest  cor- 
ner was  the  bar,  which  Landlord 
Conkey  kept  well  supplied  with 
the  favorite  drinks  of  the  time, 
including  New  England  and  West 
India  rum.  brandy,  wine  and  cor- 
dials. A  receipted  bill  to  Conkey 
from  a  Boston  liquor  firm,  dated 
in  1772,  shows  the  purchase  of 
liquors  amounting  to  over  £100. 
A  better  place  in  which  to 
plan  a  rebellion  against  govern- 
ment could  hardly  have  been 
found.  Remote  from  the  main 
travel-ways,  with  no  other  habi- 
tation in  sight,  it  afforded  a  safe 
retreat  for  the  discontented  and 
debt-burdened  yeomanry  of  Pel- 
ham  and  surrounding  towns, 
where  they  could  meet  on  winter 
evenings  and.  their  courage  rein- 
K      \"  >/      \    '  forced  by  the  contents  of  demi- 

A     V^      \       iVt   )\^  Johns    and    kegs,    prepare  for  a 

conflict  which  they  had  come  to 
look  upon  as  inevitable.  The 
leading  spirit  at  these  gatherings 
was  Captain  Shays  ;  he  encour- 
aged the  talk  of  rebellion  and 
used   the  open    space     in    front 


136  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

of  the  tavern  as  a  training-field  to  perfect  his  men  in  the  manual  of 
arms.  A  natural  if  not  a  necessary  feature  of  this  training  consisted  of 
frequent  visits  to  the  bar-room,  and  it  is  recorded  that  the  casing  of  the 
huge  beam  that  ran  through  the  center  of  the  apartment,  on  which  rested 
the  joists  that  supported  the  second  floor,  bore  for  many  years  the  imprints 
of  the  muzzles  of  the  muskets  made  by  the  excited  rebels  in  the  intervals 
between  the  drills.  It  is  supposed  that  Shays  made  this  tavern  his  head- 
quarters on  his  retreat  from  Springfield,  and  that  the  letters  addressed  by 
him  to  Gen.  Lincoln  were  written  there.  The  tavern  remained  standing 
until  1883  when  it  was  burned  down.  The  pen  drawing  on  the  preceding 
page  was  made  from  an  autograph  manuscript  of  Daniel  Shays,  petitioning 
for  attending  the  convention  at  Hatfield. 

The  "  Clapp  tavern,"  located  at  East  Amherst,  was  one  of  the  best- 
known  hostelries  in  the  early  history  of  the  town.  Many  facts  of  interest 
concerning  it  were  furnished  for  this  history,  by  Charles  Clapp,  a  direct 
descendant  of  the  original  owner.  From  a  letter  written  by  him  the  follow- 
ing is  quoted  : 

"  Preserved  Clapp  on  first  coming  to  Amherst  built  a  house  on  what  is  now  the 
Sanford  Boice  place,  a  portion  of  which  yet  remains  in  the  old  house  on  the  hill 
back  of  Mr.  Boice's  present  residence.  That  place  he  sold  or  exchanged  for  the 
farm  adjoining,  that  at  present  occupied  by  Olney  Gaylord,  extending  north  from 
that  to  the  road  leading  to  Pelham,  and  east  as  far  as  Pelham  line.  The  site  of 
the  house  was  very  nearly  that  now  occupied  by  the  barn  of  the  late  Noah  Dick- 
inson, and  it  was  erected,  as  nearly  as  we  can  ascertain,  about  the  year  1737.  On 
the  day  in  which  the  family  first  occupied  it  three  bears  were  brought  in  and  skinned 
on  the  kitchen  floor,  so  plentiful  were  they  then  in  that  vicinity.  Little  need  of  a 
tavern  in  Amherst  in  those  days,  it  would  seem.  I  do  not  know  when  it  was  first 
used  as  a  public  house,  but  am  under  the  impression  that  it  gradually  assumed  that 
character.  Oliver,  the  younger  son  of  Preserved  Clap]),  was  only  fourteen  years 
of  age  when  Ids  father  died;  he  was  the  one  familiarly  known  as  "  Landlord 
Clapp,"  He  married  Gen.  Ebenezer  Mattoon's  sister  Elizabeth,  and  for  many 
years  kept  the  tavern.  He  was  quite  famed  for  the  excellence  of  the  flip  he  served, 
his  good  wile  brewing  the  beer  therefor.  During  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  a 
detachment  of  Burgoyne's  army  officers,  who  had  gone  out  to  attend  a  dance  near 
Saratoga,  wen-  captured  and  brought  under  a  guard  to  the  Clapp  tavern,  on  their 
way  to  Boston.  They  remained  one  night  for  rest,  the  floor  being  covered  with 
straw  to  provide  them  a  bed,  causing  Landlord  Clapp  no  little  anxiety  lest  the 
straw  should  be  sit  on  fire  and  the  house  burned. 

The  oli  1  tavern  was  the  scene  of  much  plotting  during  Shays  rebellion ;  indeed 
I  think  the  first  plans  lor  it  were  made  there.  Landlord  Clapp  was  a  great  though 
secret  friend  of  Shays,  and  when  he  was  stationed  in  Pelham.  every  night  at  [2 
o'clock,  a  messenger  was  sent  by  him  to  grandfather's  window.  '  for  the  news  of  the 
day."  At  one  time.  (Jan.  28,  1 7S7)  a  number  of  sled-loads  of  provisions  which  had 
been  sent  for  Shays'  army  with  a  small  escort,  stopped  at  the  tavern  for  entertain- 
ment lor  themselves  and  teams:  to  their  great  astonishment  they  met  with  a  stern 
refusal,  as    they    had    been  directed    to   stop   there  lor  refreshments.     At  the  first 


STATISTICS.  137 

opportunity  the  commander  of  the  party  was  taken  one  side  and  told  to  start  for 
Pelham  as  quickly  as  possible,  as  government  troops  were  near  at  hand  and  in  hot 
pursuit.  They  lost  no  time  in  following  directions.  At  the  same  time  another 
friend  of  Shays  (Capt.  Billings)  mounted  a  horse  and  rode  up  the  hill  to  the  West 
street  to  reconnoitre.  Dashing"  nearly  up  to  the  troops,  he  suddenly  wheeled  his 
steed,  and.  waving  his  hat  and  shouting  '  Coma  on,  boys."  dashed  away  at  a  furious 
rate,  the  soldiers  spurring  their  horses  to  their  utmost  speed  and  following  him 
down  the  hill,  past  the  tavern  and  on  towards  Pelham  in  a  mad  race.  In  the 
meantime  the  teamsters  had  reached  Thornton  hill,  from  which  they  caught  sight 
of  the  coming  soldiers.  The  commander  of  the  -supply  train  "  drew  his  teams  up 
across  the  road  resolved  to  do  his  best  to  protect  his  charge.  The  steepness  of  the 
hill  proved  of  great  advantage,  as  he  was  enabled  so  to  dispose  of  his  men  that 
bayonet  showed  above  bayonet,  with  apparently  a  formidable  barricade  in  front. 
At  the  same  time  a  number  of  men  appeared  on  the  Valley  road  :  as  the  troops 
drew  near  they  caught  sight  of  the  formidable  array  in  front  and  the  men  on  the 
V alley  road  ;  they  were  sure  they  were  being  drawn  into  an  ambuscade.  Wheeling 
their  horses  they  rode  back  at  a  madder  pace  even  than  before.  Stopping  for  rest 
at  the  Clapp  tavern,  they  reported  that  they  had  been  led -into  the  very  jaws  of 
hell.-  - 


CHAPTER   XX. 


Statistics  in  1777,  1779.  and  17S1. — Counterfeiting. — Industrial 
Movements. — Merchants  and  Traders. — Amherst  in  1800. 
— War  of   1S12. 

In  1777,  a  list  of  male  inhabitants  of  Amherst  over  16  years  of  age, 
gave  the  number  of  whites  as  238  ;  of  blacks,  two.  From  a  valuation  list 
of  the  town  made  in  1779.  the  following  statistics  are  taken  :  Polls,  248  ; 
houses  and  barns.  256,  valued  at  ^"37  each;  mowing  and  tillage,  1266 
acres;  pasture  land,  31 1  acres:  woodland,  3693  acres;  3  mills  :  money  at 
interest  and  on  hand,  .£582  ;  debts  due  not  on  interest,  ^"95  ;  goods,  wares 
and  merchandise,  ^480  ;  horses,  113  ;  oxen,  101  ;  cows,  1S4;  steers,  303  ; 
sheep,  951  ;  swine,  206.  Two  years  later,  in  1781,  the  figures  recorded 
were  as  follows:  Polls.  251  :  houses,  134;  barns,  106;  stores,  etc.,  3  ; 
distill  houses,  mills,  etc..  6;  acres  of  English  mowing,  310:  acres  of 
tillage  land,  1271  ;  acres  of  fresh  meadow,  1117  ;  acres  of  pasturing,  641  ; 
acres  of  woodland  and  land  unimproved,  8716  ;  barrels  of  "cyder,"  636  ; 
money  on  interest  and  on  hand,  ^"221  ;  goods,  wares  and  mdse.,  ^90; 
horses,  167  ;   oxen,  261  ;  cows,  413  ;   sheep   and   goats,    949  ;   swine,    160. 


138  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Coaches,  chaises,  etc.,  were  owned  to  the  value  of  ,£57.  There  were  four 
owners  of  gold,  coined  and  uncoined,  and  252  owners  of  silver.  Statistics 
taken  in  17S4  record  the  following:  Polls,  ratable,  251  ;  non-ratable  polls, 
26;  dwelling-houses,  136;  shops,  6;  tan-houses,  3;  pot  and  pearl  ash 
works,  1  ;  barns, 112  ;  grist,  saw  and  other  mills,  4;  other  buildings,  15  ; 
acres  of  tillage,  11 04:  acres  of  English  mowing,  446^;  acres  of  fresh 
meadow,  850^;  acres  of  pasture,  478  ;  acres  of  woodland,  3  144  ;  acres  of 
other  land,  unimproved,  5062  ;  barrels  of  "cyder,"  862  ;  amount  of  stock 
in  trade,  ^162  ;  horses  and  colts,  231  ;  oxen,  214  ;  neat  cattle,  397  ;  cows, 
385;  sheep  and  goats,  594;  swine,  298;  debts  due,  ^740;  money  on 
hand,  ^"30  ;  total  valuation,  ^1950,  19,  6.  There  were  44 owners  of  silver 
plate. 

While  the  early  inhabitants  of  Western  Massachusetts  were,  in  the 
main,  orderly  and  law-abiding,  the  vicious  and  criminal  element  was  not 
lacking.  The  courts  in  olden  times  had  to  deal  with  all  manner  of  offences 
against  person  and  property.  The  scarcity  of  money  was  a  great  tempta- 
tion to  counterfeiters,  who  were  willing  to  brave  the  severe  penalties 
attached  to  the  crime  in  the  hope  of  acquiring  great  wealth  with  little 
effort.  In  1770,  one  Thomas  Walton  was  accused  of  counterfeiting,  was 
tried  before  the  court  in  Springfield  and  convicted.  Nathan  Dickinson  of 
Amherst,  who  entered  the  complaint  against  Walton,  thereupon  petitioned 
for  the  reward  offered  by  the  commonwealth  for  the  conviction  of  such 
offenders,  his  petition  reading  as  follows  : 

•'  To  the  Hon"  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq  Lt  Gov.  &  Commander  in  chief  over 
his  Majesty's  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England  and  the  Honl,le  his 
Majesty's  Council  at  Cambridge  March  2olhi770.  Humbly  shews  Nathan  Dick- 
inson of  Amherst  in  the  County  of  Hampshire  that  on  the  23d  Day  of  March  last 
Past  he  made  Information  to  Josiah  Chauncy  &  Simeon  Strong  Esq.  two  of  his 
Majesty's  Justices  of  the  Peace  for  the  County  of  Hampshire  against  one  Thomas 
Walton,  charging  the  said  Thomas  with  the  offence  of  forging  and  counterfeiting 
certain  Pieces  oi  Pewti  r  &  Other  base  Metals  with  the  Resemblance  of  Spanish 
Milled  Dollars  the  Current  Coin  of  this  Province,  by  means  whereof  the  said 
Thomas  was  Recognized  by  said  Justices  to  appear  before  his  Majesty's  Superior 
Courl  ni  Judicature  court  of  Assize  and  General  Goal  Delivery  then  next  to  be 
holden  at  Springfield  within  &  for  the  County  of  Hampshire  on  the  fourth  Tuesday 
of  September  then  next  at  which  term  the  said  Thomas  in  Consequence  of  the 
said  Information  was  at  the  Same  Term  of  Said  Court  Convicted  of  the  same 
by  the  Record  of  the  Conviction  in  the  same  Court  appears  &  your 
mei  then  fore  humbly  prays  that  the  Treasurer  of  the  Province  be  impowered 
and  ordered  to  pay  your  Petitioner  out  of  the  Province  Treasury  the  Reward  and 
Premium  of  ^25  according  to  the  Laws  of  this  Province  in  Such  cases  Provided 
and  as  in  Duly  Bound  Shall  pray. 

NATHAN    Dickinson." 


INDUSTRIAL    MOVEMENTS.  139' 

Eleven  years  later,  in  17S1,  Ebenezer  Mattoon  petitioned  the  General 
Court  to  reimburse  him  for  the  money  he  had  paid  out  in  journeying  "from 
Amherst  to  Providence,  R.  I.  to  prevent  the  liberating  of  one  Firmine 
Woods  of  s'd  Amherst,  then  confined  in  Providence  Goal  for  uttering  & 
passing  counterfeit  Eight  Dollar  Bills  of  the  New  Emission,  which  was 
contemplated  by  a  number  of  persons  of  suspected  character  of  said  Town, 
one  being  actually  sent  for  that  purpose."  The  General  Court  allowed 
him  £'],  1  for  his  trouble  and  expense. 

Soon  after  the  ending  of  the  Shays  rebellion,  a  series  of  industrial 
movements  were  inaugurated  in  Western  Massachusetts  in  some  of  which 
Amherst  citizens  were  engaged  and  which  were  calculated  to  affect  the 
growth  and  prosperity  of  the  town.  The  constant  succession  of  armed 
conflicts  which,  beginning  with  King  Philip's  war  in  1675,  had  lasted  with 
little  interruption  for  more  than  a  century,  had  greatly  retarded  the  devel- 
opment of  the  resources  of  the  Connecticut  Valley.  The  means  of 
transportation  had  always  been  limited  and  unsatisfactory.  Railways  were 
as  yet  unknown,  highways  were  of  the  most  primitive  construction,  and 
the  only  water-way  of  importance,  the  Connecticut  river,  was  robbed  of 
half  its  value  by  the  existence  of  the  falls  at  South  Hadley  and  at  Mon- 
tague. In  1 792,  prominent  men  of  Berkshire  and  Hampshire  counties, 
among  them  Simeon  Strong  of  Amherst,  formed  an  association  for  the 
purpose  of  constructing  canals  around  these  falls.  The  association  was. 
incorporated  under  the  name  of  "The  Proprietors  of  the  Locks  and  Canals 
on  Connecticut  River."  A  canal  was  built  at  South  Hadley  at  great 
expense,  being  two  and  a  half  miles  long,  much  of  it  cut  through  solid 
rock.  It  was  the  first  canal  of  any  importance  built  in  the  United  States. 
When  completed,  it  was  found  that  its  bed  was  not  low  enough  to  take  the 
water  from  the  river,  but  this  difficulty  was  obviated  by  the  construction  of 
a  clam.  This  dam  set  back  the  water  for  several  miles,  overflowing  the 
Northampton  meadows  and  causing  an  epidemic  of  fever,  so  that  North- 
ampton people  had  the  company  indicted  for  maintaining  a  nuisance  ;  the  case 
came  to  trial,  the  plaintiffs  won  their  suit  and  the  dam,  save  its  oblique 
section,  was  ordered  to  be  torn  down.  Money  was  needed  in  order  to 
lower  the  bed  of  the  canal,  and  in  1S02  the  Legislature,  on  petition,  granted 
the  proprietors  a  lottery  for  raising  S2 0.000.  The  scheme  was  successful 
and  in  1S04  the  lowering  of  the  canal  was  completed;  it  was  in  success- 
ful operation  for  many  years.  The  canal  at  Turners  Falls  was  completed 
in  1797. 

Turnpikes  were  built  in  New  England  at  an  early  date  in  its  history, 
but  did  not  become  common  in  Western  Massachusetts  until  after  the  close 
of  the  Shays  rebellion.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  18th  century  many  turn- 
pike  corporations   were  formed    in   this   section,  among   them  the  "  Sixth 


n^O  HISTORY    OF    THK    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Massachusetts  Turnpike  Corporation,"  for  the  purpose  of  building  a  road 
commencing  on  the  east  line  of  Amherst  and  passing  through  Pelham, 
Greenwich,  Hardwick,  New  Braintree,  ( )akham,  Rutland,  Holden  and 
Worcester,  "  to  the  great  road  in  Shrewsbury  leading  from  New  York  to 
Boston." 

In  the  statistics  gi\ren  for  the  year  1784,  it  will  be  noted  that  Amherst 
reported  its  stock  in  trade  as  valued  at  only  ^,"162.  This  would  indicate 
a  small  development  of  mercantile  or  other  business.  Yet  Amherst  had 
as  many  country  stores  as  was  customary  for  towns  of  its  size,  stores  whose 
stock  of  goods  was  as  miscellaneous  in  character,  if  not  as  large  in  volume, 
as  those  of  the  modern  "department  emporiums."  Some  of  these  stores 
were  developed  from  taverns,  while  the  greater  number  of  them  had  liquors 
as  a  part  of  their  regular  stock  in  trade.  Such  a  thing  as  a  "  cash  business  " 
would  have  been  impossible  in  the  earlier  years,  and  trade  and  barter 
usurped  the  place  of  buying  and  selling  to  a  large  degree.  From  a  review 
of  trade  in  Amherst  in  18 15,  written  72  years  afterward  by  an  old  resident 
of  the  town,  the  following  facts  of  interest  are  gathered.  In  181401-  there- 
about James  Kellogg  established  himself  as  a  merchant  at  East  Amherst. 
He  built  the  brick  house  now  standing  near  the  school-house,  and  opened 
a  store  in  the  south  part  while  his  family  occupied  the  north  part.  He 
continued  in  business  there  about  ten  years,  when  he  closed  it  out  and 
bought  a  farm  at  South  Amherst,  where  he  opened  a  small  dry-goods  and 
grocery  store  which  he  conducted  in  connection  with  his  farming  operations. 
Later  on,  he  established  a  hardware  business,  engaging  in  the  manufacture 
of  joiners'  tools  in  that  part  of  the  town  now  known  as  "  Kelloggville." 
At  the  center  of  the  town  in  1815,  H.  Wright  Strong  kept  a  store  at  the 
upper  corner  of  what  is  now  known  as  Phoenix  Row  ;  one  of  his  clerks 
was  Luke  Sweetser,  who  afterwards  became  one  of  the  best  known  and 
most  successful  of  Amherst's  merchants.  Across  the  street,  on  the  oppo- 
site corner,  was  a  building  occupied  by  Jay  White  as  a  dry-goods  and 
grocery  store.  Further  north,  near  Mt.  Pleasant,  was  a  store  conducted  by 
Morton  Dickinson. 

There  was  a  store  at  East  Amherst  near  where  stands  the  one  now 
conducted  by  George  E.  Thayer.  This  was  owned  by  "('apt."  Dyer,  who 
in  1818  sold  out  to  Asahel  Thayer,  the  latter  continuing  the  business  until 
1834,  when  he  engaged  with  Lyman  Knowles  in  carriage  manufacturing. 
A  little  to  the  north  was  a  small  store  occupied  by  John  Hunt,  while  across 
the  street  was  one  built  about  1822  and  occupied  by  Hubbard  <!v  Lamb. 
The  latter  continued  in  business  a  few  years  and  then  sold  out  to  L.  M. 
Hills.  About  the  year  1824  a  store  was  started  at  South  Amhersl  by 
Philip  L.  ( ioss,  and  one  at  North  Amherst  by  Emerson  Marsh. 


OLD  ELM  NEAR  JOHN  M.  HYDE  S. 


AMHERST    AT    THE    BEGINNING    OF    THIS    CENTURY.  1 41 

Prof.  William  S.  Tyler's  History  of  Amherst  College  contains  in  one 
of  its  opening  chapters  an  interesting  sketch  of  the  center  village  of 
Amherst  as  it  appeared  in  the  year  1800.  It  gives  a  list  of  the  houses, 
the  names  of  owners,  and  occupants,  and  locations  also,  all  matters  of 
historic  interest  and  value.  The  houses  at  the  center  were  all  built  front- 
ing on  the  highways,  forty  rods  in  width  ;  when  the  streets  were  narrowed, 
the  land  in  front  of  the  houses  was  enclosed,  thus  forming  spacious  "front 
yards,"  such  as  may  now  be  seen  in  front  of  the  Cowles  house  on  Pleasant 
street  and  the  Strong  house  at  the  corner  of  Amity  and  Prospect  streets. . 
The  same  custom  prevailed  at  East  Amherst,  and  Judd  in  his  unpublished 
mss.  says  that  formerly  there  were  five  or  six  houses  from  20  to  40  rods 
east  of  the  present  East  Street  ;  the  old  cellars  still  remained  in  1S50,  one 
in  the  rear  of  John  Dickinson's  house  on  a  rise  of  ground,  one  further 
north  and  one  or  two  to  the  south  of  the  Pelham  road. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  present  century,  Judge  Simson  Strong 
owned  all  the  land  at  and  near  the  northwest  and  northeast  corners  of 
Main  and  Pleasant  streets,  as  far  north  as  the  Cowles  house,  and  the  Cole- 
man house  which  then  stood  near  the  cemetery.  Gen.  Zebina  Montague 
owned  the  southeast  corner,  and  Dr.  Parsons  the  southwest  angle  except 
the  corner  which  was  occupied,  then  as  now,  by  a  hotel.  In  18 15.  when 
the  college  began  to  be  talked  of,  there  were  not  more  than  25  houses  in 
the  entire  village.  The  hotel  and  two  of  the  dwelling-houses,  those  belong- 
ing to  Tudsre  Strong  and  Dr.  Parsons,  had  °-ambrel  roofs,  a  favorite  stvle  of 
architecture  at  that  time.  Between  the  hotel  and  the  Parsons  house,  which 
stood  on  the  brow  of  College  hill,  the  only  building  was  a  school-house, 
situated  about  where  Hunt's  block  now  stands.  The  corner  now  occupied- 
bv  Adams'  drugstore  was  then  the  site  of  the  house  and  store  of  H. 
Wright  Strong,  until  about  that  time  the  only  store  in  town.  At  the  east 
end  of  Phoenix  Row.  on  the  site  of  the  present  Kellogg  block,  was  the 
house  which  was  owned  and  occupied  by  Noah  Webster  from  18 12  until. 
1S22  ;  this  house  was  burned  in  1838.  Further  to  the  east  was  the  house 
which  had  recently  been  erected  by  Samuel  Fowler  Dickinson,  the  first 
house  in  town  to  be  built  of  brick;  the  old  Whiting  house,  afterwards  known; 
as  the  Avers  house  until  it  was  torn  down  in  1879,  fronted  on  what  is  now 
known  as  Fast  Pleasant  street,  standing  a  little  to  the  north  of  the  barn  owned: 
bv  John  M.  Hyde.  On  the  east  side  of  the  common  stood  the  Warner  house 
and  the  Merrill  house.  On  Amity  street  was  the  house  built  by  SolomoiT 
Boltwood  and  afterwards  occupied  by  Dr.  Cutler.  Of  these  houses  four 
are  still  standing.  The  "  Strong  "  house,  now  occupied  by  Mrs.  Sarah  E.. 
Emerson,  was  built  in  1744  by  Nehemiah  Strong,  who  came  to  this  place 
from  Northampton.  It  was  afterwards  occupied  by  his  son.  Judge 
Simeon    Strong,    and    then    by     his   grandson,    Simeon     Strong,     Jr.       Itx 


14-  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

was  never  occupied  by  Noah  Webster,  as  has  been  often  stated.  This 
house  has  never  been  rebuilt  and  presents  to-day  much  the  same  appearance 
as  when  it  was  erected,  150  years  ago.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the 
Boltwood  house,  now  occupied  by  Dr.  E.  B.  Dickinson.  The  Merrill  house 
has  been  largely  rebuilt,  and  is  now  conducted  as  a  students'  boarding 
house  by  Mrs.  L.  E.  Redding.  Considerable  alterations  have  been  made 
on  the  Dickinson  house,  now  occupied  by  Miss  Lavinia  Dickinson.  Such 
was  the  center  village  of  Amherst,  in  the  year  1800,  and  the  succeeding 
twenty  years  brought  with  them  little  change.  In  1820,  there  were  about 
forty  dwellings  within  the  radius  of  a  mile  from  where  the  Amherst  house 
now  stands. 

The  war  of  18 12  caused  hardly  a  ripple  on  the  surface  of  affairs  in 
Amherst.  The  town,  in  common  with  nearly  all  the  neighboring  commu- 
nities, was  strongly  opposed  to  the  war,  and  at  a  meeting  held  June  29, 
1S12,  passed  resolutions  condemning  it.  A  convention  representing  57 
towns  in  Hampshire,  Hampden  and  Frankin  counties  was  held  at  North- 
ampton, July  14,  to  consult  upon  the  war.  The  delegates  from  Amherst 
were  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Samuel  F.  1  Hckinson  and  Simeon  Strong.  The 
convention  organized  and  appointed  a  committee  to  report  in  regard  to  the 
proper  action  of  the  convention,  concerning  public  affairs,  and  then 
adjourned  to  the  following  clay;  Mr.  Dickinson  was  a  member  of  this  com- 
mittee, which  reported  that  it  was  expedient  to  present  a  respectful  memo- 
rial to  the  president  of  the  United  States,  praying  that  commissioners 
might  be  forthwith  appointed  to  negotiate  a  peace  with  Great  Britain  upon 
safe  and  honorable  terms.  Mr.  Dickinson  was  also  appointed  one  of  a 
delegation  of  four  to  represent  Hampshire  county  at  a  state  convention, 
provided  similar  measures  should  be  adopted  in  other  parts  of  the  Com- 
monwealth. At  the  time  of  holding  this  convention,  Caleb  Strong  of 
Northampton  was  governor  of  Massachusetts.  He  was  a  believer  in  a 
strict  construction  of  the  United  States  constitution,  and,  believing  that  the 
mere  act  of  declaring  war  on  the  part  of  the  president  did  not  invest  the 
latter  with  the  power  to  call  the  militia  of  the  several  states  into  service, 
lie  declined  accession  to  the  requisition  made  for  Massachusetts  troops,  to 
be  placed  at  the  command  of  the  president.  In  this  position  he  was  sup- 
ported by  the  supreme  court  of   the  state. 

In  the  fall  of  1S14,  Gov.  Strong  issued  a  call  for  troops  to  repel  an 
expected  invasion  of  the  British,  who  had  taken  possession  of  Castine,  on 
the  Penobscot,  then  within  the  jurisdiction  of  Massachusetts,  and  declared 
their  intention  to  lay  waste  the  coasl  from  Maine  to  Georgia.  Two  regi- 
ments of  infantry  and  one  of  artillery  were  raised  in  Hampshire  county 
and  marched  to  Boston.  So  far  as  can  be  learned  but  few  Amherst  men 
were   enrolled   in    any  of    these   regiments.      Enos    Dickinson    of    South 


GOVERNOR    STRONGS    WAR.  143 

Amherst  was  commissioned  as  lieutenant  in  one  of  the  companies  raised 
in  this  vicinity.  Joseph  Dana  and  Samuel  Prince  went  with  the  troops  to 
Boston.  Daniel  Smith  served  about  four  months  in  Capt.  YYoodworth's 
company  stationed  at  Charlestown.  Rev.  Joshua  (rosin,  a  trustee  of 
Amherst  .Academy  and,  for  a  short  time  after  the  death  of  President 
Moore,  acting  president  of  Amherst  <  lollege,  went  with  the  troops  to  Boston 
and  served  as  chaplain.  It  is  stated  that  men  were  drafted  from  the  two 
militia  organizations  in  Amherst  to  serve  in  the  war.  Dr.  Seth  Pish,  who 
afterwards  located  in  Amherst,  went  from  Shutesbury  as  a  substitute  for 
his  father,  and  served  as  cook.  It  is  impossible  to  obtain  from  the  officials, 
either  at  boston  or  Washington,  a  list  of  the  Amherst  men  who  enlisted  or  were 
drafted  into  the  service.  The  troops  spent  some  forty  days  in  camp,  were 
reviewed  by  Gov.  Strong  on  Boston  common,  and  were  afterwards  dismissed 
and  sent  home.  They  saw  no  active  military  service,  and  the  event  was 
alluded  to  by  wits  of  the  time  as  "  Gov.  Strong's  war."  As  in  the  French 
and  Indian  war  and  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  so  in  the  war  of  18 12 
the  Bay  Road  was  a  favorite  military  highway.  It  was  a  link  in  the 
great  chain  connecting  the  East  with  the  West,  and  over  it  were  hauled 
many  of  the  supplies  for  Commodore  Perry's  fleet  on  Lake  Erie.  It  is 
related  that  a  team  of  eighteen  horses  was  required  to  draw  one  dis- 
mounted cannon. 


CHAPTER  XXI, 


Origin  of  Amherst  Academy. — Petition  to  the  Legislature. — Act 

of  incorporation. llfe  at  the  academv. mary    lyon. 

Academy  Teachers. 

For  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century  succeeding  the  year  that  marked 
the  ending  of  the  Shays  rebellion,  no  event  of  marked  interest  or  impor- 
tance can  be  recorded  of  the  town  of  Amherst  or  its  inhabitants.  A  peru- 
sal of  the  old  town  records  shows  that  special  attention  was  paid  during 
these  years  to  the  determination  of  town  boundaries,  the  laying  out  of  new- 
streets  and  the  disposal  of  the  land  remaining  after  the  three  broad  high- 
ways had  been  narrowed  down,  to  property-owners  adjoining.  It  was  not 
until  18 1 2  that  the  first  steps  were  taken  in  an  enterprise  whose  success 
and  development  were  to  exert  a  momentous  influence  on  the  future  of  the 


144  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

town.  The  founding  of  Amherst  Academy,  which  in  time  was  to  develop 
into  Amherst  College,  was  an  event  the  significance  of  which  was  little 
appreciated  at  the  time.  It  marked  an  era  in  Amherst  history,  determining 
the  lines  along  which  the  town  was  to  find  its  broadest  development. 
Amherst,  even  in  its  earlier  years,  was  the  home  of  learned  men,  therefore 
it  was  but  natural  that  they  should  desire  for  their  children  better  educa- 
tional advantages  than  were  furnished  by  the  district  schools,  with  their 
school-dames  and  masters  who  themselves  possessed  but  little  learning  and 
less  faculty  for  imparting  it  to  others,  with  school  terms  of  uncertain  length, 
dependent  sometimes  upon  the  supply  of  firewood  and  always  limited  by 
small  appropriations.  Among  the  earlier  inhabitants  who  had  enjoyed  the 
advantages  of  a  college  education  were  Dr.  David  Parsons,  Nathaniel 
Dickinson,  Jr.,  Ebenezer  Boltwood,  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Simeon  Strong, 
Rufus  Cowles,  Samuel  Fowler  Dickinson,  Solomon  Strong,  John  Dickinson 
and  Moses  Dickinson.  The  subscription  for  Amherst  Academy  was  started 
by  Samuel  Fowler  Dickinson  and  Hezekiah  Wright  Strong,  the  latter  a 
son  of  Judge  Simeon  Strong.  The  land  on  which  the  building  was  erected 
was  donated  by  Dr.  David  Parsons,  who  was  also  active  in  raising  funds 
for  the  institution  and  was  the  first  president  of  its  board  of  trustees. 
Among  others  who  were  prominent  in  the  work  were  Calvin  Merrill,  and 
Justus  Williams  of  South  Amherst.  The  subscription  was  started  in  1S12, 
and  the  building  erected  in  18 14.  The  charter  was  not  obtained  until 
18 16.  The  petition  to  the  General  Court  and  the  charter  granted  are 
among  the  manuscript  archives  in  the  state-house  at  Boston,  and  are  copied 
here  entire. 

PETITION    FOR   AMHERST    ACADEMY. 

''To  the  Honorable  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Common- 
wealth of  Massachusetts,  in  General  Court  assembled,  at  their  winter  Session,  A. 
D.  1S16. 

Humbly  shews, 

The  subscribers,  that  they  have,  at  an  expense  of  about  Five  thousand 
dollars,  purchased  in  a  central  &  commanding  situation  in  the  town  of  Amherst  in 
the  county  of  Hampshire,  one  half  acre  of  land,  and  erected  thereon  &  thoroughly 
finished,  for  the  purpose  of  an  Academy,  a  brick  building,  fifty  feet  long,  thirty 
eight  feet  wide,  ec  three  stories  high,  with  a  cellar  under  the  whole,  one  part  of 
which  is  used  for  a  family  kitchen.  The  whole  is  designed  to  accommodate  two 
schools;  one  for  males:  &  the  other  for  females:  and  also  a  family  to  superintend 
the  building,  and  keep  a  house  for  boarding.  The  situation  is  inviting,  and  the  air 
pure,  ec  the  town  healthy.  It  is  also  in  the  midst  of  a  rich  country  &  a  nourishing 
population,  naturally  centering  at  this  place,  And  no  town  in  the  Commonwealth, 
perhaps,  is  better  situated,  or  offers  greater  encouragements  for  an  institution  of 
this  kind.  Your  petitioners  would  further  state,  that  more  than  one  \  ear  ago  they 
established  a  school  in  this  building;  under  the  Care  of  a  Preceptor;  assisted 
during   the  two  summer  quarters,  by  a  Preceptress;  that  the  average  number  of 


1SRICK    SCHOOL-HOUSE    ON    PLEASANT    STREET. 
(Stood  on  Site  of  E.  D.  Bangs'  Residence.) 


AMHERST    ACADEMY. 


AMHERST  ACADEMY  INCORPORATED.  1 45 

schollars  in  the  winter  has  not  been  less  than  sixty:  &  during  the  two  summer 
quarters,  more  than  ninety.  And  the  prospects  of  usefulness  therefrom  are  such, 
as  to  excite  pleasing  anticipations  in  the  patrons  and  friends  of  science  &  useful 
literature.  But  in  order  to  secure  the  blessings  in  prospect,  which  the  youth  of 
both  sexes  so  much  need  ;  and  the  good  of  society  so  much  requires,  funds  and 
the  public  patronage  of  the  Government  are  necessary.  Your  Petitioners,  therefore, 
respectfully  ask  the  assistance  of  the  Legislature,  to  aid  them  in  their  benevolent 
designs  of  educating,  and  training  to  usefulness  the  rising  generation.  And  they 
humbly  pray  that  their  school  may  be  established  by  Law.  as  an  Academy  :  under 
the  care  of  such  Trustees,  as  the  Legislature  shall  see  fit  to  appoint:  with  such 
endowments  as  the  Government  have  equally  bestowed  on  institutions  of  this  kind. 
And  as  an  inducement  therefor,  Your  Petitioners  offer  to  release,  and  do  hereby 
release,  each  for  himself,  all  his  right,  title  &  interest,  in  &  to  the  land  &  buildings 
above  mentioned;  with  all  their  appurtenances  :  to  such  Trustees  as  the  Legislature 
may  appoint:  to  be  used  forever  as  an  Academy.  &  for  no  other  purpose.  And  as 
in  duty  bound  will  ever  pray. 

David  Parsons,  Samuel  F.  Dickinson,      11.  Wright  Strong, 

Elijah  Clark,  Rufus  Cowls,  Joseph  Church,  Jr., 

Henry  Weeks,  Calvin  Merrill,  Thomas  Hastings,  Jr., 

Enos  Baker,  Elijah   Boltwood,  Justus  Williams,  Jr., 

Robert  Cutler,  William  Neill,  Sylvanus  Church." 

Amherst.  January  17.  1S16. 

BILL    FOR    ESTABLISHING    AMHERST     ACADEMY. 

"Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts. 

In  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixteen. 

An  act  to  establish  an   Academy   in  the   town  of  Amherst,  in  the  County  of 
Hampshire. 

Whereas  sundry  persons,  inhabitantsof  Amherstin  the  County  of  Hampshire, 

have,   at   the  expense  of  five  thousand  dollars,  erected  a  suitable  building  for  an 

my   in  said   town,   ec   have  procured  an  able   Instructor  to  teach  the  usual 

Academical  branches  of  learning:  &  it  appears  that  said  town  is  a  suitable  place 

for  such  an  institution — 

Sect.  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives,  in  General 
Court  assembled,  ec  by  the  authority  of  the  same.  That  there  be  and  hereby  is 
establish'1  in  the  town  of  Amherst,  an  Academy,  by  the  name  of  Amherst  A cadc7ny, 
for  the  purpose  of  promoting  morality,  piety  &  religion.  &  for  the  instruction  of 
youth  in  the  learned  languages,  &  in  such  arts  &  sciences  as  are  usually  taught  in 
other  Academies,  or  as  shall  be  directed  by  the  Trustees,  and  David  Pai 
Nathan  Perkins,  Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Hezekiah  W.  Strong,  Rufus  Cowls,  Calvin 
Merrill.  Noah  Webster,  John  Woodbridge.  James  Taylor,  Nathaniel  Smith,  Josiah 
Dwight,  Rufus  Graves,  Winthrop  Bailey,  Experience  Porter  &  Elijah  Gridley,  be 
&  hereby  are  incorporated  into  a  body  politic  by  the  name  of  the  Trustees  of 
Amherst  Academy,  &.  that  they  and  their  successors  shall  be  &  continue  a  body 
politic  &  corporate  by  the  same  name  forever. 

Sect.  2.     Be  it  further  enacted,  that  all  moneys,  lands,  or  other  property  6c 

things  already  given  or  which  shall  be  hereafter  given,  granted,  devised,  bequeathed, 

transferred  or  assigned  to  the  said  Trustees,  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  shall  be  and 

are  hereby  confirmed  to  the  said  Trustees  cc  to  theirsuccessors  in  that  trust  forever  : 

10 


T46  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

And  that  the  said  trustees  may  have  &  hold  in  fee  simple,  by  gift,  grant,  devise, 
bequest,  or  otherwise  any  lands,  tenements,  hereditaments  or  other  estate  real  or  per- 
sonal— -provided  the  annual  income  thereof  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  oi  five- 
thousand dollars;  and  may  sell  &  dispose  of  the  same  &  apply  the  interest,  rents 
&  profits  thereof  in  such  manner  as  to  promote  the  end  &  design  of  said  institution. 

Sect.  3.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  said  Trustees  shall  have  power,  from 
time  to  time,  to  elect  such  officers  of  the  said  Academy  as  they  shall  judge  neces- 
sary. &  to  fix  the  terms  of  their  respective  offices;  to  remove  any  Trustee  from 
the  corporation,  when,  in  their  opinion,  he  shall  be  incapable  by  reason  of  age,  or 
otherwise,  of  discharging  the  duties  of  his  office ;  to  fill  all  vacancies  in  said 
corporation,  by  electing  such  persons  for  trustees  as  they  shall  think  suitable  ;  to 
determine  the  times  &  places  of  their  meetings,  the  manner  of  notifying  the 
Trustees,  &  the  method  of  removing  &  electing  Trustees  :  to  prescribe  the  powers 
&  duties  of  their  several  officers;  to  appoint  preceptors  of  the  said  Academy,  to 
determine  their  powers  &  duties,  &  to  fix  the  tenures  of  their  offices  &  to  make 
and  ordain  rules  and  orders,  with  reasonable  penalties,  for  the  good  government  of 
said  Academy,  not  repugnant  to  the  laws  of  the  commonwealth. 

Sect.  4.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  said  Trustees  may  have  a  common 
seal,  which  they  may,  at  pleasure,  break,  alter  &  renew;  and  that  all  deeds  signed 
&  sealed  with  this  seal,  delivered  and  acknowledged  by  the  Treasurer  or  Secretary 
of  said  corporation  by  order  of  the  said  Trustees,  shall  be  good  and  valid  in  law; 
and  that  the  said  Trustees  may  sue  &  be  sued,  in  all  actions,  real,  personal  &  mixed, 
&  prosecute  or  defend  the  same  to  final  judgment  &  execution,  by  the  name  of  the 
Trustees  of  Amherst  Academy. 

Sect.  5.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  number  of  said  Trustees  shall  not.  at 
one  time,  be  more  than  fifteen  or  less  than  nine:  &  five  of  them  shall  constitute  a 
quorum  for  transacting  business. 

Sect.  6.  [This  is  crossed  out  in  the  mss.  copy.]  Be  it  further  enacted.  That 
there  be  &  hereby  is  granted  to  the  said  Trustees  &  their  successors  forever,  for 
the  sole  use  &  benefit  of  the  said  Academy  ;  one  half  a  township  of  six  miles  square, 
of  the  unappropriated  land  belonging  to  this  Commonwealth,  in  the  District  of 
Maine,  excepting  the  ten  townships  on  Penobscot  River,  to  he  laid  out  &  assigned 
by  the  committee  for  the  sale  of  Eastern  lands,  under  the  restrictions  &  regulations 
made  in  similar  grants. 

Sect.  6.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  Revd  David  Parsons  be  &  herebv  is 
authorized  to  appoint  the  time  &  place  for  holding  the  first  meeting  of  the  said 
Trustees,  &  to  give  them  notice  thereof,  in  such  manner  as  he  shall  judge  expedient." 

Such  was  the  humble  beginning  of  an  educational  institution  destined 
to  become  famous  throughout  Massachusetts  and  New  England.  The 
academy  building,  constructed  of  brick,  three  stories  in  height,  with  a  small 
towei-  in  the  center  of  the  roof  and  spacious  chimneys  at  the  east  and  west 
ends,  stood  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  the  Amity-street  school  building. 
It  was.  at  the  time  of  its  erection,  considered  an  imposing  structure.  It 
was  built  in  [814,  but  was  not  dedicated  until  the  following  year.  With 
the  exception  of  the  Hopkins  grammar  school  at  1 1  ad  ley,  Amherst  Academy 
would  seem  to  have  been  the  first  institution  devoted  to  classical  education 
established    in    the    present    limits    of    Hampshire    county.      Gov.    Edward 


EARLY    YEARS    AT    THE    ACADEMY.  1 47 

Hopkins  of  Connecticut  died  in  1657  :  from  his  estate  the  town  of  Hadley 
received  ^"308,  01,  n,  to  be  devoted,  according  to  the  terms  of  his  will, 
"to  give  some  encouragement  in  those  foreign  plantations  for  the  breeding 
of  hopeful  youths  both  at  the  grammar  school,  and  college,  for  the  public 
service  of  the  country  in  future  times."'  The  Hopkins  school  received 
pupils  early  as  1667.  It  was  conducted  for  some  time  as  an  English 
school  ;  just  when  the  grammar  school  began  its  work  cannot  be  exactly 
determined.  Hopkins  Academy,  in  which  the  school  was  merged,  was 
not  incorporated  until  1816.  the  same  year  that  Amherst  Academy  received 
its  charter.  Sheldon  Academy  at  Southampton  was  not  chartered  until 
1828  ;  Williston  Seminary  at  Easthampton  was  opened  for  the  admission 
of  students  in  1841  ;  Mount  Holyoke  Female  Seminary  at  South  Hadley 
received  pupils  in  1837. 

Amherst  Academy  was  prosperous  from  its  beginning.  It  opened 
with  more  students  than  any  other  academy  in  Western  Massachusetts, 
and  soon  attracted  pupils  from  every  part  of  New  England  ;  it  had  at  one 
time  ninety  pupils  in  the  ladies'  department  and  quite  as  many,  usually 
more,  in  the  gentleman's  department.  The  early  records  of  the  institution 
were  burned  in  1838.  In  Prof.  William  S.  Tyler's  History  of  Amherst 
College,  published  in  1873,  are  interesting  sketches  of  the  academy,  which 
are  here  reprinted.  They  give  an  outline  of  the  work  carried  on  and 
suggest  the  moral  and  religious  influences  that  surrounded  the  students. 
The  first  is  by  Miss  Sarah  S.  Strong,  a  daughter  of  H.  Wright  Strong, 
who  became  a  teacher  in  the  academy  at  the  age  of   16  : 

"  Under  the  government  and  instruction  of  such  superior  teachers,  the  academy 
obtained  a  reputation  second  to  none  in  the  state,  and  indeed  the  ladies'  depart- 
ment was  in  advance  of  the  same  department  in  other  institutions,  as  might  be 
shown  by  a  simple  comparison  of  the  studies  pursued  and  text-books  in  use  by  the 
young  ladies.  Among  these  may  be  specified  chemistry,  which  was  then  just 
beginning  to  be  studied  in  schools  outside  of  colleges,  but  was  taught  in  Amherst 
Academy  with  lectures  and  experiments  by  Prof.  Graves,  who  had  been  lecturer  on 
chemistry  in  Dartmouth  College,  rhetoric,  logic,  history,  Paley's  moral  philosophy. 
Playfair's  Euclid,  Stewart's  philosophy,  Enfield's  natural  philosophy,  Herschell's 
astronomy  with  the  calculation  and  projection  of  eclipses,  Latin,  French,  etc.  On 
Wednesday  afternoons  all  the  scholars  were  assembled  in  the  upper  hall  for 
reviews,  declamations,  compositions  and  exercises  in  reading  in  which  both  gentle- 
men and  ladies  participated.  Spectators  were  admitted  and  were  often  present  in 
large  numbers,  among  whom  Dr.  Parsons  and  Mr.  Webster,  president  and  vice- 
president  of  the  board  of  trustees,  might  usually  be  seen,  and  often  the  lawyers, 
physicians,  and  other  educated  men  of  the  place.  Not  unfrequently  gentlemen 
from  out  of  town  were  present,  as  for  instance  Dr.  Packard,  who  early  became  a 
trustee,  and  was  much  interested  in  the  prosperity  of  the  institution.  Once  a  year, 
at  the  close  of  the  fall  term  in  October,  the  old  meeting-house  was  fitted  up  with  a 
stage  and  strange  to  tell  in  the  staid  town  of  Amherst,  where  dancing  was  tabooed 


148  HISTORY    OF    THE     TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

and  cards  never  dared  show  themselves,  reverend  divines  went  with  lawyers  and 
doctors,  and  all  classes  of  their  people  to  the  house  of  God  to  witness  a  theatrical 
exhibition  !" 

The  second    is   by    Rev.  Nahum   Gould,  a  graduate  of  the   Academy, 

and  of   Amherst  College  in  the  class  of    1825  : 

"  I  came  to  Amherst  in  the  spring  of  1S19  and  studied  in  preparation  for  college 
under  the  direction  of  Joseph  Estabrook  and  Gerard  Hallock.  The  principal's 
salary  was  $800 per  annum,  and  Miss  Sarah  Strong's  $20  a  month.  I  found  the  piety 
of  the  students  far  in  advance  of  my  own.  Perhaps  there  never  was  a  people  that 
took  such  deep  interest  in  the  welfare  of  students.  None  need  leave  on  account 
of  pecuniarv  embarrassments.  Tuition  was  free  to  any  pious  student  who  was 
preparing  for  the  gospel  ministry.  Board  was  one  dollar  a  week,  and  if  this  could 
not  be  afforded,  there  were  families  ready  to  take  students  for  little  services  which 
they  might  render  in  their  leisure  hours.  Their  liberality  was  spoken  of  through 
the  land,  and  it  was  an  inducement  to  persons  of  limited  means,  preparing  for  the 
ministry,  to  come  to  Amherst.  To  such  the  church  prayer-meeting  in  the  village 
was  a  school  as  well  as  a  place  for  devotion.  Daniel  A.  Clark,  the  pastor,  was 
greatly  beloved  by  the  students.  Noah  Webster  resided  here  preparing  his  dic- 
tionarv.  He  took  an  interest  in  the  academy  and  opened  his  doors  for  an  occasional 
reception,  which  we  prized  very  highly.  Col.  Graves  was  a  successful  agent  for  the 
academy  and  a  help  to  the  students.  Mr.  Kstabrook  was  well  qualified  for  his 
station.  Mr.  Hallock  was  a  scholar  and  a  gentleman.  It  was  a  pleasant  task  to 
manage  a  school  where  there  were  so  many  pious  students  seeking  qualifications 
for  usefulness,  who  felt  that  they  were  in  the  right  place  and  were  establishing  a 
Christian  character  of  high  standing." 

For  the  first  ten  or  twelve  years  of  its  existence,  the  academy  received 
pupils  of  both  sexes;  this  was  long  before  the  era  of  woman's  colleges, 
and  the  only  avenue  open  to  young  women  in  search  of  a  higher  education 
was  found  in  the  "  select  family  schools  "  which  were  a  feature  of  New 
England's  educational  system  from  an  early  date.  Among  the  students  at 
Amherst  Academy  in  182  1  was  a  young  woman  who,  later  on,  was  to  solve 
an  educational  problem  for  her  sex  in  such  successful  fashion  as  to  win  for 
h  :rself  fame  and  the'  gratitude  of  generations  yet  unborn.  That  pupil  was 
Mary  Lyon,  who  was  thus  described  by  the  lady  principal  :  "Uncultivated 
in  mind  and  manners,  of  large  physique,  twenty-three  or  twenty-four  years 
of  age,  and  receiving  her  first  impulse  in  education.  Sin- commenced  with 
grammar  and  geography,  and  was  soon  advanced  to  rhetoric  and  logic. 
1  laving  a  comprehensive  mind  and  being  very  assiduous  in  her  studies,  she 
improved  rapidly."  Mary  Lyon  was  born  in  Buckland,  Feb.  28,  1797. 
Her  parents  were  in  humble  circumstances,  unable  to  afford  her  more  than 

rdinary  schooling  of  the  time,  but  she  was  ambitious  and  determined 
by  her  own  exertions  to  gain  as  liberal  an  education  as  the  times  would 
permit.  At  Amherst  Academy  she  found  sympathy  and  aid  ;  itwas,  doubt- 
Tile  engaged  in  her  studies  here  that  she  conceived  the  idea  of 
founding  an    institution  of  learning  which   should  be  self-supporting,  yet 


TEACHERS    AND    PUPILS.  1 49 

"  where  expenses  should  be  so  moderate  as  not  to  debar  those  of  limited 
means,  and  advantages  so  great  that  the  wealthy  could  find  none  superior 
elsewhere."  Mount  Holyoke  Seminary,  the  pioneer  institution  in  Massa- 
chusetts of  higher  education  for  females,  owes  its  being  to  Mary  Lyon  and 
to  the  education  and  training  she  received  at  the  old  Amherst  Academy. 

A  list  of  the  men  who  fitted  for  college  and  for  business  at  Amherst 
Academy,  if  such  could  be  compiled,  would  contain  the  names  of  many 
who  became  famous  in  after  life.  It  was  among  the  first  of  the  great 
college  preparatory  schools,  attracting  pupils  from  all  over  New  England. 
The  reputation  and  success  of  its  classical  department  became  so  great 
that  in  time  the  female  department  was  abolished,  and  the  entire  energies 
of  the  institution  were  directed  toward  the  preparation  of  young  men  for 
entrance  to  college.  For  many  years  after  the  change  was  made  there 
were  usually  from  seventy-five  to  one  hundred  students  in  the  classical 
department.  The  academy  prospered  greatly,  and,  during  the  days  of 
depression  at  Phillips  Academy  at  Andover,  and  before  the  founding  of 
Williston  Seminary,  was,  without  doubt,  the  leading  academical  institution 
in  Massachusetts. 

The  period  of  its  decline  began  soon  after  the  founding  of  Williston 
Seminary.  The  establishment  of  high  schools  in  many  towns,  and  the  rise  of 
normal  schools,  drew  largely  from  its  attendance,  and  although  it  retained 
the  services  of  superior  teachers  and  returned  to  the  admission  of  both 
sexes  in  order  to  increase  the  number  of  its  students,  it  became  gradually 
more  and  more  of  a  local  institution  being  finally  superseded  by  the  Amherst 
high  school.  The  old  academy  building  was  torn  down  in  1S68,  to  make 
way  for  the  Amity-street  school-building. 

In  Miss  Strong's  sketch  of  the  academy,  before  referred  to,  allusion 
is  made  to  the  "  superior  teachers  "  that  the  academy  employed.  Among 
these  teachers  in  the  earlier  years  were  Francis  Bascom,  Joseph  Estabrook, 
John  L.  Parkhurst,  Gerard  Hallock.  Zenas  Clapp,  David  Green  andEben- 
ezerS.  Snell.  At  a  later  date,  among  the  principals  and  assistant  teachers 
were  Elijah  Paine,  Solomon  Maxwell,  Story  Hebard,  Robert  E.  Patterson, 
William  P.  Paine.  William  Thompson,  Simeon  Colton,  William  S.  Tyler, 
Evangelinus  Sophocles,  Ebenezer  Burgess,  George  C.  Partridge,  Nahum 
Gale  and  Lyman  Coleman.  Among  the  lady  teachers,  while  the  academy 
was  co-educational,  were  Lucy  Douglas.  Orra  White,  Mary  Ann  Field, 
Sarah  S.  Strong  and  Hannah  Shepard.  These  names,  and  much  of  the 
information  in  regard  to  the  academy,  are  gathered  from  Professor  Tyler's 
History  of  Amherst  College.  Professor  Tyler  was  a  teacher  in  the  academy 
for  one  year  after  his  graduation  from  Amherst  College  in  1830.  He  took 
a  deep  interest  in  the  academy,  not  alone  from  its  work,  but  from  its  intimate 
relationship  to  the  college  to  which  he  has  devoted  his  life-work. 


5° 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


Old-Time  Catalogs. — Amherst  Students  at  the  Academy. — Academy 
Laws. — Officers  of  the  Corporation. — Principals  and 
Instructors. — Courses  of  Study. 

From  the  pages  of  the  academy  catalogs  much  interesting  and  valu- 
able information  concerning  the  institution  is  gained.  The  earliest  catalog 
known  to  be  in  existence  bears  elate  of  1S1S.  It  is  a  single  sheet  of  paper, 
a  copy  of  which,  framed,  is  preserved  in  the  town  library.  It  gives  a  list 
of  trustees,  the  same  as  named  in  the  act  of  incorporation,  save  that  the 
names  of  H.  W.  Strong,  John  Wbodbridge  and  Josiah  Dwight  are  omitted, 
and  the  names  of  Joshua  Crosby,  John  Fish  and  Edward  Whipple  are 
added.  John  L.  Parkhurst,  A.  M.,  was  the  principal  preceptor,  Edward 
Dickinson,  A.  P.,  assistant  preceptor,  and  Miss  Lucy  L.  Douglas,  precep- 
tress. The  list  of  pupils  numbered  152,  of  whom  76  were  "  masters  ''  and 
76  "misses."     The  Amherst  names  included  in  this  list  were  as  follows  : 


Osmyn  Baker, 
Porter  Cowls. 
Appleton  Dickinson, 
William  Dickinson, 
George  W.  Graves, 
Chauncy  Merrill, 
Warren  Putnam, 
William  B.  Stetson, 
Simeon  E.  Strong, 
George  White, 
Dorothy  Baker, 
Marchia  A.  Banister. 
Achsah  Clark, 
Abigal  Dexter. 
Lucinda  Dickinson. 
.Mary  Ann  Dickinson. 

I  [epzibah  Eastman, 
.Martha  .M.Graves. 
Fanny  Mattoon, 

I I  arriet  Montague, 
Sophia  W.  Parsons, 
Abigail  Robbins, 
Sarah  Smith.  2d. 
Sarah  S.  Strong, 

I  l.mnah  Whiting, 


Aaron  Church, 
Robert  Cutler, 
Edward  Dickinson, 
Oliver  H.  Dunbar, 
Frederic  W.  Graves, 
George  Montague, 

I  Iamilton  Smith. 
Charles  L.  Strong, 
Wright  Strong, 
Frederick  Williams, 
Joanna  Baker, 
Dolly  Bixbee, 
Mercy  Cooley, 
Caroline  Dickinson, 
Lucretia  Dickinson, 
Nancy  Dickinson, 
Mary  Franklin, 
Mary  Ann  ( 1  raves, 
Lucy  Merrill, 
Eliza  Nelson. 

I I  arriet  Perkins, 
Achsah  Smith, 
Frances  Strong, 
Fliza  S.  Webster, 
Mary  Ann  Williams, 


Moses  Church, 
Julius  A.  Dewey. 
Friend  Dickinson, 
John  Eastman.  Jr., 
Frederic  Joy, 
Thomas  G.  Perkins, 
Elijah  D.  Strong, 
William  G.  Webster, 
Stephen  Weeks, 
Azubah  D.  Bangs, 
Harriet  Boltwood, 
Irene  Cowls. 
Fanny  Dickinson, 
Mary  Dickinson. 
Thankful  F.  Dickinson, 
Martha  Forbush, 
Clarissa  Kellogg, 
Nancy  Merrill, 
Sophia  Nelson, 
I  [arriet  Phillips, 
Sarah  Smith, 
Mary  Strong. 
Polly  Weeks. 


ACADEMY    LAWS. 


151 


From  this  list  it  will  be  seen  that  73  pupils,  or  nearly  one-half  the 
entire  number,  had  their  homes  in  Amherst.  Of  the  remainder,  a  majority 
were  residents  of  Massachusetts  towns;  a  few  came  from  Vermont  and 
Connecticut,  one  each  from  Virginia  and  Canada.  The  "quarters'"  began 
on  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May,  August,  November  and  February  ;  there 
was  a  vacation  of  one  week  at  the  end  of  each  quarter  except  the  one 
beginning  in  November,  at  the  end  of  which  there  was  a  two-weeks' 
vacation. 

The  "  Laws  of  Amherst  Academy,"  published  in  1827,  contain  a 
number  of  interesting  provisions.  Every  student  on  admission  to  the 
academy  received  a  printed  copy  of  the  laws,  charged  in  his  term  bill,  and 
was  obliged  to  sign  the  following  agreement:  "  I  hereby  promise  that  I 
will  observe  all  the  laws  and  regulations,  made  by  the  Government  for  the 
Students  of  this  Academy.'*  If  any  student  unnecessarily  neglected 
attendance  on  religious  exercises,  he  was  held  liable  to  reproof,  privately 
or  before  his  class,  and  in  case  he  persisted  in  such  neglect  he  might  be 
suspended  or  dismissed.  The  study  hours,  from  April  to  October,  were 
from  8-30  a.  m.  to  12.  and  from  2  to  5  p.  M.;  from  October  to  April,  from 
9  a.  m.  to  12,  from  1-30  to  4-30  i".  M.  and  7  to  9  P.  M.  No  scholar  could 
be  absent  from  his  room  after  9  P.  M.  without  permission  of  the  instructors. 
Every  student  was  held  accountable  for  injury  done  by  him  to  the  academy 
building  and  its  appurtenances,  and  if  the  offender  could  not  be  discovered 
the  sum  was  assessed  equally  on  all  the  students  and  charged  in  the  term 
bills.  If  any  student  should  leave  the  school,  or  go  out  of  town  without 
obtaining  permission  of  the  instructors,  he  was  subject  to  a  fine  of  one 
dollar  and  a  like  sum  for  every  week  he  was  absent.  Students  were  not 
permitted  to  drink  wine,  spirits  or  liquors  of  any  kind  at  any  tavern  or  inn 
in  town,  or  to  keep  such  articles  in  their  rooms,  or  to  indulge  in  their  use 
at  any  time,  on  penalty  of  admonition  for  the  first  offence  and  suspension 
or  expulsion  for  the  second.  They  were  also  prohibited,  under  like  penal- 
ties, from  using  any  fire-arm  in  the  town,  "either  in  shooting  at  game  or  at 
mark,  or  for  amusement  in  any  manner." 

The  catalog  of  1827  shows  a  number  of  changes  in  the  board  of 
trustees  ;  the  officers  of  the  corporation  were  :  President,  Rev.  Joshua 
Crosby  :  vice-president.  Rev.  Royal  Washburn  ;  secretary,  Rufus  Graves, 
Esq.;  treasurer,  Lucius  Boltwood,  Esq.;  auditor,  Martin  Thayer.  Solomon 
Maxwell.  A.  M.,  and  R.  Everett  Pattison.  A.  B.  were  asociate  principals, 
and  William  P.  Paine,  A.  B.,  assistant.  The  members  of  the  examining 
committee  were  Rev.  Royal  Washburn.  Rev.  James  Taylor,  Rev.  Lyman 
Coleman.  Rev.  Lemuel  P.  Bates,  Prof.  Nathan  W.  Fiske,  Prof.  Solomon 
Peck.  The  students'  names  were  arranged  in  three  divisions,  under  the 
following   headings:   "  In  the  Languages,"  "  School  Teachers,"   "English 


IS2  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Studies."  The  number  of  students  in  the  languages  was  45,  school  teachers 
22,  in  English  studies  25,  a  total  of  92  ;  at  this  time  there  were  no  females 
in  the  institution.  The  course  of  instruction  in  the  English  department 
in<  luded  reading,  grammar,  declamation,  rhetoric  and  composition,  ancient 
and  modern  geography,  sacred  geography,  general  history,  history  of  the 
United  States,  intellectual  and  written  arithmetic,  algebra,  conversations  on 
natural  philosophy,  conversations  on  chemistry,  moral  philosophy,  intellec- 
tual philosophy,  practical  mathematics,  including  navigation,  surveying, 
mensuration  and  astronomical  calculations.  The  class  of  school  teachers, 
in  addition  to  their  other  studies,  received  a  course  of  familiar  lectures  on 
the  subject  of  school  teaching.  Class  reviews  were  held  weekly  by  the 
instructors,  with  general  reviews  at  the  close  of  each  term  by  the  examin- 
ing committee.  The  vacations  at  the  end  of  each  quarter  had  been  length- 
ened to  two  weeks.  The  catalog  of  1829  announced  that  "  In  the  rear  of 
the  building  there  has  been  erected  a  good  Gymnastic  Apparatus  for 
healthful  exercise." 

In  1832,  Rev.  Simeon -M.  Colton,  A.  M.  was  principal,  Ebenezer  Bur- 
gess, A.  !>.,  assistant,  and  John  H.  Wright,  Rufus  Allen  and  Isaac  F. 
Holton  "assistants  and  students."  In  the  classical  department  there  were 
92  students,  in  the  English  79,  in  the  teachers'  department  32.  The 
academical  year  consisted  of  four  quarters  of  eleven  weeks  each,  begin- 
ning in  September,  three  weeks  from  the  fourth  Wednesday  in  August. 
The  vacations  were  as  follows:  From  the  fourth  Wednesday  in  August, 
three  weeks  ;  from  the  last  Wednesday  in  November,  two  weeks  ;  from  the 
first  Wednesday  in  April,  three  weeks.  The  aim  of  the  teachers'  depart- 
ment was  to  fit  young  men  to  take  charge  of  primary  schools.  The  catalog 
"recommended  that,  in  addition  to  his  classical  books,  each  scholar  be 
furnished  with  a  bible,  and  with  Webster's  or  Walker's  8  vo,  edition  of 
the  pronouncing  and  defining  dictionary."  The  tuition  in  the  English 
department  was  $4  per  quarter,  in  the  teachers' or  classical  department  $5, 
"together  with  a  charge  of  12^  cents  per  quarter  for  Contingencies."  It 
is  evident  that  "contingencies  "  did  not  form  as  important  or  extravagant 
an  item  in  student  expenses  as  at  the  present  time.  board  could  be 
obtained  near  the  academy  at  from  75  cents  to  Si. 75  per  week.  The  prin- 
cipal was  willing  to  take  any  number  of  young  lads  to  board  with  him, 
and  to  defray  all  the  ordinary  expenses  connected  with  board  and  tuition, 
except  wood,  for  Si  10  per  year,  exclusive  of  vacations. 

In  [83  |,  the  corporation  had  no  president  ;  Prof.  Samuel  M.  Worcester 
was  secretary,  Lucius  Boltwood,  Esq.  treasurer  and  Hon.  John  Leland 
auditor.  Amos  Bullard,  \r.,  A.  1!.,  was  principal  and  Horatio  Bryant  and 
Daniel  II.  Forbes  assistants.  The  tea  (hers'  department  had  been  changed 
to  a  teachers'  class,  formed    in    the    fall   term  ;   in  the  classical  department 


TEXT    BOOKS    IN    USE.  1 53 

there  were  61  students,  in  the  English  department  91.  The  catalog  states 
that  "'  A  new  Apparatus  has  been  procured  for  the  benefit  of  the  Academy," 
but  neglects  to  define  its  nature. 

In  1S39.  Rev.  Nathan  Perkins  was  president  of  the  corporation.  Rev. 
Josiah  Bent  vice-president,  Lucius  Boltwood.  Esq.  secretary  and  Hon.  Itha- 
mar  (  'onkey  treasurer.  The  academy  had  again  adopted  the  co-educational 
feature.  NahumGale,  A.  1!.  was  principal  ;  Edwin  E.  bliss.  A.  B., teacher  of 
languages;  William  ().  Gotham,  A.  B.,  teacher  of  sacred  music:  John  \Y. 
Ray.  teacher  of  penmanship  ;  Miss  Emeline  S.  Gale,  preceptress  ;  Miss  Eliza 
M.  Judkins,  teacher  of  drawing  and  painting ;  Miss  Hannah  E.  Maynard, 
assistant  teacher  of  mathematics.  The  students  in  the  different  depart- 
ments were  separated  into  two  divisions;  in  the  classical  department  were 
40  male  students,  in  the  English  department  74,  in  the  female  department 
103.  Five  of  the  students  in  the  first  division  of  the  classical  department 
are  marked  as  "  in  college;"  the  text-books  in  use  by  the  first  division  in 
the  English  department  included,  among  others,  Olmsted's  "  Natural 
Philosophy,"  Abercrombie  on  "The  Intellectual  bowers,"  Paley's  "Natural 
Theology,"  Goodrich's  "  Ecclesiastical  History,"  Alexander's  "  Evidences 
of  Christianity."  Hedges'  "Logic,"  Karnes'  '-Elements  of  Criticism," 
Wayland's  "  Moral  Science,"  and  -'Analysis  of  Paradise  Lost."  Members 
of  the  school  were  required  to  give  particular  attention  to  orthography  and 
reading;  the  text-books  were  Porter's  "  Rhetorical  Reader"  and  Young's 
"  Night  Thoughts."  A  "  valuable  library  "  belonged  to  the  academy,  from 
which  scholars  were  permitted  to  take  books  on  payment  of  a  small  tax. 
There  was  a  weekly  Bible  lesson  in  which  all  took  part.  There  was  an 
extra  charge  of  $2  per  term  for  instruction  in  surveying,  and  a  like  sum 
for  French.  A  course  of  15  lessons  in  penmanship,  including  stationery, 
cost  50  cents.  Board  in  private  families  had  advanced  to  S2  per  week, 
with  a  charge  of  25  cents  per  dozen  for  washing.  Young  gentlemen 
boarding  at  the  Academy  club  could  obtain  board  exclusive  of  room-rent 
for  $1.17  per  week;  rooms  furnished  for  two  occupants  could  be  hired  for 
50  cents  per  week. 

In  1S42,  William  W.  Whipple  was  principal  of  the  academy.  Miss 
Helen  Humphrey  preceptress,  Daniel  Temple,  Jr.  teacher  of  French,  and 
Miss  Eliza  M.  Judkins  teacher  of  drawing,  painting  and  penmanship. 
There  were  67  pupils  in  the  classical  course  and  123  in  the  English:  of 
these,  20,  three  young  gentlemen  and  17  young  ladies,  were  studying 
French.  All  pupils  were  expected  regularly  to  attend  morning  and  evening- 
prayers  in  the  hall  and  public  worship  at  one. of  the  churches  in  the  village 
on  the  Sabbath.  There  was  a  literary  society  connected  with  the  academy 
which  held  weekly  meetings.  Pupils  could  attend,  without  charge,  the 
lectures  of  the  professors  in  Amherst  College. 


154  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

In  1845,  Rev.  Joseph  Yaill  was  president  of  the  corporation,  Leonard 
Humphrey,  A.  B.,was  principal.  James  Humphrey  assistant,  Louis  P.Ledoux 
teacher  of  French,  Miss  Elizabeth  ('.  Adams  preceptress  for  the  fall  and 
winter  terms  and  Miss  Rebecca  M.  Woodbridge  preceptress  for  the  spring 
and  summer  terms.  In  the  classical  department  were  56  pupils,  37  males 
and  19  females;  in  the  English  department  56  pupils,  23  males  and  ^^ 
females.  Of  the  whole  number,  112,  79  had  homes  in  Amherst  and  most 
of  the  remainder  came  from  towns  near  by.  In  1848,  the  catalog  contained 
the  following  announcement  :  "  A  favorable  opportunity,  it  is  believed,  is 
offered  to  those  who  desire  a  thorough  acquaintance  with  the  French 
language.  Mons.  Tribur,  a  native,  and  till  within  a  few  years,  a  resident  of 
France,  has  a  high  reputation  as  a  Teacher  of  the  French,  German  and 
Italian  languages." 

In  1850,  Samuel  N,  White  was  principal,  Miss  Anna  B.  White  precep- 
tress, Miss  A.  Juliette  Chamberlain  teacher  of  French,  and  George  N. 
Webber  teacher  of  Latin  and  Greek.  In  the  classical  department  were  47 
pupils,  15  males  and  32  females;  in  the  English  department  95  pupils,  62 
males  and  33  females.  Of  the  whole  number,  142,  91  had  homes  in 
Amherst.  The  catalog  was  for  the  fall  and  winter  terms,  and  previous  to 
the  opening  of  the  spring  term  the  academy  building  was  to  be  "thoroughly 
repaired  within  and  without,  and  made  in  all  respects,  not  only  convenient, 
but  pleasant  and  tasteful."  The  summer  term  had  been  shortened  from 
eleven  weeks  to  nine,  the  summer  vacation  being  correspondingly  length- 
ened to  four  weeks.  The  charge  for  tuition  per  term  was,  for  the  common 
English  branches,  $3  ;  for  the  higher  English  branches,  $4  ;  for  Latin  and 
Greek,  $4  ;  for  French  in  connection  with  other  studies,  $5.  Penciling  and 
crayon-drawing  were  charged  extra.  A  charge  of  from  one  to  two  shillings 
per  term  was  thereafter  to  be  made  "to  defray  in  part  the  expense  incurred 
for  fuel  for  the  public  rooms  and  other  contingencies." 

In  [858,  Rev.  Joseph  Yaill.  I).  1).,  was  president  of  the  corporation,. 
John  S.  Adams.  Esq.,  secretary,  and  Hon.  Ithamar  Conkey  treasurer. 
Other  members  of  the  board  of  trustees  were  Hon.  Edward  Dickinson, 
Lucius  Boltwood,  Esq.,  Rev.  William  A.  Stearns,  1 ).  ]).,  Rev.  Edward  S. 
Dwight,  Rev.  C.  L.  Wbodworth,  Rev.  David  Eastman,  Prof.  William  S. 
Tyler,  I).  1  >.,  Rev.  James  L.Merrick,  Dea.  Moses  1'..  Greene.  Selah 
Frisbee  was  principal,  Miss  Fliza  ( '.  Haskell  preceptress.  Miss  Henrietta 
F.  Shumway  assistant  in  the  fall  term  and  Miss  Harriet  K.  Clark  assistant 
in  the  winter  term.  In  the  classical  department  were  72  pupils,  35  males 
and  37  females;  in  the  English  department  70  pupils,  32  males  and  38 
females.  The  academic  year  was  divided  into  three  terms,  one  of  thirteen 
weeks,  one  of  fourteen,  one  of  fifteen.  The  spring  term  began  April  21, 
the  tall  term  Aug.  25,  the  winter  term    December  8.      The   tuition  was  the 


PRESI  DEINTS  OF 

P  AM  M  &  RST9 
COLLEO E 


ORIGIN    OF     \MIIKK.M'    COLLEGE. 


same  for  any  or  all  branches  taught.  For  a  term  of  14  weeks,  those  who 
came  from  a  distance  and  hired  board  were  charged  S7:  for  others,  the 
tuition  varied  from  $7  to  $10,  according  to  the  number  of  scholars. 


CHAPTER  XX 


Origin  of  Amhersi  College. — The  Charity  Fund. — Convention  op 
Churches. — Negi  m  \  m  ins  wi  ih  Williams  (  a  illege. — First 
College   Building   Erected. — Noah  Webster's  Address. 

From  Amherst  Academy,  in  fullness  of  time,  came  Amherst  College. 
In  laying  the  foundations  of  the  academy,  the  Rev.  David  Parsons  and  his 
associates  were  wise  beyond  their  own  knowledge.  It  is  not  impossible 
that  some  among  their  number  may  have  seen,  with  prophetic  vision,  in  the 
one-half  acre  of  ground  and  the  three-story  building  of  brick,  dedicated  to 
the  promotion  of  ''morality,  piety  and  religion  "'  and  to  "the  instruction  of 
youth  in  the  learned  languages,"  an  opening  chrysalis  from  which  was  to 
emerge  in  time  the  college  set  upon  a  hill,  with  its  broad  lands  and  noble 
buildings  and  its  motto,  bravely  conceived  and  faithfully  interpreted,  ••Terras 
Irradient."  Certain  it  is  that  in  18 17.  one  year  after  the  academy  charter 
was  obtained,  important  measures  were  undertaken  to  add  to  its  usefulness 
and  efficacy  and  to  extend  the  field  of  its  labors.  The  trustees,  at  a  meet- 
ing held  Nov.  iS,  18 17,  adopted  a  project  formed  by  Rufus  Graves,  Esq., 
to  add  to  the  usefulness  of  the  academy  by  raising  a  fund  for  the  gratuitous 
instruction  of  "indigent  young  men  of  promising  talents  and  hopeful  piety, 
who  shall  manifest  a  desire  to  obtain  a  liberal  education  with  a  sole  view 
to  the  Christian  ministry.'*  This  "charity  fund,"  as  it  was  afterwards 
designated,  was  the  corner-stone  in  the  foundation  of  Amherst  College. 

The  history  of  Amherst  College  has  been  written  by  one.  himself  so 
thoroughly  identified  with  the  institution,  so  familiar  with  all  its  interests, 
so  conversant  with  all  the  facts  relating  to  it.  that  another,  working  along 
the  same  lines,  must  needs  at  every  point  lay  himself  open  to  the  charge  of 
repetition  if  not  of  plagiarism.  The  History  of  Amherst  College,  written  by 
Prof.  W.  S.  Tyler  and  published  in  1873,  is  so  accurate  and  complete  as  to 
stand  a  barrier  in  the  way  of  one  who  would  attempt  original  writing  in  the 
same  field.  Yet  a  history  of  Amherst  town,  with  Amherst  College  omitted, 
would  be  so  unsatisfactory,  so  far  from  complete,  as  not  to  be  contemplated 


156  HISTORY    OF    THE     TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

-even  for  an  instant.  For  the  necessarily  brief  sketch  of  the  beginnings  of 
the  college  and  its  earlier  history,  which  follows,  the  writer  gratefully 
acknowledges  his  indebtedness  to  Professor  Tyler. 

Especial  attention  is  given  in  these  pages  to  the  part,  a  large  and 
honorable  one,  taken  by  citizens  of  Amherst  in  the  founding  of  the  college. 
It  is  a  child  of  the  town,  for,  although  the  people  of  all  Western  Massa- 
chusetts were  interested  in  it  and  subscribed  liberally  to  its  charity  fund, 
it  was  the  eloquence  and  convincing  logic  of  an  Amherst  man,  Samuel 
Fowler  Dickinson,  that  finally  secured  to  the  town  the  location  of  the 
college;  it  was  an  Amherst  man,  Elijah  Dickinson,  who  donated  the  land 
for  the  site  of  the  college  buildings  ;  it  was  a  group  of  Amherst  men, 
headed  by  Rev.  David  Parsons,  who  became  personally  responsible  for  a 
balance  of  $15,000  necessary  to  raise  the  charity  fund  to  the  sum  of 
$50,000  as  guaranteed  by  its  constitution.  The  town  and  the  college  have 
been  closely  associated  since  the  latter  was  first  founded  ;  there  has  been 
a  recognized  community  of  interest  which  has  been  of  mutual  benefit. 

As  early  as  1762,  thirty  years  before  the  incorporation  of  Williams 
College,  the  need  of  a  collegiate  institution  in  the  Connecticut  valley  had 
become  apparent  to  many,  and  measures  had  been  taken  for  the  founding 
of  such  an  institution  in  Hampshire  county.  The  General  Court,  in  1762, 
in  answer  to  a  petition  signed  by  many  inhabitants  of  the  county,  brought 
in  a  bill  for  establishing  "  an  Academy  in  the  western  parts  of  this 
Province,"  which  passed  to  be  engrossed  but  was  finally  lost.  Francis 
Barnard,  at  that  time  governor  of  the  Province,  made  out  a  charter  incor- 
porating Israel  Williams  and  eleven  others ""  a  body  politic  by  the  name  of 
the  President  and  Fellows  of  Queen's  College."  The  college  was  to  be 
located  in  Northampton,  Hatfield  or  Hadley.  This  charter,  owing  to  the 
strenuous  opposition  of  Harvard  College,  was  never  issued,  but  a  building 
was  erected  at  Hatfield,  known  for  many  years  as  "  Queen's  College." 
At  a  meeting  of  the  Franklin  county  association  of  ministers,  held  in 
Shelburnein  1:815,  there  was  a  discussion  as  to  whether  a  college  would  be 
likely  to  flourish  in  some  central  town  of  old  Hampshire  county,  and  as  to 
what  town  would  be  most  eligible  as  a  site  for  such  an  institution.  The 
body  were  agreed  that  a  college  thus  located  would  be  most  desirable, 
and  that  the  town  of  Amherst  was  the  most  suitable  place  in  which  to 
establish  it.  This  is  the  first  associated  action  on  record  looking  toward 
the  establishment  of  a  college  at  Amherst:  it  is  especially  notable  as 
coming  from  outside  the  town  and  county. 

The  original  aim  of  the  promoters  of  the  charity  fund  was  the  estab- 
lishment at  Amherst  Academy  of  a  professorship  of  languages,  with  a 
permanent  salary  equal  to  the  importance  and  dignity  of  such  an  office. 
The  committee  appointed  to  solicit  subscriptions  soon  discovered  that    the 


CONSTITUTION    OF    THE    CHARITY    FUND.  I  57 

object  was  too  limited  to  attract  public  sympathy  or  aid  ;  they  therefore 
determined  to  enlarge  their  plan,  and  accordingly  framed  and  reported  a 
''constitution  and  system  of  by-laws  for  raising  and  managing  a  permanent 
Charity  Fund  as  the  basis  of  an  Institution  in  Amherst,  in  the  county  of 
Hampshire,  for  the  classical  education  of  indigent  young  men  of  piety  and 
talents,  for  the  Christian  ministry."  This  report  was  accepted  by  the  board 
of  trustees  of  Amherst  Academy  at  a  meeting  held  Aug.  18,  1818.  The 
constitution  thus  adopted  was  drawn  up  by  Rufus  Craves.  Esq.,  one  of  the 
incorporators  of  the  Academy  ;  it  was  submitted  to  Jeremiah  Mason  and 
Daniel  Webster,  and  both  pronounced  it  a  legal  instrument,  binding  in  law 
on  the  subscribers  to  the  fund.  Among  its  provisions  was  one  for  the 
incorporation  of  Williams  College  with  the  proposed  institution,  should  it 
be  thought  expedient  to  remove  the  college  to  Hampshire  county.  The 
amount  of  the  fund  was  to  be  not  less  than  $50,000  ;  rive-sixths  of  the 
interest  of  the  entire  amount  was  to  be  appropriated  to  the  classical 
education  in  the  institution  of  indigent  pious  young  men  for  the  ministry, 
the  remaining  one-sixth  to  be  added  to  the  principal  for  its  perpetual 
increase.  The  management  and  appropriation  of  the  fund  was  to  be 
vested  in  the  trustees  of  Amherst  Academy,  until  the  classical  institution 
was  established  and  incorporated,  and  then  in  the  trustees  of  the  latter 
and  their  successors  forever.  There  were  to  be  seven  overseers  of  the 
fund,  the  four  highest  subscribers  being  permitted  to  appoint  one  overseer 
each,  the  other  three  to  be  elected  by  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  other 
subscribers  ;  this  board  of  overseers  were  to  be  self-perpetuating,  having 
power  to  fill  their  own  vacancies. 

Fully  impressed  with  the  importance  and  magnitude  of  their  under- 
taking, and  desirous  of  interesting  the  public  in  it  to  as  large  an  extent  as 
possible,  the  trustees  of  Amherst  Academy  resolved  to  call  a  convention 
of  the  Congregational  and  Presbyterian  clergy  of  the  counties  of  Hamp- 
shire. Franklin  and  Hampden  and  the  western  section  of  YVoixester  county. 
This  convention  met  Sept.  29,  1S18.  at  the  meeting-house  of  the  First  Congre- 
gational parish  of  Amherst.  Thirty-seven  towns  were  represented,  16  in 
Hampshire  county.  13  in  Franklin,  four  in  Hampden  and  four  in  Worcester. 
Amherst.  Creenfield  and  Granville  had  each  representatives  from  two 
parishes.  The  convention  was  composed  of  36  clergymen  and  32  laymen  ; 
Rev.  Joseph  Lyman,  D.  D.,  of  Hatfield,  presided.  The  constitution  and 
by-laws  of  the  proposed  institution  were  read,  and,  after  some  discussion, 
the  whole  matter  was  referred  to  a  committee  of  twelve.  The  committee 
presented  their  report  the  next  morning;  they  expressed  their  approval  of 
the  constitution,  recommended  Hampshire  county  as  the  most  eligible  site 
for  such  an  institution,  but  in  regard  to  the  particular  town  in  the  county, 
while  favorably  disposed  toward  Amherst,  it  was  thought  expedient  to  leave 


158  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

that  question  to  the  decision  of  a  disinterested  committee  appointed  by 
the  convention.  Many  members  of  the  convention  favored  Northampton 
as  the  site  for  the  institution,  there  was  a  long  and  heated  discussion,  and 
it  was  not  until  Hon.  Samuel  Fowler  Dickinson  had  delivered  a  strong 
and  eloquent  address  in  favor  of  Amherst  that  the  convention  was  induced 
to  decide  on  the  latter  place. 

As  early  as  1815,  the  trustees  and  many  of  the  friends  of  Williams 
College  had  begun  to  agitate  the  question  of  removing  that  institution  to 
some  place  in  Hampshire  county  where  it  would  be  more  favorably  situated 
and  easier  of  access.  At  that  time  Williams  College  had  two  buildings, 
58  students,  two  professors  and  two  tutors  ;  its  income  fell  far  short  of  its 
•expenditures.  At  a  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  college,  held 
May  2,  1815,  a  committee  was  appointed  "to  take  into  consideration  the 
removal  of  the  college  to  some  other  part  of  the  Commonwealth  ;"  this 
committee  reported,  at  a  meeting  held  in  September,  that  such  a  removal 
was  inexpedient,  "  at  the  present  time  and  under  existing  circumstances." 
Zephaniah  S.  Moore,  who  had  been  elected  president  at  the  May  meeting, 
was  from  the  first  decidedly  in  favor  of  such  a  removal.  At  a  meeting  of 
trustees  of  Amherst  Academy,  held  Oct.  26,  1818,  a  committee  of  three 
was  appointed  to  confer  with  the  trustees  of  Williams  College  at  their 
Session  to  be  held  in  Williamstown  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  November, 
to  communicate  to  them  the  result  of  the  convention  held  at  Amherst  in 
September.  The  trustees  of  Williams  College  made  no  reply  to  the  com- 
mittee from  Amherst,  but  at  their  meeting  resolved  that  it  was  expedient 
to  remove  the  college  on  certain  conditions,  and  appointed  a  committee  to 
visit  the  towns  in  Hampshire  county  and  determine  the  place  to  which  the 
college  should  be  removed.  The  trustees  of  Amherst  Academy  appointed 
a  committee  to  confer  with  the  Williams  College  committee,  and  to  represent 
to  the  latter  the  claims  of  the  town  of  Amherst  to  be  the  seat  of  the 
college;  the  college  committee,  after  a  careful  inspection  of  the  towns  in 
the  valley,  were  unanimous  in  naming  Northampton  as  the  proper  site  to 
which  the  college  should  be  removed.  In  February,  1820,  the  trustees  of 
Williams  College  petitioned  the  General  Court  for  permission  to  remove 
the  college  to  Northampton;  the  petition  was  rejected. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  of  Amherst  Academy,  held  in  March, 
1820,  they  took  measures  for  collecting  the  subscriptions  to  the  charity 
fund,  raising  additional  subscriptions,  erecting  a  suitable  building  and 
opening  the  institution  for  the  reception  of  students.  Subscriptions  to 
this  fund  began  in  May,  1818,  and  in  one  year's  time  they  amounted  to 
$37,244.  Of  this  sum,  citizens  of  Amherst  had  contributed  #9,210,  those 
of  other  towns  in  Hampshire  county  $6,538,  those  in  Franklin  county 
towns    $12,511,  Worcester   county    l>4.575,  Hampden   county  $745.     The 


THE    FIRST    COLLEGE    BUILDING.  159 

constitution  provided  that  the  fund  should  amount  to  at  least  $50,000;  to 
insure  the  raising  of  the  full  amount  a  guarantee  bond  in  the  sum  of  Si  5.000 
was  made  out  to  the  trustees  of  the  academy  and  signed  by  the  following  : 
Rev.  David  Parsons.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson.  Jarib  White,  Elijah  Boltwood, 
Hezekiah  W.  Strong,  Knos  Baker,  John  Leland,  Jr.,  Calvin  Merrill,  Joseph 
Church,  Jr.  Not  one  of  the  Amherst  subscribers  to  this  fund  was  accounted 
a  rich  man,  even  in  those  days  of  limited  fortunes  ;  they  gave  not  of  their 
abundance,  but  of  their  poverty  ;  not  because  they  could  spare  the  money, 
but  because  the  interests  of  education  demanded  it.  Of  the  signers  of 
the  guarantee  bond,  many  were  already  subscribers  to  the  fund;  David 
Parsons  had  given  S600.  Samuel  1'.  Dickinson  S600,  Jarib  White  S150, 
Elijah  Boltwood  S200,  John  Leland.  Jr.  S150.  John  Eastman  was  not  one 
of  the  signers  of  the  bond,  but  subscribed  $400  to  the  fund  and  then  paid 
$1000  more  toward  indemnifying  the  signers.  Elijah  Dickinson  gave  the 
land  for  the  site  of  the  college  buildings,  valued  at  S600.  Dr.  Rufus 
Cowles  gave  lands  in  Maine  valued  at  S5000. 

The  trustees  of  the  academy,  at  a  meeting  held  May  10.  1820.  appointed 
a  committee  to  procure  a  good  and  sufficient  title  to  the  ten  acres  of  land 
conditionally  conveyed  to  them  by  Col.  Elijah  Dickinson,  to  digest  a  plan 
of  a  suitable  building  for  the  institution,  to  procure  subscriptions,  donations 
or  contributions  for  defraying  the  expense  thereof,  and  to  prepare  the 
ground  and  erect  the  buildings  as  soon  as  the  necessarv  means  were 
provided.  The  committee  secured  a  title  to  the  land,  marked  out  the 
ground  for  the  site  of  a  building  100  feet  long,  30  feet  broad  and  four 
stories  high,  and  invited  the  citizens  of  Amherst  friendly  to  the  project  to 
contribute  labor  and  materials  and  provisions  for  the  workmen.  Then  and 
not  until  then  did  it  become  fully  apparent  how  deep  and  how  widespread 
was  the  interest  that  had  been  awakened  by  the  project  in  the  community. 
There  were  many  whose  circumstances  prohibited  them  from  subscribing 
to  the  fund,  but  they  gave  freely  and  gladly  of  material  and  labor.  Nor 
were  the  citizens  of  Amherst  unaided  in  their  labors  ;  side  by  side  with 
them  were  residents  of  Pelham  and  Leverett  and  Belchertown  and  Hadley, 
working  together  for  the  advancement  of  the  interests  of  education  and 
religion,  as  they  had  in  earlier  times  fought  side  by  side  for  the  "  common 
cause."  The  stone  for  the  foundation  was  brought  chiefly  from  Pelham 
by  gratuitous  labor,  the  first  load  being  furnished  as  a  free-will  offering  by 
Wells  Southworth,  then  a  resident  of  Pelham.  who  afterwards  removed  to 
New  Haven,  Conn,  where  he  gained  wealth  and  distinction,  but  ever 
retained  his  interest  in  the  college  on  the  hill.  Donations  of  stone,  lumber, 
lime,  sand,  materials  of  all  kinds  came  in  from  every  quarter,  and  teams  for 
hauling  and  men  for  handling  were  provided  in  abundance  without  price. 
The  work  was  carried  on  clay  and  night,  and  by  the  9th  of  August  the  foun- 


l6o  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

dations  were  nearly  completed  and  ready  for  laying  the  corner-stone. 
The  exercises  attendant  on  the  laying  of  this  corner-stone  were 
witnessed  by  hundreds  of  people  from  Amherst  and  surrounding  towns  ; 
they  were  solemn  and  impressive,  worthy  of  the  occasion  and  of  those 
who  bore  a  part  in  them.  A  procession  was  formed  at  the  academy  build- 
ing, headed  by  the  building  committee  and  the  workmen,  who  were  followed 
in  turn  by  the  academy  trustees,  the  subscribers  to  the  fund  then  present, 
a  number  of  the  neighboring  clergy  and  the  preceptors  and  students  of 
the  academy,  and  marched  to  College  hill.  The  order  of  exercises  was  as 
follows  :  Prayer  by  Rev.  Mr.  Crosby  of  Enfield,  laying  of  the  corner-stone 
by  Rev.  1  >r.  Parsons,  president  of  the  board  of  trustees  ;  an  address  by 
Noah  Webster,  Esq.,  vice-president  of  the  board ;  prayer  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Porter,  of  Belchertown  ;  sermon  by  Rev.  Daniel  A.  Clark,  of  Amherst; 
prayer  by  Rev.  Mr.  Grout,  of  Hawley.  The  sermon  and  address  were 
printed  the  same  year  by  request  of  the  trustees  ;  from  the  address  the 
following  paragraphs  are  quoted  : 

"  We  are  assembled  this  day  to  lay  the  corner-stone  of  an  Edifice,  designed  for 
the  accommodation  of  the  beneficiaries,  who  may  be  placed  on  the  fund  which 
your  benevolence  has  constituted  for  their  education  in  classical  literature  and  the 
sciences.  This  act  and  the  ceremonies  of  the  day  will  witness  to  you  the  sincere 
intentions,  and  ardent  desire  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Amherst  Academy,  to 
carry  into  effect  the  design  of  the  liberal  charity  which  you  have  consecrated  to  the 
advancement  of  the  Christian  Church.  That  they  have  not  sooner  commenced  the 
execution  of  the  trust  reposed  in  them,  by  the  constitution  of  the  fund,  is  to  be 
ascribed  wholly  to  considerations  of  prudence  and  experience,  arising  out  of  cir- 
cumstances over  which  they  had  no  control.  If.  however,  this  delay  has  contributed 
to  strengthen  the  cause,  by  removing  obstacles  and  illuminating  the  path  of  duty, 
we  are  confident  that  the  patrons  of  the  institution  will  justify  the  Board,  in  this 
exercise  of  their  discretion. 

The  object  of  this  institution,  that  of  educating  for  the  gospel  ministry  young 
men  in  indigent  circumstances,  but  of  hopeful  piety  and  promising  talents,  is  one 
of  the  noblest  which  can  occupy  the  attention  and  claim  the  contributions  of  the 
Christian  public.  It  is  to  second  the  efforts  of  the  apostles  themselves,  in  extending 
and  establishing  the  Redeemer's  empire— the  empire  of  truth.  It  is  to  aid  in  the 
important  works  of  raising  the  human  race  from  ignorance  and  debasement ;  to 
enlighten  their  minds;  to  exalt  their  character;  and  to  teach  them  the  way  to 
happiness  and  to  glory.  Too  long  have  men  been  engaged  in  the  barbarous  works 
of  multiplying  the  miseries  of  human  life.  Too  long  have  their  exertions  and 
resources  been  devoted  to  war  and  plunder:  to  the  destruction  of  lives,  and 
property;  to  the  ravage  of  i  ities;  to  the  unnatural,  the  monstrous  employment  of 
enslaving  and  degrading  their  own  species,  blessed  be  our  lot!  We  live  to  see  a 
new  era  in  the  history  of  man  an  era  when  reason  and  religion  begin  to  resume 
their  sway,  and  to  impress  the  heavenly  truth,  that  the  appropriate  business  of 
men.  is  to  imitate  the  Saviour,  to  serve  their  God  :  and  bless  their  fellow-men. 

Such    an   institution,  with    an   appropriate   destination,  in  which  the  views  and 

the   liberality    and   prayers  of  an   extensive   Christian  community,  may  be 

Concentrated,  seems  to  be  a  desideratum   in  our    country:    and  it  is  believed,  will 


noah  Webster's  address.  161 

command  the  respect,  and  receive  the  patronage  of  the  public.  The  place  selected 
for  the  seat  of  this  seminary,  is  believed  to  be  peculiarly  well  adapted  to  secure  its 
prosperity.  It  is  to  be  situated  in  a  populous  country,  abounding  with  provisions; 
in  a  climate  remarkable  for  its  salubrity:  in  a  village  where  no  peculiar  circum- 
stances exist  to  invite  dissipation  and  extravagant  expenditures;  surrounded  by  a 
well  cultivated  territory,  inhabited  by  people,  whose  moral,  religious  and  literary 
habits,  dispose  them  to  cherish  the  cultivation  of  the  mind,  and  the  propagation  of 
evangelical  truth— while  the  extensive  prospect  and  diversified  scenery,  presented 
to  the  eye  from  this  elevation,  is  adapted  by  nature  and  by  art.  to  delight 
the  student,  and  to  furnish,  to  piety,  perpetual  sources  of  contemplation  and 
improvement. 

Let  us  then  take  courage  !  The  design  is  unquestionably  good,  and  its  success 
must  be  certain.  Small  efforts  combined  and  continued,  cannot  fail  to  produce  the 
desired  effect,  and  realize  the  hopes  of  its  founders.  Prudence  and  integrity  will 
subdue  opposition,  and  invite  co-operation  :  perseverance  will  bring  to  our  aid  new 
accessions  of  strength,  and  a  thousand  small  streams  of  charity  from  unexpected 
sources,  will  flow  into  the  common  current  of  benevolence  which  is  to  water  and 
refresh  this  nursery  of  gospel  ministers.  This  institution  will  grow  and  flourish, 
and  become  auxiliary  to  a  thousand  associations  which  Christian  philanthropy  has 
formed,  to  reclaim  and  evangelize  the  miserable  children  of  Adam.  Charity  will 
nourish,  protect  and  augment  what  charity  has  begun;  and  the  prayers  of  piety 
will  invite  blessings  on  this  humble  effort  to  diffuse  the  gospel  of  peace." 

The  foundations  having  been  completed,  work  on  the  superstructure 
was  carried  on  with  even  greater  zeal,  so  that  on  the  nineteenth  day  from 
the  laying  of  the  corner-stone  the  roof-timbers  were  erected  on  the  building. 
When  work  on  the  building  began,  the  building  committee  were  without 
funds  and  dependent  upon  such  contributions  as  should  be  made  from 
time  to  time  to  carry  on  the  enterprise.  Repeatedly  during  the  progress, 
of  the  work  they  were  compelled  to  notify  the  president  of  the  trustees 
that  they  could  proceed  no  further.  On  such  occasions  meetings  of  the 
trustees  would  be  called,  and  by  subscriptions  of  their  own  and  renewed 
solicitation  for  voluntary  contributions,  funds  were  procured  that  enabled 
the  committee  to  prosecute  the  work.  And  so  generous  was  the  response 
to  these  appeals,  that  when  the  roof  and  chimneys  were  completed,  the  bills 
unpaid  and  unprovided  for  were  less  than  $1300.  Work  was  suspended 
during  the  winter  months,  but  was  resumed  in  the  spring,  and  the  interior 
of  the  building  finished  by  similar  means  and  with  equal  dispatch.  By  the 
middle  of  June  the  building  was  so  near  completion  that  the  trustees  made 
arrangements  for  its  dedication,  in  connection  with  the  inauguration  of  the 
president  and  professors,  and  the  opening  of  the  college  in  September. 


[62  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 


Zephaniah  Swift  Moore,  First  President  of  Amherst  College. — 
Rufus Graves. — Samuel  F.  Dickinson. — Hezekiah  W.  Strong. 
— Life  at  the  College  in  its  Early  Days. — Heman  Hum- 
phrey Elected  President. — How  the  Charier  was  Secured. 
—Events  of   President  Humphrey's  Administration. 

The  trustees  of  Amherst  Academy,  at  a  meeting  held  May  8,  182  i, 
"  Voted  unanimously  that  the  Rev.  Zephaniah  Swift  Moore  be,  and  is  hereby 
elected  President  of  the  Charity  Institution  in  this  town."  The  salary  of 
the  president,  who  was  also  to  serve  as  professor  of  theology  and  moral 
philosophy,  was  to  be  $1200  per  arftium  and  "the  usual  perquisites."  At 
the  same  meeting  it  was  voted  to  build  a  house  for  the  president,  if  sufficient 
donations  in  money,  material  and  labor  could  be  procured.  Zephaniah 
Swift  Moore  was,  at  the  time  he  received  the  invitation  to  become  the  first 
president  of  the  new  institution,  president  of  Williams  College.  He  had 
taken  great  interest  in  the  movement  made  to  relocate  the  college  in 
Hampshire  county,  and  when  it  failed  he  determined  to  resign  from  the 
presidency.  In  his  letter  accepting  the  call  to  Amherst,  he  wrote  :  "  I 
should  be  wholly  averse  to  becoming  united  with  any  institution  which 
proposes  to  give  a  classical  education  inferior  to  that  given  in  any  of  the 
Colleges  in  New  England."  That  the  trustees  were  in  sympathy  with  this 
declaration  is  shown  by  the  fact  that,  at  their  meeting  in  June,  they  voted 
that  the  qualifications  of  candidates  for  admission  to  the  institution,  and 
the  course  of  studies  to  be  pursued  during  the  four  years  of  membership, 
should  be  the  same  as  those  established  in  Yale  College.  The  trustees  also 
elected  Rev.  Gamaliel  S.  Olds  to  lie  professor  of  mathematics  and  natural 
philosophy,  and  Joseph  Estabrook  to  be  professor  of  the  Greek  and  Latin 
languages. 

September  iS.  1821,  the  exercises  of  dedication  and  inauguration  were 
held  in  the  church-building  of  the  hirst  parish.  The  exert  ises  included. 
introductory  remarks  by  Noah  Webster,  Esq.;  prayer  by  Rev.  Mr.  Crosby, 
of  Enfield;  a  sermon  by  Rev.  Dr.  Leland,  of  Charleston,  S.  C.;  the  induc- 
tion into  office  of  the  president  and  one  of  the  professors,  the  other  pro- 
fessor being  absent:  brief  addresses  by  President  Moore  and  Professor 
Estabrook,  and  a  concluding  prayer  by  Rev.  Mr.  Snell  of  North  Brookfield. 
At  the  close  of  the  exercises  a  collection  was  taken  for  the  benefit  of  the 
institution    and   the   corner-stone    of   the    president's  house  was  laid.      The 


FOUNDERS    OF    THE    COLLEGE.  163 

following  clay  the  college  was  opened,  and  after  examinations  were  held, 
forty-seven  students  were  admitted,  some  into  each  of  the  four  classes  ;  of 
this  number,  fifteen  accompanied  Dr.  Moore  from  Williams  College. 

In  an  address  delivered  at  the  celebration  of  the  one  hundred  and 
fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  organization  of  the  First  Congregational  church 
of  Amherst,  Nov.  7,  18S9,  Professor  William  S.  Tyler  made  the  statement 
that  the  officers  and  members  of  the  church  and  congregation  were  the 
founders  of  Amherst  Academy  and  Amherst  College.  This  statement 
might  have  been  broadened  to  include  the  citizens  of  Amherst  generally, 
but  it  is  true  that  the  leaders  in  the  First  church  at  that  time  were  leaders 
as  well  in  establishing  the  elder  as  well  as  the  younger  institution.  There 
was  help  from  without  the  town,  help  that  was  both  generous  and  necessary, 
but  the  brunt  of  the  burden  fell  upon  Amherst  men,  and  Amherst  women. 
The  town,  as  a  town,  had  no  part  in  the  enterprise.  From  the  beginning, 
the  relations  between  the  church  and  the  academy  and  college  were  most 
intimate  and  cordial.  The  first  meetings  for  prayer  and  conference  in  the 
village  and  the  social  religious  meetings  of  the  First  parish  was  held  for 
many  years  in  the  academy  building.  When  the  college  was  first  organized, 
morning  and  evening  prayers  were  held  in  the  meeting-house  on  the  hill; 
the  bell  in  the  same  structure  summoned  the  students  to  their  daily  exercises, 
and  on  the  Sabbath  the  faculty  and  .students  worshiped  with  the  people  of 
the  parish.  The  people  of  Amherst  were  proud  of  the  college  which  they 
had  done  so  much  to  establish:  they  have  never  lost  that  pride,  although 
in  later  years  the  bonds  of  fellowship  between  town  and  college  have  been 
less  closely  drawn. 

Zephaniah  Swift  Moore,  the  first  president  of  Amherst  College,  was 
born  in  1770,  in  the  town  of  Palmer.  He  was  graduated  from  Dartmouth 
College  in  1793  ;  after  graduation  he  taught  in  an  academy  at  London- 
derrv,  X.  H.;  studied  theology  at  Somers,  Conn.;  was  licensed  to  preach 
in  1796;  was  pastor  of  the  church  in  Leicester.  Mass.,  eleven  years:  pro- 
fessor of  languages  at  Dartmouth  College,  four  years  until  1815,  when  he 
was  elected  to  the  presidency  of  Williams  College.  During  his  presidency 
at  Williams  College  that  institution  prospered  greatly  ;  on  his  removal  to 
Amherst,  he  was  followed  by  a  little  less  than  one-fifth  of  the  whole  number 
in  the  three  classes  to  which  they  belonged  at  the  Berkshire  College. 

Before  proceeding  further  with  the  history  of  the  college,  it  is  desirable 
that  a  little  space  be  devoted  to  brief  sketches  of  those  who  may  with 
propriety  be  styled  its  k'  working  founders."  Among  these,  Professor 
Tyler  accords  the  place  of  honor  to  Rufus  Graves,  familiarly  known  as 
"  Colonel  "  Graves.  Mr.  Graves  was  born  in  Sunderland  in  1758,  and  was 
graduated  from  Dartmouth  College  in  the  class  of  1791.  The  precise  date 
of    his  removal  to  Amherst  is  unknown,  but  in  181  7  he  united  with  the  First 


joj  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Congregational. church  in  this  town.  Ik' was  a  man  of  intellect  and  great 
ambition,  the  originator  of  many  schemes  which  for  some  reason  persisted 
in  refusing  to  yield  good  financial  returns.  When  the  plan  of  raising  a 
charitable  fund  for  the  education  of  indigent  young  men  for  the  gospel 
ministry  was  adopted  by  the  trustees  of  Amherst  Academy,  they  determined 
to  employ  Colonel  Graves  as  their  agent.  No  choice  could  have  been 
molt-  fortunate  ;  in  his  character  were  embraced  qualities  that  particularly 
fitted  him  for  the  task  in  hand.  He  was  earnest,  enthusiastic,  persistent ; 
he  knew  how  to  appeal,  exhort,  command.  When  the  project  was  simply 
the  enlargement  of  Amherst  Academy  by  the  addition  of  a  professorship 
of  languages,  he  met  with  little  encouragement,  but  when  it  was  decided  to 
lay  the  foundations  for  a  collegiate  institution  he  gave  himself  to  the  enter- 
prise with  an  enthusiasm  that  commanded  success.  He  went  to  every 
part  of  the  state,  interviewed  thousands  of  people  of  all  conditions  in  life, 
argued  with  them,  pleaded  with  them,  and,  if  necessary,  almost  constrained 
them  to  contribute  sums  ranging  in  amount  from  ten  dollars  to  one  thousand 
dollars.  To  his  earnestness  and  enthusiasm  was  due  in  large  measure  the 
raising  of  the  charity  fund,  the  real  corner-stone  of  Amherst  College. 

Associated  with  him,  but  in  a  different  line  of  work,  were  Samuel 
Fowler  Dickinson  and  Hezekiah  Wright  Strong.  Concerning  these  two 
men  more  will  be  related  in  following  chapters  ;  at  present  they  will  be 
considered  only  in  their  relation  to  the  establishment  of  the  college. 

Samuel  Fowler  Dickinson  was  graduated  from  Dartmouth  College  in 
1795  ;  being  an  educated  man  he  naturally  took  an  interest  in  educational 
affairs.  He  was  one  of  the  incorporators  of  Amherst  Academy,  and  when 
the  attempt  was  made  to  raise  the  charity  fund  it  was  at  his  suggestion 
that  the  object  was  changed  from  the  founding  of  a  professorship  to  the 
establishment  of  a  collegiate  institution.  He  was  among  the  first  sub- 
scribers to  the  fund  and  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Si  5,000  guarantee  bond. 
It  is  doubtful  if,  without  his  aid,  the  first  college  building  could  have  been 
completed.  Time  and  again  when  the  funds  were  exhausted,  he  pledged 
his  private  property  at  the  bank  that  the  work  might  go  on.  When  there 
was  no  money  to  pay  for  teams  to  draw  the  brick  or  men  to  handle  them. 
he  sent  his  own  horses  and  his  own  laborers  to  assist.  He  boarded  some 
of  the  laborers,  paying  their  wages  out  of  his  own  pocket.  He  actually 
made  himself  poor  that  the  work  in  which  he  was  so  deeply  interested 
might   prosper. 

Hezekiah  Wright  Strong  was  son  of  Judge  Simeon  Strong,  and 
although  not  a  college  graduate  took  a  deep  interest  in  all  educational 
matters.  He,  also,  was  among  the  incorporators  of  Amherst  Academy. 
When  the  proposition  was  first  made  to  remove  Williams  College  to  Hamp- 
shire county   he.  in  common   with  many   others,  determined    that  il    should 


THE    FIRST    COMMENCEMENT.  1 65 

come  to  Amherst.  He  selected  College  hill  as  the  proper  site  for  the 
institution,  and,  one  moonlight  evening,  accompanied  by  Col.  Graves,  he 
visited  the  grounds,  measured  the  land  and  marked  out  the  spot  where 
the  first  building  was  to  stand.  He  was  one  of  the  men  who  signed  the 
$15,000  guarantee  bond,  and  served  for  many  years  as  one  of  the  over- 
seers of  the  charity  fund. 

The  first  year  of  President  Moore's  administration  was  a  busy  and 
prosperous  one  at  the  college.  Instructors  and  students  entered  upon 
their  work  with  an  earnestness  and  enthusiasm  that  commanded  success. 
From  the  beginning.  President  Moore  inspired  all  with  whom  he  came  in 
contact  with  respect  and  admiration.  A  scholarly  man,  of  deep  religious 
convictions,  giving  himself  unreservedly  to  his  work,  he  possessed  attri- 
butes of  mind  and  heart  which  won  the  affection  of  his  fellow  laborers,  his 
pupils  and  the  community  in  which  he  lived.  Needless  to  say,  the  gaining 
of  an  education  at  Amherst  College  in  its  earlier  years  was  attended  with 
difficulties  which,  to  a  student  of  later  years,  would  seem  insurmountable, 
(lass-rooms  and  recitation-rooms  were  lacking,  there  was  scarcely  anything 
in  the  way  of  equipment.  Recitations  were  held  in  the  rooms  occupied  by 
the  students  ;  the  college  library,  contained  in  a  case  scarcely  six  feet 
wide,  was  placed  in  an  entry  of  the  first  building.  The  first  catalog  of  the 
institution  was  issued  in  March,  1822  :  it  was  a  single  sheet,  12x14  inches 
in  size,  printed  only  on  one  side.  The  faculty  comprised  the  president, 
three  professors,  of  whom  one  was  never  installed,  and  one  tutor.  The 
number  of  students  was  59,  of  whom  three  were  seniors,  six  juniors,  nine- 
teen sophomores  and  thirty-one  freshmen.  The  first  commencement 
exercises  were  held  Aug.  28.  1S22.  in  the  meeting-house  of  the  First  parish. 
The  graduates  were  two  in  number,  Ebenezer  S.  Snell  and  Pindar  Field  ; 
a  third  member  of  the  senior  class,  Ezra  Fairchild,  left  before  the  close  of 
the  year  and  did  not  receive  his  degree  until  1S52.  As  the  institution  had 
no  charter,  and  no  authority  to  confer  degrees,  the  graduates  were  given 
certificates  in  Latin  that  they  had  honorably  completed  the  usual  college 
course. 

In  the  summer  of  1822,  work  was  begun  on  the  second  college 
building,  afterwards  known  as  North  College;  a  subscription  of  $30,000 
was  opened  to  pay  for  this  building,  to  settle  debts  already  contracted  and 
defray  other  necessary  expenses.  In  the  winter  of  1S22-23,  this  building 
was  completed  and  occupied.  Two  rooms  in  the  fourth  story  of  the  new 
building  were  left  without  partitions  between  them  or  the  entry  adjoining, 
and  were  converted  into  a  hall  which  served  as  a  chapel  and  lecture-room. 
The  second  catalog,  published  in  October,  1822,  contains  the  names  of  the 
overseers  of  the  charity  fund,  as  well  as  faculty  and  students.  The 
teaching;   force   had   been   enlarged   bv   the   addition    of   two   tutors  ;    the 


1 66  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

students  numbered  98,  including  five  seniors,  twenty-one  juniors,  thirty-two 
sophomores  and  forty  freshmen.  The  term  bills  including  tuition,  room- 
rent,  etc.,  were  from 'ten  to  eleven  dollars  a  term  ;  board  was  from  one 
dollar  to  one  dollar  and  a-quarter  a  week,  wood  from  one  dollar  and  a-half 
to  two  dollars  a  cord,  washing  from  twelve  to  twenty  cents  a  week.  Two 
literary  societies,  the  Alexandrian  and  Athenian,  and  a  society  afterwards 
called  the  "  Society  of  Religious  Inquiry"  were  organized  soon  after  the 
opening  of  the  institution.  The  college  felt  the  influence  of  its  first 
religious  revival  during  the  spring  term  of  1823  ;  as  a  result  of  this  revival 
there  were  twenty-three  conversions,  only  thirteen  students  remaining  with- 
out a  personal  faith  and  hope  in  Christ. 

The  labor  and  responsibility  that  devolved  upon  President  Moore  in 
the  government  and  management  of  affairs  of  the  new  institution  were 
more  than  any  one  man  could  undertake  with  safety  to  himself.  In  addi- 
tion to  his  duties  as  president  of  the  college  and  chairman  of  the  board  of 
trustees,  he  heard  all  the  recitations  of  the  seniors  and  a  part  of  those  of 
the  sophomore  class.  He  was  also  active  in  promoting  the  financial 
interests  of  the  institution,  and  was  compelled  to  make  several  journeys  to 
Boston  in  its  behalf.  The  revival,  which  was  welcomed  by  him  as  by  all 
friends  of  the  institution,  added  greatly  to  his  labors  and  responsibilities. 
The  strain  proved  too  great  for  his  constitution,  naturally  strong,  and  on 
June  25,  1S23,  he  was  attacked  by  illness  which,  four  days  later,  resulted 
in  his  death.  The  college  could  not,  at  that  time,  have  suffered  a  greater 
misfortune.  The  students  were  so  deeply  impressed  with  their  loss,  and  so 
fearful  of  what  the  future  had  in  store  for  the  college,  the  members  of  the 
senior  class  requested  of  the  trustees  that  they  be  released  from  participat- 
ing in  any  commencement  exercises  and  from  all  further  connection  with 
the  college.  At  the  earnest  request  of  the  trustees  they  consented  to  remain 
and  were  graduated  in  due  form. 

In  Jul\-,  1823,  Rev.  Heman  Humphrey  was  chosen  to  the  presidency 
of  the  college.  Dr.  Humphrey  was  horn  in  West  Simsbury,  Conn., 
March  26,  1779.  He  was  graduated  from  Yale  College  in  1805:  studied 
theology  with  Rev.  Mr.  Hooker  at  Goshen,  Conn.;  was  ordained  and 
installed  as  pastor  of  the  church  in  Fairfield,  Conn.,  March  16,  1807; 
became,  in  1S17.  pastor  of  the  church  at  Pittsfield,  Mass..  and  was  still 
engaged  in  the  duties  of  this  pastorate  when  summoned  to  the  presidencj 
ol  Amherst  College.  The  circumstances  attendant  upon  the  inauguration 
of  the  new  administration  were  far  from  auspicious.  The  college  had  yet  to 
gain  a  place  among  the  recognized  institutions  of  learning  in  the  state; 
its  financial  resources  were  inadequate  to  provide  for  its  numerous  and 
pressing  needs;  its  students,  who  had  come  to  regard  President  Moore  as 
the  embodiment  of  all  good  in  the   college,  were    at    first    inclined    to    look 


PRESIDENT    HEMAN     HUMPHREY.  167 

with  little  favor  upon  his  successor.  He  accepted  the  call  to  Amherst  with 
reluctance,  and  only  after  he  was  thoroughly  convinced  that  it  was  in  the 
line  of  his  duty.  He  was  installed  as  president,  Oct.  15.  1823.  His 
inaugural  address  was  remarkable  for  its  sound  common  sense,  its  practical 
wisdom,  its  vigor  of  thought  and  felicity  of  expression;  it  convinced  all 
who  listened  to  it  that  the  trustees  had  made  no  mistake  in  their  choice, 
that  the  right  man  had  been  inducted  into  office. 

The  total  number  of  students  at  the  college  when  Dr.  Humphrey 
acceded  to  the  presidency  was  126.  of  whom  19  were  seniors,  29  juniors, 
41  sophomores  and  3 7  freshmen.  The  faculty  consisted  of  the  same  persons 
who  had  been  associated  with  President  Moore,  with  the  addition  of  Samuel 
M.  Worcester  as  tutor.  In  1S24,  Rev.  Nathan  W.  Fiske  succeeded  Joseph 
Estabrook  as  professor  of  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages.  Dr.  Humphrey's 
duties  were  many  and  arduous  ;  he  was  the  sole  teacher  of  the  senior  class, 
presided  at  the  weekly  declamations  in  the  chapel,  preached  occasionally 
at  the  First  parish  meeting-house  so  long  as  the  students  worshiped  there, 
and  when  a  separate  organization  was  formed  became  the  pastor  of  the 
College  church.  He  drew  up  the  first  code  of  written  and  printed  ->  Laws 
of  the  Collegiate  Charity  Institution.'"  and  did  much  to  introduce  order 
and  system  into  the  still  imperfectly  organized  seminary;  at  the  same  time 
he  was  actively  engaged  in  the  endeavor  to  raise  funds  and  to  secure  a 
charter  for  the  institution. 

The  first  application  to  the  Legislature  for  a  charter  was  made  during 
the  winter  session  of  1823  ;  in  January  of  that  year,  the  petition  of  Presi- 
dent Moore  that  the  "  Institution  in  Amherst  for  giving  a  classical  education 
to  pious  young  men  may  be  incorporated  "  was  referred  to  a  joint  committee 
of  the  two  Houses.  President  Moore  and  other  friends  of  the  college 
appeared  before  this  committee,  suggesting  as  was  common  in  such  matters, 
that  the  question  be  referred  to  the  next  General  Court.  The  committee 
so  reported,  but.  contrary  to  precedent  and  to  the  expectation  of  the  friends 
of  the  college,  the  report  was  not  accepted  and  the  petition  was  rejected  by 
both  Houses,  nearly  all  the  members  voting  against  it,  including  the  repre- 
sentative from  Amherst.  Aaron  Merrick,  who  was  elected  representative 
from  Amherst  in  May,  1822.  and  who  served  at  the  General  Court  session 
held  in  the  winter  of  1823,  was  son  of  James  Merrick,  who  was  one  of 
the  original  members  of  the  Second  parish.  The  hard  feelings  that  had 
been  engendered  by  the  organization  of  the  Second  church  were  still 
cherished  by  the  members  of  the  two  parishes,  and,  as  Amherst  College 
was  closely  identified  with  the  First  parish,  it  is  more  than  possible  that 
the  Amherst  representative  was  influenced  in  his  action  by  personal 
considerations. 


l68  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

The  friends  of  the  college  were  not  discouraged  at  the  failure  of  their 
first  effort  to  gain  recognition  from  the  state.  At  the  session  of  the  Legis- 
lature held  in  the  spring  and  summer  of  1823,  a  petition  for  a  charter  for 
the  college  was  presented  by  its  president  and  members  of  its  board  of 
trustees,  accompanied  by  a  memorial  from  the  subscribers  to  the  charity 
fund,  stating  that  the  institution  at  Amherst  had  already  accomplished 
great  good  and  praying  that  the  petition  of  the  trustees  be  granted.  The 
petition  and  memorial  were  referred  to  a  joint  committee,  which  reported 
in  favor  of  the  petitioners  having  leave  to  bring  in  a  bill.  The  House  and 
Senate  concurred  in  referring  consideration  of  the  report  to  the  next 
General  Court.  This  action  was  taken  in  June,  and  the  next  session  of 
the  General  Court  was  to  be  held  in  January,  1824.  The  friends  and 
opponents  of  the  college  spent  the  intervening  time  in  preparing  for  the 
struggle  that  was  to  come.  The  friends  of  Williams  and  Harvard  Colleges 
and  of  Brown  University  were  active  in  their  opposition  to  the  granting  of 
a  charter  to  Amherst  College.  The  trustee  of  Williams  College  were 
especialy  prominent  in  their  opposition  foreseeing  that  the  new  institution 
must  come  in  serious  competition  with  the  Berkshire  college. 

Jan.  21,  1824,  the  report  of  the  joint  committee  in  favor  of  granting 
a  charter  came  up  in  the  Senate ;  it  was  debated  during  the  greater  part  of 
three  days  by  some  of  the  ablest  men  in  that  body.  The  opponents  of 
the  charter  argued  that  another  college  was  not  needed,  that  Williams 
College  would  be  injured,  that  it  was  inexpedient  to  multiply  colleges,  that 
the  petitioners  would  ask  for  money.  There  was  also  considerable  oppo- 
sition to  the  new  institution  on  account  of  its  orthodoxy.  The  weight  of 
argument  was  in  favor  of  the  college,  and  when  the  question  was  put  to 
vote  twenty-two  out  of  thirty-seven  senators  were  recorded  in  favor  of 
granting  the  charter.  The  contest  was  renewed  in  the  House  of  Represen- 
tatives, and  after  a  debate  lasting  four  days  the  subject  was  postponed  for 
one  week  ;  at  the  end  of  that  time,  after  some  further  discussion,  a  vote 
was  taken  on  the  question  of  concurring  with  the  Senate,  and  was  decided 
in  the  negative  by  a  majority  of   19  votes  out  of   199. 

The  trustees  and  friends  of  the  college  was  disappointed  but  not  dis- 
heartened; they  determined  to  renew  the  struggle  for  state  recognition 
immediately.  When  the  Genera]  Court  met  in  May,  [824,  a  petition  was 
presented  for  a  charter  for  the  college,  signed  by  the  trustees  ;  this  was 
harked  by  another  petition  of  the  founders  and  proprietors,  signed  by 
about  four-fifths  of  the  subscribers  to  the  charity  fund.  These  petitions 
were  referred  to  a  joint  committee  of  Senate  and  House,  which,  after 
listening  to  the  arguments  submitted  by  friends  and  opponents  of  the 
college,  reported  that  the  petitioners  have  leave  to  bring  in  a  bill.  This 
report    was    accepted    by    the    Senate    with  little  opposition.      There  was  a 


THE    CHARTER    GRANTED.  1 69 

determined  effort  made  in  the  House  to  secure  an  indefinite  postponement, 
or  reference  to  the  next  General  Court  ;  both  these  motions  having  been 
voted  down  by  a  large  majority,  it  was  decided,  after  extended  argument, 
to  refer  the  report  of  the  joint  committee  and  all  the  papers  relating  to  the 
case  to  a  committee  of  five  members,  with  power  to  send  for  persons  and 
papers,  to  sit  at  such  time  and  place  as  they  should  deem  expedient,  and 
to  inquire  in  substance,  i  st,  what  reliable  funds  the  institution  had  ;  2d. 
what  means  had  been  resorted  to  by  the  petitioners,  or  by  persons  acting 
in  their  behalf,  to  procure  subscriptions  ;  and  3d.  what  methods  had  been 
adopted  to  obtain  students.  The  members  appointed  to  serve  on  this 
committee  were  intelligent  and  fair-minded  men,  but  none  of  them  were  in 
sympathy  with  the  orthodox  religious  opinions  held  by  the  founders  of  the 
college. 

The  committee  met  at  lioltwood's  hotel  in  Amherst.  (  >ct.  4.  The 
trustees  and  friends  of  the  college  had  made  thorough  preparation  for  the 
rigid  investigation  which  they  knew  was  to  come.  Money  was  raised  in 
Amherst  and  in  Boston  to  make  good  the  Si 5.000  guarantee  bond.  The 
investigation  lasted  for  more  than  two  weeks  and  was  thorough  and 
exhaustive.  All  books  and  papers  belonging  to  the  institution  were  sub- 
mitted to  the  committee  ;  every  subscription  note  and  obligation  was  care- 
fully examined.  As  a  result  of  these  labors,  the  committee  submitted  to 
the  House,  Jan.  8,  1S25,  a  report  favorable  to  the  institution  in  all  essential 
features,  closing  with  the  recommendation  that  a  charter  be  granted.  This 
report  was  accepted  by  the  House,  Jan.  28:  by  the  Senate,  Jan.  29.  Feb. 
21.  the  bill,  having  been  somewhat  amended,  passed  to  be  enacted  in  both 
branches  of  the  Legislature,  and  having  received  the  signature  of  the 
acting  governor,  Marcus  Morton,  became  a  law.  and  Amherst  College  a 
chartered  institution.  Information  of  the  granting  of  the  charter  was 
received  with  great  rejoicing  in  the  town  of   Amherst. 

Xo  one  man  was  more  active  or  influential  in  gaining  a  charter  for 
Amherst  College  than  was  President  Humphrey.  He  realized  fully  that  a 
critical  time  had  arrived  in  the  history  of  the  institution,  that  without  formal 
recognition  by  the  state  it  could  never  hope  to  gain  the  power  for  useful 
ness  anticipated  by  its  founders.  He  was  a  persistent  worker,  leaving  no 
stone  unturned,  no  influence  untried,  that  might  aid  in  gaining  the  desired 
end.  In  so  doing,  he  gained  greatly  in  the  esteem  of  his  fellow-workers 
and  in  the  respect  and  love  of  the  students  at  the  college.  From  unpopular- 
ity, accidental  as  it  was  undeserved,  he  won  an  esteem  and  affection  as 
generous  as  the  heart  of  man  could  desire.  His  sound  common  sense  and 
practical  wisdom,  united  with  high  moral  and  Christian  principle  had  a 
most  beneficent  influence  upon  the  lives  and  characters  of  the  students  at 
the  college.      He  taught  them   not  aione  the  wisdom   in  books,  but  how  to 


170  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

think  and  reason  for  themselves.  He  gave  as  much,  if  not  more,  thought 
to  the  development  of  character  than  of  intellect.  Under  his  wise  and 
careful  administration  the  college  grew  and  prospered,  ranking  at  one  time 
in  the  number  of  its  students  above  Harvard  and  second  only  to  Yale 
among  the  collegiate  institutions  of   New  England. 

The  protracted  struggle  to  secure  its  charter  brought  Amherst  College 
prominently  before  the  public  ;  the  result  was  at  once  apparent  in  a  great 
gain  in  its  membership.  The  number  of  students  enrolled  in  1823  was 
126,  in  1824  it  had  increased  to  136.  in  1825  to  152.  and  in  1836  it  attained 
the  aggregate  of  259.  A  catalog  of  the  faculty  issued  in  October.  1825, 
printed  for  the  first  time  in  Amherst,  contains  the  following  names  :  Rev. 
Heman  Humphrey,  I),  i).,  president,  professor  of  mental  and  moral  philos- 
ophy and  professor  of  divinity  :  Rev.  Edward  Hitchcock,  A.  M.,  professor 
of  chemistry  and  natural  history  ;  Rev.  Jonas  King,  A.  M.,  professor  of 
Oriental  literature  ;  Rev.  Nathan  W.  Fiske,  A.  M.,  professor  of  the  Greek 
language  and  literature  and  professor  of  belles-lettres  ;  Rev.  Solomon  Peck, 
A.  M.,  professor  of  the  Hebrew  and  Latin  languages  and  literature ; 
Samuel  M.  Worcester,  A.  M .,  professor  of  rhetoric  and  orator}- ;  Jacob 
Abbott,  A.M.,  professor  of  mathematics  and  natural  philosophy  :  Ebenezer 
S.  Snell,  A.  M.,  tutor  of  mathematics.  The  same  catalog  gives  the  name 
of  John  Leland,  Esq.  as  treasurer,  and  Rufus  Graves  as  financier. 

The  professors  were  mostly  young  men  and  comparatively  unknown 
in  the  world  of  letters,  but  they  were  filled  with  ambition  and  with  a  pro- 
gressive spirit  which  were  naturally  attractive  to  young  men  about  to  enter 
college.  The  equipment  was  far  inferior  to  that  found  at  the  older  and 
wealthier  colleges.  The  college  library  existed  in  but  little  more  than 
name,  and  the  apparatus  for  the  illustration  of  the  sciences  was  rudimentary 
and  imperfect.  There  was,  however,  a  promise  of  better  things  to  come  ; 
friends  of  the  college,  who  had  stood  by  it  in  its  darker  hours,  were  pre- 
paring to  aid  it  still  further  and  add  to  its  means  of  usefulness. 

Leading  events  of  the  administration  of  President  Humphrey  were 
the  adoption,  and  subsequent  withdrawal,  of  the  "  parallel  course,"  the 
erection  of  the  chapel  building  and  a  new  dormitory,  the  unsuccessful 
appeal  for  aid  from  the  state  treasury,  the  raising  of  a  fund  of  850,000 
anion-  friends  of  the  college,  the  organization  of  the  College  church,  the 
ds  of  1831  and  [835,  the  organization  of  the  Antivenenean  and  Anti- 
slaver)  societies  and  the  rebellion  of  one  of  the  classes  against  the  college 
authorities.  Of  these  events,  important  in  themselves  and  especially  "inter- 
esting from  the  influence  excited  by  them  on  the   fortunes  of  the   college, 

e  permits  but  passing  mention. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of   the  trustees  held    in    182G,  the  faculty   sub- 

d    a    detailed    report    of   the    state    of   the  seminary  and  the  course  of 


COLLEGE    CHAPEL    BUILT.  17  I 

instruction,  together  with  remarks  upon  the  inadequacy  of  the  prevailing 
systems  of  classical  education  in  America  to  satisfy  the  public  demands. 
The  trustees  requested  the  faculty  to  draw  up  a  plan  providing  for  such 
improvements  as  they  deemed  desirable.  This  plan  was  submitted  to  the 
trustees  at  a  meeting  held  Dec  6.  1.S26.  received  their  hearty  endorsement, 
and  it  was  determined  to  embody  these  suggestions  in  a  parallel  or  equiva- 
lent course  to  be  offered  to  the  students.  This  new  course  was  to  differ 
from  the  old  in  a  greater  prominence  given  to  English  literature,  the  sub- 
stitution of  the  modern  for  the  ancient  languages,  an  enlargement  of  the 
courses  in  physical  science,  natural  history  and  modern  history,  and  the 
study  of  the  elements  of  civil  and  political  law.  The  new  course  proved 
popular  the  hist  year,  but  the  teaching  force  at  the  college  was  too  small  to 
properly  care  for  it.  so  at  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  held  in  1S29.  it  was 
voted  to  dispense  with  it. 

With  the  increase  in  the  number  of  students,  the  need  of  a  suitable 
place  for  public  worship  became  apparent.  At  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
trustees  in  1S25.  the  prudential  committee-  were  authorized  to  contract  for 
the  erection  of  a  chapel  building  and  also  for  a  third  college  edifice,  should 
they  deem  it  expedient ;  they  were  empowered  to  borrow  such  funds  as 
were  needed  to  erect  these  buildings  from  the  charity  fund,  from  banks  or 
from  individuals.  Work  on  the  chapel  was  begun  in  the  spring  of  1826, 
and  it  was  dedicated  Feb.  28,  [827  ;  it  was  named  "Johnson  chapel."  in 
honer  of  Adam  Johnson  of  Pelham,  who  had  bequeathed  some  $4000  to 
the  college  for  the  express  purpose  of  erecting  such  a  building.  It  con- 
tained in  addition  to  the  chapel  proper,  four  recitation  rooms,  a  room  for 
philosophical  apparatus  and  a  cabinet  for  minerals  on  the  lower  floor,  two 
recitation  rooms  on  the  second  floor,  a  library  room  on  the  third  floor  and 
a  laboratory  in  the  basement.  A  third  dormitory  building  was  erected  and 
completed  so  as  to  be  occupied  by  students  during  the  college  year  of 
1828-29.  It  stood  on  the  site  now-  occupied  by  Williston  hall;  this  dormi- 
tory, which  was  known  as  "  North  College,"  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1S59. 

When  the  two  new  buildings  were  completed,  the  college  was  heavily 
in  debt.  An  application  for  pecuniary  assistance  was  made  to  the  Legis- 
lature at  its  winter  session  in  1827.  The  petition  was  referred  to  a  com- 
mittee, whose  members  manifested  a  willingness  to  aid  the  college,  but  as 
the  state  finances  were  at  a  low  ebb  they  felt  constrained  to  make  an 
unfavorable  report,  which  was  accepted  by  both  Houses.  The  appeal  was 
renewed  in  183 1  and  1S32.  but  to  no  avail:  the  state  had  funds,  but  was 
unwilling  to  grant  them  to  an  institution  of  such  orthodox  religious  character 
as  Amherst  College.  The  necessities  of  the  institution  being  urgent,  it  was 
decided  to  appeal  to  the  public  for  the  aid  which  the  Legislature  had 
refused.      A  committee  composed  of  members  of  the  board  of  trustees  was 


17-  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

appointed  to  solicit  subscriptions.  They  met  with  greater  success  than  they 
had  dared  to  hope;  the  committee  was  appointed  in  March  ;  at  the  com- 
mencement held  in  August  it  was  announced  that  $30,000  had  been 
subscribed,  and  December  31,  1832,  the  sum  amounted  to  $50,000.  Of 
this  amount,  the  people  of  Amherst  contributed  $3,000  ;  they  had  given 
but  little  short  of  $20,000  in  money  before  this  time. 

In  1825,  shortly  after  the  grant  of  the  charter,  measures  were  taken 
for  the  establishment  of  a  college  church.  At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees 
held  in  April,  Rev.  Heman  Humphrey,  Rev.  Joshua  Crosby  and  Rev. 
James  Taylor  were  appointed  a  committee  to  consider  the  expediency  of 
establishing  such  an  organization.  The  committee  met  in  Amherst,  March 
7,  1826,  resolved  themselves  into  an  ecclesiastical  council,  and  acting  in 
such  capacity  they  voted  to  proceed  to  form  a  church  in  Amherst  College. 
They  prepared  a  covenant  and  articles  of  faith,  to  be  subscribed  to  by 
those  desiring  to  enter  into  membership.  Thirty-one  students  were 
examined  by  the  council,  and  having  publicly  assented  to  the  articles  and 
covenant,  were  constituted  the  "  Church  of  Christ  in  Amherst  College." 
In  October,  members  of  the  faculty,  together  with  the  wives  of  President 
Humphrey  and  Professor  Hitchcock,  were  admitted  to  the  church.  The 
church  remained  almost  a  year  without  a  pastor,  but  in  February,  1827. 
I  >r.  Humphrey  was  formally  installed  as  the  first  pastor  of  College 
church.  Eleven  churches  were  represented  in  the  council  assembled  on 
this  occasion,  including  three  in  Amherst.  The  pulpit  of  the  new  chapel 
was  occupied  by  the  pastor  every  other  Sabbath,  and  by  the  other  clerical 
members  of  the  faculty,  in  rotation,  on  alternate  Sabbaths.  In  the  year 
1827,  the  college  experienced  a  great  revival  of  religion,  as  one  result  of 
which  twenty  persons  united  with  the  church.  The  first  communion  service 
of  the  church  was  held  in  the  College  chapel,  Aug.  i<),  1S27.  Other 
revivals  of  religious  interest  occurred  during  President  Humphrey's  admin- 
istration, in   1828,    1  S3  1   and  1835. 

In  August,  1830,  the  Antivenenean  society  was  organized,  on  the  basis 
of  a  pledge  of  total  abstinence  from  the  use  of  alcoholic  liquors,  opium 
and  tobacco.  In  [833,  an  anti-slavery  society  was  organized  among  the 
students.  The  college  at  that  time  had  on  its  rolls  many  students  from 
the  Southern  states,  who  were  as  ardent  believers  in  the  institution  of 
slavery  as  those  from  the  Northern  and  Eastern  states  were  its  opponents. 
Such  a  society,  formed  at  such  an  institution,  was  bound  to  lead  to  trouble 
among  the  students.  The  college  was  divided  into  hostile  camps,  and  the 
faculty,  feeling  that  tin'  institution  was  not  founded  as  a  school  of  moral 
or  political  reform,  and  fearing  that  its  reputation  as  well  as  its  peace  and 
prosperity  might  be  in  danger,  endeavored  to  persuade  the  members  of  the 
society    to    dissolve    their    organization.      The    society    comprised    in    its 


I  HE    GORHAM    REBELLION.  173 

membership  about  one-third  of  the  students  at  the  college;  they  were 
sincere  in  their  convictions  and  declined  to  give  up  their  organization  with- 
out the  express  command  of  the  faculty:  the  latter  hesitated  for  a  time  to 
adopt  extreme  measures,  but  when  it  became  apparent  that  the  prosperity 
of  the  college  was  at  stake,  they  decreed  that  the  society  must  cease  to 
exist.  This  decision  was  very  unpopular  among  the  students,  and  some 
of  them  determined  to  sever  their  connection  with  the  college,  but  wiser 
counsels  prevailed.  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  in  less  than  three  years 
thereafter,  in  the  autumn  of  1S36.  the  society  was  revived  with  the  express 
consent  and  approbation  of  the  faculty. 

As  early  as  1834,  dissatisfaction  existed  among  the  students  at  the 
system  of  honorary  appointments  in  college  ;  the  junior  class  in  that  year 
petitioned  that  the  system  be  abolished,  but  the  trustees  denied  the 
petition.  In  1836,  the  petition  was  renewed,  signed  at  this  time  by  nearly 
if  not  quite  all  the  members  of  the  three  upper  classes;  the  trustees  again 
refused  to  make  changes  in  the  system.  Meanwhile  the  faculty  received 
man}'  applications  from  individual  students  to  be  excused  from  the  parts 
assigned  them,  on  the  ground  of  conscientious  opposition  to  the  system  of 
honorary  distinctions.  For  a  time  the  faculty  granted  these  requests,  until 
it  became  evident  that  there  was  a  purpose  on  the  part  of  the  students  to 
break  down  the  system  in  this  manner.  In  1S37.  W,  O.  Gorham,  a  member 
of  the  junior  class,  refused  to  accept  an  appointment  for  the  junior  exhibi- 
tion, accompanying  his  refusal  with  a  note  to  the  trustees,  expressing  his 
contempt  for  the  system.  The  matter  was  referred  to  President  Humphrey, 
who  talked  very  plainly  to  the  young  man  ;  the  result  of  the  interview  was 
reported  to  the  faculty,  who  determined  that  Gorham  must  sign  an 
acknowledgment  that  the  language  he  had  employed  was  highly  improper,. 
and  that  he  deeply  regretted  his  action.  This  paper  Gorham  refused  to 
sign,  but  submitted  instead  a  paper  prepared  by  himself  that  was  far  from 
satisfactory  to  the  faculty,  and  he  was  accordingly  removed  from  college. 
The  members  of  the  junior  class  rallied  to  Gorham's  support,  and  with  one 
exception  signed  a  resolution  declaring  that  in  their  opinion  be  had  made 
every  concession  that  duty  and  justice  required.  For  this  expression  of 
opinion,  the  members  of  the  class  were  required  to  sign  a  written  confes- 
sion that  they  had  acted  in  the  wrong.  For  some  time  it  was  in  doubt 
whether  the  class  would  submit  to  this  discipline,  or  would  retire  from  the 
college,  but  in  the  end  they  submitted  to  the  decision  of  the  faculty. 

As  a  result  of  the  anti-slavery  excitement  and  the  Gorham  incident,  a 
feeling  of  discontent  and  disaffection  was  infused  into  the  student  body 
which  could  but  have  a  disastrous  effect  upon  the  college.  The  number  of 
students,  which  had  steadily  increased  from  the  beginning,  now  began  as 
steadily   to   diminish.      Many   of  the    alumni,  instead  of  remaining  warm 


174  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

friends,  became  critics  of  the  institution  as  concerned  its  management, 
which  was  never  more  efficient  and  admirable.  The  finances  were  in  a 
bad  way,  the  expenses  yearly  exceeding  the  income  by  several  thousand 
dollars.  The  college  had  no  endowment,  and  at  the  time  of  its  greatest 
prosperity  was  constantly  adding  to  a  debt  for  the  payment  of  which  there 
was  absolutely  no  provision.  The  Legislature  was  appealed  to  in  vain ; 
the  trustees  finally  decided  to  make  an  effort  to  raise  $100,000  by  private 
subscription.  Rev.  William  Tyler,  the  first  agent  appointed  by  the  trustees, 
during  the  years  1839  and  1840  raised  between  $4000  and  $5000,  mostly 
in  Amherst.  In  1841,  Rev.  Joseph  Vaill,  a  trustee  of  the  college  from  the 
beginning,  was  appointed  financial  agent  of  the  institution.  For  four  years 
he  labored  earnestly  and  persistently,  to  such  effect  that  in  August,  1845, 
he  reported  subscriptions,  conditional  and  unconditional,  amounting  to 
$67,000,  of  which  over  $50,000  had  been  collected  and  paid  into  the 
treasury.  During  these  four  years  David  Sears  had  given  $10,000  to  the 
college,  and  two  other  persons  had  expressed  their  intention  of  giving 
sums  sufficient  to  increase  the  fund  to  $100,000.  This  sum  was  largely 
diminished  by  the  payment  of  debts  already  contracted,  so  that  little 
remained  to  meet  the  current  expenses  or  provide  for  an  endowment  fund. 
A  determined  effort  was  made  to  retrench  in  expenses,  the  number  of  tutors 
being  reduced  from  four  to  one.  and  the  salaries  of  president,  professors 
and  general  agent  being  cut  down. 

All  this  time  the  clamor  among  the  alumni  and  in  the  community  was 
growing  stronger  for  a  change  in  the  administration.  Seldom  has  a  popular 
movement  had  less  foundation  in  reason  or  justice.  President  Humphrey, 
by  his  wisdom  and  energy,  had  been  largely  instrumental  in  raising  the 
college  from  the  slough  of  despond  into  which  it  had  fallen  at  the  time  of 
the  death  of  President  Moore,  in  making  of  it  a  chartered  institution,  in 
providing  for  its  constantly  increasing  necessities,  in  bringing  it  up  to  the 
prosperity  and  popularity  which  blessed  it  so  abundantly  in  1837.  That 
same  wisdom  and  energy  and  an  untiring  devotion  to  the  interests  of  the 
college  marked  the  closing  years  of  his  administration,  but  were  not 
rewarded  with  a  like  success.  President  Humphrey  was  a  victim  of  cir- 
cumstances which  he  was  powerless  to  control.  He  could  not  prevent  the 
irrepressible  conflict  between  slavery  and  anti-slavery  opinion  which  created 
dissensions  among  the  students,  he  could  not  reconcile  the  differences  of 
Opinion  in  regard  to  college  appointments  and  awards,  he  could  not  make 
tnancial  success  of  an  institution  that  had  no  funds  and  no  endowments. 
All  that  one  Mian  could  do  for  an  institution  whose  welfare  was  as  dear  to 
him  as  his  own  life  President  Humphrey  did  for  Amherst  College,  and 
when,  with  heavy  heart,  he  realized  that  his  administration  did  not  command 
that  full  respect  and  hearty  sympathy  from  the  public  which  was  absolutely 


PRESIDENT    EDWARD    HITCHCOCK.  I  75 

essential  to  the  welfare  of  the  college,  he  promptly  handed  in  to  the 
trustees  his  resignation,  which  they,  with  reluctance,  but  recognizing  the 
exigences  of  the  case,  accepted. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


Edward  Hitchcock  Elected  President. — Generous  Endowments 
by  Samuel  Williston  wo  Others.— President  Hitchcock's 
Resignation. — Professors  and  Instructors. — Original  Deed 
of  College  Land. 

The  meeting  of  the  trustees  at  which  the  resignation  of  President 
Humphrey  was  tendered  and  accepted,  was  held  in  Worcester  in  January, 
1844.  At  the  same  meeting,  the  trustees  chose  Prof.  K.  A.  Park  of 
Andover  to  fill  the  vacancy,  an  honor  which  Prof.  Park  declined.  At  the 
annual  meeting  of  the  trustees,  held  the  following  August,  Prof.  George 
Shepard  of  Bangor  was  chosen  president,  but  he.  also,  declined  the  office. 
At  a  special  meeting  held  in  December.  Rev.  Edward  Hitchcock.  LL.  D.. 
was  elected  president,  and  professor  of  natural  theology  and  geology. 
Dr.  Hitchcock  accepted  the  appointment,  and  was  duly  inaugurated  as 
president,  in  April.  1845. 

Edward  Hitchcock  was  born  in  Deerfield,  May  24.  1793.  In  1826, 
he  was  a  special  student  of  theology  and  science  at  Yale  College,  from 
which  institution  he  had  already  received  the  honorary  degree  of  A.  M.  in 
1818.  From  1816  to  1819,  he  was  principal  of  Deerfield  Academy;  from 
182  1  to  1825,  pastor  of  the  Congregational  church  at  Conway  :  from  1S25 
to  1845.  professor  of  chemistry  and  natural  history  at  Amherst  College. 
In  1830.  he  was  appointed'state  geologist  of  Massachusetts;  in  1840.  he 
receiyed  the  degree  of  LL.  D.  from  Harvard  University.  His  work  in 
geology  early  attracted  the  attention  of  the  scientific  world.  During  his 
pastorate  at  Conway  he  made  a  scientific  survey  of  the  four  western  counties 
of  the  state,  leading  in  later  years  to  the  geological  survey  of  the  entire 
state,  undertaken  by  the  government  at  his  suggestion.  He  was  a  lover  of 
nature  and  nature's  Supreme   Ruler. 

When  he  entered  upon  his  duties  as  president,  the  affairs  of  Amherst 
College  were  in  a  criti'cal  condition.  Before  the  resignation  of  President 
Humphrey,  the  trustees  and  faculty  had  come  to  an  agreement  concerning 


176  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

the  disposition  of  the  college  income  so  that  any  increase  of  the  debt 
might  be  avoided.  According  to  this  plan,  the  income  of  the  college, 
administered  and  appropriated  by  the  permanent  officers  themselves,  after 
the  deduction  of  all  necessary  expenses,  was  divided  among  them  as  their 
salary  and  means  of  support.  For  several  years  the  president  received  for 
his  salary  at  the  rate  of  $550,  and  each  professor  at  the  rate  of  #440  a 
year.  The  first  collegiate  year  of  the  new  presidency  opened  with  the 
same  number  of  freshmen  as  the  previous  year,  and  in  1846-7  the  number 
was  increased  by  one  only.  For  a  long  time  it  was  in  doubt  whether  the 
college  was  to  continue  its  existence  as  a  college,  or  revert  into  a  seminary. 
But  better  things  were  in  store.  On  the  day  of  President  Hitchcock's 
inauguration,  Hon.  Samuel  \\ 'illiston  of  Easthampton  by  a  donation  of 
$20,000  founded  the  Williston  professorship  of  rhetoric  and  oratory.  In 
1846,  Hon.  Abbott  Lawrence  subscribed  $1000  to  a  fund  for  the 
erection  of  a  building  for  scientific  purposes,  and  the  balance  of  the 
funds  needed  for  the  building  were  easily  raised.  During  the  same 
year,  Mr.  Williston  and  Samuel  A.  Hitchcock,  Esq.  of  Brimfield  contrib- 
uted $20,000  for  the  founding  of  a  professorship,  afterwards  known  as 
the  Hitchcock  professorship  of  natural  theology  and  geology  ;  Mr.  \\  illis- 
ton gave  still  another  $20,000  as  the  foundation  of  the  Graves  professor- 
ship of  Greek  and  Hebrew.  The  state,  which  had  refused  aid  to  the  college 
in  its  hour  of  greatest  need,  proved  more  kindly  disposed  when  others  had 
come  to  its  rescue,  and  in  1S47  the  Legislature  appropriated  825,000  for 
the  use  of  the  college.  These  sums,  in  addition  to  $12,000  received  from 
David  Sears,  amounted  to  over  $100,000,  and  for  the  first  time  placed 
Amherst  College  on  a  secure  financial  foundation.  As  a  result  of  these 
generous  benefactions,  the  debts  of  the  college  were  paid,  the  term-bills  were 
reduced  from  $48  to  $42  per  year,  and  arrangements  were  made  for 
making  up  in  full  the  deficient  salaries  of  the  president  and  professors. 

The  Woods  Cabinet  and  Lawrence  Observatory  were  completed  in 
ICS48.  They  were  dedicated  June  28  of  that  year,  with  public  exercises  to 
which  the  friends  and  benefactors  of  the  college  were  invited,  and  at  which 
an  appropriate  and  eloquent  address  was  delivered  by  Hon.  William  B. 
Calhoun  ;  it  was  a  day  of  general  rejoicing.  With  the  college  out  of  debt 
and  generous  additions  being  made  to  its  equipment,  there  came  a  corre- 
sponding increase  in  the  number  of  its  students.  Doubt  as  to  the  perma- 
nency of  the  institution  no  longer  existed.  President  Hitchcock,  who  had 
accepted  the  office  in  an  emergency,  was  now  desirous  of  retiring,  but  the 
trustees  would  not  listen  to  such  a  suggestion.  They  urged  him,  instead, 
to  make  a  tour  of  Europe  for  the  benefit  of  his  health,  a  suggestion  which 
he  reluctantly  accepted.  In  company  with  Mrs.  Hrtchcock,  he  was  absent 
from    Amherst   live   months,  during   which   time  he   traveled   over   10,000 


VIEW    ox    FORT    RIVER. 


*si 


wi  H  I  i;^  i    i  i  ii  i.i.i.i. 


:i.    [851 


president  Hitchcock's  resignation.  177 

miles  ;  on  his  return  he  was  welcomed  by  the  students  with  enthusiasm, 
the  college  buildings  being  illuminated  in  the  evening  in  his  honor. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  trustees  in  1850.  measures  were  adopted 
for  increasing  the  number  of  books  in  the  college  library,  and  for  the 
erection  of  a  suitable  library  building.  The  sum  of  $15,000  was  raised 
by  subscription,  of  which  $10,000  was  devoted  to  building  purposes  and 
$5000  to  the  purchase  of  books.  The  building  was  completed  in  1853, 
the  first  granite  structure  upon  the  college  grounds.  In  1852,  the  trustees 
established  a  scientific  department  which  met  with  little  favor  at  the  hands 
of  the  students  and  in  a  few  years  was  withdrawn.  In  1838,  before  his 
election  to  the  presidency,  Dr.  Hitchcock  had  donated  to  the  college  his 
valuable  mineralogical  and  geological  collections.  In  1S53.  he  made  a 
further  donation  to  the  institution  of  his  collection  of  fossil  foot-marks, 
valued  at  several  thousand  dollars,  the  most  complete  and  interesting  in 
America.  At  the  same  time  Edward  Hitchcock.  Jr.  presented  to  the  college 
a  fine  collection  of  Indian  relics. 

In  1854,  President  Hitchcock  suffered  so  much  from  ill  health  that  he 
felt  compelled  to  resign  his  office  ;  his  resignation  as  president  was  accepted 
by  the  trustees  with  much  regret,  but  he  was  induced  to  retain  his  position 
as  professor  of  natural  theology  and  geology.  The  closing  clays  of  his 
administration  witnessed  one  more  generous  donation  to  the  college,  the 
sum  of  $10,000  being  given  by  the  trustees  of  the  estate  of  Samuel 
Appleton  for  the  erection  of  a  cabinet  of  natural  history.  The  administra- 
of  President  Hitchcock  marked  something  more  than  an  era  in  the  history 
of  Amherst  College  ;  it  witnessed  a  new  birth  of  the  institution.  When 
he  assumed  the  presidency,  the  college  was  struggling  amongst  the  quick- 
sands of  debt,  apparently  on  the  verge  of  dissolution;  within  the  ten  years 
of  his  term  of  office  it  was,  by  the  aid  of  generous  friends,  placed  on  the 
high  grounds  of  financial  prosperity.  For  the  first  time  since  the  founda- 
tion stones  of  old  South  College  were  laid,  the  college  was  out  of  debt 
and  had  ample  funds  with  which  to  carry  on  its  work.  Nor  was  the  success 
of  his  administration  to  be  measured  by  college  finances  alone.  It  was 
the  age  of  growth  and  expansion  in  cabinets,  collections  and  materials  for 
the  illustration  of  the  physical  sciences.  It  witnessed  the  erection  of  a 
library  building  and  a  great  increase  in  the  number  of  books  upon  the 
library  shelves.  It  was  marked  by  two  great  religious  revivals,  in  1846 
and  1S50.  With  President  Hitchcock's  term  of  office  what  may  be  known 
as  the  formative  era  at  Amherst  College  ended  ;  of  its  subsequent  growth 
and  development  more  will  be  recorded  in  another  chapter. 

Among  the  names  of  the  instructors  who  were  associated  with  the 
college  in  its  earlier  years,  are   those  of  Charles  B.  Adams,   Amos  Eaton., 


178  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Joseph  Estabrook,  Thomas  P.  Field,  William  C.  Fowler,  Nathan W.  Fiske, 
Gamaliel  S.  Olds,  Edwards  A.  Park,  Ebenezer  S.  Snell,  Charles  U.  Shepard, 
and  Samuel  M.  Worcester.  Of  these,  Professors  Eaton,  Estabrook  and 
Olds  were  in  office  during  President  Moore's  administration.  Joseph  Esta- 
brook was  born  in  Lebanon,  N.  H.,  in  1792.  He  was  graduated  at  Dart- 
mouth College  in  1815  ;  from  1817  to  1820  he  was  principal  of  Amherst 
Academy,  and  from  1821  to  1824  professor  of  the  Latin  and  Greek  lan- 
guages and  librarian  in  Amherst  College.  After  leaving  Amherst,  he  con- 
ducted schools  for  young  ladies  at  Staunton,  Va.  and  Knoxville,  Term., 
being  afterwards  appointed  to  the  presidency  of  the  University  of  East  Ten- 
nessee, an  office  which  he  held  thirteen  years,  during  which  time  the  institu- 
tion prospered  greatly.  Gamaliel  S.  Olds  was  born  in  Granville  in  1777, 
was  graduated  at  Williams  College  in  1801,  served  as  tutor  at  that  institution 
for  several  years  and  as  professor  of  mathematics  and  natural  philosophy 
from  1S06  to  1808.  From  1819  to  182  1,  he  was  professor  of  mathematics 
and  natural  philosophy  at  the  University  of  Vermont;  and  from  182 1  to 
1825,  professor  of  the  same  branches  in  Amherst  College.  After  leaving 
Amherst,  he  taught  for  several  years  in  the  University  of  Georgia.  He 
was  a  man  of  strong  mind,  a  good  classical  scholar  and  master  of  the 
whole  field  of  mathematics.  Amos  Eaton  was  born  in  1776  and  was 
graduated  from  Williams  College  in  1799.  At  Amherst  College,  during 
President  Moore's  administration,  he  lectured  on  chemistry  and  some 
branches  of  natural  history. 

I  Hiring  President  Humphrey's  administration,  many  professors  were 
connected  with  the  college  who  gained  more  than  local  reputation.  Nathan 
W.  Fiske  was  born  in  Weston  in  1798,  and  was  graduated  at  Dartmouth 
College  in  18 17.  He  served  as  a  tutor  at  Dartmouth  College,  studied 
theology  at  Andover  Seminar}-,  was  ordained  as  evangelist,  labored  at  the 
South  in  the  cause  of  home  missions,  and  in  1824  was  elected  professor  of 
languages  and  rhetoric  at  Amherst  College.  For  over  twenty  years  he  was 
a  member  of  the  college  faculty,  in  charge  of  various  departments.  Among 
the  earlier  instructors  at  the  college  few  did  more  efficient  work  or 
won  more  fully  the  respect  and  affection  of  their  associates  and 
pupils.  Kbenezer  S.  Snell  was  born  in  North  lirookfield  in  1801.  He 
fitted  for  college  at  Amherst  Academy,  entered  the  sophomore  class  at 
Williams  College  in  1819,  came  with  President  Moore  from  Williams  to 
Amherst  and  was  a  member  of  the  first  class  that  was  graduated  from 
Amherst  College.  From  1822  to  1825,  he  taught  in  Amherst  Academy, 
first  as  an  assistant  and  then  as  principal.  In  1825,  when  the  college 
faculty  was  organized  under  the  charter,  he  was  appointed  tutor;  in  T827, 
instructor  in  mathematics  and  natural  philosophy  ;  in  1829,  adjunct  profes- 
sor,   and    in     1834,    professor    of    mathematics    and    natural    philosophy. 


PROMINENT    INSTRUCTORS.  179 

Professor  Snell  is  described  by  Professor  W.  S.  Tyler,  for  many  years  an 
associate  on  the  college  faculty  and  a  lifelong  friend,  as  "  a  man  who,  for 
exactness,  clearness,  and  method  in  teaching,  has  had  no  equal  in  Amherst 
and  no  superior  anywhere  ;  who,  as  an  experimental  lecturer,  to  say  the 
least,  cannot  be  surpassed;  and  who,  by  his  own  mechanical  ingenuity  and 
handicraft  and  his  progressive  mastery  of  the  science,  with  a  comparatively 
trilling  expenditure  of  money  by  the  college  has  kept  his  cabinet  abreast 
of  the  most  costly  apparatus  of  the  richest  colleges  in  the  land." 

William  C.  Fowler  was  a  graduate  of  Yale  College,  where  he  served 
as  tutor  four  years  after  completing  the  college  course  ;  he  was  afterwards 
professor  of  chemistry  and  natural  history  at  Middlebury  College,  a  position 
that  he  held  until  called  to  Amherst  in  1838,  to  become  professor  of  rhetoric 
and  oratory,  to  which  department  the  following  year  was  added  English 
literature.  He  remained  at  Amherst  five  years,  doing  excellent  work  both 
in  the  class-room  and  in  the  improvements  made  about  the  college  grounds. 
He  was  a  good  citizen  as  well  as  a  good  teacher,  and  in  185 1  served  the 
town  as  its  representative  in  the  General  Court.  Rev.  Edwards  A.  Park 
was  for  one  year  professor  of  intellectual  and  moral  philosophy  at  Amherst 
College,  resigning  that  office  to  accept  a  professorship  at  Andover  Theolog- 
ical Seminary.  Brief  as  was  his  stay  in  Amherst,  his  genius  and  eloquence 
left  a  lasting  impress  upon  the  minds  and  hearts  of  those  students  who 
came  under  his  instruction. 

Samuel  M.  Worcester  was  born  in  Fitchburg  in  1801,  was  graduated 
from  Harvard  College  in  1S22,  studied  theology  at  Andover  Seminary  and 
was  engaged  in  teaching  at  Phillips  Academy  when,  in  1823,  he  accepted 
an  appointment  as  tutor  in  Amherst  College.  In  1824.  he  was  appointed 
teacher  of  languages,  and  librarian,  and  in  1825,  atthe  organization  under 
the  charter,  professor  of  rhetoric  and  oratory.  In  1S27,  in  company  with 
a  fellow  instructor  Bela  11.  Edwards,  he  undertook  the  editorial  charge  of 
the  New  England  Enquirer,  the  second  newspaper  to  be  published  in 
Amherst,  its  predecessor,  The  Chemist  and  Meteorological  Journal,  having 
been  conducted  during  its  brief  existence  by  Prof.  John  B.  Cotting.  The 
Enquirer  died  a  peaceful  death  in  1828  ;  in  1829,  the  members  of  the 
college  assisted  by  the  citizens  elected  Professor  Worcester  a  member  of  the 
General  Court.  In  1832,  Professor  Worcester  was  ordained  as  evangelist; 
from  April,  1830,  to  March,  1S33.  he  preached  regularly  at  ••  Hadley 
Mills,"  now  North  Hadley,  where  his  labors  were  blessed  with  an  extensive 
revival  of  religion.  He  severed  his  connection  with  the  college  in  1834, 
and  for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century  thereafter  served  as  pastor  of  the 
Tabernacle  church  in   Salem. 

Of  some  among  the  professors  who  served  the  college  during  President 
Hitchcock's  administration,  special  mention  will  be  made  in  later  chapters 


l8o  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

of  this  work.  Charles  I!.  Adams  was  born  in  Dorchester  in  1S14.  He 
entered  Yale  College  in  1S30,  but  during  the  second  year  of  his  course 
came  to  Amherst,  where  he  was  graduated  with  the  highest  honors  in  1834. 
For  one  year  he  was  a  tutor  in  Amherst  College,  then  accepted  an  appoint- 
ment as  professor  of  chemistry  and  natural  history  at  Middlebury  College, 
a  position  he  held  for  nine  years  until,  in  1847,  he  was  appointed  professor 
of  astronomy  and  geology  and  curator  of  the  cabinet  in  Amherst  College. 
He  held  this  position  five  years,  his  death  occurring  in  1852  while  engaged 
in  scientific  explorations  on  the  island  of  St.  Thomas.  He  was  a  diligent 
scholar,  and  able  teacher,  and  his  deatli  at  an  early  age  was  a  great  loss 
to  the  college  and  to  the  scientific  world. 

The  grounds  on  which  the  first  college  buildings  were  erected  were  a 
part  of  the  farm  owned  by  Col.  Elijah  Dickinson,  who,  when  the  $50,000 
charity  fund  was  being  raised,  agreed  to  give  three  acres  of  land,  valued 
at  $600.  Col.  Dickinson  died  in  1820,  but  in  November  of  that  year  his 
widow,  Mrs.  Jerusha  Dickinson,  and  his  son,  Moses  Dickinson,  gave  a 
deed  to  the  trustees  of  nine  acres  of  land.  In  1827,  two  and  one-half 
acres  more  were  purchased  by  the  trustees  of  Col.  Dickinson's  heirs.  In 
1828,  the  trustees  purchased  of  Dea.  John  Leland  eleven  acres  on  the 
west  side  of  the  highway,  which  belonged  originally  to  the  estate  of  Rev. 
Dr.  Parsons  and  included  the  old  "  Parsons'  house  "  and  other  buildings. 
In  1S41,  the  town  on  petition  of  the  trustees  deeded  to  them  the  land  in 
front  of  the  original  college  lot,  to  be  used  for  college  purposes  only.  In 
1861,  the  College  purchased  of  Judge  John  Dickinson  five  acres  in  the  rear 
of  the  original  purchase.  In  1866,  the  College  purchased  of  Lucius  Bolt- 
wood,  Esq.  two  and  one-half  acres  of  land  on  the  north  side  of  the 
campus.  Following  is  a  copy  of  the  original  deed  dated  May  15.  1X1N, 
by  which  Elijah  Dickinson  conveyed  land  to  the  trustees  of  Amherst 
Academy,  on  certain  conditions  : 

To  all  People  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  GREETING. 

Know  ye  that  I  Elijah  Dickinson  of  Amherst  in  the  County  of  Hampshire 
&  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  Esquire,  For  and  in  consideration  of  tin- sum 
of  Two  Thousand  Dollars  current  money  of  the  Commonwealth  aforesaid,  to  me 
in  hand  paid,  before  the  ensealing  hereof,  by  the  Trustees  of  Amherst  Academy 
the  receipt  whereof  I  do  hereby  acknowledge  and  am  fully  satisfied,  contented,  and 
paid.  HAVE  given,  granted,  bargained,  sold,  aliened,  released,  conveyed  and  ion- 
firmed,  and  by  these  Presents,  do  freely,  clearly  and  absolutely  give,  grant,  bargain, 
sell,  alien,  release,  convey  and  confirm  unto  them  the  said  Trusti  es,  their  Sum  ssors 
in  said  office  and  assigns  forever,  A  certain  tract  of  land  lying  in  .Amherst  afore- 
said on  the  North-West  corner  of  my  home  Lot  bounded  West  on  the  Common: 
North  on  land  of  Elisha  Warner  &  East  &  South  on  my  own  land  containing  about 
res:  begining  at  the  NorthWest  corner  of  said  premises  by  said  Common 
thence  runing  easterly  by  the  south  line  ol  said  Warner's  Lot  Forty  rods,  thence 
Southerly    on    a    parrallel    line    with    the    West    line  of  said  lot  about  forty  rods  to 


DEED  OF  COLLEGE  LAND.  181 

within  about  three  feet  of  a  fence,  thence  Westerly  about  forty  rods  to  said 
Common  to  a  point  about  one  rod  South  of  an  Apple  tree  by  the  fence,  supposed 
to  be  about  thirtytwo  rods  South  of  said  North  West  corner.  If  this  Deed  goes 
into  effect  the  said  Trustees  of  said  College  are  to  make  a  good  fence  around  the 
whole  of  said  premises  &  always  keep  the  same  in  good  repair:  said  Elijah  is  to 
improve  &  remain  in  possession  of  said  premises  until  the  conditions  of  this  Deed 
are  complied  with.— To  HAVE  and  to  hold  the  before  granted  Premises,  with 
the  appurtenances  and  privileges  thereto  belonging,  to  them  the  said  Trustees, 
their  Successors  in  said  office  and  assigns  :  To -their  own  proper  use,  benefit  and 
behoof,  forevermore.  And  I  the  said  Elijah  Dickinson  for  myself  my  heirs,  execu- 
tors and  administrators,  do  covenant,  promise  and  grant  unto  and  with  the  said 
Trustees,  their  Successors  in  said  office  and  assigns  forever:  Thatbefore  and  until 
the  ensealing  hereof  I  am  the  true.  sole,  proper  and  lawful  owner  and  possessor  of 
the  before  granted  Premises  with  the  appurtenances.  And  have  in  me  good  right. 
full  power  and  lawful  authority,  to  give,  grant,  bargain,  sell,  alien,  release,  convey 
and  confirm,  the  same  as  aforesaid :  and  that  free  and  clear,  and  freely  and  clearly 
executed,  acquitted  and  discharged  of  and  from  all  former  and  other  gifts,  grants, 
bargains,  sales,  leases,  mortgages,  wills,  intails,  jointures,  doweries,  thirds,  execu- 
tions, and  incumbrances  whatsoever. 

And  FURTHERMORE,  1  the  said  Elijah  Dickinson  for  myself,  my  heirs,  execu- 
tors, and  administrators,  do  hereby  covenant,  promise  and  engage  the  before  granted 
Premises,  with  the  appurtenances,  unto  them  the  said  Trustees,  their  Successors 
in  said  office  and  assigns  forever,  to  warrant,  secure  and  defend  against  the  lawful 
claims  and  demands  of  any  person  or  persons  whatsoever. 

In  Witness  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  seal  this  fifteenth  day 
of  May  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eighteen. 

Whereas  it  is  contemplated  to  procure  the  establishment,  in  the  Town  of 
Amherst  aforesaid,  of  a  College  University,  or  Classical  Institution  for  the  educa- 
tion of  young  men  for  the  gospel  Ministry, — wherin  shall  be  taught  all  the  branches 
of  learning  usually  taught  in  Colleges  in  New  England:  ec  whereas  part  of  the 
Consideration  for  this  conveyance  is  the  establishment  of  such  College  University, 
or  Classical  Institution  on  the  premises:  Now  the  conditions  of  this  deed  is  ec  such 
is  the  full  and  explicit  understanding  of  the  Parties  thereto;  that  the  same  is  to  be 
utterly  void  &  of  no  effect  in  Law.  unless  such  College,  University  or  Institution 
shall  be  established  at  Amherst  &  located  on  the  premises,  in  three  years  from  this 
date  unless  also  the  said  Trustees  of  Amherst  Academy  shall  forthwith  after  such 
establishment,  or  within  one  year  thereafter,  assign  to  such  College,  University, 
or  Classical  Institution,  the  same  premises  for  the  uses  &  purposes  above  mentioned  : 
&  unless  also  the  Trustees  of  such  College.  University,  or  Classical  Institution  shall 
within  one  year  after  the  establishment  thereof,  pay  to  me  or  to  my  heirs  the  sum 
of  Two  Hundred  Dollarst  an  acre  for  all  such  quantity  as  shall  exceed  three  acres 
(said  three  to  be  given)  as  part  of  the  consideration  of  this  conveyance.  Any  of 
the  above  conditions  failing  to  be  performed,  this  Deed  to  be  of  no  effect  in  Law 
but  utterly  void. — 

Elijah  Dickinson  [Seal] 
Signed  sealed  &  delivered  in  presence  of  us 
Moses  Dickinson 
H.  Wright  Strong 

tThe  words  an  acre  for  all  such  quantity  as  shall  exceed  three  acres,  (said  three  acres  to  be 
given)  interlined  before  signing— in  the  original  Deed.— H.  \Y.  Strong. 


152  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Hampshire  ss.  May  23'1  1S18     Personally  appeared  Elijah  Dickinson  Subscriber 
to  the  above  Instrument  &  acknowledged  the  same  to  be  his  Deed. — 

Before  me  II.  Wright  Strong  Justice  of  the  Peace. 
May  10"'  1S19  I  agree  to  receive  pay  for  such  quantity  of  Land  above  described 
as  shall  exceed  six  acres  only,  meaning  that   I   give   Six  acres  of  the  Land  afore- 
said if  Williams  College  is  located  in  said  Amherst,  provided  Williams  College  is 
erected  on  said  premises. — 

Elijah  Dickinson. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


Biographical  Sketches  of  Prominent  Citizens  Who  were  Born  in 
the  Years   Dating  from    1686  to   1720. 

In  preceding  chapters  of  this  History,  the  aim  has  been  to  present  in 
chronological  order  the  principal  events  that  have  marked  the  history  of 
the  precinct,  district,  and  town,  and  its  inhabitants.  In  chapters  that  are 
to  follow,  particular  subjects  will  be  considered  under  appropriate  chapter 
headings.  It  may  be  well  in  this  place  to  give  in  outline  brief  sketches  of 
the  lives  of  men  who  were  prominent  in  town  affairs,  up  to  the  time  that 
Amherst  College  was  organized.  These  sketches  must,  of  necessity,  be 
brief  and  incomplete.  Many  of  these  earlier  inhabitants  have  no  desendants 
living  in  Amherst  at  the  present  time,  and  little  information  concerning 
them  can  be  obtained  from  any  source.  It  is  known  that  they  were  men 
of  prominence  in  their  day  and  generation,  taking  an  active  part  in  town 
and  church  affairs,  but  as  to  their  personality,  the  elements  of  character  by 
which  they  gained  distinction,  the  records  are  silent.  Sketches  of  some  of 
the  more  prominent  men  have  been  given  in  preceding  chapters  in  connection 
with  special  events. 

Of  the  earliest  inhabitants  of  the  settlement,  the  date  of  whose  birth 
is  prior  to  1758,  the  following  appear,  from  the  town  records  and  from 
other  available  sources  of  information,  to  have  attained  special  distinction  : 
Samuel  Hawley,  Moses  Warner.  Klisha  Ingram.  Alexander  Smith.  Moses 
Dickinson,  John  Field,  John  Nash,  John  Hillings,  Simeon  Pomeroy,  Moses 
Cook,  Hezekiah  Belding,  Preserved  Clapp,  Jonathan  Moody,  Eli  Parker, 
Seth  Coleman.  Joseph  Eastman,  Robert  Cutler,  Elisha  Smith,  Daniel 
Kellogg, Zebina  Montague,  Daniel  Cooley,  Oliver  Dickinson.  Of  all  but 
eight  of    these,  brief    sketches  have  ahead}-  been  given  in    connection    with 


EARLY    MEN    OF    NOTE.  1 83 

the  early  settlement.  But  little  can  be  added,  a  word  here,  a  line  there, 
as  information  has  been  obtained.  Samuel  Hawley  was  the  moderator  of 
the  first  meeting  held  in  Hadley  Third  Precinct,  a  member  of  the  first 
committee  chosen  to  call  precinct  meetings,  and  served  at  various  times  on 
committees  to  hire  a  minister  and  build  a  meeting-house.  Moses  Warner 
was  among  the  earliest  of  the  innkeepers,  his  tavern  being  a  favorite  place 
of  resort  for  the  citizens  in  attendance  at  town-meetings.  Moses  Dickin- 
son was  equally  prominent  in  town  and  church  affairs,  was  a  member  of 
the  committee  of  correspondence  at  the  outbreak  of  the  Revolutionary 
war,  a  delegate  to  various  conventions,  representative  to  the  General  Court, 
and  served  on  many  of  the  important  committees  appointed  by  the  parish. 
Alexander  Smith  served  as  selectman  and  held  other  offices  of  importance. 
John  Field  was  commissioned  as  lieutenant  in  the  militia  by  Gov.  Hutchin- 
son in  1773,  but  gave  up  his  commission  the  following  year.  John  Nash 
was  among  the  early  tavern-keepers  ;  he  was  also  one  of  the  officers  com- 
missioned by  Gov.  Hutchinson.  He  was  the  first  precinct  clerk,  an  office 
he  held  many  years,  serving  also  as  precinct  treasurer  and  moderator. 
John  Billings  was  a  deacon  in  the  Second  church  ;  he  served  as  represen- 
tative to  the  General  Court  two  years.  Moses  Cook  represented  the  town 
for  two  years  in  the  General  Court;  he  also  held  many  town  offices. 
Hezekiah  Belding  was  a  deacon  of  the  Second  church.  Jonathan  Moody 
held  many  important  town  offices,  including  that  of  selectman.  There  is 
hardly  a  page  in  the  old  precinct  and  district  records  but  bears  the  name 
of  Joseph  Eastman.  He  served  as  selectman,  assessor,  treasurer,  school 
committee,  and  was  a  member  of  nearly  all  the  important  committees 
appointed  during  the  earlier  years  of  the  settlement.  He  was  the  first 
district  treasurer  appointed  after  the  district  had  been  set  off  from  the 
town  of  Hadley.  The  New  England  Historical  and  Genealogical  Register 
says  of  him,  "  He  was  intelligent,  frugal  and  Godly."  Daniel  Kellogg  was 
selectman,  assessor,  and  served  on  many  important  committees.  In  1770, 
he  was  one  of  the  largest  property  holders,  his  estate  being  valued  at  £1 19. 
It  is  impossible  to  state  with  accuracy  the  precise  date  when  Eli 
Parker  came  to  Amherst.  He  is  first  mentioned  in  the  district  records 
under  date  of  1769,  when  he  was  elected  a  "vorden,"  or  warden.  He 
married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  John  Hubbard,  by  whom  he  had  children, 
Eli,  Levi,  Samuel,  Deborah,  Hannah  and  Elizabeth.  In  the  war  of  the 
Revolution  he  was  lieutenant  of  militia,  leading  a  company  of  minute  men 
to  Cambridge  at  the  time  of  the  Lexington  alarm.  He  afterwards  com- 
manded a  company  in  Col.  Leonard's  regiment  that  marched  from  Hampshire 
county  to  Ticonderoga  in  1777.  He  was  active  in  both  town  and  church 
affairs. 


184  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Elisha  Smith  was  son  of  Peter,  who  came  to  the  Third  Precinct  between 
1739  and  1745,  and  grandson  of  Chiliab  Smith  of  Hadley.  He  married 
in  1782,  Ursula,  daughter  of  Dea.  John  Billings,  by  whom  he  had  children. 
Jerusha,  Lucretia,  Achsah,  Peter,  Polly  and  Elisha. 

Zebina  Montague,  son  of  Major  Richard  Montague,  was  born  in 
Hadley,  July  23,  1754.  He  married,  Dec.  30,  1778,  Jemina  Gunn.  He 
removed  from  Hadley  to  Amherst,  where  he  lived  many  years,  devoting 
much  of  his  time  to  the  public  service,  respected  and  honored  by  all.  In 
company  with  his  brother  Luke  he  conducted  successfully  a  mercantile 
business  in  a  store  on  Main  street,  adjoining  the  "  Montague  house"  still 
standing.  For  ten  years,  nine  successively,  he  represented  the  town  in  the 
General  Court.  He  was  for  many  years  a  justice  of  the  peace,  and  during 
the  latter  part  of  his  life  held  the  office  of  brigadier-general  of  militia.  He 
was  a  prominent  member  of  the  First  church,  benevolent,  kind-hearted,  a 
valued  member  of  the  community.  He  built  and  resided  in  the  house 
just  south  of  Palmer's  block  which  was  destroyed  by  fire  during  the  blizzard 
in  March,  1888.     General  Montague  died  in  1809. 

Seth  Coleman  was  son  of  Nathaniel,  and  was  born  in  Hatfield,  March 
1  j,  1740.  When  two  years  of  age  his  parents  removed  to  Amherst.  At 
the  age  of  twenty-one  he  entered  Yale  College,  from  which  he  was 
graduated  in  the  class  of  1765.  He  studied  medicine  with  Dr.  Hubbard 
of  New  Haven,  and  entered  upon  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Amherst 
in  1  767,  where  he  remained  until  his  death  in  iS  16.  He  was  twice  married, 
in  1765  to  Sarah  Beecher,  who  died  in  1783  ;  in  1785  to  Eunice  Warner, 
who  died  in  1822.  By  his  first  wife  he  had  children,  William,  Thankful,. 
Sarah,  Fanny,  Seth,  Eliphalet.  Dr.  Coleman  was  a  man  eminent  for  his 
zeal  in  religious  matters.  He  served  for  several  years  as  a  deacon  in  the 
First  church  ;  from  1785  to  180G,  he  was  clerk  and  treasurer  of  the  parish. 
Robert  Cutler  was  son  of  Rev.  Robert,  and  was  born  at  Epping.  N. 
II..  Oct.  2,  1748.  He  studied  medicine  at  Hardwick,  Mass.,  and  began 
the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Pelham  in  1770.  He  was  married.  Pec. 
22,  1773,  to  Esther,  widow  of  Isaac  Guernsey  of  Northampton;  by  her  he 
had  seven  children,  all  born  in  Pelham.  He  removed  to  Amherst  in  1787, 
where  he  soon  acquired  a  large  practice,  being  for  many  years  the  leading 
physician  of  the  town.  He  has  been  described,  by  one  who  remembered 
him  well,  as  the  most  polite  man  in  town.  Mounted  upon  a  bay  horse, 
wearing  a  three-cornered  hat,  knee  breeches,  white-top  boots,  his  snow 
white  hair  done  up  in  a  queue,  and  with  saddle-bags  across  his  horse's 
back,  he  would  ride  through  the  village  bowing  and  smiling  at  all  he  met, 
whether  young  or  old.  An  interesting  incident  is  related  concerning  Mrs. 
Cutler,  which  occurred  before  the  family  removed  to  Amherst,  during  the 
Shays  rebellion.      Dr.  Cutler  was  strong  in  his  opposition  to  the  rebellion 


PROMINENT    CITIZENS.  1S5 

and  made  himself  so  obnoxious  to  the  Shays  party  that  he  was  frequently 
warned  to  change  his  views  or  be  more  guarded  in  their  expression.  "<  )n 
a  given  night  the  Shays  men  had  arranged  to  make  him  a  visit,  and  either 
compel  him  to  join  them  in  their  march  to  Springfield,  as  a  surgeon,  or  get  out 
of  the  town.  Learning  of  their  movements,  he  made  it  convenient  not  to 
be  at  home  on  the  appointed  night.  Being  enraged  at  his  departure,  they 
demanded  of  Mrs.  Cutler  food  and  shelter,  whereupon  she  spread  her 
tal/ies  and  gave  them  all  the  food  she  had  in  the  house.  They  then 
demanded  cider  and  whatever  liquor  she  chanced  to  have  in  her  cellar. 
but  she  defied  them  by  placing  herself  before  the  cellar  door,  at  the  same 
time  informing  them  that  she  had  given  them  all  her  food,  but  not  a  drop 
of  cider  nor  liquor  could  they  have  unless  they  obtained  it  by  passing  over 
her  dead  body.  After  many  threats  and  not  a  little  show  of  violence,  they 
proceeded  to  break  the  dishes  and  table,  when  they  took  their  departure 
for  Springfield.*' 

Daniel  Cooley,  son  of  Abner,  was  born  in  Sunderland,  Feb.21,  1752. 
He  was  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1753.  He  represented  the  town  two 
years,  1787  and  17S8,  in  the  General  Court,  and  in  17S8  was  delegate  to 
the  first  convention  that  met  in  Boston  to  consider  the  United  States  con- 
stitution.     Mr.  Cooley  was  three  times  married:    he  died  May  27,  1S10. 

Oliver  Dickinson  was  son  of  Azariah  who  came  to  Amherst  from 
Shutesbury  prior  to  1763.  and  was  born  March  27.  1757.  He  conducted 
for  many  years  a  tavern  at  North  Amherst,  gaining  the  name  of  "Landlord 
Oliver,"  by  which  he  was  generally  known.  His  labors  in  organizing  the 
North  Congregational  church  and  in  erecting  the  church-building  will  be 
referred  to  in  a  later  chapter  in  this  book.  He  was  twice  married,  (1)  to 
Hannah  Strickland;  (2)  to  Dorothy  Whiting:  he  had  no  children.  He  died 
in  Amherst.  May  12,  1S43. 

Of  a  little  later  generation,  dating  in  birth  from  1758  to  178S,  were 
Samuel  Fowler  Dickinson,  Noah  Webster,  Rufus  Cowles,  Justus  Williams, 
Enos  Dickinson,  Hezekiah  Wright  Strong,  Elijah  Boltwood,  John  Dickin- 
son, Aaron  Merrick,  Medad  Dickinson,  Daniel  Mack,  Noah  D.  Mattoon, 
Ithamar  Conkey  and  Timothy  J.  Gridley. 

Medad  Dickinson  was  son  of  Moses,  who  came  from  Hadley  to 
Amherst  prior  to  1745  ;  he  was  born  June  9,  1755  ;  was  three  times  married, 
(1)  to  Sally  Smith,  (2)  to  Eleanor  Morton,  (3)  to  Esther  Dickinson:  he 
had  children,  Sally,  Hannah,  Thankful,  Olive,  Moses,  Pliny,  Oliver,  Esther, 
Aaron,  Eleanor,  Medad  and  Julia.  He  served  the  town  as  representative 
in  the  General  Court  in  18 10  and  181 1. 

Noah  Webster  was  not  a  native  of  Amherst,  but  resided  here  for  several 
years,  during  which  time  he  was  prominently  identified  with  the  town  and 
its  institutions.      Born  in  Hartford,  Conn.,  Oct.  16,  1 7 5 S ,  he  was  graduated 


l86  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

from  Vale  College  in  1778,  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1781,  engaged  in  teach- 
ing, compiling  school-books,  writing  essays  on  political  and  literary  subjects 
and  delivering  lectures  till  1789,  a  lawyer  in  Hartford  till  1793,  editor  of 
a  daily  and  semi-weekly  paper  in  New  York  till  179S,  and  soon  after 
devoted  himself  solely  to  literary  and  philological  pursuits  at  New  Haven, 
Conn.  He  removed  to  Amherst  in  18 12,  and  remained  here  about  ten 
years,  devoting  himself  to  labor  upon  the  dictionary  which  was  his  great 
life-work  and  which  was  destined  to  make  his  name  known  wherever  the 
English  language  is  spoken.  He  lived  in  an  old-style  wooden  house  that 
stood  not  far  from  the  site  now  occupied  by  Kellogg's  Block,  surrounded 
by  a  thriving  orchard.  During  his  stay  in  Amherst  he  took  a  leading  part 
in  town  affairs,  often  serving  as  moderator  at  town-meetings  and  representing 
the  town  in  the  General  Court  three  years.  A  prominent  member  of  the 
hirst  church,  he  was,  in  1819,  one  of  the  committee  chosen  to  confer  with 
the  Rev.  Daniel  A.  Clark  on  settling  in  the  ministry.  He  was  one  of  the 
incorporators  of  Amherst  Academy  and  bore  a  prominent  part  in  the 
labors  attendant  on  the  organization  of  the  college. 

Justus  Williams,  son  of  Justus,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Amherst, 
was  born  in  this  town,  April  7,  1766.  He  engaged  in  farming  for  mam' 
years  in  the  south  part  of  the  village.  When  the  project  of  establishing  a 
college  in  the  town  first  attracted  public  attention,  he  favored  the  proposi- 
tion strongly  and  his  name  is  honorably  mentioned  by  Professor  Tyler  as 
among  the  most  active  in  aiding  the  enterprise.  Mr.  Williams  was  married, 
Jan.  1.  1800,  to  Sarah,  daughter  of  Jonathan  Warner,  by  whom  he  had 
five  children,  Zebadiah,  Jonathan,  Mary  A.,  Oren  and  Onam.  He  died  in 
Amherst,  in  1824. 

Rufus  Cowles  was  son  of  Oliver,  who  came  to  Amherst  from  Hadley 
prior  to  1763;  he  was  born  Dec.  16,  1767,  was  graduated  from  Dartmouth 
College  in  1792,  studied  medicine  and  practiced  his  profession  in  New 
Salem  and  Amherst,  and  during  the  latter  part  of  his  life  was  engaged  in 
mercantile  business  in  the  latter  town.  He  owned  considerable  property 
in  Amherst  and  a  large  tract  of  land  in  Maine.  He  was  prominent  among 
the  founders  of  Amherst  College,  serving  as  a  member  of  the  board  of 
trustees  b  :fore  the  charter  was  granted.  He  is  described  as  ••bluff,  hearty 
and  generous,  lull  of  force  and  of  the  unrestrained  individuality  so  preva- 
lent in  his  time,  at  the  front  and  with  the  best  in  everything  affecting  the 
prosperity  of  Amherst."  He  lived  in  the  house  on  North  Pleasant  street 
now  occupied  1>\  the  Misses  Cowles.      His  death  occurred  Nov.   22.    t.837. 

( )f  Hezekiah  Wright  Strong  something  has  already  been  recorded  in 
connection  with  the  founding  of  Amherst  College.  He  was  son  of  Judge 
Simeon  Strong,  and  was  born  in  Amherst.  Dec.  24,  1768.  lie  studied  law 
in  his  father's  office,  practiced  his  profession  for  a   time    in    Deerfield,  and 


PROMINENT    CITIZENS.  187 

afterwards  in  Amherst.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  Amherst  Academy 
and  Amherst  College.  He  was  an  energetic  man.  tireless  in  laboring  for 
any  cause  that  enlisted  his  interest,  progressive,  by  many  deemed  visionary. 
The  first  ice-house  and  the  first  bathing-house  in  Amherst  were  built  by 
him.  In  1S25,  he  was  appointed  postmaster  at  Amherst,  continuing  in 
office  until  1842.  For  several  years  he  conducted  a  store  on  the  present 
site  of  Adams'  drugstore.      He  died  in  Troy,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  7,  184S. 

Aaron  Merrick  was  son  of  James,  who  came  from  Monson  to  Amherst 
prior  to  1763  ;  he  was  born  in  May,  1770;  married,  June  22,  1800,  Mary 
Howe:  died  in  Amherst,  Dec.  3,  1843.  He  represented  the  town  in  the 
General  Court  in  1822. 

Samuel  Fowler  Dickinson  has  already  been  mentioned  in  connection 
with  the  founding  of  Amherst  Academy  and  Amherst  College.  Distin- 
guished as  were  his  services  in  the  cause  of  education,  they  were  but  the 
reflex  of  a  public  spirit  that  was  interested  in  all  progress  and  bore  a 
prominent  part  in  affairs  of  church  and  state.  A  descendant  in  direct  line 
from  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  who  was  among  the  original  settlers  of  Hadley, 
lie  was  the  embodiment  of  those  qualities  and  virtues  that  gave  to  New 
England  strength  and  character  from  the  earliest  times.  He  was  born  in 
Amherst,  Oct.  9,  1775,  and  was  graduated  at  Dartmouth  College  in  the 
class  of  1795,  with  distinguished  honors.  After  leaving  college,  he  taught 
for  one  vear  in  the  academy  at  New  Salem,  and  then  studied  law  in  the 
office  of  Judge  Simeon  Strong.  He  opened  an  office  for  the  practice  of 
his  profession  in  Amherst,  where  he  soon  acquired  an  extensive  business, 
being  accounted  among  the  ablest  lawyers  in  the  county.  He  was  married, 
March  31,  1802,  to  Lucretia  Gunn  of  Montague,  by  whom  he  had  children, 
Edward,  William,  Lucretia,  Mary.  Samuel  Fowler,  Catharine,  Timothy, 
Frederick  and  Elizabeth.  He  united  with  the  First  church  in  Amherst, 
and  when  but  twenty-one  years  of  age  was  chosen  deacon,  an  office  which 
he  held  for  nearly  forty  years,  taking  an  active  part  in  church  and  parish 
affairs.  In  the  community  he  was  highly  honored;  he  served  as  town 
clerk  many  years  and  for  twelve  years  represented  the  town  in  the  General 
Court.  He  was  a  natural  leader  in  every  enterprise  looking  toward  the 
public  welfare.  He  took  a  prominent  part  in  the  founding  of  Amherst 
Academy,  and  Amherst  College  owes  to  his  memory  a  debt  which  has  been 
acknowledged  but  can  never  be  fully  paid.  For  the  college  he  sacrificed 
his  property,  his  time  and  his  professional  opportunities.  In  1833,  he 
removed  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  where  he  held  the  office  of  steward  of  Lane 
Seminary,  afterwards  serving  the  Western  Reserve  College  at  Hudson, 
Ohio,  in  the  same  capacity.      He  died  at  Hudson,  April  22,  1838. 

David  Mack  was  born  in  Middlefield  in  February,  1778.  He  fitted 
for  college  at  Windsor  Hill,  but  his  eyes  failing  he  was  compelled  to  give 


l88  HISTORY    <)F    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

up  his  studies.  For  twenty  years  he  was  a  merchant  in  Middletield, 
removing  to  Amherst  in  1S3J.  He  was  several  times  representative  from 
Middletield  in  the  General  Court,  and  at  one  time  was  a  member  of  the 
state  Senate  from  Hampshire  county;  he  was  also  a  member  of  the 
governor's  council.  In  1812,  he  commanded  for  some  months  the  militia 
in  Boston,  thus  acquiring  the  title  of  "General"  by  which  he  was  usually 
known.  For  many  years  he  was  deacon  of  the  First  church.  He  was  for 
eighteen  years  a  member  of  the  Amherst  College  board  of  trustees  and  for 
several  years  a  member  of  the  prudential  committee.  He  was  a  man  of 
great  decision  of  character,  a  devoted  Christian,  and  liberal  in  his 
benefactions. 

Elijah  Boltwood,  son  of  Samuel,  was  born  Feb.  19,  17S0.  He 
married,  Nov.  5,  1807,  Fliza  Almy,  and  died  April  13,  1855.  He  was,  for 
many  years,  proprietor  of  the  Boltwood  tavern,  which  stood  on  the  site 
now  occupied  by  the  Amherst  house. 

Thomas  Hastings  was  son  of  Thomas  and  grandson  of  Lieut.  Thomas 
Hastings,  who  removed  from  Hatfield  to  Amherst  about  1753,  and  served 
in  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  Thomas  Hastings,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  was  born  in  Amherst,  Feb.  6,  1782.  He  was  married  Nov.  1,  1S03, 
to  Eunice  Clark,  by  whom  he  had  thirteen  children.  He  served  the  town 
as  selectman  and  overseer  of  the  poor.  He  lived  on  the  place  now 
.occupied  by  Edmund  Hastings.  The  original  homestead  was  just  south 
of  the  Frederick  Williams  place. 

John  Dickinson,  son  of  John,  was  born  Feb.  25,  1782  ;  was  graduated 
from  Williams  College  in  1800,  studied  law  and  was  judge  of  probate  at 
Machias,  Me.,  returning  to  Amherst  about  1S37.  He  was  twice  married, 
(1  )  Oct.  12.  1S07,  to  Rebecca  Ellis;  (2)  Jan.  5,  184S,  to  Olive  S.  Shepard 
of    Lenox.      He  was  a  prominent  man  in  the  community  and  the  church. 

Enos  Dickinson  was  son  of  Jonathan,  and  was  born  in  Amherst.  Oct. 
23,  1785,  in  the  house  in  which  he  died,  Jan.  14,  1870.  His  early  educa- 
tion was  limited  to  the  knowledge  which  could  be  gained  at  the  public 
schools,  then  of  inferior  quality,  but  was  supplemented  by  reading  and 
stud}'  in  later  years.  brought  up  on  his  father's  farm,  he  early  acquired 
habits  of  industry,  economy  and  temperance,  which  remained  with  him 
through  life,  and  doubtless  were  responsible  for  much  of  the  success  which 
he  attained.  He  devoted  his  life  to  farming,  by  which  he  acquired  a 
handsome  property,  much  of  which  was  donated  to  benevolent  objects, 
lie  united  with  the  First  church  in  [816  ;  in  1S24,  he  was  one  of  the 
founders  of  the  church  in  South  Amherst,  contributing  liberally  to  its 
support  during  his  life,  and  at  his  death  bequeathing  it  funds  with  which  the 
parsonage  now  in  use  was  purchased.  He  was  a  regular  attendant  at 
town-meetings,  seldom    taking    part    in    the   discussions,  but    when   he  did 


PROMIMEA1T    LAWYERS. 


PROMINENT    CITIZENS.  189 

speak  his  words  bore  with  them  the  weight  of  character  and  wisdom.  He 
served  the  town  as  selectman  and.  in  182S,  as  representative  to  the  General 
Court.  In  18 1 2,  he  received  a  commission  as  lieutenant,  and  went  with  a 
company  raised  in  this  part  of  the  state  to  Boston,  but  was  not  called  into 
active  service.  From  this  time  he  was  known  as  "  Lieutenant  "  Dickinson. 
He  was  married,  April  27,  1S09,  to  Lois  Dickinson  of  Amherst;  having 
no  children,  he  devoted,  in  later  years,  the  income  of  his  large  propertv  to 
charitable  and  benevolent  objects.  He  gave  generously  to  Amherst 
Academy,  Amherst  College  and  Mount  Holyoke  Seminary.  The  expenses 
of  the  •'  Nineveh  Gallery  "  at  Amherst  College  were  borne  by  him  ;  in  his 
will  he  provided  for  a  perpetual  scholarship  at  the  college,  which  bears  his- 
name. 

Ithamar  Conkey  was  born  in  Pelham,  May  7,  1788.  He  was  son  of 
John  Conkey,  a  strong-minded  and  intelligent  farmer.  His  mother  was 
daughter  of  Rev.  Robert  Abercrombie,  the  first  minister  settled  in  Pelham. 
He  studied  law  with  Noah  D.  Mattoon,  Esq.  in  Amherst;  in  1814,  he  opened 
an  office  for  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Pelham,  remaining  there  until 
[817,  when,  on  the  removal  of  Mr.  Mattoon  to  Ohio,  he  succeeded  the 
latter  in  his  practice  at  Amherst.  In  1S28,  he  accepted  the  office  of 
special  commissioner,  and  in  1830,  that  of  county  commissioner.  In  1834, 
he  was  appointed  by  Gov.  Armstrong  judge  of  probate  for  Hampshire 
county,  an  office  he  retained  until  1858  when  the  court  was  abolished. 
In  1853,  he  was  a  member  of  the  convention  for  revising  the  state 
constitution.  For  many  years  he  was  a  trustee  of  Amherst  Academy,  and 
at  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  treasurer  of  that  institution.  He  was  a. 
member  and  firm  supporter  of  the  Second  church. 

Timothy  J.  Gridley  was  born  in  Connecticut  in  178S;  he  was  grad- 
uated at  Yale  College  in  1S18.  and  studied  medicine  with  Dr.  Nathan 
Smith.  He  came  to  Amherst  in  1S22,  and  here  practiced  his  profession 
until  his  death  in  1852.  During  this  time  he  sustained  a  reputation  as 
physician  and  surgeon  second  to  none  in  the  western  part  of  the  state. 
His  reputation  was  not  confined  to  Hampshire  county,  but  his  advice  was 
sought  in  consultation  by  physicians  throughout  this  section.  He  served 
the  town  as  representative  in  the  General  Court  two  years  and  was  member 
of  the  Governor's  council  for  one  year.  Dr.  Gridley  was  a  man  of  great 
native  talent,  excellent  education  and  strong  character.  To  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  his  profession  was  added  keen  judgment  and  strong  com- 
mon sense.  Few  men  of  his  time  enjoyed  so  generally  the  confidence  of 
the  community. 

Noah  Dickinson  Mattoon,  son  of  Gen.  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  was  born 
in  Amherst,  Sept.  19,  1783.  He  was  graduated  from  Dartmouth  College 
in  1S03,  read  law  with  Hon.  Samuel  Fowler  Dickinson,  and  in  1806  began. 


•I  9°  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

the  practice  of  his  profession  in  his  native  town.  He  was  prominent  in 
town  affairs  until  his  removal,  in  181S,  to  Painesville,  Ohio.  He  married 
Lucy,  daughter  of  Aaron  Billings  of  Amherst;  he  died  in  Unionville,  Ohio, 
March  15,  1870. 

Among  the  prominent  residents  of  Amherst  whose  birth  dates  from 
1789  to  1807,  were  Lucius  Boltwood,  Daniel  Dickinson,  Frederick  A. 
Palmer,  Silas  Wright,  Leavitt  Hallock,  Seth  Nims,  John  Nash,  Luke 
Sweetser,  Osmyn  Baker,  O.  M.  Clapp,  Edward  Dickinson,  L.  M.  Hills, 
J.  R.  Cushman,  R.  B.  Hubbard.  Albin  P.  Howe,  Oliver  Watson,  Simeon 
Clark,  John  Leland,  Calvin  Merrill,  and  W.  S.  Howland. 

Lucius  Boltwood  was  son  of   William,  and  was  born  in  Amherst,  March 
16,    1792.       His   father,  a  farmer   in    moderate   circumstances   with    eight 
children    dependent   on    him    for    support,  could    ill   afford  him  the  liberal 
education  on    which    his   heart   was   set.      He   studied  Latin  at  the  district 
school    and    attended   the    grammar-school    at   Hadley  for   a   few    weeks, 
spending  the  greater  part  of  his  time  in  labor  upon  the  farm.      In  the  fall 
of    1810,  he   entered   the   freshman   class    at  Williams  College,  graduating 
with  high  honors  in  the  class  of   18 14.      During  the  winters  of  his  fresh- 
man, sophomore  and  senior  years  he  taught  the  center  school  in   Amherst. 
After   graduation,  he   read    law    with  Hon.  Samuel  Fowler  Dickinson,  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  in  iS  1  7,  and  entered  into  partnership  with  his  instructor. 
In  1820,  he  opened  an  office  of  his  own  in  Amherst,  continuing  in  practice 
until  1836  ;   at  about  the  latter  date  he  made  extensive  purchases  of  land  in 
Michigan,  the  care  of  which  gradually  compelled  him  to  abandon  the   law. 
He  served    Amherst    College  for  several  years  as  secretary  of  the  corpora- 
tion :   from  183310  1866,  he  was  commissioner  of  the  charity  fund.      From 
November,    1835,    t0    October,    1836,    he   was   president   of  the    Amherst 
hank.      In   1835,  he  built  what  was  for  many  years  known  as  the  "  boltwood 
house"  and  now  as  "  Hitchcock  hall,"  where  he  resided  until  his  death  in 
1872.      At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  senior  member  of  the    Hampshire 
county  bar.      He  was  an  able  lawyer,  a  wise  counsellor,  a  magistrate  whose 
decisions  were  respected.      He  was  noted  for  public  spirit  and  for  benevo- 
lence.     He  was  a  warm  friend  of   Amherst  College,  and  among  those  who 
favored    the   establishment   of  the   Agricultural   College  in  Amherst.     He- 
was   one    of  the   organizers   of  the    Liberty    party,  serving,  in  1S41,  as  its 
first  candidate  for  governor  of   Massachusetts;   with  this  exception,  he  was 
never    a    candidate  for   elective   office.      For   nearly    sixty   years  he  was  a 
member  the  First  church  in  Amherst.      He  married,  Aug.  30,  1824,  Fanny 
H.  Shepard   of  Little    Compton,  R.    I.:    their   children    were,    Lucius    M., 
George   S.,  Fanny   S.,  Charles  S.,    Charles    l\,    Edward,  Thomas  K.  and 
Samuel. 


PROMINENT    CITIZENS.  19  I 

Daniel  Dickinson  was  son  of  Azariah,  and  was  born  in  Amherst, 
June  18,  1793.  His  early  education  was  obtained  at  the  district  schools 
of  his  native  town.  His  father  died  in  1813,  leaving  to  his  care,  while  he 
was  not  yet  of  age,  the  management  of  a  farm  which  he  conducted  success- 
fully for  many  years.  He  represented  the  town  in  the  General  Court  in 
1829  and  1833.  In  1833,  he  was  appointed  a  justice  of  the  peace,  holding 
the  office  for  thirty-five  years.  He  was,  for  many  years,  an  elector  under 
the  provisions  of  the  Oliver  Smith  will.  He  took  a  prominent  part  in  the 
organization  of  the  North  Congregational  church  ;  he  served  the  church 
as  a  member  of  its  prudential  committee,  twelve  years ;  as  clerk,  fourteen 
years,  and  also,  for  many  years,  as  assessor.  When,  in  1828,  a  board  of 
trustees  was  appointed  by  the  General  Court  to  hold  in  trust  a  permanent 
fund  for  the  benefit  of  the  parish,  he  was  chosen  a  member  of  the  board. 
an  office  he  held  for  more  than  forty  years.  Mr.  Dickinson  was  twice 
married,  (1)  in  18  19,  to  Miss  Louisa  Adams  of  New  fane.  Yt.,  by  whom  he 
had  two  children  ;  (2)  June  25,  1829,  to  Miss  Tammy  Eastman  of  Granby 
by  whom  he  had  five  children. 

Silas  Wright,  although  a  native  of  Amherst,  removed  when  less  than 
one  year  of  age,  with  his  father's  family,  to  Weybridge,  Vt.  He  cannot, 
therefore,  be  rightly  classed  among  the  prominent  men  of  Amherst,  but  in 
view  of  the  national  reputation  that  he  afterwards  acquired,  a  history  of  the 
town  would  be  incomplete  without  some  reference  to  one  of  its  most 
distinguished  sons.  He  was  son  of  Silas  Wright,  whose  farm  in  Hadley, 
with  the  farms  of  three  other  men.  was  annexed  to  Amherst  in  1789. 
Silas  Wright,  Sr.  was  married,  Sept.  26,  1780,  by  Rev.  David  Parsons,  to 
Eleanor,  daughter  of  Isaac  Goodale,  of  Amherst.  Silas,  Jr.  was  born 
May  24,  1795.  He  was  graduated  at  Middlebury  College  in  1815.  studied 
law,  and  in  18 19  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  He  practiced  law  in  Canton, 
N.  Y.,  but  soon  turned  his  attention  to  politics,  and  was  elected  successively 
state  senator,  comptroller,  representative  and  senator  in  the  U.  S.  Congress, 
and  governor  of  New  York  state.      He  died  Aug.  27,  1847. 

Leavitt  Hallock,  son  of  Rev.  Moses  Hallock.  was  born  in  Plainfield 
in  1796.  '  He  spent  the  greater  portion  of  his  life  in  his  native  town, 
carrying  on  a  farm  and  at  the  same  time  conducting  a  large  tannery  and  a 
country  store.  He  came  to  Amherst  for  the  purpose  of  educating  his  two 
sons,  both  of  whom  were  afterwards  graduated  at  Amherst  College.  During 
his  stay  in  Amherst,  he  was  prominently  identified  with  the  development 
and  beautifying  of  the  town.  He  purchased  the  Cowles  farm  from  Hon. 
Osmyn  Baker,  and  made  building-lots  of  it,  opening  up  Prospect,  Hallock 
and  McClellan  streets.  He  also  purchased  the  Baker  farm  and  grove,  laid 
out  Snell  street,  circled  the  grove  with  a  gravel  road  and  presented  it  to 
Amherst  College  to  be  held  as  a  grove  forever;  the  College  christened  the 


I g2  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    -MASS. 

property  Hallock  park,  in  his  honor.  He  was  for  many  years  identified 
with  the  First  parish,  contributing  liberally  to  its  support. 

Seth  Nims,  son  of  Israel,  was  born  in  Conway,  Sept.  n,  1798.  He 
married,  Nov.  26,  1823,  Emily  Dickinson,  by  whom  he  had  five  children. 
He  removed  from  Conway  to  South  Deerfield,  where  he  was  in  business 
for  a  few  years,  a  part  of  the  time  as  proprietor  of  the  Bloody  Brook  hotel. 
While  there  he  assisted  in  organizing  an  independent  militia  company,  the 
"Franklin  Cadets,"  of  which  he  was  chosen  first  lieutenant.  He  resided 
in  Ware  two  years,  removing  to  Amherst  in  1830.  He  served  the  town  as 
constable  and  tax  collector  several  years.  In  1852,  he  was  appointed 
deputy-sheriff  for  Hampshire  county.  May  9,  1845,  he  was  commissioned 
as  post-master  at  Amherst  by  President  Polk,  serving  four  years.  June  3, 
1853,  he  again  received  a  commission  as  post-master,  this  time  from 
President  Pierce,  and  was  in  charge  of  the  office  eight  years,  being  suc- 
ceeded by  Lucius  M.  Boltwood.  He  took  great  interest  in  town  and 
church  affairs,  and  was  held  in  high  esteem  in  the  community.  He  died 
Sept.  25,  1877. 

John  A.  Nash,  son  of  Elijah,  was  born  in  Conway  in  1798.  He  was 
graduated  from  Amherst  College  in  the  class  of  1824,  taught  in  New  York 
tit}-  and  at  Hopkins  Academy  in  Hadley,  studied  theology  at  Yale  College, 
conducted  classical  schools  in  Bloomfield,  N.  J.,  and  New  York  city,  was 
pastor  of  a  Presbyterian  church  in  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  several  years, 
conducted  a  boarding-school  in  Pittsfield  eight  years,  and  then  came  to 
Amherst,  where,  from  1846  to  1854,  he  conducted  a  boarding-school  at 
Mt.  Pleasant,  continued  since  then  by  his  son,  Henry  C.  Nash.  John  A. 
Nash  was  appointed  professor  of  scientific  agriculture  at  Amherst  College, 
was  a  member  of  the  Massachusetts  State  Board  of  Agriculture,  traveled 
and  studied  in  Europe,  and  on  his  return  published  a  book  on  agricultural 
chemistry.  He  edited  a  paper  entitled  the  Valley  Farmer  for  a  time,  after- 
wards removing  to  New  York  city,  when  he  purchased  and  edited  the 
Plough,  Loom  and  Anvil,  and  was  for  a  time  agricultural  editor  of  the  New 
York  Tribune  and  New  York  Evangelist.  He  was  among  the  pioneers  in 
the  field  of  scientific  agriculture,  being  active  as  well  in  the  causes  of  anti- 
slavery  and  temperance  reform.  He  died  Oct.  7,  1  cS 7 7 ,  at  the  home  of 
his  son,   Henry  (  '.   Nash. 

Luke  Sweetser  was  horn  in  Athol,  Oct  28,  1S00  ;  he  entered  Amherst 
Academy  in  the  winter  of  1820-21.  In  the  spring  of  1821,  he  entered 
the  employ  of  H.  Wright  Strong,  who  at  that  time  conducted  the  leading 
store  in  the  village.  In  1X24.  he  bought  the  store  of  Mr.  Strong,  and 
engaged  in  business  on  his  own  account,  associating  with  hiinsell  his 
younger  brother,  Joseph  A.  Sweetser,  William  Cutler  and  George  Cutler. 
He  continued  in  business  thirty  years,  until  March.   1  S54,  when  he  sold  his 


PROMINENT    CITIZENS.  193 

interest  to  William  and  George  Cutler.  On  retiring  from  active  business 
pursuits,  he  engaged  in  farming  and  collected  the  finest  herd  of  Ayrshire 
cattle  in  this  part  of  the  state.  He  took  a  deep  interest  in  agricultural 
matters,  and  his  name  is  found  among  the  incorporators  of  the  Hampshire 
Agricultural  society.  He  was  an  active  promoter  of  the  Amherst  & 
Belchertown  Railroad  company,  the  first  corporation  to  build  a  railway 
line  to  Amherst  ;  he  served  as  its  first  president  and  had  charge  of  its 
construction.  He  served  the  town  as  selectman  and  assessor,  and  in 
1S47-8  was  its  representative  to  the  General  Court.  It  was  largely  through 
his  efforts  that  the  first  almshouse  in  Amherst  was  built.  For  over  thirty 
years  he  was  a  member  of  the  prudential  committee  of  Amherst  College, 
had  charge  of  erecting  some  of  the  college  buildings  and  the  oversight  of 
the  buildings  and  grounds  for  a  time.  For  ten  years  he  was  a  commissioner 
of  the  charity  fund.  He  united  with  the  First  church  in  183  i  ;  from  iS5r 
to  1871.  he  served  as  one  of  its  deacons.  Few  men  have  enjoyed  the 
respect  and  high  esteem  of  a  community  to  a  greater  degree  than  was 
granted  by  Amherst  to  Mr.  Sweetser.  His  name  stood  for  honor,  integ- 
rity and  high  Christian  character.  He  died  in  Amherst,  July  27,  1882. 
Osmyn  Baker,  son  of  Enos,  was  born  in  Amherst,  May  18,  1800. 
He  fitted  for  college  in  his  native  town,  entered  Vale  College  at  the  age  of 
18  and  was  graduated  in  the  class  of  1S22.  He  studied  law  in  Amherst 
and  at  the  law  school  in  Northampton  ;  in  1S25,  he  opened  an  office  in 
Amherst  for  the  practice  of  his  profession.  At  about  the  same  time  he 
became  editor  of  the  New  England  Enquirer,  a  newspaper  published  in 
Amherst  by  J.  S.  &  C.  Adams.  In  1830,  he  was  commissioned  as  captain 
of  an  independent  rifle  company,  organized  in  Amherst,  which  for  several 
years  was  regarded  as  one  of  the  finest  companies  in  this  part  of  the  state. 
In  1833,  '34,  '36  and  '37,  he  represented  Amherst  in  the  General  Court. 
From  1834  to  1837,  he  served  as  county  commissioner.  From  1839  to 
1845,  ne  served  three  terms  in  Congress,  during  one  of  the  most  interesting 
periods  of  our  national  political  history.  During  the  presidential  campaign 
of  1S40,  and  the  two  succeeding  congressional  campaigns,  he  came  into 
prominence  as  a  political  speaker.  In  1842,  he  formed  a  copartnership 
with  Charles  Delano,  Esq.  for  the  practice  of  law.  which  continued,  at 
Amherst  first  and  afterwards  in  Northampton,  until  Mr.  Baker  retired  from 
practice,  in  i860.  In  1845,  he  removed  his  office  to  Northampton.  Mr. 
Baker  was  one  of  the  counsel  for  the  defence  in  the  great  legal  struggle 
which  took  place  over  the  will  of  Oliver  Smith  of  Hatfield,  and  it  was  largely 
owing  to  his  efforts  that  the  will  was  sustained  and  the  noble  charity  per- 
mitted to  accomplish  an  even  greater  and  more  beneficent  work  than  its 
founder  had  anticipated.  Mr.  Baker  was  chosen  the  first  president  of  the. 
J3 


194  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

board  of  trustees  under  the  will,  an  office  he  retained  until  his  resignation 
in  [870.  Mr.  Baker  was  twice  married,  (1)  in  August,  1832,  to  Elizabeth 
Olmstead,  by  whom  he  had  one  child;  (2)  in  183S,  to  Cornelia  Rockwell, 
by  whom  he  had  a  son,  William  Lawrence,  who  served  in  the  war  for  the 
preservation  of  the  Union  and  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Antietam,  in 
1863.      Mr.  Baker  died  Feb.  9,  1875. 

Calvin  Merrill,  son  of  Calvin,  was  born  in  Amherst.  Aug.  17,  1797.  He 
was  twice  married,  (1)  in  182  1,  to  Cordelia  A.  Leonard  of  Sunderland,  by 
whom  he  had  five  children  ;  (2)  to  Mrs.  Fannie  Dickinson  of  Amherst. 
He  was  prominent  in  town  affairs,  holding  for  many  years  the  offices  of 
selectman  and  assessor.  He  was  a  member  of  the  First  Congregational 
church.  After  the  death  of  his  second  wife,  which  occurred  in  the  summer 
of  1872,  he  removed  to  Grand  Rapids,  Mich.,  where  he  resided  with  his 
daughter,  Caroline  H.  Granger,  until  his  death,  Nov.  10,  1872. 

Oliver  M.  Clapp,  son  of  Oliver,  was  born  in  Amherst,  Oct.  2,  1S02. 
He  married,  May  10,  1826,  Mary  A.  Reed  of  Claremont,  N.  H.,  by  whom 
he  had  three  children.  He  spent  his  life  on  or  near  the  old  Clapp  home- 
stead in  East  Amherst.  He  assisted  in  organizing  the  Amherst  rifle 
company  in  1830,  and  served  as  one  of  its  officers.  He  was  a  pioneer  in 
the  introduction  of  the  silk-worm  and  the  manufacture  of  silk  in  Amherst. 
For  some  years  he  conducted  a  hardware  business,  but  later  on  gave  his 
attention  to  marble  and  stone  cutting,  in  which  he  excelled  as  a  workman. 
He  took  a  prominent  part  in  laying  outthe walks  in  the  old  West  cemetery, 
and  in  adding  to  its  beauty  in  various  ways.  For  man}-  years  he  was  an 
active  and  influential  member  of  the  Second  church.  He  was  deeply 
interested  in  the  early  history  of  the  town  and  possessed  a  fine  collection 
of   Indian  and  other  relics.      He  died  in  Amherst.  June  13,  1887. 

Edward  Dickinson,  son  of  Hon.  Samuel  Fowler  Dickinson,  was  born 
in  Amherst,  fan.  1,  1803;  he  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  his 
native  town  and  at  Amherst  Academy,  was  a  member  of  the  first  junior 
class  at  Amherst  College,  although  the  other  three  years  of  Ins  collegiate 
course  were  spent  at  Yale  College,  where  he  was  graduated  in  the  class  of 
1X23.  Me  studied  law  two  years  in  his  father's  office  in  Amherst, and  one 
year  at  the  Northampton  law  school.  In  [826,  he  opened  an  office  for 
the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Amherst,  continuing  in  practice  until  the 
time  of  his  death  in  1874.  During  this  time  he  was  the  leading  lawyer  in 
Amherst,  being  held  in  high  esteem  by  his  associates  of  the  Hampshire 
county  bar.  lie  was  a  man  of  great  public  spirit,  a  leader  in  all  enterprises 
looking  to  the  welfare  of  the  town.  In  1838  and  1839.  and  again  in  [874, 
he  represented  the  town  in  the  General  Court ;  in  [842  and  1843,  he  was 
;i  member  of  the  Massachusetts  Senate  ;  in  [845  and  1846,  a  member  of  the 
Council:   from   1853  to  1855.  a  member  of   Congress.      He  held  also  many 


PIONEER       PAPER       MAKERS 


PROMINENT    CITIZENS.  195 

other  offices  of  trust,  by  local  election  or  executive  appointment.  In  1861, 
he  was  nominated  by  the  republican  party  for  lieutenant-governor,  on  the 
ticket  with  Andrew,  but  declined  the  honor.  In  1835.  ne  was  chosen 
treasurer  of  Amherst  College,  an  office  which  he  held  until  1873,  when  he 
resigned  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  William  Austin  Dickinson.  He 
bore  an  active  part  in  the  labors  which  resulted  in  the  building  of  the 
Amherst  &  Belchertown  railway  and.  later  on,  was  deeply  interested  in  the 
building  of  the  Massachusetts  Central  road;  to  assist  in  this  work  he 
consented,  at  the  age  of  70,  to  represent  the  town  in  the  General  Court. 
It  was  while  making  a  speech  in  the  House  of  Representatives  in  relation 
t<>  this  road  that  he  was  stricken  with  apoplexy,  resulting  in  death.  The 
General  Court  and  the  Hampshire  county  bar  passed  resolutions  of  respect 
to  his  memory,  indicative  of  the  high  regard  in  which  he  was  held  by  his 
associates  in  public  life.  Mr.  Dickinson  was  a  man  of  great  strength  of 
character,  sound  learning,  keen  intellect,  spotless  integrity  and  deep-seated 
religious  principle.  He  was  held  in  high  esteem  by  all  with  whom  he  came 
in  contact,  and  honored  by  the  community  as  few  other  men  have  been. 

Leonard  M.  Hills,  son  of  Leonard,  was  born  in  Ellington,  Conn., 
Jan.  8,  1803.  He  came  to  Amherst  in  1829  and  entered  the  employ  of 
Knowles  &  Thayer,  carriage-makers;  he  remained  with  them  but  a  short 
time,  leaving  them  that  he  might  engage  in  the  manufacture  of  palm-leaf 
hats,  of  which  branch  of  industry  he  was  the  pioneer  in  Amherst.  Con- 
cerning this  business,  more  will  be  related  under  the  heading  of  manufac- 
tures, later  on.  The  business  increased  so  rapidly  as  to  demand  the 
greater  part  of  his  time  and  care.  Soon  after  the  Amherst  &  Belchertown 
railway  company  was  organized,  he  was  elected  president,  holding  that 
office  until  the  road  passed  out  of  the  hands  of  the  original  corporation. 
On  the  organization  of  the  First  National  bank  he  was  chosen  president, 
remaining  in  office  until  his  death  in  1872.  In  1836,  he  lost  all  the 
property  he  had  accumulated  and  found  himself  heavily  in  debt  through 
the  failure  of  a  friend,  for  whom  he  had  endorsed  notes  to  a  large  amount. 
With  characteristic  honesty,  he  paid  every  cent  of  his  indebtedness.  He 
united  with  the  Second  church  in  1864,  but  three  vears  later  became  a 
member  of  the  First  church.  He  was  a  liberal  contributor  to  the  church 
and  to  many  objects  of  benevolence.  Mr.  Hills  was  twice  married,  (1)  in 
1829,  to  Amelia  Gay  of  Stafford,  Conn.:  (21  in  1843,  to  Betsey  Hunter  of 
Lee.      He  died  in  New  York  city,  Feb.  8,  1872. 

John  R.  Cushman,  son  of  Ephraim,  was  born  in  Amherst,  Sept.  6, 
1803.  His  father,  Ephraim  Cushman,  was  a  veteran  o^  the  war  of  the 
Revolution.  In  1835,  m  partnership  with  his  brother  Ephraim,  he  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  of  paper,  at  North  Amherst.  He  was  a  prominent 
man  in  the  community,  ever  ready  to  lend  his  aid  to  all  matters  that  made 


196  HISTORY    of    the    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    .MASS. 

•for  public  improvement.  He  served  the  town  as  selectman,  and  in  1862 
was  its  representative  in  the  General  Court.  He  united  with  the  North 
Congregational  church  in  1839.  He  was  active  in  temperance  matters, 
serving  as  president  of  the  first  temperance  society  organized  at  the 
"City."  Me  married,  Sept.  14,  1826,  Rhoda  Crafts  of  Whately,  by  whom 
he  had  ten  children.      He  died  at  his  home  in  Amherst,  Aug.  30,  1883. 

Rodolphus  B.  Hubbard,  son  of  Giles,  was  born  in  Sunderland,  Sept.  3, 
1803.  He  fitted  for  college  at  Amherst  Academy,  entered  Amherst  Col- 
lege in  182-,,  remained  a  member  of  that  institution  two  years,  then  went 
to  Union  College,  where  he  was  graduated  in  1829.  Having  studied 
theologv  with  Rev.  Nathan  Perkins  at  East  Amherst,  he  preached  for  a 
few  years  in  Northampton  and  surrounding  towns.  The  greater  part  of 
his  life  was  spent  in  teaching.  For  three  years  he  was  principal  of  Mount 
Pleasant  institute,  and  from  1855  to  1868,  conducted  a  boys'  boarding- 
school  in  Amherst.  During  his  residence  of  twenty  years  in  Amherst  he 
took  an  intelligent  interest  in  town  affairs  and  was  well  known  and  highly 
esteemed.  For  ten  years  a  deacon  of  the  hirst  church,  he  served  as  a 
member  of  the  building  committee  when  the  church  edifice  now  in  use  was 
erected.  For  a  number  of  years  he  was  a  member  of  the  school  committee. 
He  died,  Sept.  29,  1875,  in  California. 

Albin  P.  Howe  was  born  in  1806  ;  he  came  to  Amherst  in  1825  and 
resided  here  for  more  than  forty  years,  during  which  time  he  was  one  of 
the  most  prominent  members  of  the  community.  He  served  the  town 
several  years  as  selectman,  assessor,  clerk  and  treasurer,  and  for  many 
years  as  justice  of  the  peace,  before  whom  cases  were  tried,  the  town 
having  at  that  time  no  trial  justice.  For  more  than  twenty  years  he  was 
proprietor  of  the  Amherst  house,  a  genial  landlord,  held  in  high  esteem  by 
the  traveling  public.  He  was  for  a  time  secretary  of  the  Hampshire  Agri- 
cultural society;  he  also  served  as  chairman  of  the  building  committee 
w  hi(  h  had  in  charge  the  erection  of  the  present  high  school  building.  He 
gained  the  military  title  of  captain  by  serving  in  the  Amherst  cavalry  com- 
pany. His  public  duties  were  discharged  with  intelligence  and  fidelity, 
and  his  superior  judgment  was  much  sought  by  the  town  and  by  individuals. 
He  died  at  West  Marlboro,  Feb.  14,  1879. 

Oliver  Watson,  son  of  David,  was  born  March  17,  1806.  His  father 
dying  when  <  tlivcr  was  but  nine  years  of  age.  he  was  apprenticed  to  the  tan- 
ner's business,  serving  his  time  until  he  was  21  in  Hadley,  under  the  care 
ol  \sa  and  Flihu  Dickinson.  When  he  became  of  age,  he  succeeded 
his  father  in  the  tanner's  business  at  East  Amherst  ;  in  1832,  he 
erected  a  building  for  the  manufacture  of  boots  and  slioes.  He  served 
tin-  town  as   selectman,  and  in  1852  was  its    representative  in    the  General 


PROMINENT    CITIZENS. 


97 


Court.  He  married,  in  May,  1839,  Sarah  White  of  Florida,  Mass.,  by 
whom  he  had  five  children.      He  died  in  Amherst.  Jan.  9,  1S70. 

Simeon  (lark,  son  of  Simeon,  was  born  in  Amherst,  Oct.  15,  1807. 
He  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  his  native  town  and  at  Amherst 
Academy.  His  principal  occupation  in  life  was  farming,  although  he 
studied  field-surveying  and  practiced  it  more  or  less  for  forty  years.  He 
served  the  town  as  selectman,  assessor  and  overseer  of  the  poor  for  many 
years.  For  thirty  years  he  was  justice  of  the  peace.  He  united  with  the 
First  church  in  1831,  and  served  as  one  of  its  deacons  for  sixteen  years. 
When  but  twenty  years  of  age,  he  was  chosen  captain  of  a  militia  company, 
holding  the  office  for  several  years  until  the  company  was  disbanded, 
gaining  the  title  of  "Captain"  Clark,  by  which  he  was  generally  known  in 
later  years.  He  was  a  godly  man,  whose  religion  entered  into  all  the  acts 
of  his  daily  life,  mingling  kind  words  with  charitable  deeds,  that  to  many 
made  life  seem  better  worth  the  living.  He  married,  May  21,  1828,  Myra 
Cowles,  by  whom  he  had  nine  children.  He  died,  July  31,  1883,  in  the 
house  at  Mill  Valley,  which  his  father  had  built  in  1780,  in  which  he  was 
born  and  where  he  had  spent  his  happy  and  useful  life. 

John  Leland,  son  of  John,  was  born  in  Peru,  Mass.,  in  1807.  In  1820, 
he  removed  to  Amherst :  the  same  year  he  was  appointed  by  the  trustees 
of  Amherst  Academy  their  agent  to  receive  donations  for  the  charity  insti- 
tution other  than  those  made  to  the  permanent  fund.  From  that  time 
until  1835,  ne  was  treasurer  of  the  institution.  Soon  after  his  removal  to 
Amherst  he  united  with  the  First  church,  which  he  afterwards  served  as 
deacon  for  thirty  years.  He  represented  Hampshire  county  in  the  Massa- 
chusetts Senate  in  1833  and  1834,  and  in  1847  was  member  of  the  House 
of  Representatives,  from  Amherst.  He  was  active  in  promoting  the 
building  of  the  Amherst  &  Belchertown  railway,  serving  after  the  comple- 
tion of  the  road  as  one  of  its  directors.  He  died  in  Amherst,  Feb. 
18,  1864. 

Frederick  A.  Palmer  was  born  in  West  Springfield,  Nov.  20,  1793. 
He  was  a  descendant,  of  the  sixth  generation  in  direct  line,  from  Governor 
William  Bradford.  He  also  numbered  among  his  ancestors  representatives 
of  the  Edwards,  Hoar,  Dwight  and  Ripley  families.  He  came  to  Amherst 
in  December,  18 13.  He  took  a  prominent  part  in  town  affairs,  was 
frequently  elected  to  public  office  and  held  many  places  of  trust.  He  was 
well  read,  a  man  of  good  judgment  whose  counsel  was  frequently  sought 
in  business  matters.  He  early  won  and  ever  retained  the  confidence  of 
the  public  by  his  upright  and  honest  business  methods.  He  was  commis- 
sioned as  deputy-sheriff  in  1838,  and  held  the  office  until  his  death  in  1874. 
Mr.  Palmer  was  twice  married,  (1)  in  1877,  to  Lucy,  daughter  of  Simeon 


198  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Clark  of  Amherst:     (2)  to  Hannah,  daughter  of   Samuel  Smith.       He  had 
five  children,  Albert  R.,  Lucy  C,  DwightW.,  Frederick,  and  Sabra  D. 

Warren  S.  Howland  was  born  in  Conway,  Aug.  31,  1798.  He  learned 
the  carpenter's  and  joiner's  trade,  and  came  to  Amherst  in  1821,  to  assist 
in  building  the  Amherst  College  chapel.  The  remainder  of  his  life  was 
spent  in  Amherst.  He  was  among  the  best-known  contractors  and 
builders  in  this  section,  erecting,  among  other  buildings,  the  Congrega- 
tional church  at  the  center,  now  known  as  College  hall,  the  house  built  by 
Amherst  College  for  its  president,  the  church  at  East  Amherst,  churches  in 
Pelham  and  Belchertown,  the  Russell  church  in  Hadley,  besides  several 
private  residences  in  the  village.  He  also  assisted  in  finishing  the  build- 
ings of  the  Mt.  Pleasant  Institute.  He  early  became  interested  in  tem- 
perance reform,  and  furnished  no  liquors  for  his  workmen  or  at  raisings 
after  1827.  He  was  one  of  the  first  to  assist  in  organizing  an  anti-slavery 
society  in  Amherst.  Mr.  Howland  served  in  the  state  militia,  gaining  the 
title  of  "  Col."  Howland,  by  which  he  was  generally  known.  When  the 
civil  war  broke  out,  he  was  anxious  to  engage  in  active  military  service, 
but  was  debarred  by  age. 


CHAPTER   XXVI 


The    First   Church. — Pastors    and    Terms    of    Service. — Meeting- 
Houses. — Vestry  and  Agricultural  Hall.— Church  Music. 
The   Parsonage. — Parish    Funds. — The    Present   Church 
Edifice. 

The  pastorate  of  Dr.  David  Parsons  over  the  First  Congregational 
church,  although  ushered  in  by  a  revolution  among  its  members,  was  long 
and  successful.  He  was  a  man  of  marked  ability,  possessing  in  a  high 
degree  those  social  qualities  that  make  warm  and  lasting  friendships.  That 
he  was  of  more  than  local  reputation  is  proved  by  the  fact  that  on  one 
occasion  he  delivered,  on  imitation,  the  "election  sermon "  before  the 
governor  and  legislature  at  boston;  he  was.  also,  on  recommendation  of 
President  Dwight,  appointed  professor  of  theology  at  Yale  College,  an 
honor  which  he  did  not  accept.  Under  his  care  the  church  prospered 
exceedingly  and  large  additions  were  made  to  its  membership.      Numerous 


FORMER     PASTORS     OP    AMHERST 


DR.    PARSONS    DISMISSED.  199 

anecdotes  are  related  of  him,  one  to  the  effect  that,  when  expostulated  with 
by  a  kinsman  for  regarding  things  too  frequently  from  a  humorous  stand- 
point, he  replied,  ""I  know  it  all,  Pro.  Howard,  and  it  has  been  my  burden 
through  life,  but  I  suppose  after  all  grace  does  not  cure  squint  eves."  On 
another  occasion,  it  is  said,  he  found  his  hired  man  resting  in  a  held  where 
he  had  been  sent  to  plow.  Dr.  Parsons  told  him  to  take  a  bush-scythe 
and  cut  brush  while  he  was  resting.  The  man  thereupon  replied  that  the 
Dr.  ought,  on  Sunday,  while  the  choir  was  singing,  to  take  a  little  flax  and 
hetchel  it  out. 

In  1795,  trouble  arose  in  the  parish  concerning  Dr.  Parsons'  ministry, 
and  a  vote  was  passed  on  the  question  of  dissolving  the  ministerial  relations 
existing  between  them,  being  decided  in  the  negative.  Aug.  3,  1819,  a 
committee  was  appointed  to  confer  with  Dr.  Parsons,  to  see  if  he  was 
willing  to  be  dismissed  from  the  pastorate,  and  if  so,  on  what  terms.  Dr. 
Parsons  agreed  to  submit  toa  mutual  council  the  question  of  his  dismission, 
and  the  further  question  as  to  what  compensation  he  should  receive.  The 
council  met,  Aug.  31,  1819,  and  adjourned  to  the  next  daw  when  it  decided 
that  the  civil  contract  existing  between  the  parties  should  be  dissolved, 
and  that  the  parish  should  pay  Dr.  Parsons  St, 300.  Sept.  20.  1S19,  the 
parish  voted  to  raise  Si. 450  for  making  a  final  settlement  with  Dr.  1'arsons, 
so  that  he  should  have  no  further  claim  on  the  parish. 

Sept.  20,  1819,  at  the  meeting  when  it  was  voted  to  raise  Si  .450  to 
settle  all  claims  that  Dr.  Parsons  might  have  against  the  first  parish,  the 
parish  made  one  more  and,  it  is  believed,  a  final  effort,  to  bring  about  a 
union  with  the  Second  parish.  It  was  voted  that  a  union  of  the  First  and 
Second  parishes,  so  as  to  constitute  but  one  church  and  one  congregation, 
under  charge  of  one  minister,  would  be  for  the  furtherance  of  the  Gospel, 
the  peace,  tranquility  and  respectability  of  the  town,  and  a  source  of  very 
great  economy.  The  parish  offered  to  unite  with  the  brethren  of  the 
Second  church,  if  the  latter  saw  fit,  in  calling  a  council  of  churches  from 
adjacent  counties  to  bring  about  such  union.  The  calling  of  Dr.  Parsons 
to  the  pastorate  of  the  First  church  had  caused  the  breach  that  led  to  the 
organization  of  the  Second  :  with  the  dismission  of  Dr.  Parsons,  it  was 
hoped  and  believed  that  the  differences  might  be  adjusted  and  the  churches 
united.  But  the  breach  had  become  too  wide ;  the  Second  church,  now 
firmly  established,  had  no  thought  of  giving  up  its  independence. 

Nov.  22,  1819,  the  First  parish  voted  to  unite  with  the  church,  if  tire 
latter  saw  fit,  in  extending  a  call  to  Rev.  Daniel  A.  Clark  to  settle  in  the 
ministry,  offering  him  a  salary  of  $675  per  annum.  'Pile  church  concurring, 
Mr.  Clark  was  installed  as  pastor.  Jan.  26.  1820  ;  he  had  previously  been 
settled  at  Weymouth  and  at  Southbury,  Conn.'  Mr.  Clark  was  a  preacher 
of  great  power.      Three  volumes  of  his  sermons  were  published,  and  were 


■200  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

regarded  as  among  the  ablest  sermons  of  the  times.  In  a  biographical 
sketch  by  Rev.  1  )r.  George  Shepard,  of  Bangor,  Me.,  contained  in  one  of 
these  volumes,  he  is  described  as  follows  :  "  Mr.  Clark's  person,  voice  and 
entire  manner  were  in  perfect  keeping  with  his  style,  a  large  masculine 
frame  ;  a  voice  harsh,  strong,  capable  of  great  volume  though  not  very 
flexible ;  an  action,  for  the  most  part,  ungraceful,  but  significant  and 
natural;  a  countenance  bearing  bold,  strongly  marked  features  at  every 
opening  of  which  the  naked  and  working  passions  would  look  intensely 
out; — altogether  gave  the  idea  of  huge,  gigantic  power."  He  was  an 
aggressive  reformer,  taking  a  leading  part  in  the  warfare,  then  in  its 
infancy,  against  intemperance.  During  his  pastorate  Amherst  College  was 
founded;  he  took  great  interest  in  the  enterprise  and  preached  an  eloquent 
sermon  at  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone  of  the  first  college  building. 
The  closing  year  of  Mr.  Clark's  ministry  was  marked  by  serious  dissensions 
between  pastor  and  people.  Nov.  24,  1823,  the  parish  appointed  a 
committee  to  bring  charges  against  Mr.  Clark;  April  12,  1824,  he  was 
requested  to  take  a  dismission,  but  refused  to  comply  with  the  request. 
July  5,  1S24,  the  parish  requested  the  church  to  unite  in  calling  an  ecclesi- 
astical council,  to  consider  the  subject  of  Mr.  Clark's  dismission,  and 
should  he  refuse  to  join  them  in  calling  such  a  council,  then  an  ex-parte 
council  was  to  be  summoned.  It  was  also  voted  to  inform  Mr.  Clark  that 
it  was  not  the  wish  of  the  parish  that  he  should  supply  the  pulpit  prior  to  his 
dismission.  Mr.  Clark  consented  to  refer  the  matter  to  an  ecclesiastical 
council,  and  on  the  advice  of  this  council  was  dismissed,  Aug.  5,  1824. 
The  records  contain  no  hint  as  to  the  nature  of  the  charges  against  him. 

Nov.  7,  1825,  the  parish  voted  to  concur  with  the  church  in  extending 
a  call  to  Rev.  Royal  Washburn  to  settle  in  the  ministry.  The  salary 
offered  was  $600,  and  a  stipulation  was  made  that  either  party  to  the  civil 
contract  entered  into  might  terminate  the  same  on  giving  a  six-months' 
notice  to  the  other  party.  Mr.  Washburn  was  installed  as  pastor,  Jan.  5, 
1826,  and  continued  in  the  pastorate  until  his  death,  Jan.  1,  1833.  He 
was  married,  in  1827,  to  Harriet,  daughter  of  Dr.  Parsons.  Mr.  Wash- 
bum  won  the  respect  and  love  of  his  people  to  a  marked  degree.  He  was 
not  only  an  eloquent  preacher,  but  a  loving  pastor,  whose  advice  was  freely 
given  and  highly  valued,  whose  sympathy  in  the  hour  of  affliction  was 
very  grateful,  who  possessed  in  full  measure  the  graces  that  go  to  round 
out  a  Christian  character.  In  May,  1832,  Mr.  Washburn  tendered  his 
resignation  to  the  parish  on  account  of  ill  health  ;  the  parish  was  unwilling 
to  dismiss  him,  and  voted,  Aug.  13,  not  to  sever  the  connection,  but  to 
discharge  him  from  his  duties  and  supply  the  pulpit  for  a  time. 

Nov.  13,  1832,  the  parish  appointed  a  committee  to  procure  a  perma- 
nent supply  for  the  pulpit,  with  reference  to  the   settlement  of  a   minister. 


PASTORS    OF    THE    FIRST    CHURCH.  20  1 

July  29,  1833,  the  parish  voted  to  concur  with  the  church  in  inviting  Rev. 
George  E.  Adams  to  settle  in  the  ministry,  offering  him  a  salary  of  SGoo 
per  annum.  Nov.  29,  1833,  the  parish  voted  to  call  Rev.  M.  T.  Adam  and 
to  offer  him  a  salary  of  $650.  The  latter  call  was  accepted  and  Mr.  Adam 
was  installed  Dec.  28,  1833.  He  was  a  native  of  Scotland,  having  been 
educated  at  Glasgow  and  London.  Oct.  31,  1834.  the  parish  voted  to 
dissolve  the  connection  with  Mr.  Adam  ;  he  objected  and  asked  for 
reasons  ;  among  those  offered  were  that  his  practice  of  associating  with 
neighboring  ministers,  exchanging  with  them  and  conducting  social 
meetings,  was  not  agreeable  to  the  usages  of  parishes  and  churches  in  the 
vicinity.  He  agreed  to  leave  the  questions  at  issue  to  the  decision  of  a 
mutual  council.  Dec.  10,  1834,  he  was  dismissed,  the  council  testifying 
that  he  had  been  "  unwearied  in  his  labors,  faithful  and  conscientious  in 
the  discharge  of  his  ministerial  duties  and  above  all  suspicion  as  to  high 
moral  and  Christian  character." 

June  5,  1835,  the  parish  extended  an  invitation  to  Rev.  Edward  P. 
Humphrey  to  settle  in  the  ministry,  offering  him  a  salary  of  S800  ;  Oct.  1 
of  the  same  year,  a  similar  invitation  was  extended  to  Rev.  Daniel  Crosby 
of  Charlestown,  and  Dec.  30,  Selah  R.  Treat  was  invited  to  become  the 
pastor  of  the  church.  These  "  calls  "  were  none  of  them  successful,  but 
better  luck  attended  the  parish  when,  March  7,  1S36,  Rev.  Josiah  Bent  was 
given  an  invitation  to  settle  in  the  ministry ;  the  salary  offered  was  $800  and 
he  was  to  be  granted  Si  00  for  moving  expenses.  He  had  previously  been 
settled  at  Weymouth.  He  was  installed  April  19,  1837.  anc^  died  in  office, 
Nov.  19,  1839.  His  ministry  though  short  was  fruitful,  22  persons  being 
admitted  to  the  church  in  1838  and  99  in  1839.  He  was  consecrated  to 
his  work  and  did  not  spare  himself  in  his  Master's  service. 

April  1,  1840,  the  parish  voted  to  extend  a  call  to  Rev.  Aaron  M. 
Colton  to  settle  in  the  ministry;  the  salary  offered  was  S800.  Mr.  Colton 
accepted  and  was  ordained  June  9,  1840.  Mr.  Colton  seems  to  have  been 
the  first  pastor  of  the  church  who  was  allowed  a  vacation,  the  parish  voting, 
April  6.  1847,  that  by  the  terms  of  his  settlement  he  might  be  absent  from 
church  not  exceeding  four  Sabbaths  a  year,  when  the  pulpit  would  be 
supplied  without  expense  to  him.  In  August,  1852,  Mr.  Colton  requested 
the  church  and  parish  to  unite  in  calling  a  council  for  his  dismission  ;  the 
parish  voted  against  such  action  at  the  time,  but  in  October  complied  with 
his  request.  Mr.  Colton  was  dismissed,  Jan.  4,  1853,  after  a  pastorate 
during  which  the  church  and  parish  were  greatly  prospered.  During  his 
ministry  the  church  experienced  three  seasons  of  religious  awakening,  one 
of  marked  power  in  1850,  as  a  result  of  which  there  were  95  additions  to 
the  church  the  following  year.  Mr.  Colton  took  an  active  part  in  temperance 
work  and  was  a  leader  in  the  movement  that  suppressed  the  sale  of  liquor 


202  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

in  Amherst.  After  his  departure  from  Amherst,  he  was  settled  for  many 
years  over  a  church  in  Easthampton,  in  which  town  he  died  in  the  sprint; 
of  1895. 

May  24,  1853,  the  parish  invited  Rev.  E.  S.  Dwight  to  settle  in  the 
ministry,  offering  him  a  salary  of  $900,  "he  to  have  four  Sabbaths  during 
the  year  for  his  own  use  and  vacation."  Mr.  Dwight  became  acting  pastor, 
Aug.  21,  1853;  was  installed,  July  19,  1854;  dismissed.  Aug.  28,  i860. 
He  was  greatly  beloved  by  parish  and  congregation  and  the  church  prospered 
greatly  under  his  ministry. 

11'.  5,  [861,  Rev.  H.  L.  Hubbell  was  called  by  the  parish  to  become 
its  minister,  at  a  salary  of  $1,000.  He  was  installed.  April  24,  1861  ; 
dismissed,  April  4,  18G5.  His  pastorate,  lasting  through  the  period  of  the 
civil  war,  was  marked  by  one  general  revival  of  religious  interest.  In  the 
summer  of  1864,  Mr.  Hubbell  visited  and  ministered  to  the  Amherst 
soldiers  who  were  fighting  at  the  front.  He  was  held  in  high  esteem  by 
the  church  and  community.  He  is  now  president  of  Lake  Charles  College, 
Lake  Charles.  La. 

Dec.  4,  1865,  a  call  to  settle  in  the  ministry  was  extended  to  Rev. 
David  Tony,  D.  D.,  at  a  salary  of  $1,500  and  the  use  of  the  parsonage. 
(Jet.  1,  1866,  a  similar  invitation  was  extended  to  Rev.  J.  P.  Skeele. 
Early  in  1867.  propositions  looking  to  a  settlement  were  made  to  Rev.  J. 
L.  Jenkins,  and  Jan.  28  of  that  year,  a  letter  was  addressed  to  the  parish 
by  Mr.  Jenkins,  agreeing  to  supply  the  pulpit  at  a  salary  of  ^2.700  and  the 
use  of  the  parsonage,  the  question  of  settlement  to  be  postponed.  Sept. 
2,  1868,  the  parish  invited  Mr.  Jenkins  to  settle  in  the  ministry  ;  he  accepted, 
and  was  installed,  Sept.  24.  [868;  he  resigned,  Jan.  23,  1877.  Of  the 
pastors  of  the  First  church  since  its  organization,  few  have  been  held  in 
such  high  esteem  as  was  Mr.  Jenkins.  An  eloquent  preacher,  he  possessed 
social  qualities,  as  well,  that  especially  endeared  him  to  his  congregation. 
He  was  a  natural  leader  of  men,  and  the  impress  of  his  character  was 
manifest  upon  the  history  of  church  and  parish  during  all  his  pastorate. 
Each  year  there  were  large  accessions  to  church  membership,  each  year 
marked  progress  in  all  lines  of  religious  work. 

Oct.  S.  1S77,  Rev.  Howard  Kingsbury  was  called  to  the  pastorate. 
The  parish  offered  him  a  salary  of  $2,000,  the  use  of  the  parsonage  and  an 
annual  vacation  of  four  weeks.  lie  was  installed.  Dec.  6,  [877,  and  died 
in  office,  Sept.  28,  1S7S.  During  his  brief  pastorate  he  won  the  love  of 
his  people  as  lew  ministers  have  done,  before  or  since,  and  his  death  caused 
mourning  in  the  parish  and  in  the  town  as  well. 

May  (1.  1X7.).  Rev.  honest  F.  Emerson  was  invited  to  settle  in  the 
ministry.  He  was  installed  the  same  year  and  continued  in  office  until  his 
resignation,  which  was  accepted  by  the  parish,    Feb.    14,    1883.     All    who 


THE    SECOND    MEETING-HOUSE.  20J 

knew  Mr.  Emerson  during  his  pastorate  in  Amherst  will  bear  witness  to 
his  sterling  qualities  as  a  man  and  as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel.  Better 
sermons  were  never  delivered  from  an  Amherst  pulpit  than  were  listened 
to  by  his  congregations. 

June  13,  1883.  Rev.  George  S.  Dickerman  was  called  to  the  pastorate. 
He  was  installed  the  same  year  and  continued  in  office  until  his  resignation, 
March  5.  [891.  Dining  his  pastorate  the  church  prospered  greatly, 
enjoying  many  seasons  of  revival  and  gaining  largely  in  membership. 

Oct.  21,  1891,  the  parish  extended  a  call  to  Rev.  1''.  L.  Gooclspeed. 
lb'  continued  in  office  until  Nov.  3.  1S94.  when  he  resigned.  Mr.  Good- 
speed  was  very  popular  both  as  a  preacher  and  a  pastor,  and  his  departure 
to  another  field  of  labor  was  a  cause  of  deep  regret. 

Oct.  15,  1  S . ,  - .  the  parish  called  to  the  pastorate  Rev.  Oliver  Huckel 
of   Philadelphia;   he  accepted,  and  was  installed  Dec.  4. 

In  1787.  the  parish  voted  to  build  a  new  meeting-house  on  the  hill 
where  the  old  one  then  stood  :  its  foundations  were  to  be  of  hewn  stone, 
it  was  to  be  65  feet  long  and  of  proportionate  width,  and  twelve  months 
was  allowed  for  erecting  and  enclosing  it.  A  committee  of  nine  was 
appointed  to  make  preparations  for  the  building,  to  prepare  estimates  of 
all  articles  that  should  enter  into  its  construction,  and  to  "  divide  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  parish  aforesaid  as  equally  as  may  be  into  eight  classes, 
with  a  descriptive  list  of  each  and  every  one's  proportion  of  all  and  every 
article  necessarv  for  carrying  into  effect  the  aforementioned  votes."  The 
committee  was  to  "  assign  to  each  class  and  individual  of  classes  their 
respective  proportion  of  every  article  which  may  be  necessary  for  erecting 
and  finishing  the  proposed  house."  and  also  to  assign  to  every  one  "his 
and  their  proportion  of  all  labor  supposed  to  be  necessary  in  framing,  that 
each  class  may  do  their  proportion  thereof."  The  building  committee  was 
selected  later  on,  and  consisted  of  Simeon  Strong,  Esq.,  Capt.  Eli  Parker, 
Elijah  Dickinson,  Daniel  Kellogg  and  Zebina  Montague. 

June  1S,  a  committee  of  five  was  appointed  to  superintend  the  taking 
down  of  the  old  meeting-house  ;  this  was  to  be  done  without  cost  to  the 
parish.  The  spectators  were  to  be  "served  on  raising  days  at  the  frame 
with  cake  and  cheese  and  liquor  at  the  parish  expense."  Work  on  this 
building  was  carried  on  with  far  greater  expedition  than  on  the  building  of 
the  first  meeting-house,  and  in  November  it  was  so  well  advanced  that  a 
parish  meeting  was  held  in  it.  The  galleries  were  put  in  the  following 
summer,  but  the  inside  was  not  finished  until  1 79 1 .  Viewed  from  an 
architectural  standpoint,  the  new  building  was  a  great  improvement  over  its 
predecessor.  It  had  a  porch  built  on  the  west  side  and  this  was  crowned 
by  a  belfry.  The  parish  voted,  Sept.  5,  1788.  that  "any  of  the  parish  who 
are  inclined  have  liberty  to  build  a  belfry  at  west  end  of  meeting-house,  by 


204  HISTORY    OF     I'HK    TOWN    OF     WIllKksr,    MASS. 

subscription."  In  1789,  S20  were  appropriated  to  erecta  lightning-rod  on 
the  steeple.  In  1792,  /Too  was  appropriated  for  a  bell;  the  "  konk  "  had 
outlived  its  usefulness.  In  1797.  it  was  voted  to  have  the  bell  struck  at 
twelve  of  the  clock  in  the  day  :  in  1799,  to  have  it  struck  at  12  of  the  day 
and  9  of  the  night  :  the  latter  vote  was  repeated  for  many  years  thereafter. 
The  9  o'clock  bell  was  to  warn  orderly  citizens  that  it  was  time  they  were 
in  bed.  In  1815,  it  was  voted  to  build  a  cupola.  There  were  three  doors, 
one  each  on  the  east,  the  west  and  the  south  side.  As  regarded  interior 
arrangement,  the  pulpit  was  at  the  north  end,  about  on  a  level  with  the 
galleries,  and  over  it  hung  the  sounding-board.  Directly  under  and  in 
front  was  the  deacons'-seat  where  the  deacons  sat  facing  the  audience. 
The  singers  occupied  the  gallery  opposite,  the  boys  the  gallery  on  the  right 
and  the  girls  that  on  the  left.  Dec.  3,  1801,  it  was  voted  to  seat  young 
people  in  the  galleries.  Tithing-men  were  appointed  to  regulate  the 
behavior  of  the  young  people.  Samuel  Abbv  was  engaged  to  finish  the 
meeting-house,  but  before  the  work  was  completed  he  became  financially 
embarrassed  ;  as  a  consequence,  the  parish  was  called  on  to  defend  several 
lawsuits  brought  by  Mr.  Abby's  creditors.  The  building  when  completed 
was  esteemed  one  of  the  finest  meeting-houses  in  the  region,  and  was  a 
source  of  pride  to  those  who  worshiped  therein. 

The  second  meeting-house,  completed  in  1791,  satisfied  the  needs  of 
the  parish  for  nearly  forty  years.  It  had  some  imperfections  ;  the  roof 
leaked,  and  the  parish  passed  many  votes  in  regard  to  repairing  it.  As 
has  been  stated  in  a  previous  chapter,  when  Amherst  College  was  first 
established  and  for  many  years  thereafter,  the  students  worshiped  in  the 
First  parish  church.  The  students  rapidly  increased  in  numbers,  and  as 
there  was  also  a  steady,  though  less  rapid  growth,  in  the  membership  of 
the  parish,  it  became  apparent,  as  early  as  1827,  that  measures  must  be 
taken  to  provide  greater  accommodations  for  the  worshipers.  Dec.  10, 
1821,  it  was  voted  that  the  officers  and  students  of  the  charitable  institu- 
tion might  occupy  the  meeting-house  as  a  chapel  the  ensuing  year,  on 
condition  that  they  would  make  good  all  damages  caused  by  them.  Dec. 
28,  182(1.  the  parish  committee  was  authorized  to  consult  with  the  college 
faculty  and  to  rent  pews  to  them.  April  <j,  1827.  it  was  voted  that  the 
scat--  in  the  meeting  house  heretofore  occupied  by  the  faculty  and  students 
should  henceforth  "  be  by  them  enjoyed  without  interruption." 

Jan.  s,  1828,  it  was  voted  to  build  a  new  meeting-house  or  remove  and 
rebuild  the  presenl  one  if  sufficient  funds  could  be  raised  l>v  a  previous 
sale  ot  pews.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  have  charge  of  the  matter: 
this  committee  reported.  Jan.  17.  1828.  that  it  was  expedient  to  build  a  new- 
house.  The  trustees  of  the  college  had  offered  to  convey  to  the  parish  a 
piece  oi    hud  ten  rods  square,  on  the  northeast   coiner  of  the  farm   lately 


4    Jtfna*,       f_ 


J 


FIRST    PARISH      THIRD    MEETING-HOUSE. 


THE    THIRD    MEETING-HOUSE.  205 

owned  by  heirs  of  Rev.  David  Parsons,  for  a  meeting-house,  provided  the 
parish  would  take  clown  the  present  house  and  allow  the  college  to  hold  its 
annual  commencements  in  the  new  building ;  the  committee  considered 
this  a  most  advantageous  location.  They  had  also  procured  plans  of  a 
house,  80x65  feet,  with  124  pews  on  the  ground  floor,  which  could  be  built 
at  an  estimated  expense  of  SO.500.  They  presented  a  series  of  regulations 
to  govern  the  management  of  the  property,  among  them  the  following: 
"No  person  shall  sell  or  lease  his  or  her  pew  to  any  black  or  mulatto,  or 
to  any  person  of  notoriously  infamous  character  :"'  "  The  parish  have  no 
right  to  allow  town-meetings  to  beheld  in  said  house."  The  parish  voted 
to  a<  cepl  the  report,  to  dispose  of  the  old  house  and  appropriate  the  avails 
toward  the  erection  of  a  new  house  on  land  proposed  in  committee's  report. 

The  location  proposed  was  not.  apparently,  satisfactory  to  all.  for 
March  11.  [828,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  procure  subscriptions  for 
purchasing  the  "  Strong  corner  "  as  a  site  for  the  new  building.  March  12, 
[828,  the  latter  vote  was  rescinded,  and  it  was  voted  that  if  the  college 
would  give  the  paiish  $y  00,  and  sufficient  money  could  be  raised,  to  build  on 
the  site-  proposed  by  the  college.  The  first  sale  of  pews  was  held  Jan.  22. 
a{  Boltwood's  hotel,  with  Col.  Smith  as  auctioneer.  Thesale  was  adjourned 
from  time  to  time  until  March  20,  when  it  was  begun  anew,  with  Luke 
Sweetser  as  auctioneer;  the  amount  secured  was  $5,427  ;  this  sum  was 
increased  by  payments  received  for  pews  at  private  sale  until  it  amounted  to 
$6,635.  -^s  l'^s  sum  exceeded  the  estimated  cost,  it  was  decided  to  begin 
the  building  at  once.  Elijah  Boltwood,  Horace  Kellogg  and  John  Leland 
were  the  building  committee.  W.  S.  Howland  the  designer  and  builder.  It 
was  voted  to  build  of  brick,  if  funds  could  be  obtained,  and  also  to  build  a 
basement.  Contrary  to  precedent,  the  work  was  carried  on  with  despatch 
and  the  building  was  finished  in  season  for  the  commencement  exercises 
of  the  college  in  1829. 

As  '"College  Hall"  the  building  still  stands,  a  substantial  monument 
to  the  good  workmanship  of  its  builder.  Its  appearance  is  slightly  altered, 
the  portico  in  front,  supported  by  huge  pillars  resting  on  a  stone  platform, 
having  been  removed,  by  vote  of  the  parish,  in  186 1.  The  building, 
without  and  within,  was  plain  even  to  austerity  ;  without,  the  only  deviation 
from  a  straight  line  was  found  in  the  belfry  and  the  rounded  pillars  ;  within, 
the  square  and  rectangle  governed  all.  The  pulpit  and  pews  and  galleries 
were  as  square  and  as  orthodox  as  was  the  preaching  of  the  Rev.  Daniel 
(  lark.  The  pews  all  had  doors  and  their  occupants  were  buttoned  in 
during  the  service.  The  pews  for  blacks  and  mulattos  were  located  in  the 
further  corners  of  the  house,  over  the  gallery  stairs.  In  1828,  it  was 
voted  that  if  the  trustees  of  the  academy  would  pay  $150  toward  the  meet- 
ing-house, the   students   at  the    academy  should  have  seats  in  the  gallery.- 


206  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

In  1829.  it  was  voted  that  the  lightning-rod  should  be  transferred  from 
the  old  to  the  new  meeting-house  ;  in  1836,  to  procure  blinds  for  the  gallery 
windows  in  the  west  end  of  the  meeting-house;  the  same  year,  to  "stain 
the  plaistering"  inside  the  meeting  house;  in  1845,  to  paint  the  part  of 
the  slips  that  border  on  the  "  isles."  In  1832,  the  parish  gave  consent  to 
place  stoves  in  the  meeting-house  if  the  same  should  be  purchased  and 
put  up  by  subscription.  In  1835,  the  question  of  removing  the  stoves  was 
referred  to  the  parish  committee.  In  1858,  the  parish  committee  was  to 
have  charge  of  providing  a  place  for  the  parish  wood,  and  also  to  prevent 
the  stoves  from  smoking  and  the  pipes  from  leaking.  In  1859.  the  parish 
committee  reported  in  favor  of  partitioning  off  a  space  ten  feet  square  in 
the  basement  and  putting  in  two  furnaces.  In  1857.  a  committee  was 
chosen  to  procure  chandeliers  and  lamps  for  lighting  the  meeting-house  : 
in  1862,  it  was  voted  that  the  lamps  in  the  church  and  "  Agricultural  hall" 
(in  the  basement)  should  be  changed  so  as  to  burn  kerosene  oil. 

In  1830.  several  votes  were  passed  in  regard  to  "finishing"  the  base- 
ment: Dec.  27  of  that  year,  the  first  mention  is  made  of  a  "vestry." 
Town-meetings  were  held  in  the  vestry,  when  completed;  in  1842,  the 
parish  voted  to  charge  the  town  S30  per  annum  for  the  use  of  the  vestry, 
and,  in  case  this  was  not  paid,  to  prohibit  its  use.  Feb.  2.  [856,  a  committee 
was  chosen  to  negotiate  with  the  town,  concerning  the  fitting  up  of  the 
basement  of  the  meeting-house  for  a  hall,  for  town,  agricultural,  and  other 
purposes.  The  basement  was  finished  and  furnished,  and  was  known  for 
a  number  of  years  as  "Agricultural  hall.  "  being  the  headquarters  of  the 
Hampshire  Agricultural  society.  In  1861,  the  parish  voted  to  offer  the 
Agricultural  society  and  other  owners  S250  for  their  right  and  interest  in 
the  hall  and  the  furniture  contained  therein.  In  [865,  it  was  voted  "to 
purchase  of  Amherst  College  the  right  they  have  in  the  meeting-house." 
In  [854,  a  •■lecture-room"  was  built,  a  modest  structure  of  wood  in  the 
rear  of  the  meeting-house.  In  1838,  individuals  were  given  leave  to  erect 
horse-sheds  in  the  rear  of  the  meeting-house;  from  this  time  on  the 
"horse-shed  question"  has  a  prominent  place  in  the  parish  records. 

From  an  early  date,  the  parish  was  interested  in  the  question  of  church 
music.  For  many  years  the  singing  was  by  the  congregation,  and  while  this 
assured  a  goodly  volume  of  sound  the  quality  wassubject  to  improvement. 
Singing-schools  were  held  under  direction  and  pay  of  the  parish,  to  which 
all  were  invited.  In  1790,  the  parish  voted  £  16  "  to  pay  the  singing  maister 
and  defray  the  expenses  of  cone;  ting  the  music  in  this  parish  ;"  at  the 
same  meeting  it  was  voted  to  "higher"  Mr.  John  Stickney  to  keep  a 
singing-school  in  the  parish  three  months.  In  1821,  $75  was  appropriated 
for  ••  reviving"  the  church  music:  in  1829,  $20  to  "recruit"  the  singing. 
In  1830.  there  was  a  -'quire  "of  singers.      In  [837,  the  clerk  was  authorized 


PARISH    VOTES.  207 

"  to  make  an  explanation  to  Colo.  Barr,  and  ascertain  what  damage  has 
accrued  to  him  in  consequence  of  his  not  having  the  singing-school."  In 
1839,  the  parish  voted  to  substitute  "Church  Psalmody"  for  ••Watts' 
Select  Hymns;"  at  the  same  meeting,  Si  25  was  appropriated  for  the 
"double  bass  viol  lately  procured  for  use  of  the  singing  choir,"  and  for 
room,  lights  and  fuel.  In  1850.  the  parish  voted  to  pay  $250  and  what  it 
could  get  for  the  bass-viol  for  an  organ,  provided  that  not  less  than  $250 
be  obtained  from  other  sources  for  the  same  purpose.  In  1855.  it  was 
voted  to  raise  $200  for  the  purchase  of  an  organ,  and  give  the  bass-viol  in 
addition,  if  $800  could  be  raised  in  three  months  by  subscription  ;  the 
organ,  a  small  second-hand  one.  was  purchased  the  same  year.  In  1856, 
$200  was  appropriated  for  singing. 

The  attitude  assumed  by  the  parish  on  the  anti-slavery  question,  at 
the  time  the  matter  was  receiving  so  much  attention  from  the  students  at 
Amherst  College,  is  made  apparent  by  a  vote  passed  April  9.  1838,  dis- 
missing the  article  relating  to  granting  the  use  of  the  meeting-house  for 
the  purpose  of  holding  lectures  on  the  subject  of  slavery.  In  1861,  it 
was  voted  to  allow   the  use  of   the  church  for  a  lecture  by  John   1!.  Cough. 

The  parish  first  showed  recognition  of  the  need  of  a  parsonage  in 
[841,  when  a  vote  was  passed  to  purchase  the  house  and  lot  lately  occupied 
by  Mrs.  Deborah  Shepard,  for  a  parsonage;  this  vote  was  rescinded,  Aug. 
21,  at  an  adjourned  meeting.  The  next  minute  in  regard  to  the  matter  is 
found  under  date  of  Jan.  [8,  [854,  when  it  was  voted  "desirable  that  this 
parish  have  a  parsonage."  Feb.  15,  the  foregoing  was  qualified  by  a  vote 
that  it  was  "not  expedient  for  the  parish  as  a  parish  to  build  or  purchase  a 
parsonage  by  taxing  its  members."  In  [854,  the  General  Court  passed  an 
act  incorporating  the  proprietors  of  the  parsonage  of  the  First  Con; 
tional  parish  in  Amherst.  Nov.  16,  i860,  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
report  in  regard  to  the  purchase  of  a  parsonage.  Jan.  3.  1861,  it  was 
voted  to  purchase  a  parsonage  for  $2,500. 

The  parish,  at  its  organization  and  for  many  years  thereafter,  raised 
the  funds  needed  for  its  expenses  by  a  rate  laid  upon  its  members.  It  was 
not  until  well  along  into  the  nineteenth  century  that  the  plan  of  renting 
pews  went  into  effect.  In  1S13.  Josiah  Warner  gave  a  note  of  Sioo, 
which  was  to  remain  in  the  parish  treasury  as  a  permanent  fund,  the  interest 
to  be  paid  each  year  to  Rev.  David  Parsons  and  his  successors  in  the 
ministry,  as  a  free  gift  and  not  as  a  part  of  their  salary.  Feb.  13,  18 16, 
a  special  act  was  passed  by  the  General  Court,  incorporating  Noah  Webster, 
Rufus  Cowles,  Moses  Hastings,  Enos  Baker  and  Calvin  Merrill  as  trustees 
of  the  ministerial  fund  of  the  First  parish  in  Amherst.  They  were 
authorized  to  hold  property  not  exceeding  $12,000  in  value.  The  office  of 
collector  was  put  up  at  auction  annually  and   went   to   the    lowest   bidder. 


2O0  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS.      , 

Jan.  6,  1825,  the  pews  were  rented  for  the  first  time,  the  sum  realized  being 
$605.  In  i860,  the  parish  voted  to  avail  itself  of  the  provisions  of  an 
act  passed  by  the  General  Court  in  1845,  permitting  the  assessment  of  all 
religious  charges  upon  the  pews  in  the  meeting-house. 

In  1840,  the  parish  voted  that  its  minister  should  not  accept  gifts 
from  one  not  a  member  of  the  parish,  without  accounting  to  the  parish 
treasurer  therefor;  this  vote  was  rescinded  the  following  year.  In  1859, 
it  was  voted  that  when  a  person  died  the  sexton  should  toll  the  bell  five 
minutes  and  then  strike  the  person's  age,  at  sunrise  or  sunset. 

As  early  as  1864.  the  need  of  a  new  meeting-house  became  apparent 
and  forced  its  way  into  prominence  at  parish  meetings.  In  1866,  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  consider  building  a  new  church.  Jan.  30  of  that 
year,  the  parish  voted  to  offer  to  sell  to  the  trustees  of  Amherst  College 
the  meeting-house  and  the  land  on  which  the  lecture-room  stood  for 
Si 0,000  ;  if  the  trustees  refused  to  purchase,  then  the  property  was  to  be 
offered  to  the  town;  if  both  parties  declined  to  buy,  then  it  was  voted  to 
build  upon  the  same  site.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  solicit  subscrip- 
tions for  erecting  a  new  church  amounting  to  at  least  $15,000.  The 
committee  met  with  little  success,  and  April  9,  1867,  a  proposition  was 
made  to  erect  the  new  church  on  '"the  Montague  lot."  April  15,  of  the 
same  year,  it  was  voted  that  in  order  to  secure  new  strength  to  the  parish 
and  prevent  the  forming  of  a  new  society,  steps  should  be  taken  looking 
to  the  erection  of  the  new  building  on  land  belonging  to  George  Montague. 
April  29.  a  committee  appointed  for  the  purpose  reported  that  they  had 
secured  the  land  desired  as  a  site  for  $3,900,  and  that  the  estimated  cost 
of  the  church,  if  built  of  stone,  was  $30,000.  July  8.  the  parish  accepted 
the  plans  presented,  and  the  bid  of  C.  W.  Lessey  to  construct  the  church 
for$38,950.  The  corner-stone  of  the  new  building  was  laid  Sept.  21,  1867, 
and  it  was  dedicated,  Sept.  23,  1S68.  Jan.  20,  1869,  the  building"  committee 
reported  that  the  cost  of  the  church,  parsonage,  land,  grading  and  organ 
had  been  $66,  182.86.  The  parish  debt  was  a  few  dollars  less  than  $34,000. 
Feb.  1  1.  1889,  a  committee  appointed  to  solicit  subscriptions  to  cancel  the 
debt  reported  that  sufficient  money  had  been  paid  in  and  pledged  to  pay 
the  debt  in  full.  At  the  same  meeting  it  was  voted  to  celebrate  in  fitting 
manner  the  one  hundred  and  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  church  and  parish. 
The  anniversary  was  celebrated,  Nov.  7,  1889,  and  in  connection  with  this 
event  a  historical  review  of  the  church  and  parish  was  printed. 


SECOND    PARISH— FIRST     MEETING-HOUSE. 


SECOND    PARISH       SECOND    MEETING-HOUSE. 


REV.    NATHAN    PERKINS,    JR.  209 


CHAPTER  XXVi: 


The  Second  Church. — Pastors  and  Terms  of  Service. — First  and 
Second  Meeting-Houses. — Janitor's  Duties. — Church  Music. 
— Differences  Between  the  First  and  Second  Church. 

The  Second  church  and  parish  grew  and  prospered  under  the  minis- 
trations of  Rev.  Nathan  Perkins,  Jr.,  whose  pastorate  began  in  1810  and 
continued  until  his  death  in  1842.  Shortly  before  his  installation,  the 
First  church  had  voted  to  remove  all  the  censures  it  had  placed  upon  those 
who  had  gone  out  from  it  and  organized  the  Second  church,  and  the  latter 
henceforth  was  recognized  and  treated  as  a  sister  organization.  Mr. 
Perkins  was  a  man  greatly  beloved  by  his  parishioners.  In  an  obituary 
notice  published  in  the  New  York  Observer  soon  after  his  decease,  which 
it  is  supposed  was  written  by  his  intimate  friend  President  Humphrey  of 
Amherst  College,  he  is  described  as  "  a  man  of  highly  respectable  talents, 
good  common  sense,  and  unusual  prudence;  as  kind,  affectionate  and 
cheerful  in  his  domestic  and  social  relations,  always  happy  himself,  and 
always  contributing  to  the  happiness  of  those  around  him;  as  a  solemn, 
persuasive  and  affectionate  preacher,  as  possessed  of  vigorous  health,  and 
rarely  absent  from  his  pulpit  on  the  Sabbath,  and  as  holding  more  occasional 
meetings  than  most  of  his  brethren  were  able  to  hold  ;  as  instant  in  season 
and  out  of  season,  in  times  of  revivals  ;  as  deeply  interested  in  the  cause 
of  popular  education  ;  as  a  pattern  of  punctuality  in  all  his  appointments  ; 
as  for  many  years  the  oldest  active  member  of  the  ministerial  association 
to  which  he  belonged  ;  and  of  his  loss  as  one  which  would  be  severely  felt 
for  a  long  time."  Oct.  4,  1831,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  confer  with 
Mr.  Perkins  on  the  subject  of  his  dismission.  Oct.  12,  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  consult  with  him  and  see  if  he  would  make  any  reduction  in 
his  salary,  if  so,  how  much.  Oct.  14.  it  was  voted  that  the  parish  would 
not  take  any  measure  at  that  time  to  dismiss  Mr.  Perkins.  •  He  died  after 
an  illness  lasting  but  two  days,  his  dying  words  being  "I  love  my  people.'" 

During  the  32  years  of  his  pastorate  the  church  experienced  no  less 
than  six  extensive  revivals  of  religion,  as  the  fruit  of  which  300  members 
were  added  to  the  church.  On  his  settlement  the  church  numbered  83 
members  ;  before  the  North  and  South  churches  were  organized,  each  of 
which  drew  largely  from  its  numbers,  the  membership  had  increased  to  349. 
The  whole  number  of  admissions  up  to  1840,  by  profession  and  letter,  was 
360,  the  whole  number  during  his  ministry  373.  The  whole  number  of 
14 


2IO  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

deaths,  as  given  by  him  in  his  30th  anniversary  sermon,  preached  Oct.  1 1, 
1840,  was  410,  including  nine  deacons  and  138  heads  of  families.  At  that 
time,  of  those  who  were  legal  voters  at  the  rime  of  his  ordination  there 
were  only  12  or  13  remaining,  while  the  number  of  families  or  parts  of 
families  left  was  about  80.  In  August,  1822,  the  church  accepted  a  full 
set  of  furniture  for  the  communion  table  presented  by  Oliver  Dickinson. 
In  October,  1824,  Samuel  Hills  and  sixteen  others  were  dismissed,  to  unite 
with  members  of  other  churches,  in  forming  the  church  in  South  Amherst. 
Two  years  later,  in  October,  1826,  Oliver  Dickinson  and  25  others  were 
dismissed  to  join  with  persons  from  other  churches  in  forming  the  church 
at  North  Amherst. 

Rev.  Nathan  Perkins,  the  second  pastor  of  the  Second  church,  died 
March  28,  1842.  July  18  of  the  same  year,  the  parish  voted  to  unite  with 
the  church  in  extending  a  call  to  Rev.  Pomeroy  Belden.  The  salary 
offered  was  $550  per  annum,  and  it  was  voted  to  allow  him  four  Sabbaths 
in  each  year  "in  case  he  wishes  to  journey  for  health  or  other  purposes." 
The  parish  also  voted  that  it  considered  the  settlement  of  a  minister  a 
civil  contract,  which  could  be  terminated  by  either  party  after  a  three 
months'  notice  had  been  given.  Mr.  Belden  was  a  native  of  East  Whately, 
where  he  was  born  March  15,  181 1.  He  was  graduated  at  Amherst  College 
in  1833,  and  at  Andover  Theological  Seminary  in  1836.  From  1837  to 
1842,  he  preached  as  stated  supply  at  Deerfield  ;  he  was  installed  as  pastor 
of  the  Second  church  in  Amherst,  Sept.  14,  1842,  and  continued  in  office 
until  his  death,  which  occurred,  after  a  brief  illness,  March  2,  1849.  Mr. 
Belden  was  an  earnest,  faithful  and  successful  minister,  winning,  to  an 
uncommon  extent,  the  confidence  and  love  of  his  people. 

Oct.  8,  1849,  a  ca41  was  extended  to  Rev.  C.  L.  Wood  worth  to 
settle  in  the  ministry.  The  salary  offered  was  $550,  and  he  was  to  be 
allowed  three  Sabbaths  in  the  year  "  for  journeying  and  visiting  his 
friends  if  he  sees  fit  so  to  be  absent  for  that  purpose."  Mr.  Woodworth 
was  installed  Nov.  7,  1849.  He  was  born  at  Somers,  Conn.,  May  22,  1823, 
was  graduated  at  Amherst  College  in  1845,  anc'  at  Hartford  Theological 
Seminary  in  1S48.  In  January,  1854,  he  tendered  his  resignation  as  pastor, 
but  the  parish  requested  him  to  withdraw  his  resignation,  at  the  same  time 
voting  him  an  increase  of  salary.  He  continued  in  office  until  dismissed, 
at  his  own  request,  Sept.  2,1863.  March  30,  1S62,  he  was  chosen  chaplain 
of  the  27th  Mass.  regiment,  recruited  in  this  neighborhood  and  containing 
many  men  from  .Amherst.  He  remained  at  the  front  with  his  regiment 
until  after  the  battles  in  and  around  Cold  Harbor,  in  which  the  regiment 
was  all  hut  annihilated,  and  was  mustered  out  of  service  in  July,  1864. 
The  parish  at  first  voted  him  a  year's  leave  of  absence;  when  this  expired 
he    tendered    his    resignation,  but  the    parish   responded  by  extending  his 


PASTORS    OF    THE    CHURCH.  211 

leave  of  absence  six  months.  Before  the  latter  term  had  ended  he  again 
resigned  and  this  time  insisted  that  the  resignation  be  accepted.  During 
his  pastorate  there  were  several  notable  revivals  of  religious  interest,  as  a 
result  of  which  the  church  added  largely  to  its  membership.  Resolutions 
of  regret  were  passed  by  the  parish  at  the  meeting  when  his  resignation 
was  accepted. 

Aug.  6,  1863,  the  parish  instructed  its  committee  to  hire  Prof.  Vose  to 
preach,  if  possible  ;  if  not,  to  hire  some  one  else  "  as  long  as  the  money 
lasts."  Dec.  cS,  1S64.  the  parish  voted  to  unite  with  the  church  in  giving 
a  call  to  Rev.  Jay  Clizbe  ;  the  salary  offered  was  $1,000  for  the  firstyear. 
Mr.  Clizbe  was  born  at  Amsterdam,  X.  Y.,  June  16,  1836;  was  graduated 
at  Union  College  and  at  Andover  Theological  Seminary.  He  was  installed 
as  pastor  of  the  Second  church,  April  5,  1865.  In  1867,  he  offered  his 
resignation  ;  the  parish  voted,  March  16,  1867,  that  he  be  requested  to 
withdraw  his  resignation,  offering,  at  the  same  time,  an  increase  of  $400 
in  his  salary  and  to  give  him  three  months  vacation.  Although  the  offer 
w  as  esteemed  by  him  a  generous  one,  owing  to  poor  health  he  felt  compelled 
to  decline  it.  He  was  dismissed,  March  25,  1867,  much  to  the  regret  of 
his  parishioners. 

Aug.  6,  1867,  the  parish  invited  Rev.  Franklin  P.  Chapin  to  settle  in 
the  ministry.  The  salary  offered  was  $1,200,  and  four  weeks  vacation 
was  granted  him.  Mr.  Chapin  was  born  in  Gill,  Aug.  [4,  1827;  he  was 
graduated  at  Amherst  College  in  1852  and  at  Bangor  Theological  Seminary. 
He  was  installed  as  pastor  of  the  Second  church,  Jan.  21,  1868,  and 
dismissed,  at  his  request,  Nov.  27.  1871.  After  his  dismission,  he  served 
for  some  time  as  superintendent  of  schools  in  Amherst. 

June  11,  1873,  the  parish  voted  to  hire  Rev.  C.  A.  Conant  to  preach 
one  year  at  a  salary  of  $1,000.  He  served  as  pastor  of  the  church  four 
years,  though  not  installed.  Mr.  Conant  was  a  native  of  Temple,  Me.,  a 
graduate  of  Union  College  and  Auburn  Seminary. 

Sept.  20,  1S76,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  Chester  W.  Hawley  to 
settle  in  the  ministry.  The  salary  offered  was  $1,000;  in  addition,  Mr. 
Hawley  was  to  have  the  use  of  the  parsonage  and  an  annual  vacation  of 
three  Sabbaths.  He  accepted  the  call,  and  was  installed,  Nov.  15,  1876, 
remaining  in  service  until  Sept.  15,  1879,  when  his  resignation  was  accepted 
by  the  parish,  with  much  regret.  Mr.  Hawley  was  born  in  Hadley,  Sept. 
20,  1834;  he  was  graduated  at  Amherst  College  in  1858,  and  at  Auburn 
Theological  seminary  in  1861. 

Nov.  4,  1879,  a  ca'l  t0  tne  pastorate  was  extended  to  Rev.  G.  E. 
Fisher;  the  salary  offered  was  $800,  he  to  have  the  use  of  the  parsonage 
and  an  annual  vacation  of  three  Sabbaths.  He  was  installed,  Dec.  10, 
1879,  and   his   resignation    was   accepted   by   the  parish,  March  31,  1885. 


2  12  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Mr.  Fisher  was  born  in  Harvard,  in  1823  ;  was  graduated  from  Amherst 
College  in  1846.  and  from  Andover  Theological  Seminary  in  1849. 

Feb.  17,  1886,  Rev.  Francis  J.  Fairbanks  was  invited  to  settle  in  the 
ministry,  at  a  salary  of  $800  and  the  use  of  the  parsonage.  He  continued 
in  office  until  1893,  when  the  parish,  at  a  meeting  held  March  28,  accepted 
his  resignation.  Mr.  Fairbanks  was  born  in  Ashburnham,  Sept.  8,  1835  ; 
he  was  graduated  at  Amherst  College  in  1862,  and  at  Union  Theological 
Seminary  in  1864. 

July  20.  1893,  the  parish  extended  a  call  to  Rev.  C.  L.  Woodworth,  to 
become  acting  pastor;  he  entered  upon  his  labors  shortly  after  and  is  still 
in  office. 

The  original  meeting-house  erected  by  the  parish  was  first  occupied 
for  public  worship  in  1784.  For  over  half  a  century  it  served  the  purposes 
for  which  it  was  designed  by  its  builders,  not,  however,  without  undergoing 
various  alterations  and  repairs.  In  1793,  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
"seat"  the  meeting-house;  in  1794,  a  committee  to  keep  it  swept  and  the 
doors  shut.  In  April,  18  15,  the  parish  voted  that  the  body  pews  might  be 
altered  into  slips,  in  case  money  enough  could  be  raised  by  subscription. 
In  1790,  it  was  voted  "to  omit  building  the  pew  called  the  deaf  pew,  or 
pew  for  deaf  persons."  The  glazing  of  the  meeting-house  was  the  subject 
of  many  parish  votes  ;  the  underpinning,  also,  needed  frequent  repairs. 
In  1820,  the  sum  of  $1,200  was  raised  for  repairs,  and  the  committee 
appointed  to  carry  on  the  work  was  instructed  to  build  a  belfry,  a  cupola 
and  one  porch,  also  to  shingle  and  paint  the  house  ;  later  on  the  committee 
was  directed  to  omit  building  the  porch,  to  "  open  the  house  in  the  center," 
and  build  an  addition.  These  alterations  and  repairs  were  completed 
in  1822. 

As  early  as  1836,  measures  were  undertaken  for  the  erection  of  anew 
meeting-house.  At  a  meeting  held  April  11,  it  was  voted  to  build  a  new 
meeting-house  if  subscriptions  could  be  procured  amounting  to  $2,000, 
and  in  that  case,  to  sell  the  old  house  and  appropriate  the  proceeds  toward 
building  the  new  one.  May  26,  it  was  voted  to  accept  a  piece  of  land  six 
rods  wide  and  nine  rods  deep  presented  by  Ithamar  Conkey.  Ksq.,  asasite 
for  the  new  meeting-house.  A  building  committee  was  appointed,  and 
authorized  to  determine  the  size  of  the  house  and  the  materials  of  which 
it  should  be  constructed.  The  committee  were  to  begin  the  work  as  soon 
as  ^^oo  should  be  added  to  the  sum  already  subscribed.  It  is  impossible 
to  ascertain  just  when  work  on  the  new  house  of  worship  was  begun,  but 
it  was  finished  sometime  in  1839.  when  the  building,  still  occupied  as  a 
church  edifice  by  the  Second  Congregational  society,  was  dedicated.  Its 
architect  and  builder  was  Col.  W.  S.  Howland,  who  had,  some  ten  years 
before,  built    the    new    meeting-house    for    the    first    parish.       Its    cost  was 


SECOND    MEETING-HOUSE.  2  13 

some  $3,000.  Feb.  28,  1839,  the  parish  voted  to  appropriate  the  old 
meeting-house  toward  building  a  new  one  and  appointed  a  committee  to 
dispose  of  the  old  building. 

The  new  building  was  not  the  property  of  the  parish,  but  of  those 
who  had  contributed  to  its  construction.  The  latter  met.  Dec.  3,  1845, 
and  voted  to  organize  as  a  corporation  by  the  name  of  "  Proprietors  of  the 
East  Meeting-house  in  Amherst."  They  adopted  a  code  of  by-laws, 
which  provided,  among  other  things,  that  the  Second  parish  have  the  use 
of  the  meeting-house  for  religous  purposes  or  meetings  until  the  proprietors 
should  otherwise  direct,  on  condition  that  it  be  kept  in  good  repair  and 
suffered  no  damage.  It  should  be  used  for  no  purpose  but  religious 
meetings  without  the  consent  of  the  proprietors.  It  should  only  be  used 
and  occupied  by  the  orthodox  or  trinitarian  denomination  of   Christians. 

The  parish  records  contain  no  minutes  in  regard  to  the  introduction 
of  heating  or  lighting  appliances  in  the  building.  In  1852,  it  was  a  part 
of  the  janitor's  duties  to  build  the  fires.  In  1859,  it  was  voted  to  relieve 
the  last  parish  committee  of  all  personal  responsibility  in  reference  to  the 
furnace  put  in  the  building  ;  also,  not  to  accept  of  the  furnace  as  it  failed 
to  heat  the  church  properly.  In  October  of  the  same  year,  it  was  voted 
to  remove  the  furnace  and  get  a  stove  and  pipes  to  put  in  the  vestry  to 
heat  the  house.  In  1S79.  the  old  bell  was  broken  and  a  new  one  purchased 
which  is  still  in  use.  In  1881,  the  parish  had  an  extended  controversy 
with  C.  M.  Smith  &  Co.  in  regard  to  the  use  of  the  meeting-house  cellar. 
In  1809.  it  was  voted  "'to  build  one  horseblock."  As  late  as  1S65,  a  vote 
was  passed  to  build  a  new  fence  in  front  of    the  church. 

The  social  religious  meeting  of  the  church  were  held,  at  first,  in  private 
houses  and  afterwards  in  the  upper  story  of  the  old  brick  school-house 
that  stood  not  far  from  the  present  school-house.  The  chapel  was  built  in 
1859,  and  stood  at  first  directly  in  the  rear  of  the  present  church  edifice.  It 
was  moved  to  its  present  location  when  the  parsonage  was  built. 

As  early  as  1S60.  the  parish  committee  was  instructed  to  take  into 
consideration  the  building  of  a  parsonage. 

Feb.  25.  1867.  a  resolution  was  passed  in  favor  of  increasing  the 
pastor's  salary  sufficient  to  pay  the  rent  of  a  small  house,  or  to  provide  a 
house  by  purchase  or  renting.  Sept.  7  of  the  same  year,  the  parish  com- 
mittee was  instructed  to  rent  a  suitable  house  for  Rev.  F.  P.  Chapin.  Oct. 
22,  it  was  voted  "to  buy  the  Thornton  place."  A  few  months  after  the 
latter  vote  was  passed,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  build  a  parsonage, 
provided  $2,000  should  be  subscribed,  in  addition  to  $2,000  guaranteed  by 
Oliver  Watson,  Bela  U.  Dickinson,  William  W.  Dickinson  and  Harrison 
Hawley.     The  building  was  completed  in   1868. 


214  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

In  1804,  the  care  of  the  meeting-house  cost  the  parish  at  the  rate  of 
$3  per  year.  In  1S41,  it  was  voted  that  the  meeting-house  should  be 
"faithfully  swept  once  a  month,"  and  the  seats  and  backs  of  the  pews 
dusted  down  with  a  brush  at  each  time  of  sweeping.  In  1843,  tne  parish 
voted  that  those  who  swept  the  meeting-house  should  furnish  their  own 
brooms  and  brushes.  In  1848,  it  was  voted  that  the  carpets  should  be 
taken  up,  laid  down  and  dusted  once  a  year.  In  1852,  the  duties  of  the 
sexton  or  janitor  had  become  more  onerous  ;■  they  included  ringing  the  bell, 
sweeping  and  dusting  the  meeting-house  twelve  times  a  year,  taking  up 
the  carpets,  dusting  them  and  laying  them  down  once  a  year,  building  fires 
in  the  church  and  hall,  lighting  the  lamps  for  all  religious  meetings,  winding 
up  the  clock  in  the  meeting-house,  furnishing  their  own  brooms  and  brushes, 
cleaning  the  snow  from  steps  and  paths,  and  putting  the  wood  in  the  meeting- 
house, all  these  things  to  be  clone  to  the  acceptance  of  the  parish  committee. 
For  these  services  the  munificent  sum  of  $22.50  was  paid. 

The  first  entry  in  the  parish  records  concerning  church  music  is  found 
under  date  of  April  30,  1795,  when  it  was  voted  that  Ebenezer  Mattoon, 
Jr.  be  "  allowed  money  to  pay  Master  Stibbins  the  note  he  gave  him  for 
teaching  singing  school  the  past  winter."  In  1801,  $40  was  appropriated 
to  procure  a  singing  master.  In  1815,  the  parish  appropriated  $15, 
"  toward  paying  Mr.  Goodman  for  a  bass  viol;"  in  1816,  Mr.  Goodman 
was  to  be  paid  one  dollar  for  keeping  the  bass  viol  in  repair.  In  1846, 
it  was  voted  to  "  sell  the  old  bass  viol."  July  11,  1857,  it  was  voted  to 
purchase  a  melodeon,  and  $125  was  appropriated  for  the  purpose,  but 
within  a  week  this  vote  was  rescinded.  The  following  year,  it  was  voted 
to  raise  $200  for  the  purchase  of  a  melodeon,  or  some  other  instrument 
suitable  for  the  church.  The  same  year  an  "  organ  harmonion  "  was 
purchased  at  an  expense  of  $225.  The  parish  records  give  a  list  of  the 
subscribers  to  the  instrument,  accompanied  by  this  note  :  "  This  Record 
is  made  for  the  Protection  of  those  Persons  that  have  put  there  hands  in 
there  Pockets  and  bought  a  Organ  Harmonion  for  the  church  with  this 
understanding  that  the  Parish  shall  have  the  use  of  said  Instrument  as 
long  ;is  they  keep  it  in  repair  and  Furnish  a  Person  to  Play  on  the  same." 

For  many  years  alter  the  Second  parish  was  set  off,  its  interests  came 
in  real  or  apparent  conflict  with  those  of  the  parent  organization.  There 
are,  in  the  Second  parish  records,  occasional  allusions  to  these  troubles. 
March  27,  1788,  it  was  voted  to  raise  ^10  for  the  charges  in  establishing 
the  incorporating  act  of  the  parish.  November  25  of  the  same  year,  a 
committee  was  appointed  to  receive  any  money  that  might  be  due  the 
parish  from  the  sale  of  lands  when  the  average  between  the  parishes  was 
made,  and  this  committee  was  to  act  with  a  committee  appointed  by  the 
hirst  parish  in  making  the  averages.      In   1815.  a  committee  was  appointed 


THE    SOUTH    CHURCH.  215 

to  give  certificates  to  such  person  or  persons  as  considered  themselves 
members  of  the  parish  or  who  might  wish  to  become  members.  This  was 
in  accordance  with  the  act  passed  by  the  General  Court  in  1788,  for  the 
protection  of  those  who  desired  to  connect  themselves  with  the  Second 
parish.  In  1822.  the  First  parish  attempted  to  assess  certain  persons  who 
claimed  connection  with  the  Second  parish,  and  from  this  resulted  a  series  of 
lawsuits.  In  October.  1819.  the  parish  made  answer  to  the  communication 
received  from  the  First  parish,  in  regard  to  a  union  of  the  two  churches 
and  societies.  The  authors  of  this  response  expressed  their  full  sensibility 
of  the  civil  and  religious  benefits  which  would  arise  from  such  a  union, 
but  previous  to  considering  the  question  they  desired  to  know  whether. 
in  case  it  was  brought  about,  Rev.  Nathan  Perkins  was  to  have  charge  of 
the  two  churches.  When  this  question  should  be  answered  in  the  affirmative, 
they  expressed  their  willingness  to  consider  the  matter  further. 

The  expenses  of  the  church  and  society  were  for  many  years  raised 
by  a  parish  tax.  to  which  all  those  residing  in  the  parish  limits  were  subject. 
In  1S03.  the  parish  treasurer  received  Si  for  collecting  this  tax.  Later  on, 
the  office  of  parish  treasurer  was  set  up  at  auction  and  struck  oft  to  the 
lowest  bidder.  In  1836.  it  was  voted  to  sell  all  the  pews  in  the  meeting- 
house at  public  auction,  to  raise  Mr.  Perkins'  salary.  In  1863,  it  was  voted, 
informally,  to  tax  the  pews  one  year  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  parish. 
In  1874.  it  was  voted  to  give  cards  to  all  in  the  parish  for  them  to  mark 
their  subscriptions  on,  and  the  treasurer  was  instructed  to  open  an  account 
with  each  man. 

In  1845,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  keep  the  "alleys"  clear  at 
the  opening  and  closing  of  the  meetings.  In  187S,  four  ushers  were 
appointed.  In  1845.  the  parish  committee  were  instructed  to  get  the 
meeting-house  insured.  In  1876,  it  was  voted  to  abandon  the  afternoon 
service.  In  1S92,  trustees  were  appointed  to  take  charge  of  the  funds 
bequeathed  to  the  society  by  James  Hastings. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 


The  South  Church. — Pastors  and  Terms  of  Service. — Troubles  in 
the  Church.  —  Organization  of  a  New  Parish.  —  The 
Meeting-House. — Church  Music. 

The  organization  of  the  third  or  South  Congregational  church  and 
parish  in  Amherst  does  not  appear  to  have  been  the  outgrowth  of  any 
relie;ious  feud  or  controversv,  but  resulted  from    a  natural   desire   on   the 


2l6  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

part  of  a  respectable  number  of  residents  in  an  outlying  district  to  enjoy 
parochial  privileges  of  their  own.  The  persons  who  took  part  in  the 
organization  were  nearly  all  members  of  the  First  or  Second  parish,  but 
they  withdrew  in  orderly  fashion,  and  neither  the  civil  courts  or  the  General 
Court  were  called  upon  to  settle  disputes  consequent  thereon.  Among  the 
earliest  settlers  in  Amherst  were  several  who  established  their  residence  in 
the  southern  part  of  the  town  ;  as  they  increased  in  numbers,  and  their 
property  grew  in  valuation,  they  began  to  consider  the  question  of  a  separate 
parish  organization.  At  a  meeting  held  May  31,  1824.  in  the  "  South  East 
Middle  School  house,"  with  Dea.  Nathan  Franklin  serving  as  moderator 
and  Elisha  Smith  as  clerk,  it  was  voted  as  the  sense  of  the  meeting  that  a 
society  be  formed  and  a  meeting-house  be  built  in  the  south  part  of  Amherst. 
A  committee,  consisting  of  Luther  Nash,  Elisha  Smith,  Luther  Fox,  Martin 
Smith,  Oliver  Dickinson,  David  Dexter  and  Augustus  Bridgman,  was  chosen 
to  prepare  and  circulate  subscription  papers  to  ascertain  how  many  persons 
would  join  such  a  society  and  how  much  money  could  be  raised  for  building  a 
meeting-house.  This  committee  must  have  met  with  encouragement  in  its 
labors,  for  at  a  meeting  held  June  28,  1824,  a  society  was  organized  and 
the  following  officers  elected  :  Moderator,  Dea.  Nathaniel  C.  Dickinson ; 
clerk,  Elisha  Smith  ;  treasurer,  Lieut.  Enos  Dickinson  ;  committee.  Jonathan 
Bridgman,  Samuel  Hills,  David  Moody,  George  Nutting,  Joel  Green.  A 
covenant  and  agreement  was  drawn  up,  and  during  the  year  1824  was 
signed  by  93  persons. 

At  a  meeting  held  in  the  school-house  above-mentioned,  in  1824,  the 
particular  month  and  day  not  being  recorded,  thirty-one  persons  were 
present  who  held  letters  purporting  membership  in  the  First  church  in 
Amherst,  fifteen  with  letters  from  the  Second  church  in  Amherst,  one  mem- 
ber of  the  church  in  Belchertown  and  one  of  the  church  in  Granby.  The 
meeting  was  organized  by  the  choice  of  Dea.  N.  C.  Dickinson  as  moderator, 
and  it  was  voted  to  call  a  council  for  the  purpose  of  being  organized  into 
a  church  state.  Oct.  14,  1824,  an  ecclesiastical  council  met  at  the  house 
of  Lieut.  Enos  Dickinson  and  agreed  to  proceed  to  the  organization  of  a 
church.  A  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  John  Woodbridge  of  Hadley, 
after  which  the  following  officers  were  elected  and  installed:  Deacons,  N. 
C.  Dickinson.  John  Payne,  David  Moody  ;  moderator,  Dea.  N.  C.  Dickinson  ; 
scribe,  John  Payne.  It  is  recorded  that  Rev.  H.  B.  Chapin  came  into  the 
meeting,  and  supplied  the  church  until  he  was  ordained  and  installed. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  parish  held  March  28,  1825,  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  see  that  the  society  was  organized  according  to  law.  It  was 
voted  "  that  the  society  approve  of  the  ministerial  character  and  perform- 
ances of  the  Rev.  Horace  15.  Chapin  and  are  willing  to  set  under  his 
ministry."     A  committee  was  appointed  to  consult  and  act  on  the  matter 


PASTORS    OF    THE    SOUTH    CHURCH.  217 

of  Mi".  Chapin's  salary  and  settlement.  May  23,  1825,  the  parish  voted 
to  unite  with  the  church  in  a  call  to  Rev.  Mr.  Chapin  to  settle  with 
them  in  the  ministry.  The  salary  offered  was  S400,  together  with  twenty 
cords  of  hard  wood  annually,  the  wood  to  be  "  cut  suitable  for  his  use, 
split  and  piled  up  in  his  wood-house  or  such  other  place  as  he  might 
direct."  The  contract  between  the  parish  and  Mr.  Chapin  might  be 
annulled  after  six  months'  notice  had  been  given  by  either  party.  Mr. 
Chapin  was  ordained  and  installed,  Nov.  3.  1825:  April  24.  1826.  the 
parish  voted  that  Elisha  Smith  be  paid  $21.13  tor  providing  for  the  council 
at  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Chapin,  and  that  P.  L.  Goss  be  paid  S2.81  for 
liquor  furnished  the  council.  Mr.  Chapin  served  until  Feb.  26,  1829.  when 
his  resignation  was  accepted. 

In  March,  1830.  the  parish  voted  to  hire  Rev.  Aaron  Gates  to  supply 
the  pulpit  one  year,  at  a  salary  of  S300.  Mr.  Gates  accepted,  and 
Nov.  29,  183 1.  it  was  voted  to  unite  with  the  church  in  a  call  to  him 
to  settle  in  the  ministry.  The  salary  offered  was  S400.  Mr.  Gates 
accepted  the  invitation  in  a  letter  dated  Dec.  29,  183 1.  His  pastorate 
continued  for  five  years.  July  23,  1S36,  it  was  voted  not  expedient  for 
Mr.  Gates  to  continue  his  ministerial  labors  another  year,  and  church  and 
parish  united  in  calling  an  ecclesiastical  council  for  his  dismission.  In 
July,  1S37,  the  church  and  parish  united  in  a  call  to  Rev.  E.  L.  Clark, 
which  was  not  accepted.  Nov.  1.  [837,  the  parish  voted  to  concur  with 
the  church  in  calling  Rev.  Gideon  Dana  to  the  pastorate;  the  salary  offered 
was  S500.  Mr.  Dana  accepted  and  was  duly  installed,  his  pastorate  con- 
tinuing for  a  little  less  than  three  years.  During  this  time  a  controversy 
arose,  which  necessitated  the  calling  of  an  ecclesiastical  council  for  its 
settlement.  The  question  at  issue  was  the  right  of  the  pastor  to  maintain 
a  supervision  of  the  Sabbath-school,  with  especial  regard  to  the  '-question- 
books"  in  use.  Mr.  Dana  maintained  that  he  had  such  authority,  butthis 
was  disputed  by  Dea.  X.  (  '.  Dickinson  and  others.  The  council  decided 
in  the  pastor's  favor,  but  hard  feelings  had  arisen  which  led  to  his  resigna- 
tion in  August,  1S40.  Jan.  28,  1841.  the  parish  extended  a  call  to  Rev. 
Dana  Goodsell  to  settle,  at  a  salary  of  S500.  In  April.  1842,  it  was  voted 
that  Mr.  Goodsell  should  have  the  privilege  of  being  absent  two  br  three 
Sabbaths  in  each  year,  without  charge  to  him.  Mr.  Goodsell  continued  in 
office  until  1846  ;  May  12  of  that  year,  it  was  voted  not  expedient,  under 
present  circumstances,  to  retain  Mr.  Goodsell  as  minister  ;  he  was  accord- 
inglv  dismissed,  the  following  November.  Jan.  11,  1847.  it  was  voted  to 
offer  Rev.  H.  B.  Smith  $500  to  serve  as  minister  one  year. 

Jan.  8,  1849,  the  parish  invited  Rev.  James  L.  Merrick  to  settle  with 
them  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  offering  him  a  salary  of  $500  per  annum. 
He  accepted  and  was  duly  installed.      Mr.  Merrick's  pastorate  covered  the 


2l8  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     .MASS. 

most  eventful  period  in  the  history  of  the  South  church  and  parish.  Jt 
witnessed  a  struggle  of  exceeding  bitterness  among  the  members  of  church 
and  congregation,  whose  echoes  have  hardly  as  yet  died  away,  and  which 
at  last  resulted  in  the  formation  of  a  new  parish.  The  trouble  began,  as 
church  quarrels  frequently  do,  over  dissensions  in  the  choir.  Early  in  the 
present  century  the  old  style  "  congregational  "  singing  had  in  many 
churches  been  superseded  by  choir-singing,  under  direction  of  a  leader  or 
chorister.  To  be  a  member  of  the  church  choir  was  esteemed  an  honor, 
and  rivalry  among  the  singers  was  as  aggressive  as  that  existing  among 
"  prima-donnas "  of  a  later  period.  The  first  cause  of  contention  in  the 
present  instance  was  the  choice  of  a  leader  for  the  choir.  At  first  only 
the  singers  were  involved  in  the  quarrel,  but  it  rapidly  spread  among  their 
relatives  and  friends,  until  soon  the  whole  church  and  parish  were  divided. 
As  the  controversy  continued  and  grew  more  bitter,  new  factors  were 
introduced,  old  jealousies  and  quarrels  were  revived,  until  neighbors  and 
old-time  friends  passed  each  other  upon  the  street  without  recognition. 
The  time  has  not  yet  come,  perhaps  never  will,  to  judge  of  the  rights  and 
wrongs  of  such  a  quarrel.  The  church  and  parish  records  devote  much 
space  to  it,  and  from  them  are  gathered  the  following  facts. 

In  January,  1852,  the  parish  invited  William  Dickinson  totakecharge 
of  the  choir  and  direct  the  singing,  without  compensation  ;  this  Mr.  Dick- 
inson consented  to  do.  December  30,  1853,  the  parish  voted  to  choose  a 
committee  of  conference  in  relation  to  the  singing.  January  13.  1S54,  it 
was  voted  that  the  singers  in  the  parish  should  choose  a  chorister.  The 
church  records,  under  date  of  July  30,  1S54,  state  that  "  Difficulties  having 
arisen  concerning  the  church  singing,  certain  members  desired  the  church 
to  unite  with  them  in  calling  a  mutual  council."  This  the  church  refused 
to  do.  The  minority  called  an  ex-parte  council,  which  .met  Aug.  30,  and, 
after  listening  to  the  evidence  presented,  advised  that  the  matter  at  issue 
be  submitted  to  a  mutual  council,  to  which  proposition  both  parties  agreed. 
September  4,  the  church  appointed  a  committee  of  six,  including  three 
each  from  the  majority  and  minority  parties,  to  devise  a  plan  of  settlement, 
without  calling  a  council.  The  committee  held  several  meetings,  but 
reported  to  the  church,  Sept.  8,  that  the  members  were  unable  to  agree. 
October  3,  1854,  a  second  council,  summoned  by  the  minority,  assembled, 
and  after  considering  the  matters  brought  before  it,  decided  that  the 
minority  had  a  just  grievance,  but  advised  them  to  exercise  Christian 
forbearance. 

February  4,  1855,  Rev.  James  L.  .Merrick  tendered  his  resignation. 
Mr.  Merrick  had,  so  far  as  able,  abstained  from  taking  any  part  in  the 
controversy,  and  had,  in  every  way  possible,  endeavored  to  bring  about  a 
reconciliation.      March    14,  the    parish    chose  a  committee    to   confer  with 


A    CHURCH    QUARREL.  219 

Mr.  Merrick  in  regard  to  his  request  to  be  dismissed,  to  see  if  he  could  be 
persuaded  to  withdraw  it.  The  committee  was  successful  in  its  mission. 
The  members  of  the  minority  party  had  withdrawn  their  financial  support 
and  at  a  parish  meeting  held  April  1 2,  1855.  it  was  voted  to  invite  those 
who  formerly  belonged  to  the  society  to  unite  with  it  again.  It  was  also 
voted  to  choose  a  committee  to  comply  with  the  request  of  Mr.  Merrick, 
and  unite  with  the  church  in  calling  a  council  for  his  dismission ;  the  latter 
vote  was  rescinded  at  a  meeting  held  May  22.  April  30,  the  parish  voted 
to  make  this  proposition  to  the  minority  part}-,  that  they  pay  their  propor- 
tion of  the  last  year's  expenses  of  the  society,  that  all  who  wished  to  sing 
in  the  church  choir  should  have  that  privilege,  and  that  the  singers  should 
choose  their  own  chorister.  September  4.  1855,  the  church  voted  to  call  a 
mutual  council  to  remove,  if  possible,  the  differences  existing  among  its 
members,  and  further  agreed  to  abide  by  the  decision  of  such  a  council. 
The  council  met,  Sept.  25,  1855,  when  Mr.  Merrick  presented  a  formal 
statement  of  the  question  at  issue  and  the  efforts  that  had  been  made  to 
effect  a  reconciliation.  Testimony  having  been  given  by  all  the  parties  in 
interest,  the  council  decided  that  the  minority  should  pay  up  all  arrearages 
in  fair  proportion  and  return  and  join  the  parish.  The  majority  were 
instructed  that  they  should  consent  to  a  reorganization  of  the  choir  on  the 
basis  of  mutual  concessions,  both  parties  were  admonished  to  cease  from 
strife  and  live  together  in  Christian  unit}-.  The  advice  of  the  council 
seems  to  have  been  followed  in  letter,  if  not  in  spirit,  and  for  a  little  more 
than  two  years  there  were  no  open  measures  of  hostility. 

But  the  breach  was  not  healed,  nor  could  it  be.  January  29,  1859,  the 
parish  voted  to  sever  its  connection  with  Rev.  James  L.  Merrick,  28  voting 
in  the  affirmative  and  25  in  the  negative.  At  a  meeting  held  Feb.  1.  the 
church  voted.  16  to  14,  not  to  concur  with  the  parish  in  its  action.  Mr. 
Merrick  resigned  as  pastor  of  the  old  parish  and  church,  Feb.  7,  and, 
Feb.  26.  a  new  parish  organization  was  formed  and  Mr.  Merrick  was  invited 
to  settle  with  it  in  the  ministry.  June  8,  185S,  an  ecclesiastical  council 
met  and  voted  to  dismiss  Mr.  Merrick  as  pastor  of  the  church  of  Amherst, 
South  ;  it  also  voted  that  it  was  expedient  to  organize  a  new  church  under 
the  name  of  the  Congregational  church  of  South  Amherst.  The  first 
meeting  of  the  new  church  was  held  July  2,  1858.  At  a  meeting  held 
Aug.  6,  Nathaniel  C.  Dickinson,  R.  15.  Bridgman  and  Thomas  Reed  were 
chosen  deacons.  Oct.  20  of  the  same  year,  a  new  creed  and  covenant 
were  adopted. 

The  old  society  continued  in  existence  for  more  than  a  year  after  the 
new  parish  was  organized.  The  principal  efforts  of  the  former  were 
directed  toward  the  protection  of  its  property  interests  in  the  meeting-house. 
March  10,  1858,  the  society  committee  was  directed  to  begin  legal  proceed- 


.220  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

ings  against  the  late  clerk  and  treasurer  of  the  parish,  or  against  the 
committee  of  the  new  society,  or  against  any  other  member  of  that  society, 
to  recover  all  books,  papers,  notes,  subscriptions,  etc.,  belonging  to  the 
South  Congregational  society  in  Amherst.  June  9,  1858,  it  was  voted  to 
commence  actions  in  the  name  of  the  parish  against  certain  named  persons 
for  trespass  in  "breaking  and  entering"  the  meeting-house  on  the  30th  day 
of  May,  or  at  any  other  time,  the  same  to  be  prosecuted  to  final  judgment. 
June  28  of  the  same  year,  it  was  voted  to  submit  to  arbitration  all  tres- 
passes and  questions  of  ownership  and  proprietorship  of  the  meeting-house, 
and  all  rights  and  claims  in  dispute  between  the  parish  and  individuals 
then  or  formerly  members  of  the  same.  March  22,  1859,  the  parish 
committee  was  instructed  to  use  legal  means  to  obtain  the  personal  property 
in  the  meeting-house  owned  by  the  society.  The  last  meeting  of  the  old 
society  was  held  June  29,  1859. 

The  first  meeting  of  the  Congregational  Society  of  South  Amherst 
was  held  Feb.  26,  1S58.  It  was  voted  to  extend  a  call  to  Rev.  James  L. 
Merrick,  to  offer  him  a  salary  of  $600  a  year  and  to  give  him  a  vacation 
of  three  Sabbaths  each  year.  Mr.  Merrick  accepted  the  call,  Feb.  28, 
and  continued  in  the  pastorate  until  May  14,  1863,  when  he  resigned. 

Sept.  25,  1863,  the  parish  concurred  with  the  church  in  extending  a 
call  to  Rev.  H.  S.  Kelsey,  offering  him  $800  for  his  salary,  but  Mr.  Kelsey 
declined.  Jan.  5,  1864,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  Walter  Barton,  at  a 
salary  of  $700  ;  Jan.  11,  it  was  voted  to  make  Mr.  Barton's  salary  $750; 
he  accepted  and  was  installed,  remaining  in  the  pastorate  until  Nov.  6, 
1866,  when  his  resignation  was  accepted.  June  10,  1S67,  Rev.  M.  L. 
Richardson  was  offered  a  salary  of  $1,100  to  settle  in  the  ministry,  but 
declined.  Dec.  9,  1868,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  I).  H.  Rogan,  the 
salary  offered  being  $1,200,  but  Mr.  Rogan  declined.  The  parish  was 
more  successful  in  its  next  offer,  which  was  made  to  Rev.  George  Lyman, 
in  March,  1869;  he  accepted,  and  continued  to  serve  as  pastor  until  Jan. 
7,  1873,  when  his  resignation  was  accepted. 

P'eb.  23,  1874,  the  parish  committee  was  instructed  to  employ  Rev. 
Mr.  Merrill  for  the  remainder  of  the  year,  and  to  pay  him  at  the  rate  of 
$1,200  per  annum.  Jan.  6,  1875,  the  committee  was  instructed  to  hire 
Mr.  Marsten  until  July  1.  and  Rev.  Mr.  Bennett  the  remainder  of  the  year; 
this  vote  was  rescinded,  Feb.  1.  In  February,  1875,  it  was  voted  that  Rev. 
Mr.  Pullan  be  hired  at  the  rate  of  $800  per  year  for  the  remainder  of  the 
year.  Mr.  Pullan  supplied  the  pulpit  until  the  close  of  the  year  1876. 
Jan.  5,  1S77,  Rev.  C.  S.  Walker  was  offered  $800  to  act  as  pastor  the 
ensuing  year.  Oct.  22,  1879,  the  committee  was  instructed  to  engage 
Rev.  H.  ]!.  Smith  to  act  as  pastor  until  Jan.  1,  1880,  at  a  salary  of  $600  per 
annum.      April  1  1,  1881,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  C.  S.  Walker  to  settle 


THE    SOUTH    MEETING-HOUSE.  22  1 

in  the  ministry,  at  a  salary  of  S700  and  the  use  of  the  parsonage.  Mr. 
Walker  accepted  and  continued  in  office  until  1886,  when  he  resigned  to- 
accept  a  professorship  at  the  Agricultural  College.  Jan.  15,  1877,  the 
parish  voted  to  secure  the  services  of  Rev.  C.  C.  Bruce  for  one  year,  at  a 
salary  of  S700  and  the  use  of  the  parsonage.  Sept.  3,  1888,  a  call  was 
extended  to  Rev.  H.  W.  Boyd  to  become  pastor  of  the  church  by  the  year 
for  an  indefinite  time,  on  the  same  terms  offered  to  Mr.  Bruce.  Mr. 
Boyd  accepted  and  continued  to  supply  the  pulpit  until  Oct.  25,  1894, 
when  his  resignation  was  accepted.  March  9,  1895,  Rev.  J.  F.  Gleason 
accepted  an  invitation  to  supply  the  pulpit. 

At  the  first  parish  meeting,  held  June  28,  1824.  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  visit  Greenwich  and  view  the  new  church  recently  erected 
there,  and  report  whether  in  their  opinion  such  a  house  would  be  suitable 
for  the  needs  of  the  society,  and  whether  it  could  be  built  for  $3,300,  the 
sum  it  was  proposed  to  raise  by  subscription.  The  committee  went  to 
Greenwich  and  was  favorably  impressed  with  the  meeting-house  in  that 
place.  Aug.  19,  1824.  a  meeting  was  held  of  "  persons  who  had  subscribed 
for  the  purpose  of  building  a  meeting-house  in  the  south  part  of  Amherst." 
A  committee  was  appointed  to  select  a  suitable  site  for  the  building. 
This  committee  reported  that  a  "  spot "  for  the  meeting-house,  free  of 
expense  to  the  subscribers,  could  be  obtained  a  few  rods  north  of  Jonathan 
C.  Warner's  shop,  and  that  under  all  circumstances  it  would  be  advisable 
to  build  in  that  place.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  receive  proposals 
for  erecting  a  building  similar  to  the  one  in  Greenwich.  At  a  meeting  of 
the  subscribers  held  Aug.  30,  1824.  it  was  voted  to  accept  the  proposals  of 
George  Nutting  and  Philip  L.  Goss  for  erecting  a  meeting-house  ;  the  cost 
was  to  be  S3. 300,  and  the  subscribers  were  to  draw  the  hewn  stone  for  the 
underpinning.  The  house  was  to  be  completed  before  Jan.  1.  1826.  At  a 
later  date,  committees  were  appointed  to  "bank  up  "  around  the  meeting- 
house and  build  a  fence  around  it.  Sept.  5,  1825,  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  arrange  for  the  dedication  of  the  meeting-house  "  now  building," 
and  for  the  ordination  at  the  same  time  of  Rev.  Horace  B.  Chapin.  The 
dedication  took  place,  Nov.  3.  1825. 

That  the  house  was  provided  with  a  bell  soon  after  its  completion  is 
shown  by  a  parish  vote  passed  April  14,  1828,  that  the  parish  committee 
should  "contract  with  some  man  to  ring  the  bell  on  the  Sabbath  and  at 
other  necessary  times."  In  1833,  it  was  voted  to  purchase  a  lock  for  the 
meeting-house.  April  25,  1838.  it  was  voted  to  make  alterations  in  the 
meeting-house  to  accommodate  the  singers.  In  1844.  it  was  voted  that 
liberty  be  granted  to  remodel  the  meeting-house,  if  it  could  be  done  without. 
any  tax  being  assessed  on  the  parish.  As  a  result  of  this  vote  the  building 
was  completely  remodeled,  the  expense  being  borne  by  subscription.      The 


222  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

audience-room  was  raised  to  the  level  of  the  original  galleries.  Blinds 
were  put  on  the  building  in  1849.  The  same  year,  horse-sheds  were  erected 
in  the  rear  of  the  church.  In  1851,  a  vestry  and  a  conference-room  were 
partitioned  off  and  fitted  up  on  the  lower  floor.  In  1852,  it  was  voted  to 
shingle  the  house  and  repair  the  bell-deck.  In  i860,  a  partition  and  doors 
were  placed  at  the  entrance  to  the  audience-room,  the  building  was  pointed 
and  papered,  and  carpets  were  placed  in  the  aisles  and  pulpit.  In  1868, 
a  vote  was  passed  to  repair  the  meeting-house.  In  1876,  it  was  voted  to 
shingle  the  house,  and  to  raise  the  money  by  holding  a  parish  festival.  In 
1885,  it  was  voted  to  repair  the  meeting-house  at  an  expense  of  $1,000. 
During  the  year  1895,  expensive  repairs  and  alterations  have  been  made 
on  the  building,  including  the  putting  in  of  memorial  windows. 

When,  in  1858,  a  new  parish  was  organized,  the  question  arose  as  to 
whether  the  old  or  the  new  organization  should  have  the  use  of  the  meeting- 
house. Subscribers  to  the  fund  were  represented  in  both  bodies,  and, 
pending  a  final  settlement  of  their  respective  rights,  for  nearly  eight  months 
the  unusual  spectacle  was  witnessed  of  two  separate  and  antagonistic  con- 
gregations meeting  for  religious  worship  in  the  same  house  at  the  same 
time.  Meetings  were  held  alternately  by  either  organization  in  the 
audience-room  above  and  the  vestry  below,  and  members  of  the  church 
now  living  state  that  the  notes  of  prayer  and  praise  and  exhortation, 
descending  from"  above  and  ascending  from  below,  were  frequently  blended 
in  manner  far  from  edifying.  The  two  parishes  at  length  agreed  to  leave 
the  question  of  their  rights  in  the  building  .to  disinterested  parties  for 
decision,  and  Feb.  12,  1859,  the  arbitrators  decided  as  follows:  That  the 
legal  title  to  the  meeting-house  and  land  rested  in  Enos  Dickinson,  the 
surviving  grantee  under  the  deed  of  Nathaniel  C.  Dickinson,  in  trust  for 
himself  and  the  subscribers  therein  referred  to.  being  the  persons  who 
subscribed  the  funds  for  building  the  house,  and  also  for  such  persons 
as  had  obtained  the  rights  of  original  subscribers,  each  man's  light 
being  in  proportion  to  the  amount  of  his  subscription.  It  being  expected 
that  the  house  would  be  occupied  by  the  South  Congregational  society  as  a 
house  of  worship,  and  Enos  Dickinson  and  his  associates  objecting  to  the 
same,  and  as  many  persons  for  whom  said  Dickinson  held  the  property  in 
trust  were  members  of  the  society,  it  was  therefore  ordered  :  The  house 
being  appraised  at  >2,2oo,  two-thirds  of  its  first  cost,  that  the  said  Dick- 
inson should  pay  to  said  society,  for  the  benefit  of  such  members  as  were 
entitled  to  an  interest  in  said  property,  two-thirds  the  amount  of  the 
original  subscription  of  each  member,  they  to  give  him  in  return  a  release 
and  transfer  of  rights,  he  to  pay  for  no  rights  not  so  released  and  trans- 
ferred. His  associates  were  to  contribute  equally  with  him  to  said  payments, 
and  also  to  pay  the  society  seventy-five  per  cent,  of  their  subscriptions 
for  1858. 


SOUTH  CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH. 


NOKTII  (  ONGKKGAITONAI,  CHUKCH, 


PARISH    VOTES.  223 

The  first  minute  in  regard  to  church  music  is  found  on  the  parish 
records  under  date  of  Dec.  4,  1829,  when  it  was  voted  to  raise  $4°  to  pay 
a  singing  master.  April  29,  1830,  the  parish  voted  to  allow  Aaron  Henry 
67  cents  for  cash  paid  for  violin  strings.  In  1840,  the  singers  were  given 
permission  to  move  to  the  west  side  of  the  meeting-house  if  they  chose  to 
do  so.  The  same  year,  it  was  voted  that  the  double  bass  viol,  "so  called," 
be  repaired  at  the  expense  of  the  parish.  As  early  as  1830,  a  committee 
was  appointed  "  to  assist  Mr.  Gates  in  finding  a  house  to  hire."  In  1849, 
it  was  voted  desirable  that  a  house  be  procured  for  a  parsonage.  In  1S67. 
it  was  voted  to  procure  a  parsonage  by  purchase  or  building.  May  6,  1840, 
the  parish  voted  "  that  the  standing  committee  be  consulted  by  all  lecturers 
that  wish  to  lecture  upon  any  subject  of  public  reform,  and  get  their 
approbation  before  entering  the  meeting-house  for  the  purpose  of  lecturing 
upon  said  subject."  As  the  anti-slavery  question  was  being  extensively 
agitated  at  this  time,  and  the  members  of  the  South  parish  had  shown  a 
deep  interest  in  it,  the  lecturers  at  whom  this  regulation  was  aimed  were 
doubtless  apostles  of  the  anti-slavery  crusade.  March '8,  1  S 4 1 .  the  parish 
voted  to  procure  one  cord  and  a  half  of  good  hard  wood  and  prepare  it 
for  the  stoves  and  put  it  into  the  meeting-house  before  the  hr>t  of  June  : 
also,  to  procure  some  person  to  make  hies  in  the  meeting-house.  Dec.  29. 
1842,  the  parish  clerk  was  authorized  to  procure  a  "  trunk  "  at  the  expense 
of  the  society  suitable  for  keeping  its  books  and  papers  in.  In  early 
times,  the  church  observed  many  days  of  fasting  and  prayer.  In  1877,  the 
church  voted  to  use  unfermented  wine  for  sacramental  purposes. 

When  the  parish  was  first  organized,  it  followed  the  custom  of  nearly 
all  religious  societies  in  raising  funds  by  a  parish  tax.  Jan.  22,  1830,  the 
following  vote  was  passed  :  "  That  the  money  may  be  raised  hereafter  in 
.Said  Society  by  free  toleration — that  is,  that  every  person  may  pay  the 
Sum  he  Sees  fitt."  In  1836,  it  was  voted  to  raise  money  by  selling  the 
slips,  and  the  following  year,  to  raise  money  by  assessment.  May  12.  1846, 
it  was  voted  "That  the  meeting-house  be  open  for  all  (members  of  the 
society  or  not)  who  feel  disposed  to  meet  with  us  for  public  worship,  with 
the  privilege  of  paying  according  as  their  conscience  shall  dictate."  In 
1859  and  18G0.  a  tax  was  laid  upon  the  members  of  the  parish,  who 
expressed  their  willingness  to  be  taxed  according  to  their  estates.  In  1862, 
some  expressed  a  willingness  to  pay  by  subscription,  and  were  allowed  to 
do  so,  and  the  balance  needed  was  made  up  by  a  tax  on  those  who  did 
not  subscribe.  In  1867.  it  was  voted  to  sell  the  pews  at  auction  to  pay 
current  expenses.  In  1871,  the  society  appointed  trustees  to  have  charge 
of  the  bequest  of  Lieut.  Enos  Dickinson,  and  in  1894,  it  acknowledged  a 
gift  of  $5 00  from  Mrs.  E.  J.  Williams.  ' 


224  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


CHAPTER   XXX. 


The  North  Church  and  Parish. — Organization  and  Officers. — 
Pastors  and  Terms  of  Service. — Oliver  Dickinson's  Meet- 
ing-House.— The  Pew  Deeds. — The  Pulpit  and  Communion 
Service. — The  Ministerial  Fund. 

In  1823,  there  were  but  two  church  organizations  in  Amherst  ;  in 
1826,  there  were  five.  The  South  Congregational  church  was  organized 
Oct.  14,  1824;  the  College  church,  March  7,  1826  ;  the  North  Congrega- 
tional church.  Nov.  15,  1826.  It  is  probable  that  the  same  influences 
which  led  to  the  establishment  of  a  church  at  South  Amherst  had  part, 
also,  in  the  organization  of  still  another  religious  society  and  church  in  the 
north  part  of  the  town.  The  churches,  South  and  North,  drew  their 
membership  in  the  beginning  from  the  First  and  Second  churches,  but 
while  the  South  church  drew  the  larger  number  from  the  original  organiza- 
tion, the  North  church  obtained  its  original  membership  largely  from  the 
church  at  East  Amherst.  When  the  Second  church  was  organized,  a  large 
percentage  of  its  members  resided  in  the  north  part  of  the  town,  and 
others  resident  in  that  section  had  withdrawn  from  the  First  church  during 
the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Daniel  A.  Clark,  to  unite  with  the  Second  church. 
Mr.  Clark  was  dismissed  from  the  First  church,  Aug.  5,  1824.  He  was 
then  invited  by  residents  at  North  Amherst  to  conduct  religious  services 
on  the  Sabbath  in  their  part  part  or  the  town.  He  complied  with  their 
request,  and  preached  for  a  time  at  the  school-house  in  the  "  City."  His 
were  the  first  regular  preaching  services  to  be  held  at  North  Amherst. 

In  the  summer  of  1826,  the  precise  date  not  being  a  matter  of  record, 
a  parish  organization  was  formed  by  59  persons,  who  signed  the  following 
agreement : 

"  We  whose  names  are  hereunto  subscribed  do  associate  and  form  ourselves 
into  a  religious  society  for  the  public  worship  of  God  and  public  instruction  in  the 
Christian  religion.  And  we  do  hereby  covenant  and  agree  eacli  for  himself  with 
said  society  that  we  will  use  our  best  endeavor  to  promote  the  best  interests  of 
said  society  and  to  obtain  for  them  as  soon  as  may  be  the  powers  and  privileges  of 
a  parish  according  to  law.1' 

The  "powers  and  privileges"  referred  to  were  the  right  to  assess  and 
collect  taxes  for  parochial  purposes,  and  exemption  from  taxation  by  any 
other  parish.  The  name  assumed  by  the  new  society  was  "The  Congrega- 
tional Union  Society  of  Amherst  ."    By  a  special  act  of  the  General  Court, 


REV.    WILLIAM    W.    HUNT.  225. 

passed  March  17,  1831,  this  name  was  changed  to  "Amherst  North 
Parish."  Of  the  59  members  of  the  society,  eight  were  women,  either 
widows  or  those  owning  property  in  their  own  name,  who  had  no  vote  in 
parish  meetings  ;  of  the  remainder,  only  13  were  church  members.  At  the 
first  parish  meeting,  held  June  8,  1S26,  the  following  were  elected  as 
officers  of  the  society  :  Moderator,  Oliver  Dickinson  ;  clerk,  Charles 
Cooley  ;  treasurer,  Chester  Dickinson;  parish  committee,  Joseph  Cowles, 
Noah  Smith,  Jr.,  Daniel  Dickinson  ;  assessors,  Daniel  Russell.  Jr.,  Jonathan 
Cowls  and  Ashley  Hubbard.  The  office  of  collector  was  put  up  at  auction. 
and  struck  off  to  John  Ingram,  Jr.,  at  two  cents  on  one  dollar. 

The  church  was  organized  by  an  ecclesiastical  council  which  met  at 
the  house  of  Joseph  Cowles,  Nov.  15.  1S26  ;  Rev.  Heman  Humphrey, 
D.  D.,  president  of  Amherst  College,  served  as  moderator  of  the  council. 
Letters  of  dismission  and  recommendation  were  presented  by  47  persons, 
each  of  whom  had  previously  signed  a  confession  of  faith  and  covenant. 
which  were  submitted  to  the  council  and  pronounced  by  the  latter  satisfac- 
tory. The  council  then  ackourned  to  the  church  building,  where  the  church 
was  formally  organized.  The  first  regular  meeting  of  the  church  was  held 
Dec.  20,  1826,  when  the  following  officers  were  elected:  Clerk.  Daniel 
Dickinson;  deacons,  Daniel  Russell,  Jr.,  Ransom  Dickinson;  treasurer, 
Ransom  Dickinson.  At  the  same  meeting,  it  was  voted  that  the  expenses 
of  the  Lord's  table  be  met  by  an  equal  tax  on  the  members  of  the  church. 

The  first  pastor  of  the  church  was  Rev.  Y\ 'illiam  \V.  Hunt.  He  was 
born  in  Belchertown,  Sept.  7,  1796,  was  graduated  at  Williams  College  in 
1820,  and  at  Andover  Theological  Seminary  in  1824.  He  first  preached 
for  the  South  parish  at  Woodstock,  Conn.,  for  about  a  year,  and  then 
supplied  the  church  in  Conway  for  a  little  less  than  three  months.  He  was 
ordained  as  pastor  of  the  church  at  North  Amherst,  March  7,  1827,  and 
continued  in"  office  until  his  death,  which  occurred  Oct.  5,  1837.  The 
salary  offered  him  by  the  parish  was  ?45o  per  annum.  Mr.  Hunt  was 
greatly  beloved  by  his  parishioners.  Although,  previous  to  his  settlement, 
his  health  had  become  greatly  impaired,  he  entered  into  his  ministerial 
labors  with  an  earnestness  and  enthusiasm  that  commanded  success. 
During  his  pastorate  of  less  than  eleven  years,  in  persons  were  admitted 
to  the  church.  A  great  revival  season  was  experienced  in  1831,  as  a  result 
of  which  35  persons  were  admitted  to  church  membership  on  confession 
of  their  faith.  Mr.  Hunt  was  an  ardent  advocate  of  the  causes  of  tem- 
perance and  anti-slavery. 

In  1838,  the  church  and  parish  united  in  calling  to  the  pastorate  Rev. 
Corbin  Kidder,  but  he  declined.  The  same  year,  a  call  was  extended  to 
Rev.  George  Cooke;  he  accepted,  and  was  ordained,  Jan.  15,  1839.  Mr.. 
l5 


226  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Cooke  was  a  native  of  Keene,  N.  H.  and  was  graduated  at  Dartmouth 
College  in  1832.  He  served  as  pastor  for  thirteen  years,  and  was  dismissed 
on  account  of  ill  health,  May  20,  1852.  During  his  pastorate  105  persons 
united  with  the  church.  The  third  pastor  of  the  church  was  Rev.  George 
E.  Fisher,  who  was  installed,  Sept.  16,  1852,  and  continued  in  office  until 
Jan.  6,  1858.  A  brief  biographical  sketch  of  Mr.  Fisher  has  been  given 
in  connection  with  his  pastorate  at  the  Second  church.  In  1853,  the 
church  enjoyed  the  greatest  revival  season  in  its  history,  89  persons  uniting 
with  it  on  confession  of  their  faith.  The  fourth  pastor  was  Rev.  John  W. 
Underhill,  who  was  born  in  Ipswich.  April  22,  1829,  and  was  graduated  at 
Amherst  College  in  1854.  He  was  ordained  Oct.  5,  1859,  and  died  in 
office,  Oct.  17,  1862.  Mr.  Underhill  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Daniel  H. 
Rogan,  who  was  born  at  Kingsport,  Tenn.,  June  4,  1S30;  he  was  graduated 
at  Amherst  College  in  1857,  studied  theology  at  Auburn  Seminary,  and 
was  ordained  in  Bristol,  Tenn.,  in  1859.  On  the  breaking  out  of  the  civil 
war,  he  came  North,  and  served  successively  as  pastor  of  the  church  at 
Bernardston  and  the  First  church  at  Greenfield.  He  was  installed  as 
pastor  of  the  church  at  North  Amherst,  Oct.  5,  1865.  and  dismissed,  Nov. 
21,  1866. 

In  1864,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  William  L.  Gage,  but  he  declined. 
In  1864-65,  Rev.  S.  O.  Dyer  served  thechurch  as  actingpastor.  In  1867, 
Rev.  C.  H.  S.  Williams  was  called  to  the  pastorate,  but  declined.  The 
sixth  settled  pastor  was  Rev.  William  I).  Herrick,  who  was  born  in 
Methuen,  March  26,  1831.  He  was  graduated  at  Amherst  College  in  1857, 
studied  theology  at  Andover  Seminary,  and  was  ordained  at  Redding,  Conn., 
in  i860.  He  served  as  pastor  of  the  church  in  Redding  and  of  the  First 
church  in  Gardner.  He  was  installed  as  pastor  of  the  church  in  North 
Amherst,  Sept.  19,  1867,  continuing  in  the  office  until  May  25,  1S74. 
During  his  ministry  the  church  enjoyed  three  revival  seasons,  one  of  marked 
power  in  1872,  when  53  persons  were  added  to  the  church  on  confession 
of  faith.  Mr.  Herrick  was  succeeded  in  the  pastorate  by  Rev.  George  F. 
Humphreys,  who  was  born  in  Athol,  May  4,  1847.  After  a  partial  course 
at  Williams  College,  he  entered  Auburn  Theological  Seminary,  where  he 
was  graduated.  He  was  installed  as  pastor  of  the  North  Congregational 
church,  Jan.  7,  1875,  and  was  dismissed  Nov.  4  of  the  same  year.  For 
two  years,  1876-78,  Rev.  D.  W.  Marsh,  D.  D.  served  the  church  as  acting 
pastor.  The  eighth  settled  pastor  was  Rev.  George  H.  Johnson,  born  in 
Worcester,  Dec.  29,  1850,  graduated  at  Harvard  College  in  1873,  and  at 
the  theological  seminary  in  Bangor,  Me.  He  was  installed  over  the  church 
in  North  Amherst,  July  3,  1879,  and  was  dismissed,  Dec.  31,  1888. 
•During  Mr.  Johnson's  pastorate  there  was  a  steady  gain  in  church  member- 
ship, and    in    1885    the  church   enjoyed   a    revival   season    resulting  in  the 


THE    MEETING-HOUSE.  227 

addition  of  26  persons  to  membership  on  confession  of  faith.  To  Mr. 
Johnson  the  church  is  also  indebted  for  the  preparation  of  a  historical 
manual  of  the  church  and  society,  published  in  1889.  Mr.  Johnson  was 
succeeded  in  the  pastorate  by  Rev.  Kber  W.  Gaylord,  who  was  born  in 
Union,  N.  Y.,  Nov.  27,  1845.  He  was  graduated  at  Amherst  College  in 
1866,  and  at  Lane  Theological  Seminary  in  1872.  He  was  ordained  and 
installed  as  pastor  of  the  Westminster  Presbyterian  church  at  Georgetown, 
Md.,  May  13,  1873.  He  afterwards  served  as  pastor  of  Presbyterian 
churches  at  Paradise  and  Wrightsville,  Pa.  He  was  installed  as  pastor  of 
the  church  at  North  Amherst,  Dec.  4,  1890. 

The  original  meeting-house  occupied  by  the  society  is  still  in  use, 
though  dignified  in  later  years  by  the  name  of  church.  It  was  built  and 
owned  by  Oliver  Dickinson,  "  Landlord  Oliver,"  who  was  the  guiding  and 
propelling  force  in  the  organization  of  church  and  society.  This  meeting- 
house has  a  history  that  can  hardly  be  paralleled  bythatof  any  other  house 
of  worship  in  New  England.  It  is  a  monument  to  the  generosity,  energy, 
business  sagacity  and  Christian  activity  of  its  originator.  Mr.  Dickinson 
was  one  of  the  first  to  suggest  the  possibility  as  well  as  desirability  of 
establishing  a  church  at  North  Amherst.  Having  committed  himself  to  the 
idea,  he  permitted  nothing  to  stand  in  the  way  of  its  realization.  The  first 
step  taken  was  the  raising  of  a  church  fund,  to  which  Mr.  Dickinson  and 
others  were  liberal  contributors.  The  income  of  this  fund  was  to  be  used 
in  paying  the  salary  of  a  minister:  in  raising  it,  the  resources  of  the  com- 
munity had  been  so  heavily  taxed  it  was  deemed  impossible  to  secure  by 
further  subscription  the  money  needed  for  building  a  meeting-house. 
Here,  as  in  other  matters,  Oliver  Dickinson  proved  equal  to  the  emergency. 
He  advanced  the  necessary  funds  and  became  responsible  for  all  liabilities. 

The  building  was  constructed  by  (apt.  Winthrop  Clapp  of  Montague. 
The  stone  for  the  foundation  came  from  Pelham,  the  residents  of  North 
Amherst  drawing  it  with  their  teams.  The  people  generally  contributed 
freely  of  their  time  and  labor.  Here  was  repeated,  on  a  smaller  scale,  the 
scene  enacted  five  years  earlier  on  the  brow  of  College  hill,  when  the  walls 
of  the  old  South  dormitory  of  Amherst  College  arose  as  by  magic.  There 
was  this  difference,  however;  the  dormitory  had  no  Oliver  Dickinson  to 
stand  behind  it  and  guarantee  the  payment  of  all  bills.  The  cost  of  the 
building  to  Mr.  Dickinson  was  $2,900.  The  corner  stone  was  laid  by  Rev. 
Nathan  Perkins,  at  that  time  pastor  of  the  Second  church.  There  had 
been  the  customary  dispute  as  to  the  location  of  the  building ;  residents  at 
the  "City"  desired  that  it  should  be  placed  nearer  their  homes.  The 
question  was  settled  by  Mr.  Dickinson,  who  declared  that  the  house  should 
occupy  its  present  site  if  he  had  to  pay  every  cent  of  the  expense.  The 
raising  was  made  a  gala  occasion,  liquor  being  generously  provided   and 


228  HISTORY    OF    THE     TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

consumed,  the  expenses  being  met  by  contributions.  Mr.  Dickinson,  being 
a  man  of  leisure,  superintended  the  construction  of  the  building  and  care- 
fully inspected  all  the  material  used.  He  determined  that  nothing  save 
the  very  best  should  be  employed  in  building  the  house  of  the  Lord  ;  as 
usual,  he  had  his  way.  The  house  was  dedicated,  Nov.  15,  1826,  Rev. 
Nathan  Perkins  preaching  the  sermon  and  Rev.  John  Woodbridge,  1).  D., 
of  Hadley,  delivering  the  prayer  of  dedication. 

Oliver  Dickinson  received  partial  compensation  for  his  liberal  expendi- 
ture of  time  and  money  by  selling  the  pews  in  his  meeting-house.  To 
each  purchaser  he  gave  a  deed,  in  which  he  described  himself  as  "'sole 
owner  and  proprietor  of  a  meeting-house  lately  erected  at  the  north  part 
of  said  Amherst."  These  deeds  conferred  the  right  of  perpetual  owner- 
ship to  the  purchasers  and  their  heirs,  subject  to  two  conditions.  The 
proprietors  were  not  to  allow  their  pews  to  be  painted  or  otherwise  altered 
as  to  their  external  appearance  without  the  permission  of  a  majority  of  their 
own  number  ;  neither  were  they  to  sell  or  lease  them  to  any  negro  or  mulatto, 
or  allow  any  such  person  to  occupy  them,  under  penalty  of  forfeiting  their 
rights.  These  deeds  were  made  out  long  before  the  anti-slavery  question 
had  come  into  prominence,  so  that  Mr.  Dickinson's  motive  in  inserting  this 
proviso  was  doubtless  to  prevent  the  pews  from  coming  into  the  ownership 
of  persons  of  a  questionable  character.  When  the  building  was  remodeled 
in  1842,  it  became  necessary  for  the  proprietors  to  surrender  their  original 
deeds,  and  through  the  influence  of  Daniel  Dickinson,  his  nephew,  Oliver 
Dickinson  consented  that  the  provision  in  regard  to  negros  and  mulattos 
should  be  omitted  from  the  new  deeds.  The  pews  have  since  become  the 
property  of  the  church.  A  pew  in  the  gallery  was  set  aside  for  the  accom- 
modation of  colored  persons,  as  was  customary  in  the  earlier  times. 

Some  alterations  have  been  made  in  the  external  appearance  of  the 
building,  but  the  general  outline  remains  the  same  as  when  first  constructed. 
Within  it  conformed  to  the  prevalent  style  of  church,  or  rather  meeting- 
house, arrangement  of  the  times.  The  pulpit,  a  high,  round  wooden 
structure,  stood  at  the  west  end  of  the  building,  faced  by  the  high-back 
wooden  pews.  There  were  galleries  on  all  sides  of  the  building,  and  seats 
for  singers  behind  the  pulpit.  The  pews  were  destitute  of  cushions  and 
there  were  no  carpets  upon  the  floors.  There  were  no  means  for  providing 
artificial  light  or  heat.  Stoves  were  put  in  the  building  in  January,  1835  ; 
the  expense  was  #83.23  and  the  sum  was  raised  by  subscription.  The 
interior  of  the  house  was  remodeled  in  1842,  and  since  that  time  extensive 
alterations  and  repairs  have  been  made.  The  matter  of  church  music 
received  attention  from  the  parish  at  an  early  date.  In  1828,  a  parish  tax 
oi  $12  was  laid  for  the  support  of  sacred  music.  In  1835,  $75  was 
appropriated   for   the   support   of  a   singing-school.      The   parish  owned  a 


THE    PULPIT    AND    COMMUNION    SERVICE.  229 

bass  viol  as  early  as  1827,  for  in  that  year  Augustine  Parker  was  allowed 
a  bill  of  Si. 7  2  for  bass  viol  strings  and  $1.35  for  a  case  for  the  instrument. 
In  1828,  it  cost  the  parish  S5.00  for  repairs  on  the  bass  viol.  Within  a 
few  years,  a  very  handsome  and  expensive  organ  has  been  presented  to  the 
church  by  Mrs.  George  E.  Fisher,  who  has  also  contributed  most  generously 
for  repairing  and  beautifying  the  church  building. 

Oliver  Dickinson  not  only  gave  deeds  to  the  purchasers  of  the  pews, 
but  also  gave  a  deed  of  the  pulpit  to  Rev.  \Y.  W,  Hunt,  the  first  settled 
pastor,  and  to  his  successors  in  the  gospel  ministry.  The  provisions  of 
this  deed  were  that  the  pulpit  should  be  used  only  for  the  worship  of  God 
and  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  and  that  the  grantee  and  his  successors 
should  believe  and  inculcate  in  said  pulpit  the  principles  of  the  gospel  as 
contained  in  the  Westminster  Assembly's  shorter  catechism,  forever. 
Should  he  or  they  depart  from  the  standard  of  faith  as  above  set  forth, 
then  their  rights  in  the  pulpit  were  to  be  forfeited,  and  to  pass  to  the  next 
successor  in  the  ministry  who  should  fulfil  the  conditions.  A  communion 
service  was  purchased  at  an  expense  of  $94,  which  sum  was  raised  by 
subscription.  This  service  was  not  given  to  the  church,  but  loaned  to  it 
forever,  on  conditions  very  similar  to  those  outlined  in  the  deed  for  the 
pulpit.  These  conditions  attached  to  the  use  of  the  pulpit  and  the  com- 
munion service  were  but  an  echo  of  the  orthodox  faith  of  the  founders  of 
the  church  as  embodied  in  their  creed  and  confession.  It  may  seem 
strange  that  such  stringent  provisions  should  be  adopted,  but  it  must  be 
borne  in  mind  that  at  the  time  the  church  was  organized  the  Unitarian 
faith  was  making  alarming  inroads  upon  the  orthodoxy  of  New  England 
churches  and  congregations.  Among  the  residents  in  the  new  parish  were 
many  whose  orthodoxy  was  not  beyond  question,  as  was  proved  in  after 
time  by  their  uniting  with  a  Unitarian  society  which  they  assisted  in  organ- 
izing at  Leverett.  The  conflict  between  the  old  faith  and  the  new  was 
bitter  in  the  extreme  ;  the  founders  of  the  church  at  North  Amherst  were 
firm  believers  in  the  ancient  doctrines  and  determined  that  their  church 
and  their  pulpit  and  their  communion  service  should  never  pass  into  the 
hands  of  those  unfriendly  to  their  faith.  A  change  in  the  confession  of 
faith  was  made  by  the  church  in  1872,  but  it  remains  orthodox  to-day  as  it 
has  been  since  the  beginning. 

Before  the  organization  of  church  or  parish,  subscriptions  were  made 
to  what  was  at  first  known  as  the  "  ministerial  fund"  and  afterwards  as  the 
"  church  fund."  The  prime  mover  in  the  raising  of  this  fund  was  Oliver 
Dickinson.  The  purpose  of  the  fund  may  be  gathered  from  the  following 
extracts  from  the  original  subscription  paper  : 

••  Whereas  it  is  in  contemplation  to  erect  a  meeting  house   by  the   inhabitants 
of  the  northern  section  of  the  town  of  Amherst  and  others  in  adjacent  towns,  and 


230  HISTORY    OF    THE     TOWN    OF    AMHERST,'    MASS. 

Whereas  doubts  have  arisen  whether  the  circumjacent  population  would  be 
able  to  support  at  all  times  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  without  the  aid  of  a  perma- 
nent fund.  We  therefore  the  subscribers  feeling  through  the  blessings  of  Heaven 
able  and  willing  to  assist  in  so  laudable  an  undertaking  and  desirous  to  perpetuate 
to  posterity  the  uninterrupted  dispensation  of  the  gospel  do  hereby  agree  to  pay 
over  to  Oliver  Dickinson  the  sums  severally  annexed  to  our  names." 

The  list  is  headed  by  the  name  of  Oliver  Dickinson,  with  a  subscrip- 
tion of  $800  ;  Joseph  Eastman  and  Jonathan  Cowls  gave  $400  each,  and 
fifteen  others  smaller  sums,  from  #150  to  $2.  The  total  amount  subscribed 
was  ^2,387  ;  of  this  sum  $134  was  never  paid,  but  interest  on  some  delayed 
payments  brought  the  amount  up  to  $2,392.65.  Four  persons  subscribed 
land,  which  was  afterwards  sold  for  $962.70.  The  only  subsequent  addition 
to  this  fund  was  one  of  $10  made  in  1845.  The  original  intention  of  the 
subscribers  was  to  raise  a  fund  the  interest  on  which  would  amount  to  a 
sufficient  sum  to  pay  the  entire  salary  of  the  minister.  Trustees  were 
appointed,  and  were  incorporated  by  an  act  of  the  General  Court  passed 
in  1827.  They  were  authorized  to  hold  property,  the  annual  income  from 
which  should  not  amount  to  more  than  $1,200.  Vacancies  in  the  board 
were  to  be  filled  by  election  by  the  parish,  and  the  trustees  were  held 
liable  for  any  loss  that  might  come  to  the  fund  through  their  mismanage- 
ment. If  at  any  time  a  minister  was  hired  who  did  not  preach  the  orthodox 
faith,  the  income  was  to  be  added  to  the  principal  until  an  orthodox  minister 
was  secured.  The  subscribers  were  to  have  votes  in  regard  to  the  invest- 
ment of  the  fund  in  accordance  with  the  amount  of  their  contributions. 
When  the  question  of  locating  the  church  came  up,  a  provision  was  inserted 
in  the  regulations  governing  the  fund  to  the  effect  that  it  should  be  forfeited 
to  the  subscribers  or  their  heirs  if  the  house  should  ever  be  moved  more 
than  fifty  rods  from  its  present  site,  or  should  a  new  meeting-house  be 
erected  more  than  fifty  rods  distant.  In  1828,  the  income  of  the  fund 
amounted  to  $170  ;  the  greatest  sum  realized  from  it  in  any  one  year  was 
$270,  in  1846. 

The  parsonage  was  built  in  1839,  a  subscription  amounting  to  £I4°9-99 
being  raised  for  that  purpose.  Two  special  subscriptions  for  repairing  the 
church  were  raised,  one  of  $1,232.08  in  i860,  another  of  $1,471.88  in  1879. 
In  1868,  money  was  subscribed  for  the  purchase  of  the  pews,  all  but  two 
of  which  are  now  parish  property.  In  1869,  the  parish  purchased  for  a 
little  over  $1,000  the  town's  interest  in  the  building  known  as  "Parish 
hall,"  formerly  used,  in  part,  as  a  school-room.  Money  for  parish  expenses 
was  first  raised  by  voluntary  subscription  in    1834. 


THE    COLLEGE    CHURCH.  23  I 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


The    College    Church.  —  Its    Pastors. — Church    Building.  —  Zion 
Chapel. —College  Mission  Work. 

The  organization  of  the  "Church  of  Christ  in  Amherst  College,"  in 
1826/'"  on  the  principles  of  the  Congregational  Platform,"  has  been  referred 
to  in  the  historical  sketch  of  Amherst  College.  Rev.  Heman  Humphrey, 
its  first  pastor,  was  installed  Feb.  28,  1827,  continuing  in  service  until  he 
was  dismissed,  at  his  own  request,  April  4,  1845.  During  his  pastorate 
the  church  was  greatly  prospered,  enjoying  several  revival  seasons  and 
gaining  largely  in  membership.  July  13,  1828,  occurred  the  first  baptism 
of  a  child  of  a  member  of  the  church,  the  son  of  Prof.  Edward  Hitchcock, 
christened  Edward.  In  a  list  of  additions  to  the  church  in  183  1,  appears 
the  name  of  Henry  Ward  Beecher,  then  in  his  freshman  year. 

April  4,  1845,  the  day  that  Rev.  Heman  Humphrey  was  dismissed 
from  the  pastorate,  Rev.  Edward  Hitchcock  was  installed  as  his  successor. 
President  Hitchcock  continued  in  service  until  1S54,  resigning  in  April  of 
that  year  and  being  dismissed  the  following  November.  Under  his  ministry, 
the  church  experienced  two  great  revivals  of  religious  interest,  one  in  1846, 
as  a  result  of  which  27  persons  united  with  the  church  on  confession  of 
their  faith;  a  second  in  1850,  resulting  in  33  conversions.  President 
Hitchcock  believed  that  the  highest  aim  of  education  is  the  winning  of 
souls  to  Christ.  He  taught-  and  lived  the  faith  that  was  in  him,  so  that 
while  under  his  administration  the  college  prospered  greatly  in  temporal 
affairs  there  was  even  greater  prosperity  in  its  spiritual  interests.  Rev. 
W.  A.  Stearns  was  installed  as  pastor  of  the  College  church,  Nov.  21, 
1854.  He  continued  in  office  until  his  death,  June  8,  1876.  During  his 
ministry  the  college  experienced  several  revivals  of  religious  interest,  some 
of  marked  power  and  fruitfulness. 

Rev.  Julius  H.  Seelye,  who  succeeded  Dr.  Stearns  as  president  of  the 
college,  was  installed  as  pastor  of  the  College  church,  May  24,  1877. 
Sept.  12,  1878,  Rev.  Thomas  P.  Field  was  invited  to  become  associate 
pastor  of  the  church,  and  accepted.  He  was  appointed  to  the  "  Samuel 
Green  professorship  of  Biblical  history  and  interpretation  and  pastoral 
care,"  established  in  1864  by  John  Tappan,  Esq.  of  Boston,  and  held  by 
Dr.  Stearns,  in  connection  with  the  presidency  of  the  college,  until  his 
death.  Dr.  Field  served  as  professor  in  the  college  and  associate  pastor 
of  the  College  church  until  1886.  when  he  resigned,  and  was  succeeded  by 


232  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Rev.  George  S.  Burroughs  of  New  Britain,  Conn.  Dr.  Seelye  served  as 
pastor  of  the  church  until  he  resigned  the  presidency  of  the  college,  in 
1890.  Dr.  Burroughs  continued  in  office  until  1892,  when  he  resigned,  to 
accept  a  call  to  the  presidency  of  Wabash  College  at  Crawfordsville,  Ind. 
Rev.  John  E.  Tuttle,  D.  D.,  was  appointed  to  the  Samuel  Green  professor- 
ship in  1893,  and  installed  as  pastor  of  the  College  church,  Nov.  17  of 
that  year. 

The  college  chapel  was  dedicated  in  February,  1827.  For  more  than 
forty  years  this  building  served  as  the  home  of  the  College  church.  In 
1864,  William  F.  Stearns,  son  of  President  Stearns  and  a  prosperous 
merchant  in  Boston,  gave  $30,000  to  the  college  to  be  used  in  erecting  a 
suitable  church  edifice.  There  was  a  difference  of  opinion  among  the 
college  authorities  as  to  the  most  suitable  location  for  the  building.  Its 
present  site  was  decided  on  by  several  distinguished  architects,  and  the 
corner-stone  was  laid,  Sept.  22,  1870.  The  building,  constructed  of 
granite,  is,  perhaps,  the  handsomest  edifice  on  the  college  grounds. 
Shortly  after  the  close  of  the  civil  war,  George  Howe,  Esq.  of  Boston, 
whose  son,  a  graduate  of  the  college,  was  killed  in  service,  presented  to 
the  college  a  fine  chime  of  bells,  which  were  placed  in  the  tower  of  the 
College  church. 

From  its  beginning,  the  church  has  been  a  great  power  for  good  in 
the  college.  Some  of  the  best-known  preachers  in  America  have  occupied 
the  pulpit  of  the  College  church.  In  the  earlier  history  of  the  church 
revivals  of  religious  interest  were  of  frequent  occurrence  and  a  very  large 
percentage  of  the  students  were  admitted  to  church  membership.  There 
were  many  cases  of  church  discipline.  Councils  were  frequently  held  to 
ordain  missionaries  for  the  foreign  service.  Feb.  23,  1864,  Joseph  A. 
Leach  was  ordained  as  chaplain  of  the  19th  Regiment  U.  S.  colored  troops. 
In  1859,  n  was  voted  to  adopt  the  "Sabbath  Hymn  and  Tune  Book''  in 
chapel  worship  and  other  religious  meetings.  Sept.  26,  1S69,  E.  S.  Snell 
and  Edward  Hitchcock  were  elected  as  the  first  permanent  deacons.  The 
practice  before  that  time  had  been  to  elect  as  deacons  two  members  of  the 
senior  class,  to  serve  one  year.  In  1877,  a  leader  of  the  choir  and  an 
organist  were  chosen.  In  18S9,  a  plan  proposed  by  Dr.  Burroughs  was 
adopted,  for  receiving  students  from  other  churches  on  certificate,  who  did 
not  transfer  their  relation  to  the  church  by  letter. 

In  connection  with  the  College  church,  and  under  its  immediate  super- 
vision, an  interesting  and  valuable  mission  work  has  been  conducted  among 
the  colored  residents  of  Amherst.  The  years  immediately  succeeding  the 
close  of  the  civil  war  brought  with  them  to  Amherst,  as  to  many  towns  in 
New  England,  a  considerable  increase  in  the  colored  population.  A 
majority  of  these  people  were  useful  and   industrious  citizens,  abundantly 


WIlll'.KSI     (  OLLEGE    WELL 


*:0$*r 


AMHERST    COLLEGE    CHURCH. 


ZION    CHAPEL.  233 

able  to  provide  for  their  own  bodily  needs,  but  lacking  for  many  years  the 
religious  privileges  enjoyed  by  their  Caucasian  brethren.  The  missionary 
enterprise  which  resulted  in  the  building  of  Zion  chapel  was  inaugurated 
by  three  women  connected  with  the  College  church,  two  of  them  wives  of 
college  professors,  the  other  a  resident  of  the  town  while  her  sons  were 
being  educated  at  the  college.  As  early  as  1.SO1,  a  Sunday-school  class 
had  been  organized  among  the  colored  people.  Its  meetings  were  held, 
at  first  in  the  Amherst  Academy  building,  and  after  the  latter  was  torn 
down,  in  the  brick  school-house  on  Pleasant  street,  and  later  in  the  chapel 
of  the  hirst  Congregational  church,  in  the  rear  of  what  is  now  known  as 
College  hall. 

In  1S6S,  the  trustees  of  Amherst  College  gave  permission  for  erecting 
a  building  for  chapel  purposes  on  land  owned  by  the  college  at  the  corner 
of  Northampton  and  Parsons  streets.  The  sum  of  $697.90  was  raised  by 
subscription  for  a  building,  of  which  $117.30  was  contributed  by  colored 
persons  ;  the  largest  cash  donation  was  Si  00.  the  smallest  ten  cents.  The 
building  was  erected,  and  was  dedicated  March  12.  1869.  The  exercises 
of  dedication  were  conducted  by  President  Stearns.  assisted  by  Professors 
Hitchcock.  Tyler  and  Seelye,  and  Rev.  J.  L.  Jenkins.  The  cost  of  the 
building  was  $601.  Many  articles  of  furniture  were  contributed,  some  by 
persons  living  in  Amherst,  others  by  men  and  women  living  in  distant 
towns  and  cities  who  had  been  impressed  with  the  nature  and  importance 
of  the  work  that  was  being  carried  on.  At  the  time  the  chapel  was  dedi- 
cated, there  were  91  colored  people  resident  in  Amherst,  and  the  average 
attendance  at  the  school  was  30.  J.  1!.  Seabury,  a  student  at  the  college, 
had  been  in  chnrge  of  the  school  for  the  two  years  preceding. 

The  first  mention  of  Zion  chapel  found  in  the  College  church  records 
is  under  date  of  Feb.  i,  1S77,  when  it  was  voted  to  appropriate $25  during 
the  year  for  the  expense  of  fuel  and  lights  at  regular  meetings  in  the 
chapel,  if  the  receipts  from  collections  should  be  sufficient  after  defraying 
the  current  expenses  of  the  church.  Dec.  13,  1877.  the  church  voted  to 
expend  the  balance  of  receipts  for  1878,  from  collections  on  communion 
Sundays,  after  the  regular  church  expenses  had  been  paid,  as  follows  :  1st, 
$25  for  lights  and  fuel  at  Zion  chapel;  2d,  S25  to  Rev.  S.  L.  Hobbs :  3d. 
an  additional  §25  to  Rev.  S.  L.  Hobbs  if  the  colored  people  should  pay 
an  equal  amount  in  addition  to  what  they  paid  in  1S77.  Feb.  29,  1880, 
$25  was  appropriated  for  expenses  of  the  mission  school,  to  be  placed  in 
the  hands  of  the  lady  teachers;  also  $25  per  quarter  to  Rev.  Mr.  Hobbs 
for  services  at  the  mission  branch,  provided  those  in  attendance  paid  at  the 
rate  of  $8  per  quarter.  Oct.  5,  1882.  it  was  voted  to  pay  Si 00  to  Rev. 
D.  W.  Marsh  for  his  services  at  Zion  chapel  during  the  coming  year. 

In  addition  to  the  mission  work  conducted  under  the  auspices  of  the 


234 


HISTORY    OF    THE     TOWN    OK    AMHERST,    MASS. 


College  church  at  Zion  chapel,  students  at  the  college  have  for  many  years- 
engaged  in  regular  mission  work  at  two  stations,  one  at  the  school-house 
in  the  southeast  part  of  Amherst,  the  other  at  a  school-house  in  what  is 
known  as  "  Pratt's  Corner "  in  Shutesbury.  Regular  services  are  held  in 
these  places  Sunday  afternoons  during  the  college  terms.  The  missionary 
spirit  has  ever  been  strong  among  the  alumni  of  Amherst  College,  as  is 
testified  by  the  considerable  percentage  of  their  number  who  have  engaged 
in  home  and  foreign  mission  work.  The  words  of  wisdom  and  eloquence 
uttered  from  the  pulpit  of  the  College  church  have  echoed  "  from  Green- 
land's icy  mountains  to  India's  coral  strand." 


CHAPTER   XXXII. 


The  Baptist  Church. — Connection  with  Churches  in  New  Salem 
and  Northampton. —  Independent  Organization. — Pastors  and 
Terms  of  Service. — The  Meeting-House. — Methods  of  Raising 
Funds. — Misc Ella n eous    Votes. 

It  was  nearly  ninety-three  years  after  the  organization  of  the  church 
in  Hadley,  Third  Precinct,  ere  another  church,  differing  from  it  in  faith 
and  doctrine,  was  regularly  organized  in  the  town  of  Amherst.  In  Novem- 
ber, 1827,  the  following  communication  was  addressed  to  the  First  Baptist 
church  in  New  Salem  : 

■■  The  Undersigned,  being  so  situated  that  we  can  enjoy  but  little  of  gospel 
privilege  with  you  &  finding  many  students  in  tin-  .Academy  &  College  ec  others 
members  scattered  through  Amherst  &  vicinity  belonging  to  different  Chhsof  our 
faith  &  in  der,  all  as  sheep  without  a  Shepherd — We  feel  it  our  indispensable  duty 
to  unite  &  exert  ourselves  to  remedy  these  existing  evils  &  procure  greater  religious 
enjoyments. 

Therefore,  to  promote  the  honour  ec  glory  of  God,  the  good  of  his  cause  and 
the  wel  fa  1  e  of  our  own  souls,  &  others  in  the  establishment  of  the  worship  of  <  lod  & 
the  privileges  of  the  Gospel  among  us,  we  wish  to  be  set  off  as  a  branch  of  this 
Chh.  vested  with  certain  rights  &  privileges  necessary  to  carry  our  objects  into 
effe<  1  .is  shown  in  the  following  proposed  resolution."" 

This  paper  was  signed  by  Stephen  S.  Nelson,  an  elder  of  the  Baptist 
church  in  New  Salem  but  resident  in  Amherst,  and  the  following  members 
of  his  family  :  Emilia  Nelson,  Emilia  1).  Nelson,  William  F.  Nelson  and 
Ephraim  k.  Nelson.     The  "  resolutions  "  submitted  were  agreed  to  by  the 


FIRST    BAPTIST   CHURCH. 


ORGANIZATION     OF    THE    CHURCH.  235: 

church  in  New  Salem,  as  testified  by  the  clerk  of  the  church  under  date  of 
Nov.  18,  1827.  They  conferred  the  following  rights  and  privileges  upon 
the  members  of  the  church  resident  in  Amherst  :  To  be  setoff  as  a  branch 
of  the  church,  by  the  name  of  the  "  Branch  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in 
New  Salem  :"  to  notify  and  hold  meetings  for  worship  and  business,  and 
vote  and  do  business  among  themselves  independently  ;  to  employ  ministers 
of  their  own  choosing  and  support  them  in  their  own  way:  to  admit 
members  among  them,  watch  over  and  discipline  them,  and,  if  found 
necessary,  to  remove  them  ;  to  enjoy  the  ordinances  and  privileges  of  the 
gospel  among  themselves  or  with  the  parent  church  ;  to  pay  ami  support 
individually  with  the  parent  church  only  in  accordance  with  the  privileges 
enjoyed  by  them;  to  establish  for  themselves  any  constitution,  creed  or 
covenant  not  inconsistent  with  the  Bible  or  with  churches  in  their  fellow- 
ship :  to  enjoy  all  other  rights  and  privileges  of  an  independent  church  and 
be  considered  as  such  except  that  they  be  called  a  branch  of  the  church 
in  New  Salem  ;  but  in  case  they  should  cease  to  keep  up  their  worship 
then  they  were  to  be  considered  as  members  of  the  parent  church. 

The  first  meeting  of  the  Amherst  branch  of  the  First  baptist  Church 
in  New  Salem  was  held  at  the  house  of  Rev.  Stephen  S.  Nelson,  Dec.  7, 
1827.  Mr.  Nelson  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Rev.  Solomon  Peck,  pro- 
fessor of  Latin  and  Hebrew  at  Amherst  College,  clerk.  The  moderator 
and  clerk  were  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  a  creed  and  covenant. 
This  committee  reported  at  a  meeting  held  Dec.  12,  and  after  discussion 
and  amendment,  the  articles  submitted  by  them  were  adopted,  at  a 
meeting  held  Dec.  18.  At  the  latter  meeting  a  committee  was  appointed 
to  prepare  a  code  of  articles  whereby  to  express  the  sentiments  of  the 
church  on  important  principles  of  faith  and  practice,  not  specially  noted  in 
creed  and  covenant.  Feb.  29,  1S28,  the  church  voted  that  the  Lord's 
Supper  be  celebrated  on  the  evening  of  Sunday,  March  9  ;  on  the  latter 
date  the  communicants  met  at  the  house  of  Rev.  S.  S.  Nelson  and  held 
their  first  conlmunion  service,  ten  members  of  the  church  taking  part, 
eight  males  and  two  females.  Sept.  19,  1830.  it  was  voted  expedient  that 
the  church  be  dismissed  from  the  church  in  New  Salem,  and  become  a 
branch  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Northampton.  Oct.  1  of  the  same  year, 
it  was  reported  that  a  letter  of  dismission  had  been  received  from  the 
New  Salem  church  ;  this  was  afterwards  presented  to  and  accepted  by  the 
church  in  Northampton.  July  3.  1831,  the  church  voted  to  approve  the 
maintenance  of  public  religious  worship  every  Tuesday  evening  "  at  the 
home  of  Bro.  Woods."  The  first  baptism  occurred  Aug.  21,  1831,  two 
persons  being  baptized  in  the  river  at  "Mill  Hollow."  Nov.  19,  1831,. 
it  was    voted   that   a   contribution  for  contingent  expenses  and  for  the  poor 


236  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

of  the  church  be  taken  regularly  after  the  administration  of  the  Lord's 
supper. 

At  a  meeting  held  May  5,  1832.  it  was  voted  to  request  a  dismission 
from  the  church  in  Northampton,  for  the  purpose  of  constituting  a  church 
in  this  town,  to  be  known  as  "The  First  Baptist  Church  of  Christ  in 
Amherst."  Julyc},  1832,  it  was  voted  expedient  to  take  immediate  measures 
to  constitute  a  church  of  Christ  in  Amherst.  A  committee  was  appointed 
to  draw  up  articles  of  faith  and  a  covenant.  Invitations  were  sent  to  the 
Baptist  churches  in  Shutesbury,  Northampton,  Belchertown,  Sunderland  and 
Montague  to  send  pastors  and  delegates  to  a  council  to  be  held  for  the 
purpose  of  forming  a  church  organization.  This  council  met,  Aug.  3, 
1832,  at  the  house  of  Solomon  Peck.  Rev.  L.  Austin  served  as  moderator 
and  Solomon  Peck  as  clerk.  A  church  was  organized  with  40  members, 
19  male  and  21  female.  Public  exercises  were  held  at  the  brick  school- 
house  that  stood  on  Pleasant  street.  The  church  voted  to  adopt  the 
articles  of  faith  and  covenant  of  the  Federal  Street  Baptist  church  of 
Boston.  Isaac  Robbins  and  Fli  Cowls  were  elected  deacons.  Sept.  16, 
1S32,  the  church  voted  to  join  the  Wendell  association  of  Baptist  churches, 
and  was  received  into  its  fellowship  the  26th  of  the  same   month. 

The  first  pastor  of  the  church  was  Rev.  Mason  Ball.  The  precise 
date  when  he  began  preaching  in  Amherst  is  not  recorded;  the  minutes  of 
a  meeting  held  Aug.  31,  1834,  are  signed  by  "  Mason  Ball,  pastor."  March 
10,  1835,  a  committee  appointed  to  supply  the  pulpit  engaged  the  services 
of  Mr.  Ball,  "who  had  supplied  the  church  for  two  years."  Oct.  31,  1836, 
it  was  voted  to  extend  a  call  to  Rev.  N.  G.  Lovell  of  Princeton,  to  offer 
him  a  salary  of  $500  per  year,  to  give  him  three  Sabbaths  for  a  vacation 
and  to  move  his  goods  to  Amherst.  Mr.  Lovell  accepted  the  call  and 
began  his  labors  Nov.  20.  Dec.  26,  1S39,  ^r-  Lovell  requested  a  dismis- 
sion which  was  granted  ;  he  preached  his  farewell  sermon,  Jan.  19,  1840. 
April  6  of  the  same  year,  Elder  S.  S.  Nelson  was  requested  to  preach  until 
a  minister  should  be  settled;  he  agreed  to  supply  the  pulpit  until  the  first 
Sabbath  in  May.  July  19,  Elder  Joseph  Hodges  was  invited  to  supply  the 
pulpit  at  a  salary  of  $300.  Mr.  Hodges  accepted  and  began  his  labors 
Aug.  2,  continuing  with  the  church  for  one  year  when  he  left  and  went  to 
Coleraine.  At  a  meeting  of  the  church  and  society,  held  Aug.  8,  1841,  it 
was  voted  unanimously  to  keep  up  the  worship  in  the  meeting-house  every 
Lord's  day,  "preaching  or  no  preaching."  Such  was  the  temper  of  the 
men  and  women  who  were  the  founders  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Amherst, 
not  easily  discouraged,  but  determined  under  no  circumstances  to  abandon 
the  undertaking  in  which  they  had  engaged.  At  this  meeting  the  deacons 
invited  Elder  S.  S.  Nelson  to  preach  to  them.      Soon  afterwards.   Rev.    Mr. 


PASTORS    OK     THE    CHURCH.  237 

Chase  was  sent  by  the  Baptist  conference  to  supply  the  pulpit,  and  remained 
until  December. 

Dec.  1,  1842,  the  church  extended  a  call  to  Rev.  George  Waters  of 
Norwich,  Conn.,  to  become  its  pastor,  at  a  salary  of  $500.  Mr.  Waters 
accepted,  and  began  his  labors  Dec.  25.  He  served  very  acceptably  to 
church  and  congregation  for  three  years,  but  in  the  spring  of  1846  dissen- 
sions arose  between  pastor  and  people  which  led  to  a  serious  schism  in  the 
church.  The  primary  cause  of  trouble  would  seem  to  have  been  a  disturb- 
ance of  church  meetings  by  some  of  the  younger  members  of  the 
congregation,  together  with  the  punishment  indicted  upon  them.  This  led 
to  argument  and  ill-feeling,  and  soon  the  church-members  were  arrayed  in 
two  opposing  parties.  The  pastor's  opponents  called  an  ex-parte  council 
of  delegates  from  baptist  churches  in  towns  near  by,  which  met  at  the 
meeting-house,  Feb.  10,  1846.  The  pastor  and  his  adherents  also  called 
an  ex-parte  council,  which  met  the  following  day.  The  members  of  the 
two  councils  decided  to  join  forces  and  hold  a  mutual  council  to  considei 
all  matters  at  issue.  To  this  action  both  parties  to  the  controversy 
consented:  the  council  having  considered  all  the  testimony  presented 
decided  that  there  was  fault  on  both  sides  and  advised  a  reconciliation. 
Feb.  22,  1X46,  the  church,  at  Mr.  Waters'  request,  voted  to  give  him  a 
letter  of  dismission.  As  a  result  of  this  trouble,  many  members  withdrew 
from  the  communion  and  the  usefulness  of  the  church  was  seriously 
impaired. 

Feb.  28.  1846.  the  church  extended  a  call  to  Rev.  Mason  Ball.  Mr.. 
Ball  accepted  and  served  the  church  for  several  months.  April  21,  1851, 
Rev.  F.  A.  Cummings  was  called  to  the  pastorate  :  he  accepted,  and  was 
ordained  and  installed,  May  8.  He  continued  in  service  until  Oct.  17, 
1852,  when  he  was  dismissed  at  his  request,  the  church  at  the  same 
meeting  which  acted  on  his  dismission  voting  to  extend  a  call  to  Rev.  E. 
Anderson.  Mr.  Anderson  accepted,  and  recognition  and  consecration 
services  were  held  Dec.  15.  His  pastorate  was  brief,  terminating,  at  his 
request,  Sept.  3,  1853.  Dec.  31,  1S53,  the  church  invited  Rev.  E.  A. 
Cummings  to  become  its  pastor  again,  "  as  soon  as  consistent  with  his 
previous  engagements."  He  accepted  the  call  and  continued  in  service 
until  January,  1855,  when  he  resigned.  During  the  greater  part  of  1855, 
the  pulpit  was  supplied  by  George  S.  Stockwell.  Oct.  5,  1856,  a  call  was 
extended  to  Rev.  J.  T.  Smith  of  Bristol,  Conn.,  which  he  accepted.  He 
continued  in  the  service  for  more  than  eight  years,  resigning  his  office, 
Jan.  27.  1865.  The  church  voted  not  to  accept  the  resigation,  but  Mr.. 
Smith  insisted  and  preached  his  farewell  sermon,  April  31. 

Feb.  18,  1866,  the  church  extended  a  call  to  Rev.  A.  J.  Padelford  ;  he 
accepted  and  began   his    labors   Feb.  25.     Recognition  services  were  held. 


238  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

March  21,  and  on  the  same  day  the  church  was  rededicated  having  under- 
gone extensive  repairs  and  alterations.  Mr.  Padelford  continued  in  office 
until  March  1,  1868.  when  he  tendered  his  resignation.  The  church 
appointed  a  committee  to  request  him  to  reconsider  his  action,  but  he  refused. 
The  church  voted,  in  May,  to  secure  the  services  of  Prank  E.  Tower  of 
Petersham  as  stated  supply  for  the  remainder  of  the  year.  In  October  of 
the  same  year,  it  was  voted  expedient  to  ordain  Mr.  Tower  and  install 
him  as  pastor  of  the  church.  He  accepted  the  call  in  a  letter  dated  Nov. 
18,  and  was  ordained  and  installed,  Dec.  23.  The  first  year  of  his  ministry 
was  marked  by  a  great  revival,  resulting  in  many  conversions.  Dec.  23, 
1S71,  Mr.  Tower  resigned,  and  March  24,  1872,  Rev.  A.  P.  Kuel  of  New 
London,  Conn,  was  called  to  the  pastorate.  He  did  not  accept  at  the 
time,  but  consented  to  supply  the  pulpit.  The  call  was  renewed,  June  30, 
and  this  time  was  accepted.  The  date  when  Mr.  Buel's  pastorate  ended  is 
not  recorded,  but  April  6,  1873,  the  church  extended  a  call  to  Rev.  J.  V. 
Osterhout  of  Webster,  which  he  declined.  May  18,  1873,  a  call  was 
■extended  to  Rev.  D.  F.  Lamson  of  Northboro ;   this  also  was  declined. 

Rev.  Sylvester  Burnham  supplied  the  pulpit  for  a  time,  and  in  July, 
1873,  was  called  to  the  pastorate.  He  accepted,  and  continued  in  service 
until  March  of  the  following  year,  when  he  resigned.  In  May  of  the 
same  year,  a  call  was  extended  to  1).  W.  Hoyt  which  he  accepted,  and  was 
ordained,  July  29.  In  1875,  a  branch  of  the  church  was  organized  in 
Erving.  Mr.  Hoyt  resigned  in  March,  1880;  Dec.  12  of  the  same  year, 
a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  G.  F.  Genung.  He  accepted,  and  recognition 
services  were  held  in  January,  1881.  He  continued  in  office  until  January, 
1884.  when  he  resigned.  The  church  at  first  refused  to  accept  his  resigna- 
tion, but  he  insisted.  Rev.  J.  B.  Child  was  called  to  the  pastorate  the 
same  year,  continuing  in  office  until  March,  1S92,  when  he  resigned.  In 
October  of  the  same  year.  Rev.  G.  W.  Holman  accepted  an  invitation  to 
settle  as  pastor  of  the  church. 

The  first  mention  of  a  meeting-house  is  found  in  the  church  records 
under  date  of  May  11,  1834,  when  an  agent  was  appointed  to  solicit  aid 
from  abroad  to  build  a  meeting-house.  Oct.  24,  1834,  the  church  passed 
the  following  vote:  "  Where'as  several  individuals  have  taken  efficient 
measures  to  erect  a  meeting-house  by  subscription  to  be  the  property  of 
the  First  Baptist  Chh.  in  Amherst,  and  whereas  they  have  connected  with 
the  said  house  a  basement  story  which  the  Chh.  may  own  as  their  property 
provided  they  will  defray  the  expense  of  said  basement  story.  And  whereas 
the  building  Committee  have  made  the  above  proposal  therefor.  Voted  to 
take  the  Basement  Story  as  our  property."  A  committee  of  five  was 
appointed  to  finish  the  basement,  and  authorized  to  hire  money  to  pay  the 


THE    MEETING-HOUSE.  239 

expense.  April  25,  1836,  Seth  Fish,  Salvader  Andrews  and  Austin  East- 
man were  appointed  deacons  to  hold  the  meeting-house  in  trust. 

July  6,  1837,  the  church  adopted  a  constitution  and  series  of  regula- 
tions for  the  management  and  disposal  of  church  property.  The  preamble 
reads  as  follows  :  "The  1st  Baptist  Chh.  in  Amherst  having  erected  a 
house  for  divine  worship  for  the  accommodation  of  themselves  and  others 
who  choose  to  meet  with  them  wish  to  be  guided  by  the  following  regula- 
tions in  the  management  and  disposal  of  their  house  of  worship  and  other 
property."  This  constitution  contained,  among  others,  the  following 
provisions  :  That  the  meeting-house  and  all  other  property  belonging  to 
the  church  should  be  "  considered  as  theirs,  under  their  management  and 
at  their  disposal ;"  the  settled  pastor  or  stated  preacher  should  ever  be  a 
"  regular  Orthodox  Baptist  minister ;"  if  the  church  should  ever  be 
dissolved  or  become  extinct,  the  meeting-house  and  all  other  property 
belonging  to  the  church,  except  such  slips  or  other  property  as  were  owned 
by  private  individuals,  should  revert  to  the  treasury  of  the  Massachusetts 
Baptist  Convention  ;  every  pew  in  the  meeting-house  should  be  subject  to 
the  provisions  of  the  constitution  ;  should  the  church  at  anytime  consider 
it  expedient  to  demolish,  move,  alter,  repair  or  rebuild  the  meeting-house, 
each  pew-owner  should  give  up  his  pew  for  that  purpose  and  be  allowed 
full  value  of  his  pew  when  thus  surrendered,  provided  he  should  take  the 
amount  of  said  valuation  in  a  pew  or  pews  in  the  meeting-house  when 
rebuilt  or  so  altered  and  repaired. 

At  a  meeting  held  May  23,  1837.  it  was  voted  "  To  give  back  the  bonds 
to  our  trustees  that  the  basement  of  our  meeting-house  may  be  sold  for 
$2500  and  clear  the  Chh.  of  all  debt  for  our  meeting-house  except  about 
$ioooor  $tioo."  June  22.  1837,  the  trustees  were  authorized  to  sell 
enough  of  the  "  pew  ground"  or  slips  in  the  meeting-house  to  pay  the  debt 
due  the  building  committee  of  said  house.  No  pews  were  to  be  sold  at  a 
less  price  than  appraised,  and  they  were  to  be  sold  only  on  such  conditions 
as  should  secure  the  pulpit  forever  to  a  regular  orthodox  Baptist  minister. 
July  7,  1839,  the  church  extended  a  vote  of  thanks  to  persons  who  by 
generous  assistance  had  enabled  them  to  pay  off  the  debt  on  the  meeting- 
house. April  21,  185 1,  it  was  voted  "to  approve  and  encourage  the 
painting  and  repairing  of  the  meeting-house. "  For  many  years  the  base- 
ment of  the  meeting-house  was  used  for  store  purposes.  Oct.  4,  1862,  it 
was  voted  to  see  whether  the  church  could  have  a  room  in  the  basement 
for  prayer  and  conference  purposes,  if  so,  what  must  be  done  to  put  it  in 
order.  March  23,  1864,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  fit  and  furnish  the 
southwest  room  in  the  basement  as  a  vestry  ;  the  first  meeting  in  the  new 
vestry  was  held  June  4,  1S65.  Sept.  12.  1864,  a  committee  was  appointed 
to  procure  plans  and  estimates  for   repairing  the   house    of  worship  ;   they 


240  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

reported  a  plan  involving  the  expenditure  of  $1000,  and  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  raise  funds  for  carrying  on  the  work.  July  7,  1879,  the 
church  voted  to  rent  the  vestry  to  Postmaster  Jameson  for  $50  a  month. 

In  the  years  immediately  following  the  organization  of  the  church, 
various  methods  were  resorted  to  for  the  purpose  of  raising  funds,  for  the 
payment  of  current  expenses.  Feb.  1,  1834,  an  agent  was  appointed  to 
attend  the  state  convention,  to  secure  aid  to  support  the  gospel  ministry. 
March  10,  1835,  two  agents  were  appointed  to  solicit  aid  to  pay  arrearages 
for  preaching.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  circulate  subscription  papers 
to  raise  money  to  be  paid  monthly  for  the  purpose  of  supporting  preaching 
the  coming  year.  Dec.  12,  1836,  it  was  voted  that  all  the  pecuniary 
expenses  of  the  church,  with  the  pastor's  salary,  be  averaged  upon  each 
member  of  the  church,  according  to  their  ability.  Jan.  17,  1837,  it  was 
voted  to  make  all  the  pews  in  the  meeting-house  free.  May  6,  1866,  a 
committee  was  chosen  to  have  charge  of  the  church  finances.  In  1869,  it 
was  voted  to  make  the  seats  free  and  to  take  collections  for  current 
expenses. 

Oct.  31,  1836,  a  committee  was  appointed  "to  procure  an  apparatus 
to  warm  the  meeting-house."  June  22,  1837,  it  was  voted  that  the  sexton 
be  furnished  with  oil  to  light  the  house.  In  1838,  the  trustees  were 
authorized  to  deed  a  pew  to  the  pastor  of  the  church  and  his  successors 
in  office,  to  be  held  by  them  as  a  "  minister's  pew  "  forever.  April  5,  1844, 
it  was  voted  "  to  authorize  the  committee  heretofore  appointed  by  the 
church  to  put  in  the  baptistery  into  the  Baptist  meeting-house  to  finish 
said  work  by  placing  a  carpet  upon  the  platform  of  the  desk  and  the  platform 
in  front  of  the  desk,  and  whatever  is  necessary  to  complete  the  work." 
Oct.  2,  1870,  it  is  recorded  that  the  ordinance  of  baptism  was  omitted 
owing  to  a  lack  of  water  to  fill  the  baptistery.  Mention  is  first  made  of 
the  appointment  of  ushers,  in  1838.  June  30,  1833,  a  set  of  communion 
vessels  was  presented  to  the  church  by  Elisha  Bogue,  Esq.  In  1846,  it 
was  voted  to  procure  the  juice  of  the  grape  for  communion  services.  In 
1852  it  was  voted  to  dispense  with  the  use  of  the  juice  of  the  grape  and 
to  use  "sweet  wine"  at  communion.  In  1866,  a  silver  communion  service 
and  set  of  table  linen  was  presented  to  the  church.  The  subject  of 
temperance  seems  to  have  attracted  the  attention  of  the  church  at  an  early 
date.  It  was  voted,  in  1835,  to  form  a  temperance  society.  In  1843,  it 
was  voted  that  it  was  the  duty  of  every  member  of  the  church  to  belong 
to  some  temperance  society,  and  the  following  resolution  was  passed  : 
"  We  as  a  church  cannot  hold  fellowship  with  any  member  of  the  same 
faith  and  order  with  ourselves,  or  receive  to  the  ordinance  of  baptism  and 
subsequent  fellowship  any  person  who  will  not  adopt  the  aforesaid 
principles." 


MISCELLANEOUS    VOTES.  241 

In  183S,  new  articles  of  faith  and  a  new  covenant  were  adopted.  In 
1840,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  meet  in  Gummington  with  other 
churches,  to  form  a  society  "  to  promote  gospel  preaching  and  Christian 
edification  among  churches  in  destitute  places  in  this  region."  Feb.  24. 
1843,  standing  rules  and  regulations  for  the  church  were  adopted.  May 
19,  1848,  it  was  voted  "  to  form  the  church  into  a  benevolent  association, 
with  a  constitution  and  by-laws."  In  1857,  it  was  voted  to  sustain  a 
weekly  prayer-meeting.  Another  change  in  creed  and  covenant  was  made 
in  1864.  Rules  for  the  regulation  of  the  Sunday-school  were  adopted  in 
1878,  and  a  Sunday-school  constitution  in  1881.  In  187S,  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  take  charge  of  a  series  of  entertainments  to  be  given 
during  the  winter.  Many  cases  of  church  discipline  are  recorded,  quite  a 
number  on  account  of  members  absenting  themselves  from  religious 
services.  In  1835,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  visit  a  brother,  "for  the 
purpose  of  stirring  him  up  to  his  duty  in  attending  meetings." 

The  first  mention  in  regard  to  church  music  is  found  in  the  records 
under  date  of  1838,  when  there  was  a  little  trouble  in  the  choir.  Dec.  5, 
1840,  it  was  voted,  "To  draw  6  dollars  from  our  treasury  to  pay  for  a 
flute  for  the  use  of  the  Chh  in  aiding  their  Chh  music.  It  is  ever  to  be 
considered  as  the  Chh's  property  exclusively  &  wholly  and  always  at  their 
disposal."  In  1878,  an  organ  society  was  formed  and  purchased  an  organ 
and  put  it  in  ;  in  the  same  year,  a  committee  on  singing  was  appointed. 
The  "  old  organ  "  was  presented  to  the  Baptist  church  in  Wendell.  June 
18,  1879,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  investigate  and  report  in  regard  to  a 
parsonage.  This  committee  reported,  June  30,  that  H.  I).  Fearing  had 
offered  to  give  them  his  house  if  they  would  grade  the  cellar  for  his  new 
house.  The  committee  advised  the  church  to  accept  this  offer  and  to 
purchase  the  lot  north  of  D.  W.  Palmer's  house  as  a  site  for  the  building, 
at  an  expense  of  $800.  The  offer  was  accepted,  but  the  committee  after- 
wards purchased  what  was  known  as  the  "  Hannah  Wedge  lot "  as  a  site 
for  the  parsonage. 


242  HISTORY    OF    THE     TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 


Methodist  Episcopal  Churches. — Grace  Church. — St.  Bridget's 
Church. — Second  Advent  Church. — Universalis'!-  Church. 
—  Church  Associations.  —  Hampshire  East  Association. — 
Hampshire  East  Conference. 

Within  a  little  more  than  a  half  century  three  Methodist  churches 
have  been  organized  in  Amherst,  one  of  which  has  gone  out  of  existence, 
another  is  continued  in  union  with  the  church  in  West  Pelham,  while  the 
third,  the  Wesley  M.  E.  church,  is  well  supported  and  bears  an  honored 
place  among  the  church  organizations  of  the  town.  Of  the  church  at 
North  Amherst,  the  parent  organization,  complete  and  interesting  records 
have  been  preserved,  to  which  the  writer  is  largely  indebted  for  the  follow- 
ing facts.  In  the  month  of  August,  1842,  Rev.  E.  S.  Potter  began  to 
preach  in  the  school-house  at  North  Amherst  "City."  He  held  his 
appointment  under  the  presiding  elder  of  the  Springfield  District,  New 
England  M.  E.  Conference.  A  part  of  the  time  he  preached  at  Hadley. 
As  a  result  of  his  labors  at  North  Amherst,  a  society  was  organized,  with 
45  members.  In  1843,  the  New  England  Conference  re-appointed  Mr. 
Potter  to  Hadley  and  North  Amherst.  He  resided  in  the  latter  place  and 
preached  with  great  acceptance.  In  June,  1843,  he  withdrew  from  the  M. 
E.  church  to  unite  with  the  "  Wesleyan  Connection."  Through  his  influence 
many  of  the  members  withdrew  from  the  M.  E.  society  to  unite  with  the 
same  "  Connection."  He  continued  his  labors  at  North  Amherst  until 
the  meeting  of  the  Wesleyan  M.  E.  Conference  in  1844,  when  he 
received  another  appointment.  The  Wesleyan  Conference,  in  1844, 
appointed  Rev.  James  Billings  to  North  Amherst  and  Hadley  ;  he  remained 
until  October,  when  he  removed  from  town  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev. 
fohn  Pike,  who  continued  his  labors  until  the  close  of  the  conference 
year.  In  1S45,  Rev.  William  Bevins  preached  at  North  Amherst  and 
Hadley,  under  appointment  of  the  Wesleyan  ('(inference;  the  same  Con- 
ference appointed  Rev.  Mr.  Palmer  to  the  charge  in  1S46,  but  on  visiting 
the  station  and  becoming  acquainted  with  its  prospects  he  declined  the 
appointment,  and  left  the  pulpit  unsupplied.  From  April  to  November, 
the  church  was  without  a  regular  preacher;  in  November,  Rev.  J.  W. 
Dadmun  of  the  M.  E.  church  was  engaged  to  supply  the  pulpit  until  the 
next  session  of  the  New  England  M.  E.  Conference,  held  in  April,  1847. 
Prom  April,  1847,  to  April,  1848,  the  station  was  without  a  preacher. 


WESLEY    METHODIST    EPISCOPAL    CHURI   II. 


NORTH    AMHERST    CITY    METHODIST    EPISCOPAL   CHURCH. 


METHODIST    MINISTERS.  243 

In  April.  1848,  Rev.  J.  M.  Clark  of  the  M.  E.  church  was  appointed  to 
the  charge.  On  his  arrival,  he  found  a  few  friends  of  the  M.  E.  church, 
but  no  members.  March  9,  1S49,  an  official  Board  was  organized,  accord- 
ing to  the  usage  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  The  Conference  met  at  the  house 
of  the  minister,  and  Jonas  M.  Clark  was  elected  secretary.  The  minister 
reported  but  three  church  members  in  full  communion,  but  the  probationary 
term  of  several  others  had  nearly  expired.  The  minister's  "  disciplinary 
allowance  "  amounted  to  S370.  In  April,  1849,  Rev.  H.  M.  Nichols  was 
appointed  as  -Mr.  Clark's  successor,  and  was  continued  in  the  charge  two 
years.  During  his  ministry,  the  church  declined  in  spirituality  and  there 
was  a  considerable  deficiency  in  the  finances.  From  April.  1851,  to 
December,  1854,  there  were  no  records  of  church  doings.  In  October, 
[854,  Rev.  W.  M.  Hubbard  was  pastor,  continuing  in  charge  until 
the  close  of  the  conference  year.  From  1855  to  1858,  there  was  no 
regular  pastor,  but  students  from  Amherst  College  preached  occasionally. 
From  1858  to  i860,  Rev.  John  Peterson  served  as  pastor,  the  church 
enjoying  a  good  degree  of  prosperity.  From  i860  to  1861,  Rev.  J.  O. 
Peck,  a  student  at  Amherst  College,  served  as  pastor;  he  was  succeeded 
by  Rev.  Robert  IF  Wilder  and  Rev.  Rufus  Gerrish,  each  of  whom  served 
for  one  year. 

In  1863,  Rev.  John  Jones,  a  local  preacher  resident  in  Pelham,  supplied 
the  pulpit  on  the  Sabbath  and  continued  his  services  with  the  society  until 

1867,  From  1867  to  1868,  Rev.  John  W.  Fee  served  as  pastor  of  the 
church,  under  appointment  of  the  New    England    M.    F.    Conference.      In 

1868,  Rev.    John   Jones   was    once   more    pastor  in  charge.      From  April, 

1869,  to  August  of  the  same  year,  the  pulpit  was  supplied  by  Rev.  Lorenzo 
Dibble,  a  local  preacher;  for  the  remainder  of  the  year  local  preachers 
from  Wilbraham  Academy  preached  occasionally.  In  1870.  William  S. 
Jagger,  not  then  ordained,  was  the  preacher  in  charge.  Rev.  John  Jones 
supplied  the  pulpit  in  187  1  and  in  1872.  and  in  1873,  Rev.  D.  K.  Banister 
was  appointed  to  the  charge.  In  1S74,  Rev.  S.  L.  Rodgers  was  appointed 
to  the  "Amherst  circuit"  and  remained  in  charge  until  1876.  For  several 
years  the  church  was  without  a  regular  supply  for  its  pulpit.  Rev.  Jason 
Hatch  serving  as  preacher  for  a  time  in  1S81,  and  in  1S82,  the  charges  at 
Amherst  and  North  Amherst  were  combined,  under  the  care  of  one  pastor. 
In  1887,  the  church  at  North  Amherst  and  the  church  at  West  Pelham 
were  united  as  one  charge.  The  pastor  appointed  in  1S94  was  Rev.  George 
Hudson,  and  1895,  Rev.  E.  B.  Marshall. 

The  chapel  building,  located  at  the  "City."  was  built  in  1844.  and 
was  dedicated  Jan.  1,  1845,  rne  dedication  sermon  being  preached  by  Rev. 
E.  S.  Potter.  The  chapel  was  built  by  a  stock  company  and  owned  by 
them,  the  principal  stockholders  at  the  time  of  its  construction  being  Peter 


244  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Ring  and  L.  J,.  Draper.  Repairs  costing  some  $400  were  made  on  the 
building  in  1S67  ;  in  1874,  a  vestry  was  built  and  alterations  made  on  the 
chapel  at  the  cost  of  5600. 

SOUTH     AMHERST    METHODIST    CHURCH. 

Of  the  Methodist  church  at  South  Amherst,  no  records  are  in  exist- 
ence. The  only  accurate  information  in  regard  to  it  is  found  in  the  records 
of  the  New  England  M.  E.  Conference,  which  contain  a  list  of  the  preachers 
in  charge.  The  church  was  probably  organized  in  1847,  as  tne  church 
building  was  erected  in  that  year  and  completed  in  the  spring  of  1848. 
This  building  stood  at  the  corner  of  the  Bay  Road  and  East  street  at  South 
Amherst,  on  land  owned  by  Dwight  E.  Dickinson.  It  is  still  standing, 
though  moved  from  its  former  location  since  the  church  organization  was 
given  up.      It  is  now  used  for  other  purposes. 

For  several  years  the  station  was  united  with  that  at  North  Belchertown, 
with  one  preacher  in  charge.  The  list  of  ministers,  as  found  on  the 
conference  records,  is  as  follows :  1848,  John  Smith;  1849—51,  Ephraim 
Scott;  1851-53,  Daniel  Wait;  1853-54.  David  Todd;  1858-60,  John 
Jones;  1862-63,  John  Jones;  1864-65,  J.  M.  Hascall :  1866-67,  J.  W. 
Eee  ;  r866-68,  E.  F.  Pilcher;  1869-70,  Lorenzo  Dibble  and  YV.  S.  [agger. 
There  is  no  record  of  preaching  at  the  Methodist  church  in  South  Amherst 
after  1875,  anc'  't  is  probable  that  church  services  were  discontinued  at 
about  that  time. 

WESLEY     METHODIST    CHURCH. 

The  Methodist  church  at  Amherst  center  was  organized  in  186S  as  a 
branch  of  the  church  at  North  Amherst.  It  was  composed,  in  part,  of 
members  of  the  latter  organization,  together  with  a  few  members  from  the 
church  in  Pelham.  It  was  organized  as  a  separate  society  in  August, 
1875,  when  the  first  quarterly  conference  was  held.  The  first  meetings 
were  held  in  Parmenter's  hall  at  East  Amherst.  At  the  first  meeting  of 
the  church.  Cummings  Fish,  ( ).  S.  Latham  and  Hiram  Ballon  were  appointed 
trustees,  and  O.  S.  Latham  Sunday-school  superintendent.  Committees 
were  appointed  on  missions,  on  Sunday-school,  church  extension,  church 
records,  parsonage  and  furniture,  church  music,  and  estimating  preacher's 
salary.  The  first  pastor  was  Rev.  S.  L.  Rodgers  who  was  appointed  to  the 
"Amherst  circuit  "  by  the  New  England  M.  E.  Conference.  Attheendof 
the  first  year  of  its  existence,  the  church  had  a  membership  of  about  30, 
and  the  Sunday-school  of  over  50.  In  1876,  Rev.  D.  S.  Coles  was  appointed 
pastor  of  the  Amherst  circuit,  comprising  the  church  at  North  Amherst 
and  the  new  organization.  After  being  pastor  about  a  month,  he  was 
advised  by  the  presiding  elder  that  the  interests  of  the  church  and  the 
cause  of   Christ  would    be   advanced    if   the  relation    between    the   societies 


METHODIST    CHURCH     BUILDING.  245 

was  severed.      This  suggestion  was  promptly   acted   upon,    and    Mr.    Coles 
continued  as  pastor  of  the  new  society  at  East  Amherst. 

In  1877,  Rev.  E.  C.  Ferguson  was  pastor  of  the  church.  He  was 
succeeded  by  Rev.  E.  P.  King,  who  was  appointed  by  the  conference  in 
1878,  and  continued  in  the  pastorate  until  1881.  For  the  first  few  years 
after  the  church  was  organized,  the  pastor's  salary  was  S500.  Rev.  W.  G. 
Richardson  was  appointed  pastor  in  1881,  and  served  for  three  years. 
He  was  succeeded,  in  1884.  by  Rev.  W.  H.  Daniels,  who  remained  but  one 
year.  In  1885,  Rev.  J.  H.  Emerson  began  his  pastoral  services  continu- 
ing in  office  three  years.  For  three  years,  1887-90.  Rev.  ('.  R.  Sherman 
served  as  pastor,  he  being  succeeded,  in  1890,  by  Rev.  S.  A.  Bragg,  who 
continued  in  office  until  1894,  when  Rev.  A.  L.  Squier  was  appointed. 

At  a  meeting  held  June  15,  1876,  the  trustees  were  instructed  to  buy 
a  lot  on  which  to  build  a  church  edifice.  The  pastor  and  two  members 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  secure  funds  for  building  purposes. 
The  pastor.  Rev.  I).  S.  Coles,  expressed  the  opinion  that  the 
society  should  take  steps  at  once  to  build  a  church  costing  not  more  than 
$5,000.  Aug.  13,  1876,  the  committee  reported  that  they  had  received 
subscriptions,  amounting  only  to$i, 325.  Aug.  15,  1S77.  the  society  decided 
to  build  a  church  that  fall  and  to  use  all  available  resources.  Sept.  3,  the 
society  accepted  plans  submitted  for  a  building,  appointed  a  building  com- 
mittee and  voted  to  secure  the  "  Dickinson  lot."  The  committee  reported, 
Feb.  13.  1877,  that  they  had  purchased  the  "  Whitney  lot."  The  corner- 
stone of  the  church  was  laid.  Oct.  17,  187S.  and  the  work  progressed  so 
rapidly  that  services  were  held  in  the  vestry,  Jan.  26.  1S79.  In  1880,  a 
committee  was  appointed  to  superintend  the  building  of  sheds  on  the 
church  lot.  In  1886,  the  grounds  about  the  church  were  graded  and 
improved.      A  bell  was  procured  in  1887. 

In  1880,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  consider  the  matter  of  building 
a  parsonage.  In  November,  1890,  Miss  Betsey  Locke  died,  bequeathing 
to  the  church  her  house  and  lot,  the  house  to  be  used  as  a  parsonage,  or 
the  property  to  be  sold  and  the  proceeds  devoted  to  building  a  parsonage. 
The  new  parsonage,  a  neat  and  ornamental  structure,  was  built  in  1894. 
In  1876,  it  was  reported  that  an  organ  had  been  purchased  and  partly  paid 
for.  In  18S2,  a  vote  was  passed  to  purchase  a  pipe  organ.  The  whole 
number  of  church  members  in  March,  1S77,  was  25.  In  188 1,  a  vote 
was  passed  to  publish  a  small  weekly  paper,  if  it  could  be  made  self  sup- 
porting, but  the  project  was  abandoned.  The  church  has  been  blessed 
with  many  revivals  of  religion,  one  of  especial  interest  occurring  in  the 
spring  of  1886,  another  in  1890.  A  class-meeting  was  conducted  from  the 
beginning,  in  charge  of  Cummings  Fish,  lovingly  remembered  as  "  Father" 
Fish.      It  was  given  up  for  a  time,  but  was  revived  in  1894. 


246  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

GRACE    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH. 

Sept.  20,  1864,  a  number  of  men  residing  in  Amherst  met  at  the 
residence  of  Mrs.  Mary  H.  Jones,  to  consider  the  practicability  of  forming 
in  Amherst  a  parish  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church.  The  meeting  was 
organized  by  choice  of  I.  K.  Conkey  as  chairman  and  O.  G.  Couch  as 
secretary.  It  was  voted  practical  and  expedient  at  that  time  to  elect  wardens, 
vestrymen,  and  a  parish  clerk.  In  accordance  with  this  vote,  officers  were 
chosen  as  follows:  Senior  warden,  George  Burnham  ;  junior  warden,  John 
M.  Emerson;  vestrymen,  1.  F.  Conkey,  H.  C.  Nash,  Horace  Ward,  Charles 
Deuel,  Luther  1).  Sheppard,  John  C.  White,  M.  M.  Marsh,  M.  N.  Spear, 
R.  W.  Stratum  ;  clerk  and  treasurer,  ().  G.  Couch.  Rev.  Frederick  D. 
Huntington,  at  that  time  rector  of  the  Emanuel  church  in  Boston,  was 
present  at  the  meeting;  it  was  largely  owing  to  his  efforts  that  the  parish 
was  formed.  being  invited  to  give  a  name  to  the  parish,  he  selected  that 
of  "  Grace  church."  A  meeting  of  the  vestry  was  held  two  days  later,  at 
which  time  committees  were  appointed  to  secure  a  place  for  holding 
religious  services,  to  prepare  by-laws  for  the  government  of  the  parish,  to 
form  a  choir,  and  to  recommend  a  location  for  a  building  for  the  use  of 
the  parish.  Arrangements  were  made  with  the  Baptist  society  for  the 
temporary  use  of  their  house  of  worship  in  which  to  hold  services,  but  the 
agreement  was  promptly  canceled  when  Rev.  Mr.  Huntington  announced 
that  on  a  certain  Sabbath  he  would  preach  a  doctrinal  sermon  ;  in  this 
emergency,  the  First  Congregational  society  offered  the  use  of  their  meet- 
ing-house for  the  service  referred  to. 

Oct.  20,  1S64,  the  parish  voted  to  extend  a  call  to  Rev.  S.  P.  barker, 
I).  1).,  to  become  the  rector  of  Grace  church,  offering  him  a  salary  of 
$1,200,  including  S200  per  annum  to  be  paid  by  Rev.  F.  1).  Huntington. 
Mr.  Parker's  acceptance  of  the  call  was  read  at  a  meeting  held  Jan.  15, 
1865.  The  agreement  to  become  members  of  an  Episcopal  parish,  should' 
one  lie  formed,  was  signed  by  41  names.  That  the  parish  might  have  a 
legal  standing,  and  be  enabled  to  hold  property,  it  was  necessary  that  it 
should  be  organized  under  the  provisions  of  statute  law.  April  10,  1865, 
the  following  petition  was  addressed  to  Henry  A.  Marsh,  a  justice  of  the 
peace,  resident  in  Amherst  : 

'l  The  undersigned  members  of  an  unincorporated  religious  Society  in  Amherst 
in  said  County  known  as  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Society  known  as  Grace  Church 
and  containing  more  than  ten  qualified  voters  hereby  make  application  to  you  to 
issue  your  warrant  to  one  of  the  subscribers  requiring  him  to  warn  the  qualified 
voters  of  said  unincorporated  Society  to  meet  at  such  time  and  place  as  you  may 
appoint  to  organize  a  religious  Society  under  the  Statutes  of  this  Commonwealth 
and  to  act  on  the  following  articles: 

First.     To  choose  a  Clerk  for  said  Society. 


GRACE    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH. 


RECTORS    OF    (IRACE    CHURCH.  247 

Second,     To  choose  a  moderator  to  preside  in  said  meeting. 

Third.  To  adopt  such  Bye-Laws  or  rules  to  govern  said  Society  as  shall  be 
deemed  best. 

Fourth.  To  elect  such  other  officers  for  said  Society  as  may  be  determined 
by  its  Bye-Laws  or  rules  or  as  the  Society  may  direct. 

Fifth.  To  determine  the  manner  of  notifying  and  calling  future  meetings  of 
said  Society.*' 

justice  Marsh  issued  his  warrant  to  John  C.  White,   requiring  him   to 
notify  and  wain  the  members  of  the  Protestant   Episcopal   Society  known 
as  ('.race  Church  to  meet  at  the  hall  in  the  Academy  building,  April    17.  to 
act  on  the  articles  set  forth  in  the  petition.      The  meeting  was  held  on  the 
date  specified,  and  was  organized  by  the  choice   of  <  >.  G.  (ouch    as   clerk 
and  George  Burnham  as  moderator.      It  was  voted  that  the  parish  be  know- 
as   Grace  Church   parish:   the   officers    should    consist    of  a    rector,    two 
wardens,  seven  vestrymen,  a  clerk  and   a  treasurer.       The    officers   chosen 
were:   Wardens.  George  Burnham.  Horace  Ward:   vestrymen.  E.  I  .  Cook, 
I).  W.  Palmer.  George  M.  Lovell.  I.   V.  Conkey,    H.   ('.  Nash,  J.  A.    Faker, 
K.  W.  Stratton  ;   treasurer.    ( ).    G.    Couch.      Rev.    S.    P.    Parker  served  as 
rector  for  four  years,  until  Jan.   17,   [869,    when    he    tendered    his    resigna- 
tion, which  was  accepted  with  deep  regret ;  resolutions  were  passed  express- 
ing the  sense  of  loss  experienced  by  church  and  parish  in  parting  from  one 
whose  labors  among  them   had    been    so    untiring   and    crowned  with  such 
success.      March  29.   1S69,  a  call  was  extended   to    Rev.    Andrew    Mackie, 
who  accepted    in    a   letter   dated    April  7.      Mr.  Mackie  remained  in  office 
only  two  years,  resigning  April  12.  1871.       The  third  rector  was  Rev.  Henry 
K.  Allen  of  Stockbridge,  who  was  called  to  the  parish  in    February,    1872, 
and  served  for  five  years,  his   resignation  bearing  date  of   Feb.    19,    1 S 7 7 . 
During  his  ministry  the  church  was  greatly   prospered.      In  the  spring  of 
1S7S.    the    precise    date    not    being   recorded    in   the   parish  records.  Rev. 
Frederick  Burgess  became  rector,  continuing  in  office  until  1882.  when  he 
resigned.      Feb.  12,  1883,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  Louis  A.    Arthur  of 
New  York  city,  but  Mr.  Arthur  declined.      During  a  part  of   the  year  1883 
the   pulpit   was   supplied   by    Rev.    Mr.   Tisdal.     June  6,  1883.  a  call  was 
extended  to  Rev.  Samuel  Snelling  of  Charlestown  ;   he  accepted  in  a  letter 
dated  June  12.      Mr.  Snelling's  ministry  was  most  successful  and  he  gained 
to   a   marked   degree   the   esteem    and   affection  of  his  parishioners.      He 
tendered  his  resignation,  Nov.  20,  1886,  but  it  was  voted  unanimously  not 
to  accept  the  same,  and  he  was  prevailed  upon  to  withdraw  it.      His  resig- 
nation was  tendered  a  second  time,  Dec.  19,  1887,  and  again  a  unanimous 
vote  was  passed  against  its  acceptance,  but  although  repeated   and   urgent 
efforts  were  made  to  retain  his  services,   they  proved   unavailing.      March 
26,  1888,  a  call   was   extended   to   Rev.  W.  ].  Tilley  of   Brandon.  Vt.  ;   he 


248  HISTORY    OF     THE    TOWN     OF     AMHERST,      MASS. 

accepted,  and  continued  in  office  until  Dec.  20,  1892,  when  he  tendered 
his  resignation,  which  was  accepted.  Mr.  Tilley  was  a  faithful  and  efficient 
minister,  and  was  highly  esteemed  both  by  his  parishioners  and  by  the 
general  public.  In  1893,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  Walter  M.  Breed, 
but  he  declined.  Aug.  28,  1893,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  David  Sprague 
of  Amsterdam,  N.  V.  He  accepted  and  began  his  ministry  in  Amherst  in 
the  fall  of   1893. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  parish  held  in  Academy  hall,  Jan.  9,  1865,  a 
committee  was  appointed  to  consider  the  matter  of  securing  a  site  for  the 
erection  of  a  building,  and  to  examine  such  plans  for  a  Sunday-school  room 
as  might  be  presented  to  them.  This  committee  reported,  Jan.  25,  in  favor 
of  buying  the  "John  Emerson  lot"  on  Prospect  street  as  a  location  for  the 
church,  and  also  in  favor  of  accepting  the  plans  presented  by  R.  Turner. 
The  committee  was  authorized  to  buy  the  Emerson  property,  or  any  other 
property  that  they  might  deem  more  suitable.  The  parish  voted,  May  26, 
to  ratifv  the  purchase  of  a  part  of  the  Newman  estate  as  a  site  for  the 
church  building,  and  the  wardens  and  vestrymen  were  instructed  to 
purchase  for  the  parish  what  was  known  as  the  Palmer  estate,  at  such  a 
time  and  for  such  a  price  as  they  should  deem  expedient.  At  the  same 
meeting,  it  was  voted  that  the  parish  build  a  stone  church,  a  committee  of 
five  being  appointed  to  have  charge  of  the  work.  Work  on  the  building 
was  begun  that  year,  and  was  carried  on  so  rapidly  that  the  parish  held  a 
meeting  in  the  basement  of  the  church.  April  2,  1866.  The  building  was 
consecrated  by  the  Bishop  of  the  diocese,  July  17.  It  was  designed  by 
Henry  Dudley  of  New  York,  the  type  of  architecture  being  13th  century 
English.  It  was  built  of  a  gray  gneiss,  quarried  in  Leverett.  The 
audience-room  affords  seating  accommodations  for  420  persons,  and  there 
is  a  commodious  and  finely-arranged  Sunday-school  room  in  the  basement. 
At  the  time  of  its  consecration  the  church  contained  six  handsome  memo- 
rial windows.  A  beautiful  set  of  communion  plate  and  linen  was  presented 
to  the  church  by  members  of  Grace  church  in  Boston.  Other  articles  of 
church  furniture  were  donated  by  friends  in  Boston,  New  York.  Springfield 
and  Amherst.  June  27,  1868,  the  parish  voted,  "That  we  accept  the  very 
generous  offer  of  Rev.  George  Champion  Shepherd,  1).  D.,  to  erect  the 
tower  and  place  therein  a  clock  and  bell." 

The  parish  voted,  June  1 1,1866,  that  the  pews  in  the  church  lie  appraised 
yearly  on  or  before  the  first  Monday  after  Easter,  and  be  rented  at  the 
annual  meeting  at  public  auction,  at  not  less  than  the  appraisal,  by  bid 
for  the  choice  oi  the  same.  In  April,  [867,  the  parish  appropriated  $2,025 
for  the  year's  expenses,  including  S150  for  heating  and  lighting,  $150  for 
an  organist  and  '-blower,"  and  $125  for  a  sexton.  In  1869,  it  was  voted 
"  to  doawav  with  the  assessments."     In  March,  1871,  a  committee  appointed 


ST.    BRIDGETS    CHURCH.  249 

to  consider  the  subject  of  liquidating  the  parish  debt  of  some  $5,000, 
proposed  a  plan  to  divide  the  debt  into  250  shares  of  S20  each,  to  be 
assumed  by  subscription  and  paid  for  by  promissory  notes  without  interest, 
payable  in  four  equal  amounts  on  the  first  day  of  June,  1871,  1872,  1873, 
1874.  A  committee  appointed  to  carry  this  project  into  execution  reported, 
two  months  later,  that  all  the  shares  had  been  subscribed  for. 

The  Kpiscopal  church  in  Amherst,  in  common  with  its  sister  churches 
in  neighboring  towns  and  cities,  has  ever  been  noted  for  the  excellence  of 
the  music  at  its  religious  services.  At  the  first  meeting  of  the  vestry,  a 
committee  was  appointed  to  form  a  choir.  The  records  contain  frequent 
allusions  to  the  church  music,  and  liberal  sums  were  annually  appropriated 
for  its  maintenance.  Soon  after  the  church  was  erected  it  was  furnished 
with  a  fine  organ.  As  early  as  1875,  ladies  were  engaged  to  sing  in  the 
choir.  Jan.  26,  1870,  it  was  voted.  "  That  the  parish  accept  the  propo- 
sition of  the  proprietors  of  the  rectory  property,  to  give  us  a  deed  of  the 
same  to  be  held  by  the  parish  for  its  use  only,  and  when  it  ceases  to  be 
used  for  parish  purposes  it  shall  revert  to  the  above  proprietors  for  the  sum 
specified  in  the  legal  writing.'*  In  1879,  a  proposition  was  made  to  place 
the  church  property  in  the  hands  of  the  diocese,  but  was  decided  in  the 
negative.  The  first  vote  in  regard  to  the  appointment  of  ushers  is  found 
under  date  of  1879.  In  1880.  the  parish  accepted  the  offer  of  Professor 
Tuckerman  to  surround  the  grounds  with  a  neat  fence,  at  his  own  expense. 
The  same  year,  it  was  voted  to  accept  the  bequest  of  a  theological  library 
from  Rev.  Samuel  P.  Parker,  the  first  rector  of  the  church.  July  17.  1891, 
the  church  held  exercises  in  commemoration  of  the  25th  anniversary  of 
the  dedication  of  the  church  building.  An  interesting  historical  discourse 
was  delivered  by  Bishop  F.  I).  Huntington. 

ROMAN    CATHOLIC     CHURCH. 

The  first  communicant  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church  to  settle  in 
Amherst  was  John  Slater.  Other  Catholics  had  lived  in  the  town  for  a 
short  time,  but  he  was  the  first  to  make  Amherst  his  home.  Mr.  Slater 
was  born  in  Ireland  in  1803  :  in  1832.  he  came  to  Quebec,  and  having 
resided  there  some  two  years,  in  government  employ,  he  removed  to 
Vermont  and  afterwards,  in  1840,  to  Amherst.  He  was  a  devoted 
adherent  of  the  church,  and  frequently  journeyed  as  far  as  Springfield  to 
attend  upon  its  ordinances.  The  first  mass  held  in  this  town  was  celebrated 
at  his  house  more  than  forty  years  ago.  and  frequently  thereafter  religious 
meetings  were  held  there  before  a  church  was  built.  Mr.  Slater  was 
highly  esteemed  in  the  community,  and  was  known  as  one  of  the  pioneers 
of  the  Roman  Catholic  faith  in  the  Connecticut  Valley.  He  resided  in 
Amherst  until  his  death,  in  1886.     The  first  priest  to  officiate  at  religious 


2^0  HISTORY    OF    THE     I'OWX    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

services  in  Amherst  was  Rev.  Father  Blinkensop  of  Chicopee.  Other 
priests  who  visited  the  town  occasionally  and  held  services,  before  a  church 
was  organized,  were  Fathers  O'Callahan,  Sullivan,  Straine  and  Cavanaugh. 
When  Rev.  P.  V.  Moyce  came  to  Northampton,  a  mission  was  established 
at  Amherst. 

As  early  as  1870,  Father  Moyce  conceived  the  idea  of  building  a 
Roman  Catholic  church  in  Amherst.  He  at  once  began  to  take  subscrip- 
tions for  this  purpose,  being  assisted  in  the  work  by  Professor  and  Mrs. 
Charles  A.  Goessmann.  In  less  than  one  year  $3,000  had  been  subscribed. 
In  August,  1870,  the  contract  for  the  building  was  let  to  McDonald  Bros,  of 
Waterbury,  Conn.  Work  on  the  structure  was  begun  at  once,  and  it  was 
completed  in  March,  187 1.  It  stands  on  Pleasant  street,  is  a  Gothic 
structure,  built  of  wood,  48x81  feet  on  the  ground  floor,  with  a  gallery  at 
the  west  end  for  a  choir-loft.  It  will  seat  about  480  persons,  and  its  cost 
was  some  $13,000.  It  was  dedicated,  June  25,  1871,  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
O'Rielly  of  Springfield  officiating,  and  was  given  the  name  St.  Bridget's 
church.  The  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  Father  Hendricken  of 
Waterbury,  Conn.  Previous  to  the  erection  of  this  building,  church 
services  had  been  held  for  a  time  in  the  school-house  on  Pleasant  street, 
and  later  in  1'almer's  hall. 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  only  records  of  the  church  available  are 
baptismal  records.  The  church  has  been  a  power  for  good  in  the  commu- 
nity ;  doubtless  there  are  many  interesting  events  in  its  history  that  should 
here  be  recorded,  but  the  few  facts  presented  were  obtained  with  difficulty. 
The  older  members  of  the  church  have  died  or  removed  from  town,  and 
while  those  remaining  have  offered  all  assistance  in  their  power  the  records 
here  given  are  of  necessity  brief  and  incomplete.  The  first  settled  pastor 
of  the  church  was  Rev.  Francis  Brennan,  who  came  to  Amherst  from 
Holyoke  in  February,  1872,  remaining  until  July,  1878.  For  several  years 
thereafter  the  church  was  conducted  as  a  mission  of  the  church  in  North- 
ampton, with  Rev.  M.  K.  Barry  in  charge.  In  1887,  Rev.  J.  1!.  Drennan 
became  the  pastor  in  charge,  remaining  until  September,  1891.  Rev.  J. 
H.  Gavin  took  charge  of  the  parish  in  1891.  The  Sunday-school  connected 
with  the  church  was  organized  in  1872.  In  1870,  the  cemetery  at  Plain- 
ville.  Hadley,  called  St.  Bridget's  cemetery,  was  consecrated  by  Archbishop 
Williams. 

SECOND    ADVENT    CHURCH. 

for  more  than  seventeen  years  a  church  holding  to  the  faith  of  the 
Second  Advent  has  been  in  existence  at  South  Amherst.  Although  small 
in  numbers,  and  destitute  of  a  building  in  which  to  hold  religious  services, 
its  members  have  held  meetings  with  great   regularity   and   a   good   degree 


ST.    BRIDGETS    KuMW    i    \llloI.K     (   III   RCH. 


FIRST    UNIVERSALIS!"    CHURCH. 


UNIVERSALIS!'    CHURCH.  251 

of  interest  has  been  maintained.  Several  members  of  the  church  were 
former  members  of  the  Congregational  society  at  South  Amherst,  and 
when  the  new  organization  was  projected  it  met  with  little  favor  at  the 
hands  of  those  who  adhered  to  the  orthodox  faith.  The  hard  feelings  that 
were  first  excited  by  the  action  of  its  founders  have  worn  away,  and  their 
neighbors  have  learned  to  respect  their  motives  however  little  the}'  may 
sympathize  in  their  faith.  Following  the  custom  of  their  sect,  they  observe 
the  seventh  day  of  the  week  as  their  Sabbath.  Their  meetings  are  held 
in  the  homes  of  the  church  members.  Feb.  28,  [878,  a  meeting  was  held 
at  the  call  of  Elder  I).  A.  Robinson,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  church 
organization.  At  this  meeting  a  church  was  formed  with  eleven  members, 
six  men  and  rive  women.  J.  F.  Sanderson  was  chosen  treasurer.  G.  H. 
Murphy  clerk  and  F.  (7.  Bolter  leader.  July  [3  of  the  same  year,  F.  G. 
Bolter  was  chosen  superintendent  of  the  Sunday-school.  Sept.  29,  the 
ordinance  of  baptism  was  administered  to  six  persons.  At  a  meeting  held 
Jan.  5,  1879.  nearly  every  one  present  agreed  to  give  up  one-tenth  of  their 
earnings  for  the  year  to  the  cause  of  the  church.  Vpril  8,  [893,  F.  G. 
bolter  resigned  as  leader  of  the  church  and  Oct.  13.  1894,  E.  A.  Dickinson 
was  chosen  elder.  The  meetings  of  the  church  are  frequently  attended  by 
persons  of   the  same  faith  living  in  neighboring   communities. 

UNIVERSALIS!'    CHURCH. 

The  latest  church  organization  to  be  formed  in  Amherst  was  that  of 
the  Universalist  faith.  From  time  to  time  main  persons  holding  to  the 
LTniversalist  doctrine  and  belief  have  resided  in  Amherst,  but  no  attempt 
was  made  by  them  to  form  an  organization  or  hold  religious  services  until 
1SS7.  In  the  fall  of  that  year,  nineteen  persons  signed  articles  of  agree- 
ment to  associate  themselves  together  to  constitute  a  corporation  in  accord- 
ance with  the  provisions  of  the  public  statutes.  The  name  of  the  corpor- 
ation was  to  be  "The  First  LTniversalist  Parish  of  Amherst."  Its  purpose 
was,  to  establish  and  sustain  public  worship,  to  cultivate  the  spirit  of  the 
Christian  religion  and  perform  the  work  usually  done  by  religious  parishes, 
and  to  do  these  things  according  to  the  principles  and  rules  of  the  LTniver- 
salist Convention  of  Massachusetts.  The  first  meeting  of  the  signers  of 
this  agreement,  duly  warned,  was  held  in  Grand  Army  hall,  Nov.  15.  1887. 
A  code  of  by-laws  was  read  and  adopted.  ( )fficers  were  elected  as 
follows:  President.  T.  W.  Sloan;  clerk,  Henry  F.  Newton;  treasurer, 
Lewis  W.  Allen ;  committee,  G.  M.  Chamberlain,  J.  F.  Gilbert,  E.  G. 
Thayer,  Mrs.  Amelia  M.  Pierce.  Mrs.  Martha  F.  Cushman.  The  clerk 
was  instructed  to  notify  the  Massachusetts  Fniversalist  Convention  of  the 
legal  organization  of  the  parish,  and  to  request  the  fellowship  of  the  con- 
vention.     A  charter  was  granted  to  the  parish.    Nov.    17.    1S87.      Oct.    25, 


,2$2  HISTORY     OF     THE     TOWN    OF     AMHERST,     MASS. 

1888,  committees  were  appointed  on  church   extension,  on    hospitality   and 
on  music. 

The  religious  services  of  the  parish  were  first  held  in  the  hall  in 
Palmer's  block,  preachers  being  supplied  by  the  state  convention.  When 
Palmer's  block  was  burned,  in  the  spring  of  1888,  meetings  were  held  for 
a  time  in  the  hall  in  Hunt's  block,  and  later  in  Pacific  hall.  In  July,  1888,  a 
call  to  become  the  settled  minister  of  the  parish  was  extended  to  Rev.  J. 
Harry  Holden;  he  accepted  and  began  his  labors,  Sept.  9.  Mr.  Holden 
was  very  successful  in  his  ministry,  the  parish  gaining  in  numbers  and  in 
strength  during  his  stay  in  Amherst,  while  many  important  lines  of  relig- 
ious work  were  marked  out  and  developed  by  him.  He  continued  in  office 
until  June  12,  1895,  when  his  resignation  was  regretfully  accepted.  Jan. 
3,  1889,  the  parish  committee  was  instructed  to  secure  a  lot  of  land  as  a 
.site  for  a  church  building  ;  the  committee  purchased  a  lot  from  George  M. 
Chamberlain,  the  same  year.  Nov.  20.  1890,  a  committee  was  appointed 
on  church  building.  Jan.  15,  1891,  the  parish  voted  to  build  a  church. 
The  parish  committee  was  instructed  to  negotiate  for  the  purchase  of  a  lot 
north  of  the  property  owned  by  Daniel  Long  and  to  dispose  of  the  land 
already  purchased.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  solicit  funds  for 
building  a  church.  The  building  committee  reported,  March  22,  1892, 
that  $1,500  had  been  pledged  for  the  church,  and  that  the  state  convention 
would  probably  give  as  much  more.  July  19,  it  was  voted  to  build  a 
church  in  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the  vote  of  the  executive  committee 
of  the  state  convention.  The  building  was  erected  in  1893,  and  was 
dedicated  Oct.  12.  The  church  was  not  organized  until  April  22,  1894. 
The  officers  chosen  were  :  Clerk  and  treasurer,  Malcolm  A.  Carpenter  ; 
deacon.  Timothy  W.  Sloan  ;   deaconess,  Martha  F.  Cushman. 

CHURCH    ASSOCIATIONS. 

( )f  the  many  associations  working  within  and  together  with  the  church 
organizations,  for  religious,  benevolent  and  charitable  purposes,  the  scope 
of  this  work  will  permit  but  passing  mention.  Their  number  is  legion  and 
they  have  exerted  great  power  for  good,  but  many  have  passed  from  exist- 
ence and  of  those  remaining  but  few  have  manuscript  records  that  furnish 
authentic  information.  The  Sunday-schools,  the  ladies'  societies,  the  home 
and  foreign  mission  organizations,  the  societies  of  young  people,  all  have 
done  faithful  and  efficient  work  and  are  deserving  of  all  praise.  If  all  are 
not  here  mentioned,  it  is  not  because  they  are  undeserving  of  the  honor, 
but  space  forbids. 

The  first  Sunday-school  of  which  there  is  any  existing  record  was 
established  in  England  near  the  close  of  the  eighteenth  century.  Sunday- 
schools  in  New   England  were  unknown  prioi    to    1813.       In     1820,    during 


THE    FIRST    SUNDAY-SCHOOL.  253 

the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Daniel  A.  (lark,  a  plan  and  constitution  for  a 
Sunday-school  for  the  First  church  in  Amherst  was  prepared  and  presented 
by  Noah  Webster,  Esq.  It  was  adopted  at  a  meeting  held  April  12,  and  a 
board  of  managers  was  appointed;  April  18,  the  managers  elected  Noah 
Webster.  H.  Wright  Strong  and  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  directors;  Joseph 
Fstabrook.  superintendent;  John  Leland,  Jr.,  treasurer  ;  Lucius  Boltwood, 
secretary.  For  several  years  the  school  was  indebted  to  Amherst  College 
for  superintendents  and  teachers.  The  first  report  of  the  school  in  exist- 
ence bears  date  of  1826.  The  school  was  kept  only  in  the  summer  season, 
some  22  weeks.  The  number  of  pupils  in  the  school  was  150,  divided 
into  19  classes,  the  average  attendance  130  ;  the  library  contained  165 
volumes.  As  late  as  1850.  scholars  were  incited  to  commit  large  numbers 
of  verses  from  the  Bible  to  memory  ;  it  is  related  that  one  scholar  com- 
mitted to  memory  in  twelve  weeks  450  verses.  In  1820.  the  managers 
voted  that  "'the  value  of  premium  books  be  fixed  at  the  retail  price,  and 
the  same  be  delivered  to  scholars  in  exchange  for  tickets,  tickets  to  be 
valued  at  one  cent  each."  Among  the  earlier  superintendents  of  the 
school  were  Rev.  Pindar  Field,  Prof.  Samuel  A.  Worcester.  Rev.  Joseph 
S.  Clark.  Rev.  Justin  Perkins,  Rev.  Simeon  Colton  and  Prof.  W.  S.  Tyler. 
When  the  meeting-house  now  known  as  College  hall  was  elected  in  1829, 
a  vestry  was  built  in  the  west  end  of  the  basement  ;  this  was  occupied  1>\ 
the  school  about  ten  years,  when,  on  account  of  dampness  and  bad  venti- 
lation the  school  was  removed  to  the  audience  room  above,  although  the 
parish  voted  against  such  action.  A  ladies'  society  was  organized  in  the 
church  in  1863,  during  the  civil  war,  to  aid  the  soldiers  engaged  in  the 
conflict.  In  1867,  the  ladies  of  the  parish  organized  themselves  into  a 
•'  Society  for  the  Furtherance  of  Benevolent  Purposes,"  and  adopted  a 
constitution.  Since  then,  $8,500  has  been  raised  by  the  society  for  church 
and  parish  purposes,  and  an  average  of  over  $100  per  annum  for  home 
missionary  work.  Considerable  work  has  also  been  done  for  the  needy  in 
the  town.  The  Christian  Endeavor  society  connected  with  the  parish  was 
organized  Dec.  17,  1887;  its  first  president  was  James  Fairley  ;  its  present 
membership  is  135. 

There  is  no  existing  record  of  the  date  of  organization  of  the  Sunday- 
school  connected  with  the  Second  Congregational  church.  The  oldest  resi- 
dents living  in  the  vicinity  of  the  church  state  that  the  school  was 
established  before  their  earliest  recollection.  It  is  probable  that  its 
existence  dates  back  more  than  seventy  years.  Among  the  earliest  super- 
intendents were  Fliab  Thomas,  Asahel  Thayer,  Nelson  Rust,  Moses  Cowles 
and  Horace  Gray.  A  ladies'  society  was  organized  in  the  parish,  June  17, 
1868.  under  the  name  of  '"'The  Ladies'  Benevolent  Society  of  the  Second 
Congregational  Church,  Amherst."      It  expressed  purpose   was  to  form   a 


254  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

more  perfect  union,  establish  social  intercourse,  mutual  good  will,  and 
hearty  cheer,  also  to  derive  means  for  procuring  funds  for  benevolent 
purposes."  It  had  a  membership  of  20  and  its  first  president  was  Mrs. 
H.  H.  Adams.  A  Christian  Endeavor  society  was  organized  Nov.  8, 
1886.      It  first  president  was  A.  L.  brush  ;   its  present  membership  is  56. 

Of  the  earlier  history  of  the  Sunday-school  connected  with  the  South 
Congregational  church,  no  records  are  in  existence.  B.  E.  Smith,  a  resi- 
dent of  the  parish  when  it  was  first  formed,  writes  from  East  Granby, 
Conn.,  as  follows  :  "  I  can  fix  no  definite  date  of  the  organization  of  the 
Sunday-chool  at  South  Amherst.  I  remember  very  distinctly  attending 
meeting  while  the  meeting  house  was  building,  in  Mr.  Warner's  carpenter's 
shop,  which  stood  nearly  opposite  Dea.  Reed's  house,  and  am  confident 
that  no  Sundav-school  was  held  there.  My  memory  of  Sunday-school 
commences  in  the  meeting-house,  I  think  very  soon  after  it  was  first 
occupied.  My  father  led  me  up  the  north  aisle  to  the  superintendent, 
who  I  think  was  Dea.  N.  ('.  Dickinson."  A  ladies'  society  was  organized 
in  the  parish.  May  20,  1868,  under  name  of  "The  Ladies'  Benevolent 
Society."  Its  object  was  to  raise  funds  for  benevolent  purposes  and  pro- 
mote Christian  sympathy  in  the  community.  It  had  a  membership  of  about 
50,  while  20  men  were  associated  with  it  as  honorary  members.  Its  first 
officers  were  :  President,  Mrs.  E.  C.  Miller  ;  vice-president,  Mrs.  E.  Graves  ; 
secretary,  Mrs.  J.  W.  Dana;  treasurer,  Mrs.  E.  H.  Allen.  A  Christian 
Endeavor  society  was  organized,  Nov.  20,  1885,  with  Rev.  C.  S.  Walker 
president.      The  original  membership  was  20,  present  membership  53. 

The  Sunday-school  of  the  North  Congregational  church  was  organized 
in  the  spring  of  1827.  The  first  superintendent  was  Daniel  Dickinson. 
Until  stoves  were  put  in  the  church  the  school  was  suspended  in  the  fall, 
from  Thanksgiving  until  May  1st.  The  "North  Amherst  Female  Sewing 
Society  "  was  organized  June  5,  1837.  Mrs.  William  W.  Hunt,  the  pastor's 
wife,  was  the  first  president.  It  had  an  original  membership  of  36.  In 
1854,  a  branch  of  the  society  was  organized  at  the  "City,"  with  Mis. 
Dea.  .Loomis  as  president.  At  the  society's  fiftieth  anniversary  it  was 
announced  that  it  had  raised  for  benevolent  purposes  $4,228.60,  of  which 
$314.18  had  been  given  to  soldiers' hospitals  during  the  civil  war.  The 
society  is  known  at  present  as  the  "Ladies'  Social  Circle."  A  Christian 
Endeavor  society  was  organized  Jan.  14.  1885,  with  the  pastor  of  the 
church,  Rev.  G.  H.  Johnson,  as  president.  At  its  organization  it  had  14 
active  and  14  associate  members.      Present  membership  65. 

Of  the  organization  and  early  history  of  the  Sunday-school  connected 
with  the  baptist  church  there  are  no  records  in  existence.  It  is  probable 
that  the  school  was  organized  about  the  year  1832.  The  "Amherst  baptist 
Ladies'  benevolent  Society  "  was  organized  March  4,1852.      Its  expressed 


RELIGIOUS    ASSOCIATIONS.  255 

object  was  "  To  do  good  and  to  communicate,  forget  not,  for  with  such 
sacrifices  God  is  well  pleased.  Believing  we  can  best  obey  this  injunction 
by  efficient  and  systematic  action,  in  behalf  of  the  benevolent  and  charitable 
objects  of  the  day.  we  form  ourselves  into  a  society  for  the  promotion  of 
these  objects.''  The  directresses  of  the  society  were  Mrs.  E.  ("ummings, 
Mrs.  C.  A.  McMaster,  Mrs.  A.  Welhrian.  The  Christian  Endeavor  society 
connected  with  the  parish  was  organized  March  1.  1891  ;  its  first  president 
was  Frank  B.  Bigelow,  its  original  membership  28.     Present  membership  35. 

At  the  first  conference  meeting  of  the  M.  E.  church  at  Amherst 
center,  O.  S.  Latham  and  Emma  King  were  appointed  a  Sunday-school 
committee.  Feb.  20,  1876,  six  months  after  the  church  was  organized,  the 
pastor  reported  that  the  Sunday-school  had  50  members.  ().  S.  Latham 
was  the  first  superintendent.  From  time  to  time  various  organizations 
have  been  formed  by  the  young  people  connected  with  the  parish,  includ- 
ing an  Oxford  League,  a  Christian  Endeavor  association  and  a  Y.  M.  ('.  A. 
In  the  fall  of  1889,  an  Epworth  League  was  organized  with  Walter  Pember 
as  president.  This  league  belongs  to  what  is  known  as  Group  5  in  the 
Springfield  district.  A  Sunday-school  was  organized  in  connection  with 
the  Methodist  church  at  North  Amherst  prior  to  1849.  In  that  year  it 
had  six  teachers,  30  scholars,  one  Bible  class  and  a  library  of  120  volumes. 
The  total  expenses  of  the  school  for  the  year  were  $11,  of  which  $5  was 
donated  to  the  M.  F.  Sunday-school  association. 

The  Sunday-school  of  Grace  church  parish  was  organized  at  about 
the  same  time  as  the  church  ;  the  first  superintendent  was  Rev.  S.  P. 
Parker,  the  rector.  The  "Ladies  Sewing  Society  "  was  organized  in  1865. 
Its  original  object  was  to  provide  for  the  poor  of  the  parish,  but  this  was 
afterwards  changed  to  raising  funds  for  parish  purposes.  Mrs.  S.  P. 
Parker,  wife  of  the  rector,  was  the  first  president.  The  society  purchased 
the  building  used  as  a  parsonage  and  deeded  it  to  the  parish  on  certain 
conditions.  A  society  of  Daughters  of  the  King  was  organized  in  1891, 
with  a  membership  of  about  18,  Miss  Flora  E.  Lessey  being  its  first 
president.      Its  object  is  parish  work. 

The  Sunday-school  connected  with  the  Universalist  church  was 
organized  Sept.  10.  1888.  Rev.  J.  Harry  Holden  was  elected  temporary 
superintendent  ;  at  the  end  of  three  months,  W.  M.  Shepardson  was  chosen 
superintendent.  The  school  when  organized  had  about  30  members. 
The  "  Universalist  Ladies"  Social  and  Sewing  Circle  of  Amherst  "  was 
organized  May  10.  1887,  the  first  president  being  Mrs.  George  M.  Cham- 
berlain; its  object  was  parish  work.  At  the  annual  meeting  in  May,  1895, 
the  name  of  the  organization  was  changed  to  the  "  Ladies'  Aid  Society  of 
the   Cniversalist    Church    of     Amherst."       A    Young    People's    Christian 


256  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Union  was  organized  April  18,  1894,  with  14  members:   its  first  president 
was  Elma  S.   Newton. 

A  Christian  Endeavor  society  was  organized  at  Mill  Valley  in  1889, 
as  the  outgrowth  of  a  series  of  neighborhood  prayer-meetings.  Its  first 
president  was  Miss  Grace  Phillips.      The  society  disbanded  April    1,  1895. 

HAMPSHIRE     EAST     ASSOCIATION. 

The  reiigious  history  of  Amherst  would  be  incomplete  without  reference 
to  two  institutions  which,  while  not  distinctively  of  Amherst  origin,  have 
exerted  a  powerful  influence  upon  the  religious  life  of  the  place,  and,  from 
their  frequent  meetings  in  this  town,  and  the  large  number  of  Amherst 
citizens  connected  with  them,  have  come  in  time  to  be  regarded  as  local 
organizations.  The  Hampshire  East  Association  of  Congregational  ministers 
is  of  ancient  and  honorable  origin.  The  body  from  which  it  was  derived 
was  known  originally  as  the  "  Northern  Association  of  Hampshire  in  the 
Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts."  David  Parsons  of  Hadley  Third 
Precinct  was  admitted  to  its  membership  in  1745.  Eater  on  it  was  known 
as  the  "Central  Association  in  the  County  of  Hampshire."  To  its  fellow- 
ship were  admitted  the  following  pastors  of  churches  in  Amherst  :  Rev. 
Ichabod  Draper,  in  1786;  Nathan  Perkins,  Jr.,  1810;  Daniel  A.  Clark,. 
1820:  Zephaniah  S.Moore,  1822;  Royal  Washburn.  1826;  Horace  B. 
Chapin,  1826;  \V.  W.  Hunt,  1827;  Heman  Humphrey,  1826;  Thomas 
Shepherd,  1834;  Josiah  Pent,  1838;  Gideon  Dana,  1838;  George  Cooke, 
1838;   Aaron  M.  Colton,  1841. 

The  Hampshire  East  Association  was  organized  Nov.  16,  1841.  by  a 
division  of  the  Hampshire  Association.  The  Amherst  members  at  the 
time  were  Nathan  Perkins,  Heman  Humphrey,  William  Tyler.  John  San- 
ford,  John  Whiton,  George  Cooke,  Aaron  M.  Colton  and  Dana  Goodsell. 
Of  those  who  signed  the  constitution  of  the  new  organization  but  one. 
Rev.  Warren  H.  Beaman,  at  that  time  a  resident  of  North  Hadley  but 
later  of  Amherst,  is  now  living.  The  constitution  declared  as  the  basis  of 
assocation  "the  system  of  doctrines  contained  in  the  'Assembly's  Shorter 
Catechism.''"  Its  business  was  "  to  examine  and  license  suitable  candi- 
dates for  the  Gospel  ministry,  to  inquire  after  religious  intelligence,  to 
give  advice,  when  requested,  respecting  Gospel  Order,  to  consider  Cases 
of  Conscience,  discuss  questions  and  criticise  sermons,  exegeses.  Skeletons 
and  Dissertations,  presented  for  that  purpose."  The  first  meeting  was 
held  Nov.  16,  1841,  at  the  house  of  Rev.  A.  M.  Colton,  17  persons  being 
present.  Rev.  Nathan  Perkins  served  as  moderator  and  Rev.  George  Cooke 
as  scribe.  The  vote  of  the  Hampshire  Association,  passed  in  answer  to  a 
petition,  was  read;  it  gave  the  petitioners  dismission  from  the  old  asso- 
ciation with  leave  to  organize  a  new  one.      It  was  voted  to  adopt  the  name 


HAMPSHIRE    EAST    ASSOCIATION.  257 

of  the  Hampshire  East  Association.  At  a  meeting  held  Feb.  8,  1842,  a 
committee  from  the  Hampshire  Association  was  present  and  urged  a 
reconsideration  of  the  action  in  forming  the  new  body,  but  the  request  was 
refused.     A  constitution  and  by-laws  were  adopted  Feb.  9,  1842. 

In  addition  to  discussion  of  questions  relating  distinctively  to  theology 
and  religion,  the  association  considered  leading  questions  of  the  times. 
Slavery,  intemperance,  the  Mexican  war,  these  were  among  the  topics 
discussed  in  the  earlier  years.  Careful  attention  was  devoted  to  the 
position  of  the  human  body  while  its  owner  was  engaged  in  prayer,  and  to 
the  question  as  to  whether  Saturday  or  Sunday  evening  should  be  observed 
as  "holy  time."  In  1847,  tne  association  passed  resolutions  of  approval 
of  the  American  Peace  society.  In  1 851,  it  endorsed  the  Maine  liquor 
law.  Feb.  10,  1S58,  it  voted  to  pay  $250  toward  the  support  of  the 
ministry  in  Prescott,  the  sum  to  be  assessed  upon  the  churches.  In  1859, 
the  question  was  discussed,  "  Are  there  any  good  and  efficient  reasons 
why  the  annual  Fast  should  be  abolished?"  it  being  decided  in  the  negative,  by 
unanimous  vote.  The  same  year,  it  was  voted,  "  That  in  the  opinion  of 
this  Association  the  raising  of  tobacco  is  an  immorality."  May  11,  1859, 
it  was  voted  to  raise  $300  for  the  support  of  the  Gospel  in  Pelham  the 
ensuing  year.  It  was  voted,  in  February,  i860,  to  adopt  the  report  of  a 
committee  in  favor  of  establishing  a  conference  of  churches  in  the  district ; 
a  constitution  to  govern  such  a  conference  was  adopted  May  6.  In  i86it 
the  association  became  engaged  in  a  controversy  with  the  Eastern  Hampden 
Association,  as  to  the  "  regularity  "  of  the  organization  of  the  Congrega- 
tional church  at  South  Hadley  Falls,  but  the  question  was  finally  settled  in 
an  amicable  way.  June  6,  1865,  the  wives  of  the  brethren  present  were 
invited  to  participate  in  the  exercises. 

In  i873,itwas  voted  to  hold  all  meetings  of  the  association  in  Amherst. 
The  practice  had  been,  from  the  beginning,  to  hold  the  meetings  in 
succession  at  the  homes  of  the  members  of  the  body.  In  1876,  an  invi- 
tation was  extended  and  accepted  to  hold  the  meetings  in  the  parlors  of 
the  First  Congregational  church.  In  1874,  resolutions  were  passed  in 
favor  of  committing  the  churches  to  active  temperance  work.  At  a  meet- 
ing held  June  1,  1880,  it  was  voted  to  devote  fifteen  minutes  to  "prayer 
for  the  country,  with  special  reference  to  the  political  conventions  of  the 
month  for  nominating  candidates  for  the  presidency."  In  September,  1881, 
resolutions  were  passed  in  respect  to  the  memory  of  James  A.  Garfield, 
the  martyr  president.  At  the  same  meeting,  it  was  voted  to  approve  the 
plan  of  securing  an  evangelist  to  labor  within  the  boundaries  of  the 
conference,  and  to  recommend  to  the  conference  to  take  steps  at  their 
next  meeting  t3  institute  such  an  enterprise.  Dec.  2,  18S4,  on  invitation 
17 


258  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

of  President  Seelye,  the  place  for  holding  the  regular   quarterly   meetings 
was  changed  to  Walker  hall,  where  they  have  since  been  held. 

Sept.  20,  1887,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  memorialize  the  national 
government,  on  behalf  of  the  association,  with  reference  to  Indian  schools. 
At  a  meeting  held  Feb.  5,  1889,  the  following  resolution  was  adopted,  a 
copy  being  forwarded  to  President-elect  Harrison  :  "  Resolved,  that  in  our 
opinion,  out  of  respect  for  the  character  of  General  Harrison,  president- 
elect, and  for  the  highest  general  good,  on  so  public  an  occasion  as  the 
approaching  inauguration  ceremonies,  intoxicating  liquors  should  be 
dispensed  with  ;  and  that  in  place  of  the  usual  ball,  a  reception,  acceptable 
to  all  classes  of  citizens,  should  be  substituted."  Dec.  5,  1893,  it  was 
voted  that  the  churches  connected  with  the  conference  ought  not  to  employ 
unordained  and  unlicensed  men  to  do  the  full  work  of  the  ministry.  The 
association  voted  to  approve  of  their  doing  such  evangelistic  work  as 
might  open  before  them,  but  expressed  its  special  disapprobation  of  such 
a  departure  from  the  established  usage  of  Congregational  churches,  as  the 
administration  of  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  and  baptism  by  any 
but  ordained  ministers.  This  resolution  was  directed  toward  practices  that 
had  obtained  in  the  churches  at  Packardville  and  Pelham,  where  services 
were  conducted  by  college  students. 

The  "Conference  of  Churches  in  Hampshire  East  Association"  was 
organized  at  a  meeting  held  in  Granby,  Nov.  13,  i860.  Its  expressed 
object  was,  "the  promotion  of  Christian  Fellowship  and  the  spiritual 
welfare  of  the  churches."  Ecclesiastial  jurisdiction  was  expressly 
disclaimed.  The  churches  represented  at  the  meeting  were  Amherst  First, 
Amherst  Second,  Amherst  College,  Amherst  North.  Belchertown,  Enfield, 
Granby,  Greenwich,  Hadley  First,  Hadley  Second,  Hadley  Russell,  Hatfield, 
Leverett,  Prescott,  South  Hadley  First.  A  temporary  organization  was 
effected,  Rev.  Warren  H.  Beaman  being  chosen  moderator  and  Rev. 
Franklin  Tuxbury  scribe.  A  constitution,  prepared  and  submitted  by  a 
committee  of  the  Hampshire  East  Association,  was  discussed,  amended 
and  adopted.  Semi-annual  meetings  were  to  be  held  in  the  towns  repre- 
sented by  the  churches  in  the  conference.  Soon  after  organization, 
the  conference  turned  its  attention  to  the  collection  of  church  statistics. 
At  a  meeting  held  April  24,  1866,  it  was  voted  that  the  committee  on 
statistics  be  instructed  to  have  blank  tables  for  statistics  printed  and  sent 
to  all  the  pastors  before  the  next  session  of  the  conference,  so  that  they 
could  be  filled  out  and  entered  at  that  time,  and  that  the  committee  combine 
these  tables  in  one  and  have  enough  copies  printed  to  put  one  in  each 
family  of  the  churches  connected  with  the  conference.  Since  this  vote  was 
adopted,  the  conference  has  adhered  to  the  plan  of  printing  and  issuing 
annually  the  church  statistics  in  tabulated  form. 


HAMPSHIRE    EAST    CONFERENCE.  259 

In  October,  1867,  a  Sunday-school  convention  was  organized  in  connec- 
tion with  the  conference,  and  continued  thereafter.  In  1874,  it  was  voted 
that  the  conference  recommend  to  the  churches  composing  it  that  a  collec- 
tion be  taken  up  by  each  of  them  during  the  year  in  aid  of  the  sustenative 
fund  for  aged  and  infirm  ministers  and  their  families.  Oct.  26,  1875,  a 
memorial  was  adopted  addressed  to  the  managers  of  the  Centennial  Expo- 
sition, against  the  opening  of  the  exposition  buildings  on  Sunday.  Oct. 
16,  1877,  it  was  "  Resolved,  that  we  endorse  the  recommendation  of  the 
General  Association  at  its  meeting  in  1876,  that  the  churches  employ  at  the 
sacrament  of  the  supper  the  unfermented  fruit  of  the  vine."  In  October, 
1880,  the  church  in  Whately  was  dropped  from  the  roll  of  the  conference. 
In  1882,  the  conference  heard  the  report  of  Rev.  Jason  Hatch,  an  evan- 
gelist employed  by  the  body  to  do  mission  work  in  outlying  districts.  In 
1884,  the  committee  on  local  evangelization  were  authorized  to  carry  on 
their  work  in  the  hill  towns  at  the  east  in  such  a  way  as  seemed  to  them 
advisable,  and  to  assess  the  necessary  expense  connected  therewith  upon 
the  churches.  The  same  year,  a  memorial  was  adopted,  addressed  to  the 
Massachusetts  Legislature,  requesting  that  body  to  pass  a  law  making  it 
the  duty  of  teachers  in  the  public  schools  to  give  instruction  respecting  the 
evils  of  using  intoxicants,  and  to  make  provision  for  text-books  to  be  used 
in  such  study.  In  18S5,  it  was  voted  to  send  a  special  invitation  to  the 
Sunday-school  meeting  at  Zion  chapel  to  be  represented  at  future  meetings 
of  Sunday-school  conventions.      A  new  constitution  was  adopted  in   1886. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 


Education  in  Amherst. — School  Buildings. — School  District  Rec- 
ords.— Grading  the  Public  Schools. — The  High  School. — 
Superintendents  and  Teachers. — School  Appropriations. 
—Terms  and  Vacations. — Private  Schools. — Mt.  Pleasant 
Classical  Institute. — '-Amherst  Female  Academy." — Other 
Institutions. 

Amherst  is  known  throughout  the  nation  as  an  educational  center.  This 
distinction  is  due  primarily  to  the  work  of  its  collegiate  institutions,  but 
that  work  has  been  ably  supplemented  by  the  instruction  given  in  its  public 


260  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

and  private  schools.  The  schools  established  in  Hadley  Third  Precinct 
soon  after  its  first  settlement  were,  probably,  no  better  and  no  worse  than 
those  sustained  by  neighboring  communities.  It  was  not  until  Amherst 
Academy  was  founded,  in  1S12,  that  residents  of  Amherst  turned  their 
particular  attention  to  educational  development.  It  was  nearly  a  half 
century  later  ere  the  public  schools  were  graded,  and  the  foundations  laid 
for  that  system  of  free  public  education,  in  which  the  town  has  come  to 
take  such  just  pride.  Of  privately  conducted  educational  institutions, 
Amherst  has  been  the  home  of  many  during  the  century  that  is  now  draw- 
ing to  a  close.  Some  of  these  have  passed  away,  leaving  no  records  save  in 
the  deeds  of  those  whose  characters  they  helped  to  form  ;  others  yet 
enjoy  a  prosperous  existence.  For  obvious  reasons,  it  is  impossible  to 
present  here  any  complete  or  extended  list  of  the  "family  schools," 
"  boarding-schools,"  seminaries  and  other  institutions  for  educational 
purposes  that  have  flourished  in  Amherst  from  time  to  time.  Careful 
investigation  has  secured  the  names,  and  fragments  of  information  con- 
cerning some  few  of  these  private  schools,  and  these  are  here  presented. 
Of  the  public  schools  the  records  are  more  complete. 

Of  educational  work  as  conducted  in  Amherst  in  the  earlier  years,  a 
brief  review  has  been  given  in  a  preceding  chapter.  The  population  being 
scattered  over  a  wide  extent  of  territory,  there  was  a  natural  division  into 
school  districts,  but  no  definite  boundaries  were  assigned  to  these  until 
1792.  In  1764,  when  the  first  school-houses  were  erected,  there  were  but 
four  districts,  a  "north,"  a  "south,"  an  "east  middle  "  and  "west  middle." 
For  many  years  these  districts  afforded  adequate  educational  facilities  for 
the  inhabitants  of  the  various  sections  of  the  town.  In  177 1,  a  new 
school  was  established  at  the  West  street  in  North  Amherst.  In  1784, 
the  number  of  districts  was  increased  to  six.  In  1S3S,  there  were  eight 
districts  in  the  town.  In  1864,  the  town  voted  to  abolish  the  school 
districts.  Subsequent  to  the  grading  of  the  schools,  in  1861,  and  largely 
due  to  that  cause,  the  number  of  schools  was  greatly  increased,  and  for 
many  years  the  town  supported  not  less  than  nineteen. 

The  early  school-houses,  like  all  buildings,  public  and  private,  of  the 
times,  were  erected  at  the  least  expense  possible.  Such  a  thing  as  an 
attempt  at  ornamentation  was  unthought  of.  The  buildings  afforded 
protection  from  the  heat  of  the  summer's  sun,  and  in  winter,  aided  by 
wood-fires  of  generous  proportion,  from  the  season's  cold.  They  had  doors 
and  windows,  but  no  blinds  or  curtains  to  keep  the  sun  from  shining  in  the 
scholars'  faces.  A  row  of  desks  extended  around  three  sides  of  the  school- 
room, with  other  rows  built  across  the  center.  In  front  of  these  desks 
were    corresponding    rows   of  wooden    benches,   generally   without  backs, 


SCHOOL    BUILDINGS.  261 

hard  as  the  nether  millstone  and  worn  smooth  by  the  generations  of  boys 
and  girls  who  found  in  them  a  support  but  not  a  rest.  Both  desks  and 
benches  bore  witness  to  the  decorative  skill  of  the  American  boy  aided  by 
his  jack  knife.  Scientific  heating  and  ventilation  were  unknown,  but  the 
box-stoves  gave  forth  a  generous  heat  and  the  wind  found  ready  access 
around  the  door  and  window-casings.  The  school-houses  were  frequently 
built  at  private  expense  "and  afterwards  purchased  by  the  town.  In  1786, 
the  town  voted  to  allow  a  reasonable  sum  to  the  persons  who  had  built  a 
school-house  in  the  north  part  of  the  town  on  the  road  leading  to  Sunder- 
land ;  also,  to  build  a  school-house  in  the  north-east  part  of  the  town.  In 
1788,  £30  was  allowed  for  the  school-house  in  the  north-east  part  of  the  town. 
In  1790,  it  was  voted  to  sell  the  school-house  near  Landlord  Parsons'  tavern 
at  vendue,  and  to  have  but  three  schools  in  town  the  coming  year.  In 
1 79 1,  it  was  voted  to  build  two  school-houses,  one  near  the  Second  parish 
meeting-house,  the  other  in  the  south  part  at  East  street.  The  appropri- 
ation made  to  pay  the  expense  of  these  two  buildings  was  £8,0,  or  some- 
thing like  $200  for  each.  The  following  year,  a  vote  was  passed  to  erect  a 
school-house  in  the  South-west  district,  /"40  being  appropriated  to  meet 
the  expense.  In  1796,  it  was  voted  to  build  a  school-house  in  the  South- 
east district  of  the  same  dimensions  as  the  one  that  had  been  burned  ;  also 
to  build  a  school-house  in  the  North-west  district.  Appropriations  were 
made,  for  the  former  $300,  for  the  latter  $200.  In  179S,  it  was  voted  to 
raise  $300  for  building  or  purchasing  a  school-house  in  the  West  Middle 
district.  In  the  same  year,  later  on.  it  was  voted  to  build  a  school-house 
one  story  high  and  with  two  chimneys.  In  1799.  it  was  voted  that  the 
school-house  in  the  East  Middle  district  be  moved  to  a  more  convenient 
spot.  In  1804,  a  vote  was  passed  to  build  a  new  school-house  in  the  East 
Middle  district,  and  in  1806,  similar  provision  was  made  for  the  North-east 
district. 

It  was  but  natural  that  school-buildings  erected  at  an  average  expense 
of  from  $200  to  $300  should  stand  in  need  of  frequent  repairs,  and  serve 
their  purpose  but  a  few  years  ;  yet  it  is  -not  until  a  comparatively  recent 
date  that  the  town  has  thought  advisable  to  spend  more  money  in  con- 
struction and  less  in  repairs  and  rebuilding.  The  grading  of  the  schools 
in  1 86 1,  and  the  establishment  of  a  high  school  at  the  center  village, 
rendered  imperative  the  erection  of  new  school-buildings.  The  school 
report  for  the  year  ending  March  1,  1861,  states  that  high  school  bonds 
had  been  issued  to  the  amount  of  512,000,  of  which  $9,500  had  been  sold 
and  the  remainder  were  engaged.  During  the  following  year,  the  total 
amount  expended  on  high  and  grammar  school  buildings  was  $12,836.70. 
In  1S64,  when  the  district  system  was  abolished,  a  committee  of  eight  was 


262  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

appointed  by  the  town  to  appraise  the  school-houses,  lands  and  property 
belonging  to  the  various  school  districts.  In  1865,  the  school-house  in 
District  No.  4  (at  the  "City")  was  sold  to  the  New  London  Northern  rail- 
way company  ;  the  following  year,  a  new  school-house  was  built  in  the 
district,  at  a  cost,  including  land,  of  $1,221.  In  1866,  the  school-house  in 
District  No.  3,  at  South  Amherst,  was  remodeled  at  an  expense  of  $680.44; 
during  the  same  year,  lightning-rods  were  placed  on  all  the  school  buildings, 
the  cost  being  $213.75. 

At  the  annual  town-meeting  in  March,  1866,  the  selectmen  and  school 
committee  were  authorized  to  confer  with  the  trustees  of  Amherst  Academy, 
and  directed  to  report  at  a  future  meeting  the  expense  of  repairing  the 
academy  building,  also  to  report  the  expense  of  other  locations  for  school- 
houses.  The  academy  trustees  agreed  to  sell  the  real  estate  belonging  to 
the  academy  to  the  town  for  $5,000,  and  to  appropriate  the  income  from 
the  sum  received  towards  the  support  of  a  classical  department  in  the 
town  high  school.  The  town  willingly  accepted  this  proposition  ;  in  1868, 
the  old  academy  building  was  torn  down,  and  the  present  Amity-street 
school-building  erected.  The  cost  to  the  town,  as  recorded  in  the  annual 
reports,  was,  in  1868,  $8,010  ;  in  1869,  $6,711.84.  In  1870,  a  new  school- 
house  was  erected  in  the  North-west  district  at  a  cost  of  $8,000  ;  the  old 
school-house  had  been  sold  to  the  North  parish.  In  1S71,  there  were 
eleven  school-houses  owned  by  the  town.  In  1880,  an  addition  was  made 
to  the  high  school  building  at  a  cost  of  $2,064.72,  to  accommodate  a 
grammar  school.  In  1889,  the  building  occupied  by  the  North  grammar 
and  intermediate  schools  was  burned.  The  schools  were  held  for  a  time 
in  the  lecture-rooms  of  the  Congregational  and  Methodist  churches  ;  after- 
wards, the  grammar  school  was  installed  in  an  unoccupied  room  in  the 
brick  school-house,  and  a  new  building  was  erected  at  the  "  City  "  at  a 
cost  of  $1,924.82.  The  last,  and  one  of  the  most  notable  additions  to  the 
school-buildings  owned  by  the  town,  was  made  in  1894.  Dec.  5,  1893, 
the  school-house  at  East  Amherst  was  burned  ;  at  a  town-meeting  held 
Dec.  14,  a  building  committee  was  chosen  and  instructed  to  procure  plans 
and  estimates  for  a  new  building.  The  committee  reported  at  a  meeting 
held  Jan.  24,  1894;  their  report  was  accepted  and  they  were  authorized  to 
erect  a  brick  building,  conforming  to  plans  selected,  at  a  cost  not  exceeding 
$7,600.  The  building  was  completed  in  readiness  for  use  at  the  opening 
of  the  fall  term  in  1894,  and  its  entire  cost  to  the  town  amounted 
to  $9,498.46. 

Under  the  old  system,  the  district  stood  for  much  the  same  in  educa- 
tional and  neighborhood  matters  as  did  the  parish  in  ecclesiastical  affairs. 
There  was  this  important  difference  ;  the  parish  assessed  and  collected  its 


SCHOOL    DISTRICTS.  263 

own  taxes,  while  the  school  district  expended  the  sums  appropiated  by  the 
town,    as  well  as  those  raised  within  its  own  limits. 

From  the  records  of  the  "West  Middle"  School  district,  beginning 
with  the  year  1S26,  the  following  facts  are  obtained  :  At  a  meeting  held 
April  4,  1826,  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  West  Middle  School  district, 
Artemas  Thompson  was  chosen  moderator  and  Luke  Sweetser  clerk 
and  treasurer.  A  committee  of  five,  consisting  of  William  Boltwood, 
Chester  Kellogg,  Aaron  M.  Chandler,  W.  S.  Howland  and  Elijah  Boltwood, 
was  chosen,  to  view  land  and  ascertain  where  a  suitable  place  could  be 
had  for  erecting  a  school-house,  and  also  to  determine  whether  it  would  be 
expedient  to  erect  a  new  house  or  repair  the  old  one.  At  a  meeting  held 
April  25,  it  was  voted  to  build  a  school-house.  A  committee  was  appointed 
to  find  the  center  of  the  district,  having  regard  to  scholars,  assessment  and 
distance,  also  to  ascertain  where  and  for  how  much  land  to  build  on  might 
be  secured.  At  a  meeting  held  May  2,  the  district  voted  not  to  repair  the 
old  school-house.  Voted,  "that  the  district  will  not  tax  themselves  for  the 
purchase  of  land  to  build  a  school-house  on."  The  district  expressed 
willingness  to  purchase  either  the  plot  of  land  owned  by  S.  F.  Dickinson 
north  of  Col.  Smith's,  or  the  plot  of  land  owned  by  David  Parsons'  heirs 
near  Jacob  Edson's.  It  was  afterwards  decided  to  purchase  the  land  owned 
by  Mr.  Dickinson.  Two  committees  were  chosen  to  solicit  subscriptions 
for  the  purchase  of  land. 

May  16,  the  district  voted  to  spend  $25  from  money  appropriated  for 
summer  schools  in  repairing  the  old  house  sufficiently  to  use  for  school 
purposes.  At  a  meeting  held  June  20,  it  was  voted  to  build  a  school- 
house  the  present  season,  that  the  building  should  be  of  brick,  two  stories 
in  height,  and  not  exceeding  40  by  28  feet.  Some  of  the  residents  in  the 
district  were  dissatisfied  with  the  proposed  location  of  the  school-building 
and  appealed  to  the  selectmen  ;  the  latter  decided  that  the  house  should 
stand  on  the  land  purchased.  Dec.  25,  the  district  voted  to  allow  the  bills 
presented  by  individuals  and  passed  by  the  building  committee.  Sept.  3, 
1827,  it  was  voted  to  finish  the  upper  story  of  the  school-house,  to  paint 
the  outside  woodwork  and  whitewash  the  brick,  to  build  a  wood-house, 
dig  a  well  and  put  a  pump  in  the  well.  The  prudential  committee  were 
authorized  to  dispose  of  the  old  building  as  they  should  think  proper,  but 
the  latter  vote  was  rescinded  at  a  subsequent  meeting.  The  land  on  which 
the  old  school-house  stood  was  sold  at  auction  to  Nathan  Dickinson 
for  $42.50. 

Jan.  17,  1839.  it  was  voted  not  to  unite  with  other  districts  to  form  a 
union  school  district.  June  6,  1842,  it  was  voted  that  $25  be  assessed  on 
the  district,  to  purchase  alibrary  for  the  use  of  the  schools.   April  10,  1848, 


264  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

a  committee  appointed  at  a  previous  meeting  reported  in  favor  of  erect- 
ing an  additional  building  on  the  school-house  land.  April  17,  it  voted  to 
divide  the  schools  in  the  district.  July  7,  1854,  it  was  voted  to  unite  with 
the  Mill  Valley  district  in  providing  a  suitable  place  for  holding  the  West 
high  school,  under  the  provisions  of  the  vote  passed  by  the  town  at  its  last 
annual  meeting.  The  name  of  the  district  was  changed  from  "West 
Middle  "  to  "  West  Center  "  in  1842  ;  after  1847  it  was  known  as  "  District 
No.  1."     The  last  entry  in  the  record  book  bears  date  May  2,  1864. 

The  records  of  the  North-East  School  district,  from  1826  to  1863, 
have  been  preserved  and  contain  matter  of  interest.  At  the  first  recorded 
meeting  held  April  27,  1826,  Daniel  Dickinson  served  as  moderator  and 
clerk.  May  5,  1826,  Solomon  K.  Eastman  was  chosen  treasurer  and  Peter 
Ingram  committee  to  superintend  repairs  upon  the  school-house.  It  was 
voted  to  raise  $40  for  repairs  and  to  pay  for  a  stove  to  be  placed  in  the 
school-house.  March  1,  1829,  the  district  chose  a  prudential  committee, 
highway  surveyors,  field-drivers,  hog-reeves  and  surveyors  of  wood.  To 
this  list  of  officers  there  were  added  in  subsequent  years,  surveyors  of 
lumber,  tythingmen,  and  a  sexton.  A  committee  of  six  was  appointed, 
"  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  visit  the  winter  school  by  at  least  two  of  their 
number  once  every  two  weeks  during  its  continuance."  At  the  annual 
meetings  wood  was  purchased  for  the  use  of  the  schools,  the  amount 
needed  being  set  up  at  auction  and  sold  to  the  lowest  bidder.  The  average 
price  in  the  '3o's  was  about  $1.50  per  cord,  but  there  was  a  gradual  increase 
yearly  until  in  the  '50's  it  reached  $3.00  per  cord.  March  6,  1831,  the 
district  was  so  greatly  pleased  with  the  services  of  Miss  E.  Warner  as 
teacher,  instructions  were  given  the  district  treasurer  to  pay  her  $6.50  in 
addition  to  her  stated  wages.  Feb.  26,  1S37,  a  committee  was  appointed 
to  prosecute  all  persons  who  should  damage  the  school-house  in   any  way. 

As  early  as  1838,  the  district  began  to  consider  the  question  of  erect- 
ing a  new  school-house.  There  was  the  usual  difficulty  in  deciding  upon 
plans,  and  the  place  for  erecting  the  building,  as  is  shown  by  the  following- 
extracts  from  the  records.  March  2,  1S38,  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
prepare  a  plan  for  a  school-house  suitable  for  the  district.  Nov.  5  of  the 
same  year,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  examine  the  old  house  and  see 
if  it  was  worth  repairing;  if  not,  to  draw  plans  for  a  new  house,  select  a 
place  to  locate  the  same  and  make  an  estimate  of  the  cost.  At  a  meeting 
held  Nov.  14,  it  was  voted  to  build  a  new  house  and  a  committee  of  three 
was  appointed  to  find  a  location.  This  vote  was  rescinded  Nov.  23,  and 
a  vote  passed  to  repair  the  old  house.  Feb.  8,  1839,  the  matter  of  forming 
a  union  district  with  the  North-west  district  for  maintaining  a  high  school 
was  considered  and  the  proposition  voted  down,  84  to  19.      Feb.  24,  1840, 


THE    NORTH    SCHOOL    DISTRICTS.  265 

still  another  committee  was  appointed  to  decide  on  a  site  for  a  new  school- 
house.  Feb.  28,  the  district  voted  to  build  a  new  school-house  provided  a 
suitable  location  could  be  secured  at  reasonable  expense.  An  offer  was 
made  to  L.  L.  Draper  of  $75  for  a  piece  of  land  upon  his  farm,  but  he 
declined  to  sell.  March  4,  it  was  voted  to  call  on  the  selectmen  to  decide 
where  the  school-house  should  be  placed.  March  n,  votes  were  passed  to 
buy  a  piece  of  land  of  W.  Roberts  for  Si 20,  and  to  erect  a  school-house 
with  two  rooms.  March  20,  it  was  voted  to  build  the  house  of  brick,  one 
story  in  height.  The  building  was  erected  during  the  summer  of  1S40, 
and  March  5,  1841,  the  old  house  was  put  up  at  auction  and  sold  to  Alvan 
Barnard  for  $34. 

March  5,  1841,  the  district  voted  to  raise  and  appropriate  £25  for  pur- 
chasing and  establishing  a  school  district  library.  Nov.  21,  1842.  rules 
for  the  management  and  use  of  the  library  were  adopted.  Every  family 
in  the  district  was  given  the  privilege  of  drawing  one  book  from  the  library 
every  second  Monday,  while  every  family  having  one  or  more  members 
between  the  ages  of  11  and  21  could  draw  two  books.  The  head  of  the 
family  was  held  responsible  for  the  safe  keeping,  careful  usage  and  return 
of  these  volumes.  March  1,  1844,  the  district  voted  to  allow  Ruf  us  Adams 
his  proportionate  share  of  the  school  money  for  schooling  his  children  in 
the  district  in  Leverett,  near  his  home.  April  9,  1851,  a  committee  of 
conference  between  districts  numbers  4  and  5  agreed  that  the  first  session 
of  the  North  high  school  should  be  held  in  District  No.  4.  at  the  •'City  ", 
and  the  second  in  District  No.  -.  at  the  \Yest  street.  Atthesame  meeting 
it  was  voted  to  set  out  ornamental  and  shade  trees  on  the  school-house  lot 
and  to  build  a  fence  on  the  south  and  west  sides.  The  last  entry  in  the 
record  book  bears  date  of   1S63. 

The  records  of  the  North-west  school  district,  from  1S41  to  1862,  are 
in  existence  and  contain  matters  of  general  interest.  In  1841,  the  district 
held  several  meetings  to  consider  the  matter  of  building  a  new  school- 
house.  It  was  voted  first  to  build  of  wood,  then  of  brick,  then  again  of 
wood.  Several  locations  were  viewed  and  priced,  and  each  in  turn  rejected. 
An  attempt  was  made  to  procure  money  by  subscription  to  build,  in  con- 
nection with  the  school-house,  a  hall,  to  be  used  for  singing-schools,  lectures 
and  other  public  events.  In  1S42,  it  was  voted  to  raise  S20  for  the  purpose 
of  purchasing  and  establishing  a  school  district  library.  The  district 
reserved  S5  to  fit  up  a  place  for  keeping  the  library,  and  voted  a  salary  of 
$6  per  year  to  the  librarian.  The  district  succeeded  in  getting  its  new 
school-house  built  in  1S45,  and  voted,  July  14,  to  let  Mr.  S.  V.  White  have 
the  use  of  it  the  coming  fall,  for  a  select  school,  for  Si  2.  The  building 
committee  was  authorized   to    put   a   bell   upon   the   house,  providing   the 


266  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

expense  should  be  defrayed  by  subscription.  At  a  meeting  held  in  1846, 
a  committee  was  appointed  to  exchange  the  district  library  for  that  of  some 
other  district.  It  was  also  voted  to  lay  on  the  table  an  article  to  see 
whether  the  district  would  let  its  hall  for  a  dancing  school.  In  1847,  a 
committee  was  appointed  to  have  charge  of  the  hall,  and  instructed  to  let 
the  same  "  when  they  can  get  anything  for  it."  In  185  1,  committees  from 
the  North-west  and  North-east  districts  concurred  in  recommending  that 
the  fall  session  of  the  North  high  school  be  held  in  the  school-house  of  the 
North-east  district,  and  the  winter  session  of  the  school  in  the  school- 
house  of  the  North-west  district.  In  1853,  the  district  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  take  action  to  procure  pay  for  the  wood  burned  by  the  high 
school  that  belonged  to  the  common  school,  and  also  instructed  the  hall 
committee  "  not  to  let  the  high  school  in  the  hall  the  coming  winter." 
the  latter  vote  was  rescinded  at  a  meeting  held  later,  and  it  was  voted 
"  to  let  the  high  school  in  the  hall  this  winter,  and  the  high  school  to  make 
good  all  the  damedge  that  is  done  to  the  same  by  the  high  school."  In 
186 1,  it  was  voted  unanimously  not  to  favor  the  abolition  of  the  school 
districts  in  town.  The  records  of  other  school  districts  of  the  town  may 
be  in  existence,  but  careful  investigation  has  failed  to  discover  them  ;  the 
foregoing  will  serve  to  show  as  fully  as  desirable  the  nature  of  the  district 
organizations,  and  the  character  of  the  business  transacted  at  their 
meetings. 

Soon  after  1840,  the  question  of  grading  the  public  schools  in 
Amherst  began  to  be  agitated.  At  the  outset  the  proposal  encountered 
strenuous  opposition,  many  believing  that  the  peculiar  outline  of  the  town, 
the  extent  of  its  territory,  and  its  division  into  a  number  of  distinct  settle- 
ments would  render  the  proposed  system  inadvisable  if  not  impracticable. 
Yet  the  old  system  of  "mixed"  schools  had  little  to  recommend  it.  The 
grouping  of  pupils  from  five  to  twenty  years  of  age,  and  differing  more  in 
educational  attainments  than  in  years,  in  one  school  and  under  the  instruc- 
tion of  one  teacher,  was  little  calculated  to  afford  desirable  results.  In 
the  smaller  districts,  nearly  every  pupil  might  with  justice  be  placed  in  a 
separate  class,  and  the  multiplication  of  classes  and  of  studies  rendered 
it  impossible  for  the  teacher  to  do  full  justice  by  any. 

From  instruction  in  the  primer  to  that  in  higher  mathematics  was  a 
step  no  teacher  could  take  at  a  moment's  notice,  and  do  full  justice  to 
himself  or  to  his  pupils.  It  was  not  until  i860,  that  the  town  voted  to 
adopted  the  graded  system  in  its  public  schools,  and  not  until  the  follow- 
ing year  was  the  work  of  examining  and  classifying  the  pupils  undertaken 
and  successfully  carried  out.  The  school  committee  in  1861  consisted  of 
Rev.  Charles  L.  Woodworth,  Rev.  George  Cooke  and  Dr.  D.   B.   N.   Fish. 


GRADING    THE    SCHOOLS.  267 

The  town  contained  at  the  time  between  700  and  800  pupils  of  school  age. 
The  task  involved  in  the  examination  of  each  pupil  and  in  assigning  each 
to  the  proper  grade  required  time  and  patience  as  well  as  keen  intelligence. 
The  problem  was  complicated  by  the  fact  that,  as  in  all  communities,  many 
of  the  older  pupils  were  not  qualified  to  join  the  advanced  grades,  causing 
dissatisfaction  among  their  parents.  That  the  work  was  done,  and  well 
done,  is  to  the  lasting  credit  of  the  town  and  its  committee. 

The  committee,  in  their  report  to  the  town  on  the  matter  of  grading 
the  schools,  submitted  at  the  annual  meeting  in  1862,  say  :  "  The  classifi- 
cation which  has  been  adopted  in  the  schools,  as  now  organized,  is  similar 
to  what  is  practiced  in  most  of  the  towns  of  the  Commonwealth,  in  which 
the  schools  are  graded.  *     *     Our  standards  of  examination  and  class 

rank  will,  if  well  maintained,  give  us  a  highly  creditable  position,  and 
secure  to  our  schools  a  range  of  educational  advantages  as  comprehensive 
and  complete  as  can  be  found  in  any  of  our  towns."  The  committee 
established  one  high  school,  four  grammar  schools,  four  intermediate 
schools  and  eight  primary  schools,  into  which  were  admitted,  at  the  first, 
764  scholars,  of  whom  eight  were  residents  in  other  towns.  The  high 
school,  two  grammar,  one  intermediate  and  one  primary  were  located  at  the 
center  ;  one  grammar,  one  intermediate  and  three  primary  at  SouthAmherst ; 
one  grammar,  one  intermediate  and  two  primary  at  North  Amherst,  one 
primary  and  one  intermediate  at  East  Amherst  and  one  primary  at  Mill 
Valley.  To  the  high  school  grade,  3 1  pupils  were  admitted  :  to  the  grammar 
school,  133  ;  to  the  intermediate  school,  195  ;  to  the  primary  school,  397. 
From  the  center  and  East  Amherst,  there  were  91  pupils  in  high  and 
grammar  schools,  from  North  Amherst  50,  from  South  Amherst  23.  In 
the  intermediate  schools,  at  the  center  and  East  Amherst,  there  were  99 
pupils  ;  at  North  Amherst.  53  ;  at  South  Amherst.  43.  In  the  primary 
schools,  at  the  center  and  East  Amherst,  there  were  195  pupils  ;  at  North 
Amherst,  103;  at  South  Amherst,  99.  The  average  age  of  pupils  admitted 
to  the  grammar  school  grade  was  14  years,   to   the   high    school  grade  17.. 

The  course  of  study,  marked  out  for  the  different  grades,  was,  in 
outline,  as  follows  :  Primary  schools,  reading,  spelling,  primary  arithmetic, 
arithmetical  notation  and  numeration,  introductory  geography  :  intermediate 
schools,  reading,  spelling,  writing,  intellectual  and  practical  arithmetic, 
modern  geography,  parts  of  speech  and  inflections;  grammar  schools, 
arithmetic.  United  States  history,  English  grammar,  map  drawing,  algebra,, 
physical  geography,  book-keeping,  composition  and  declamation  ;  high 
school,  algebra,  geometry,  English  analysis,  general  history,  book-keeping, 
surveying,  United  States  constitution,  natural  philosophy,  rhetoric,  astron- 
omy, chemistry,  political   economy,   moral    science,  natural    history,   logic. 


268  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Pupils  in  Latin  at  the  high  school  were  required  to  pursue  only  those 
studies  which  were  necessary  for  admission  to  college.  Pupils  at  the  high 
school  were  divided  in  three  classes.  Applicants  for  admission  to  advanced 
grade  were  examined  at  the  close  of  the  winter  session,  or  of  the  summer 
session,  of  each  school,  and  a  certificate  was  required  from  the  teacher  of 
the  school  that  the  pupil  was  properly  prepared  for  advancement ;  also, 
that  he  or  she  sustained  a  good  moral  character.  No  children  under  five 
years  of  age  were  allowed  in  the  public  schools.  Each  teacher  was 
required  to  keep  a  record  of  the  scholarship  and  deportment  of  every 
pupil,  to  be  ready  for  the  inspection  of  the  committee  at  the  close  of  each 
week. 

In  the  records  of  the  North-west  school  district  for  the  year  185 1, 
mention  is  made  of  a  high  school.  The  report  of  the  school  committee 
for  1853  shows  that  three  high  schools  were  maintained  in  town,  one  at 
the  center,  one  at  North  Amherst  and  one  at  South  Amherst.  The  com- 
mittee advised  the  building  of  three  houses  to  accommodate  these  schools. 
The  course  of  studies  pursued  at  these  schools  was  in  mariy  features 
similar  to  the  high  school  course  of  the  present  day,  with  the  omission  of 
Latin  and  Greek.  At  the  annual  town-meeting  in  i860,  when  the  town 
voted  to  grade  the  schools,  it  was  also  voted  to  establish  one  high  school 
at  the  center  village.  The  high  school  building  was  erected  in  i860,  and 
dedicated  Sept.  2,  1861.  The  school  was  opened  in  September,  1861, 
with  Samuel  J.  Storrs  as  principal  and  with  26  pupils  in  attendance  ;  in 
December  of  that  year,  five  more  pupils  were  admitted.  In  July,  1862, 
two  young  men  were  graduated  from  the  school  and  entered  Amherst 
College.  Mr.  Storrs  resigned  his  position  as  principal  in  1862,  to  enter 
the  Union  army  ;  in  the  winter  term  of  that  year,  Charles  D.  Adams  served 
as  principal.  The  first  graduation  exercises  were  held  at  the  end  of  the 
school  year  in  1864,  the  graduating  class  consisting  of  four  young  ladies 
and  one  young  gentleman.  Charles  H.  Parkhurst,  the  noted  divine,  served 
as  principal  of  the  school  from  the  spring  term  in  1S67  to  the  end  of  the 
school  year  in  1869.  In  the  winter  of  1871-72.  a  school  lyceum  was 
instituted  and  supported  for  a  time  with  much  enthusiasm  ;  the  library  was 
considerably  enlarged  at  the  same  time.  The  income  of  the  "  Academy 
fund,"  so  called,  rests  in  the  hands  of  a  board  of  trustees,  and  is  applied 
by  them,  at  their  discretion,  toward  the  support  of  the  classical  depart- 
ment of  the  high  school.  It  is  generally  used  to  pay  for  the  services  of  an 
instructor  in  the  Greek  language.  During  the  year  1893,  the  high  school 
building  was  altered,  repaired  and  enlarged,  at  a  cost  of  some  $2,500. 

In  1867.  the  town  authorized  the  appointment  of  a  superintendent  of 
schools,  at  a  salary  not  to  exceed  $800.      From  time  to  time  the  town   has 


SCHOOL    APPROPRIATIONS.  269 

employed  a  superintendent,  outside  the  school  committee,  with  satisfactory 
results.  It  is  safe  to  say  that  the  public  schools  of  Amherst  were  never 
more  prosperous  and  never  accomplished  better  work  than  when  in 
charge  of  H.  L.  Read  as  superintendent.  The  present  superintendent, 
W.  D.  Parkinson,  began  his  services  in  Amherst  in  1893  ;  since  that  time 
the  schools  have  been  brought  up  to  a  higher  standard  than  for  many 
years  preceding.  The  town  of  Amherst  has  been  fortunate  in  securing 
the  services,  as  members  of  its  school  committee  from  year  to  year,  of 
persons  exceptionally  well  qualified  for  the  position.  Ministers  of  the 
gospel,  college  professors,  lawyers,  doctors,  men  prominent  in  professional 
and  social  life,  have  given  of  their  time  and  talent  for  the  benefit  of  the 
public  schools,  for  compensation  which,  to  say  the  least,  was  entirely  inad- 
equate for  the  services  rendered.  The  town  owes  a  debt  of  gratitude  to 
the  public-spirited  citizens  who  have  done  so  much  in  the  interest  of  its 
educational  system.  The  town  has  been  fortunate,  also,  in  the  character 
and  attainments  of  the  teachers  it  has  employed  in  its  public  schools. 
Many  of  them  were  born  in  Amherst,  and  gained  their  education  at  the 
schools  which  in  time  they  came  to  serve  as  teachers.  It  has  been  cause 
for  regretful  comment  in  the  past  that  other  towns  and  cities  have  been 
so  quick  to  recognize  the  merits  of  Amherst  teachers,  and  to  draw  them 
away  by  the  temptations  of  larger  salaries  and  broader  fields  of  labor. 

The  items  of  school  appropriations  and  expenditures  will  be  considered 
in  another  chapter,  where  they  will  be  presented  in  tabulated  form.  The 
town  has  ever  been  generous  in  providing  funds  for  carrying  on  the  work 
of  education.  With  the  growth  of  the  town,  and  the  increase  in  school 
population,  there  has  been  more  than  proportionate  growth  in  the  sums 
expended  upon  the  public  schools.  For  the  school  year  ending  in  1862, 
when  the  grading  of  the  pupils  was  accomplished  and  764  pupils  were 
admitted  to  the  various  schools,  the  amount  of  the  school  appropriations 
was  but  $3,200.  In  1S94.  with  a  total  enrollment  of  S15  pupils,  the  school 
appropriation  was  $13,600,  and  this  was  increased  by  a  special  appropria- 
tion for  repairs  and  by  receipts  from  various  sources  to  over  $14,500.  It 
is  true  that  it  costs  more  to  conduct  a  public  school  to-day  than  it  did 
thirty-five  years  ago  ;  books  and  supplies  must  be  furnished  by  the  town 
which  were  formerly  purchased  by  the  pupils,  the  schools  must  be  better 
equipped  in  every  way,  the  buildings  better  cared  for,  and  transportation 
afforded  for  scholars  living  in  the  more  remote  parts  of  the  town.  But  it  is  also 
true  that  the  public  is  willing  to  spend  more  money  for  educational  purposes 
than  it  was  a  generation  ago,  and  the  demand  is  for  better  rather  than  for 
cheaper  schools.  In  the  committee's  report  for  the  school  year  ending  in 
1853,  the    statement    is    made    that    the   best   female  teachers    could    be 


270  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

procured  in  winter  for  $21  per  month,  including  board,  while  the  best  male 
teachers  commanded  a  salary  of  from  $35  to  $40  per  month,  including 
board.  The  town  from  motives  of  economy,  has  made  it  a  practice  to 
employ  female  teachers  in  nearly  all  its  schools,  and  with  generally  satis- 
factory results. 

With  the  grading  of  the  schools  came  greater  uniformity  in  the  length 
of  term  and  vacations.  In  1861-62,  the  committee  arranged,  for  the 
primary  schools,  three  terms  of  1 1  weeks  each  ;  for  the  intermediate 
schools,  three  terms  of  12  weeks  each;  for  the  grammar  schools,  two 
terms,  one  of  12.  the  other  of  14  weeks.  By  statute  law  the  high  school 
must  be  in  session  36  weeks.  In  1878,  the  primary  schools  were  in  session 
32  weeks,  the  intermediate  schools  ^t,  weeks,  the  grammar  schools  34 
weeks.  Other  matters  of  interest  are  gathered  from  the  school  reports. 
In  1861,  there  were  eight  school  districts  in  town,  designated  as  follows  : 
No.  1,  at  the  Center  ;  No.  2,  East  Middle;  No.  3,  South  Middle;  No.  4, 
"City;"  No.  5,  North  Amherst;  No.  6,  South-west;  No.  7,  Mill  Valley; 
No.  8,  South-east.  The  report  for  the  school  year  ending  in  i860  gives 
the  following  as  the  number  of  pupils  in  each  district:  No.  1,  149; 
No.  2,  147  ;  No.  3,  56  ;  No.  4,  7 1  ;  No.  5,  107  ;  No.  6,  31  ;  No.  7,  38  ; 
No.  8,  50;  total,  649.  In  1S61,  the  town  voted  that  the  school  appropri- 
ation should  be  divided  as  heretofore,  one-third  equally  to  the  eight  districts, 
the  remaining  two-thirds  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  scholars  in  each  dis- 
trict. In  1869,  an  ungraded  school  was  maintained  during  the  winter  months 
for  the  benefit  of  those  unable  to  attend  the  public  schools  at  other  seasons  of 
the  year.  In  1872,  it  was  voted  by  the  school  board  "  That  hereafter  the 
only  corporal  punishment  to  be  inflicted  upon  pupils  of  the  schools  shall 
be  by  a  rattan  or  ruler  upon  the  hand,  and  that  no  other  corporal  punish- 
ment shall  be  allowed."  In  1S78,  a  uniform  length  was  adopted  for  the 
daily  sessions,  of  three  hours  in  the  forenoon  and  two  and  one-half  hours 
in  the  afternoon,  all  schools  opening  at  9  a.  m.  In  1880,  the  following- 
terms  were  fixed  upon  for  tuition  in  Amherst  schools  of  pupils  resident  in 
other  towns :  High  school,  $10  per  term  ;  grammar  schools,  $5;  interme- 
diate, $4;  primary,  $3.  In  1881,  the  provisions  of  the  state  law  in  regard 
to  the  vaccination  of  scholars  were  enforced.  In  18S4,  music  was  first 
taught  in  the  schools,  and  books  and  supplies  were  purchased  by  the  town 
for  use  of  the  pupils.  In  1885,  systematic  instruction  was  first  given  in 
regard  to  the  effects  of  the  use  of  alcohol  on  the  human  system.  In  1887, 
the  first  appropriation,  $300,  was  made  for  the  transportation  of  pupils 
from  the  "ends"  of  the  town  to  the  high  school.  In  1888,  the  plan  was 
adopted  of  holding  but  one  session  daily  at  the  high  school,  from  S-30  a. 
m.  to  I    1'.  M. 


MOUNT    PLEASANT    INSTITUTE — 1827. 


AMHERST,    BOOKING    FROM    PELHAM — 1850. 


MOUNT    PLEASANT    INSTITUTE.  27  I 

Of  the  many  private  educational  institutions  which  have  been  main- 
tained in  Amherst,  the  most  noted,  aside  from  Amherst  Academy,  was  the 
Mount  Pleasant  Classical  Institution.  Nowhere  within  the  length  and 
breadth  of  the  Connecticut  Valley  could  be  found  such  an  ideal  location 
for  an  institute  of  learning  as  is  furnished  by  Mount  Pleasant.  A  com- 
manding eminence,  a  little  way  out  from  the  center  village  of  Amherst, 
surrounded  by  a  noble  grove  of  oaks  and  chestnuts,  it  affords  a  compre- 
hensive view  of  the  valleys  to  east  and  west,  a  range  of  scenery  covering 
historic  ground,  in  itself  a  memory  and  inspiration.  In  January,  1827, 
Chauncey  Colton  and  Francis  Fellowes,  graduates  of  Amherst  College  in 
the  class  of  1826,  issued  a  prospectus  for  a  classical  school  which  they 
proposed  to  establish  in  Amherst.  Mr.  Colton  was  a  native  of  Long- 
meadow,  and  was  born  Aug.  30,  1800  ;  Mr.  Fellowes  was  born  at 
Montville,  Conn.,  Nov.  20,  1803.  The  buildings  of  the  institution, 
capacious  in  size  and  of  greater  architectural  pretention  than  was  custom- 
ary at  the  time,  were  erected  in  1826  and  1S27.  The  clasps  were 
organized  June  1,  1S27.  and  the  chapel  dedicated  the  following  Sabbath. 
From  a  catalog  issued  in  January,  1828,   the  following    facts    are    derived. 

In  addition  to  the  principals,  seven  instructors  were  employed,  the 
course  of  instruction  embracing  the  following  departments  :  Modern 
languages,  intellectual  and  moral  philosophy,  elementary  English  and 
commercial  study,  belles  lettres  and  oratory.  Latin  and  Greek  languages. 
ancient  and  modern  Greek,  mathematics,  natural  philosophy  and  drawing. 
The  number  of  pupils  was  68.  a  majority  coming  from  New  England,  six 
from  the  Southern  states,  two  from  Greece  and  one  from  France.  Their 
ages  ranged  from  four  to  sixteen  years.  The  second  name  upon  the  roll  is 
that  of  Henry  Ward  Beecher.  The  expressed  aim  of  the  institution  was  : 
"to  combine  the  highest  advantages  of  public  and  private  education  by  a 
liberal  and  necessarily  expensive  provision  of  instruction  in  the  various 
departments  of  Ancient  and  Modern  Learning,  Commercial  Theory,  etc. — 
by  a  regular  and  systematic  course  of  physical  culture  in  the  Gymnasium, 
and  that  moral  and  religious  influence  which  contributes  to  fit  man  for  the 
high  purposes  of  existence."  The  government  of  the  institution  was  strictly 
parental  in  character.  From  the  whole  body  of  students  a  "  Class  of 
Honor  "  was  chosen,  consisting  only  of  those  who  were  distinguished  by 
unexceptionable  deportment,  a  just  sense  of  right  and  unimpeached  moral 
courage.  From  this  body,  an  offender  against  the  rules  of  the  institution 
was,  at  the  discretion  of  the  principals  and  according  to  the  nature  of  the 
offence,  allowed  to  select  a  jury  of  twelve  to  sit  in  judgment  upon  his 
case.  In  this  "  jury  of  twelve "  it  is  easy  to  discern  the  germ  of  the 
Amherst  College  Senate  and  "  student  self-government." 


272  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

The  whole  number  of  students  was  divided  into  five  sections,  over 
each  of  which  was  placed  a  "  Praefect,"  whose  duty  it  was  to  notice  any 
departure  from  established  laws  of  correct  deportment  and  render  weekly 
reports  to  the  instructors.  The  morning  bell  for  rising  rang,  in  summer, 
at  4-30  a.  m.  and  a  half-hour  was  allowed  for  the  toilet.  At  5  the  pupils* 
assembled  on  the  muster-grounds  and  spent  an  hour  in  gymnastic  exercises 
and  games.  From  6  to  7  o'clock  the  time  was  spent  in  the  class-room;  at  7 
breakfast  was  served,  after  which  came  morning  devotions  in  the  chapel 
and  exercises  upon  the  play-grounds  until  8.  From  8  to  12  the  time  was 
spent  in  recitation  and  study.  From  12  to  1  came  gymnastic  exercises  in 
the  grove,  and  dinner  was  served  at  1-30.  The  time  from  the  dinner  hour 
until  2-30  was  devoted  to  recreation,  from  2-30  to  6-30  to  study  and  recita- 
tion, from  6-30  to  7-30  in  gymnastic  exercises  and  recreation.  At  7-30 
supper  was  served,  after  which  evening  worship  was  attended  in  the 
chapel.  At  8  the  smaller  boys  retired,  the  older  ones  studying  until  9, 
when  all  retired. 

The  annual  charges  were  fixed  at  $250,  "one-half  payable  semi- 
annually in  advance."  These  charges  included  tuition,  board,  room, 
furniture,  fuel,  lights,  mending  and  washing.  For  apparel,  books,  station- 
ery, etc.,  the  parent  or  guardian  was  expected  to  place  a  reasonable  sum 
for  expenditure  in  the  hands  of  the  principal.  There  were  two  vacations 
each  year,  one  of  two  weeks  from  April  1,  the  other  of  three  weeks  from 
the  first  Thursday  in  August.  Students  might  remain  at  the  institution 
during  the  vacations,  or  travel  with  some  of  the  instructors.  The  annual 
examinations,  lasting  from  six  to  ten  days,  began  on  May  20.  The  pupils 
were  not  allowed,  save  in  special  cases,  to  leave  the  institution  unless 
accompanied  by  one  of  the  instructors.  They  wore  a  simple  uniform. 
At  the  end  of  the  catalog  are  letters  of  commendation  for  the  institution 
signed  by  T.  H.  Gallaudet,  principal  of  the  American  Asylum  for  the 
education  of  the  deaf  and  dumb,  Rev.  Lyman  Beecher,  D.  I).,  and  Heman 
Humphrey,  D.  D.,  president  of  Amherst  College.  Under  a  special  law- 
passed  by  the  General  Court,  Feb.  16,  183 1,  Francis  Fellowes,  Joel  W. 
Newton  and  Martin  Thayer  were  incorporated  as  the  proprietors  of  the 
Mount  Pleasant  Classical  Institution,  "for  the  advancement  of  the  pur- 
poses of  education  and  instruction  in  the  liberal  sciences  and  arts."  They 
were  authorized  to  hold  real  estate  not  exceeding  $50,000  in  value,  and 
personal  estate  to  the  amount  of  $30,000. 

For  five  years  the  institution  prospered  and  then,  for  some  unexplained 
reason,  was  discontinued.  The  buildings  were  unoccupied  for  a  time,  and 
then  were  disconnected,  the  central  structure  remaining  in  its  present 
location,  while  the  buildings  at  the  sides  were   removed  to  other  parts   of 


THE    FEMALE    SEMINARY.  273 

the  village.  One  of  the  "  wings  "  was  located  on  Pleasant  street,  where 
Dickinson's  block  now  stands,  where  it  served  as  a  tenement-house,  and 
from  the  multiplicity  and  motley  character  of  its  tenants  won  the  name  of 
the  "  Bee  Hive."  It  was  torn  down  sometime  during  the  '60s.  Two 
other  sections  of  the  buildings  are  yet  standing,  on  Northampton  street. 
In  1846,  the  Mount  Pleasant  Institute  was  re-established,  as  a  boarding 
school  for  boys,  by  Rev.  John  A.  Nash.  It  was  successfully  conducted 
by  him  for  eight  years,  when  it  passed  under  the  control  of  his  son, 
Henry  C.  Nash,  who,  assisted  by  his  son,  William  K.,  has  conducted  it 
since.  The  school  has  enjoyed  something  more  than  a  local  reputation, 
many  of  its  pupils  coming  from  foreign  countries. 

The  first  institution  established  at  Amherst,  expressly  designed  for  the 
higher  education  of  females,  was  the  "  Amherst  Female  Seminary,"  which 
began  its  work  in  1S32.  But  little  information  can  be  obtained  in  regard 
to  this  school,  which  seems  to  have  been  prosperous  in  its  day.  From  a 
catalog  published  in  1835,  li  1S  learned  that  the  whole  number  of  pupils 
in  attendance  during  the  year  was  191.  Of  these,  many  were  resident  in 
Amherst;  some  came  from  other  towns  in  Massachusetts,  from  Connecti- 
cut. Xew  Hampshire,  Vermont,  Georgia  and  Alabama,  and  one  from 
Michigan  "  Territory."  The  school  was  held  in  Mack's  Hall,  in  the  upper 
part  of  the  building  occupying  the  site  where  Cook's  block  now  stands. 
The  principal  was  Miss  Hannah  White,  an  intimate  friend  of  Mary  Lyon. 
The  teachers  were  the  Misses  Mary  Proctor,  Harriet  Partridge.  Mary  A. 
White,  Elizabeth  Stone,  Sarah  J.  Kimberly  and  Anne  C.  Payson.  The 
executive  committee  of  the  institution  consisted  of  Luke  Sweetser,  Charles 
Adams  and  Lucius  Boltwood,  Esq.  Miss  White  was  succeeded  as  principal 
by  Mrs.  Washburn.  The  seminary  was  incorporated  by  an  act  of  the 
General  Court  passed  April  8,  1S36.  The  incorporators  were  Heman 
Humphrey,  Edward  Hitchcock,  Solomon  Pitkin  and  others.  They  were 
authorized  to  hold  real  estate  to  the  amount  of  $10,000,  and  personal 
estate  to  the  same  amount,  "  to  be  devoted  exclusively  to  the  purposes  of 
education."  The  seminary  was  a  day  school,  having  no  accommodations 
for  boarding  pupils.  It  continued  in  successful  operation  until  February, 
1838,  when  the  building  in  which  it  was  held  was  destroyed  by  fire. 

In  1827,  Miss  J.  Draper  kept  a  boarding-school  in  Amherst  for  young 
ladies.  In  1S45,  Samuel  N.  White  conducted  a  "select  school  for  young 
ladies  and  gentlemen,"  at  North  Amherst.  Mr.  White  was  at  a  later  date 
principal  of  Amherst  Academy.  The  General  Court,  by  a  special  act 
passed  in  1854,  incorporated  Lemuel  Porter,  Amory  Gale  and  E.  A.  Cum- 
mings  as  the  "  Ladies  Collegiate  Institute  "  to  be  established  in  the  town 
of  Amherst.  They  were  authorized  to  hold  real  and  personal  estate  to  a 
18 


274  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

value  not  exceeding  $150,000.  There  is  no  further  record  concerning  this 
ambitious  project,  and  Amherst  College  yet  awaits  its  "annex."  In  1855, 
the  Misses  F.  J.  and  A.  E.  Emerson  conducted  a  school  for  young  ladies 
at  their  home  in  the  old  "  Strong  house."  From  1855  to  1868,  Hon.  R. 
E.  Hubbard  conducted  a  boys'  boarding-school  in  the  house  on  Lincoln 
avenue  now  occupied  by  Rev.  J.  E.  Tuttle.  Mr.  Hubbard  had  served  for 
three  years  as  principal  of  the  Mount  Pleasant  Institute  and  had  devoted 
much  of  his  life  to  educational  work.  His  school  was  ably  conducted  and 
was  held  in  high  repute.  Among  his  pupils  who  gained  distinction  in  after 
life  was  Eugene  Field,  poet  and  journalist,  recently  deceased.  In  1856, 
Miss  Brewster  kept  a  school  in  the  second  story  of  the  academy  building. 
This  school  was  fitted  to  accommodate  from  20  to  25  pupils,  and  instruction 
was  given  in  the  elementary  and  higher  English  studies  and  in  Latin.  In 
i860,  Rev.  George  Cooke  conducted  a  young  ladies'  institute  in  the  "  Sellon 
house,"  now  occupied  by  the  Alpha  Delta  Phi  fraternity.  A  three  years' 
course  of  instruction  was  offered,  and  the  proprietor  announced  that  no 
expense  would  be  spared  to  secure  the  most  able  instructors. 

As  early  as  1S47,  a  project  was  formed  for  establishing  an  agricultural 
school  at  Amherst.  In  1848,  the  General  Court  passed  a  special  act  incor- 
porating Edward  Hitchcock,  William  B.  Calhoun  and  Samuel  L.  Hinckley 
by  the  name  of  the  Massachusetts  Agricultural  Institute.  They  were 
authorized  to  hold  real  and  personal  estate  to  the  amount  of  $50,000.  for 
the  purpose  of  establishing  in  some  one  of  the  towns  lying  on  the  banks 
of  the  Connecticut  river  an  agricultural  school  and  experimental  farm,  the 
object  of  which  should  be  instruction  in  agricultural  science  and  improve- 
ment in  all  the  arts  connected  with  the  practice  of  farming.  Edward 
Hitchcock,  president  of  Amherst  College,  was  deeply  interested  in  the 
subject  of  agricultural  education.  His  scientific  studies  had  given  him  a 
thorough  acquaintance  with  the  geology  of  the  Connecticut  Valley,  its 
rocks  and  soils.  Scientific  agriculture  was  at  the  time  almost  unknown  in 
America,  and  presented  problems  which  he  considered  worthy  his  careful 
attention.  The  "  Massachusetts  Agricultural  Institute  "  had  nothing  but 
corporate  existence,  but  it  prepared  the  way  for  the  Agricultural  College. 
In  1850,  President  Hitchcock  was  appointed  a  member  of  a  board  of  five 
commissioners,  whose  duty  it  was  to  consider  the  expediency  of  establishing 
agricultural  schools  or  colleges  in  the  Commonwealth.  The  same  year  he 
traveled  extensively  in  Europe,  visiting  and  inspecting  many  agricultural 
institution  in  England,  Ireland,  Scotland,  Germany,  Switzerland  and  France. 
The  results  of  his  investigations  were  embodied  in  a  report  submitted  to 
the  General  Court  in  1851.  In  1855,  John  A.  Nash  announced  through 
the  columns  of  the   Hampshire  and  Franklin   Express,  that  arrangements 


OTHER    PRIVATE    SCHOOLS.  275 

had  been  made  in  connection  with  Amherst  College  for  instruction  in 
agriculture  and  kindred  sciences  of  young  men  not  permanently  connected 
with  the  college,  but  who  might  resort  to  it,  for  longer  or  shorter  periods 
at  pleasure,  for  this  specific  purpose.  This  instruction  was  to  be  given 
only  during  the  fall  and  winter  terms.  It  included  lectures  on  geology  and 
physiology,  by  President  Hitchcock;  on  mechanical  philosophy,  hydro- 
statics, hydraulics,  pneumatics,  electricity  and  magnetism,  by  Prof.  K.  S. 
Snell ;  on  organic  and  inorganic  chemistry,  by  Prof.  W.  S.  Clark,  the  latter, 
in  after  years,  president  of  the  Agricultural  College.  In  the  summer  of 
[828,  the  New  England  Inquirer  published  for  several  weeks  the  announce- 
ment of  a  law-school  to  be  opened  in  Amherst  by  Samuel  Fowler 
Dickinson. 

Of  schools  established  at  a  later  date,  and  still  maintained,  are  those 
conducted  by  Mrs.  W.  F.  Stearns.  Miss  V.  \Y.  Buffum,  Mrs.  R.  G.  \\ 'illiams, 
Rev.  F.  C.  YVinslow  and  Mrs.  W.  D.  Herrick.  Mrs.  Stearns'  home  school 
for  young  ladies  was  established  in  September,  1877  ;  Mrs.  Stearns  has 
acted  as  principal  since  its  beginning.  There  is  no  age  limit  required  of 
pupils  for  entrance.  The  pupils  are  given  a  liberal  education  but  are  not 
fitted  for  college.  The  school  is  well  and  favorably  known  throughout  a 
wide  section  and  draws  its  pupils  from  many  states.  In  the  fall  of  1883, 
Mrs.  Emma  Owen  Buffum  established  a  preparatory  school  for  young 
ladies  in  the  house  of  Rev.  George  Lyman  on  North  Prospect  St.  She  met 
with  such  success  that  in  the  summer  of  1885  she  leased  the  Sweetser 
place  on  Lessey  street  and  opened  the  Oak  Grove  school  for  young  ladies. 
Mrs.  Buffum  died  Feb.  7,  1SS7,  and  was  succeeded,  in  the  conduct  of  the 
school,  by  Miss  Vryling  W.  Buffum.  The  school  has  an  established 
reputation,  its  graduates  being  received  at  Smith,  YYellesley  or  Vassar 
College,  on  certificate.  Mrs.  R.  G.  Williams' family  school  was  established 
in  1 8S5.  Its  first  principal  was  Rev.  R.  G.  Williams.  Rev.  E.  C.  Winslow 
opened  a  boading  school  at  "  Amoena  Hall "  in  the  fall  of  1S95.  For 
several  years  Mrs.  W.  D.  Herrick  has  successfully  conducted  a  school  for 
invalid  children  and  those  backward  in  their  studies.  The  first  kindergar- 
ten in  Amherst  was  established  by  Miss  E.  M.  Munsell  in  1S79,  in  the 
house  occupied  by  the  Misses  Cowles.  Later  on  money  was  raised 
by  subscription  and  a  building  erected  for  the  use  of  the  school  on  ground 
owned  by  Amherst  College  at  the  corner  of  Northampton  and  Parsons 
streets.  Miss  E.  M.  Munsell  later  established  another  kindergarten  at  her 
home  on  Amity  Street. 


276  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 


Agriculture  in  Amherst. — Farm  Products. — The  First  Agricul- 
tural Society. — Cattle  Shows  from  1846  to  1850. — East 
Hampshire  Agricultural  Society. — Dissensions  among  the 
Members. — Hampshire  Park  and  Hall. — Creamery  Associ- 
ations. 

Amherst  is,  as  it  has  ever  been,  essentially  an  agricultural  community. 
For  more  than  a  century  after  its  first  settlement  no  other  interest  came  in 
active  competition  with  the  culture  of  the  soil.  For  the  past  fifty  years 
Amherst  has  become  better  known  to  the  world  as  a  college  community, 
an  educational  center,  yet  its  prosperity  rests  with  those  who  labor  in  the 
fields.  Agriculture  in  Amherst  dates  from  the  time  when  its  lands  were 
the  "common  feeding  place  "  for  the  cattle  owned  by  Hadley  farmers. 
For  many  years  these  lands  were  accounted  of  little  value  save  for  pasturage. 
From  some  motive,  never  fully  explained,  the  early  settlers  of  Hampshire 
county,  as  of  many  other  sections  of  New  England,  built  their  homes  on 
the  rocky  hillsides  and  cultivated  the  sterile  soil  of  the  uplands,  while  the 
rich  bottom-lands  were  frequently  neglected.  The  soil  of  Amherst  was 
fertile,  not  so  productive  as  the  meadows  of  Old  Hadley,  but  yielding  far 
better  return  to  the  labor  of  the  husbandman  than  the  fields  of  Pelham, 
Prescott,  or  Shutesbury.  Farming  in  olden  times  was  conducted  as  a 
means  of  livelihood,  with  little  thought  and  little  hope  on  the  part  of  the 
laborer  of  acquiring  wealth.  The  farmer  raised  the  grain  and  vegetables 
and  meat  that  provided  himself  and  family  with  food,  and  any  surplus  was 
sold  or  exchanged  for  other  simple  necessities  of  life.  Engaged  in  such 
occupations,  the  people  of  a  community  would  be  neither  very  rich  or  very 
poor.  There  was  little  display  of  wealth,  and,  on  the  other  hand,  but  little 
real  poverty.  Scientific  agriculture  was  but  a  possibility  of  the  future. 
The  same  acres  were  tilled  and  crops  of  similar  kind  were  raised  by  father, 
son,  and  grandson,  down  through  succeeding  generations.  Farming  con- 
sisted largely  of  manual  labor;  the  countless  number  of  labor-saving 
appliances  now  in  use  had  existence  then,  if  at  all,  only  in  the  brains  of 
their  inventors. 

for  many  years  alter  the  first  settlement  of  the  Connecticut  Valley 
by  the  English,  the  staple  crops  there  produced  were  wheat  and  Indian 
corn.  The  latter  staple  was  easily  cultivated,  produced  generous  crops, 
and    from    the    Indians    the    settlers    learned    how    to  fashion  it  into  many 


FARM    CROPS.  277 

toothsome  articles  of  diet.  To  "rye  and  Indian "  bread  New  England 
theology  and  education  and  industry  are  deeply  indebted.  To  these  staple 
crops  additions  were  made  from  time  to  time.  Rye  and  oats  and  barley 
and  flax,  peas  and  beans  and  pumpkins,  all  were  early  introduced  and 
furnished  profitable  crops.  Bat  few  potatoes  were  raised  until  near  the 
end  of  the  eighteenth  century.  Spanish  potatoes  were  in  use  by  some ;  it 
is  stated  that  Amherst  people  were  compelled  to  call  on  Pelham  residents 
to  learn  from  them  how  to  raise  potatoes  and  turnips.  A  little  tobacco 
was  raised  in  the  earlier  years,  but  it  did  not  gain  prominence  as  a  crop 
until  a  comparatively  recent  time.  Considerable  broom-corn  was  raised 
and  the  product  manufactured  into  brooms  and  brushes  by  local  industry. 
Doubtless  there  were  many  interesting  facts  and  incidents  connected 
with  agricultural  pursuits  in  Amherst  in  the  olden  time.  They  were 
unchronicled,  and  from  lack  of  accurate  data  must  remain  so.  It  was  not 
until  societies  for  the  promotion  of  agriculture  were  establised  that  records 
were  kept  of  the  farmers'  doings.  The  flrst  agricultural  society  in  Western 
Massachusetts  was  organized  at  Pittsfield  in  18 10.  It  was  incorporated 
the  following  year,  under  the  name  of  ,v  The  Berkshire  Agricultural  Society, 
for  the  promotion  of  Agriculture  and  Manufactures."  Three  years  later, 
the  General  Court  passed  the  following  special  act,  under  date  of  June  11  : 

"  An  act  to  incorporate  the  Hampshire  Agricultural  Society  : — 
Be  it  enacted,  etc. — 

Sect.  1.  That  Robert  Cutler,  Calvin  Merrill.  Rufus  Cowls,  Samuel  F.  Dick- 
inson, Hezekiah  W.  Strong,  Enos  Baker,  John  Strong.  Elijah  Boltwood,  Simeon 
Strong,  Giles  C.  Kellogg,  Horace  Merrill,  Charles  Phelps  and  Isaac  Abercrombie, 
their  associates  and  successors,  be,  and  they  are  hereby  made  a  Corporation,  by 
the  name  of  the  Hampshire  Agricultural  Society,  for  the  purpose  of  promoting 
Agriculture;  and  for  this  purpose  shall  have  the  same  powers  and  privileges,  and 
be  subject  to  the  like  duties  and  restrictions,  as  the  other  incorporated  Agricultural 
Societies  in  this  Commonwealth  ;  and  the  Corporation  may  hold  and  possess  real 
estate,  not  exceeding  the  value  of  five  thousand  dollars,  and  the  annual  income  of 
its  personal  estate  shall  not  exceed  the  value  of  three  thousand  dollars. 

Sect.  2.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  any  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  the  county  of 
Hampshire  is  hereby  authorized  to  issue  a  warrant,  directed  to  one  of  the  members 
above-named,  requiring  him  to  notify  and  warn  the  first  meeting  of  said  Society, 
to  be  held  in  Amherst,  in  said  County,  at  such  convenient  time  and  place  in  said 
town  as  may  be  appointed  in  said  warrant,  to  organize  the  said  Society,  by  electing 
the  necessary  officers,  and  forming  rules  and  regulations  for  the  government  of  the 
society.1' 

Neither  town  or  county  records  contain  any  mention  of  this  society. 
There  is  nothing  to  show  that  it  was  ever  organized  or  existed  in  anything 
else  than  name.  The  charter  is  of  interest  as  showing  that  Amherst  men 
were  fully  abreast  of  the  times  in  agricultural  as  well  as  educational  matters. 
It  is  interesting  to  note  that  among  the  names  of  the  incorporators  are  those 


278  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

of  two  men  who  were  connected  with  the  organization  of  Amherst  Academy 
in  18  12.  In  18  18,  the  "  Hampshire,  Hampden  and  Franklin  Agricultural 
Society  "  was  organized  and  incorporated,  representing  with  distinguished 
success  for  many  years  the  agricultural  interests  of  the  large  territory 
embraced  in  the  limits  of  old  Hampshire  county.  Amherst  men  took 
part  in  its  organization  and  Amherst  farmers  were  among  its  strongest  sup- 
porters. The  old  "Three  Counties  "  society  has  a  long  and  honorable 
history,  in  which  its  members  living  in  Amherst  take  just  pride.  During 
the  decade  beginning  in  1840,  great  interest  was  awakened  throughout  the 
state  in  matters  pertaining  to  agricultural  education  and  scientific  agricul- 
ture. President  Edward  Hitchcock  was  a  leader  in  this  movement,  and 
Amherst  naturally  became  a  center  of  intelligence  and  activity  in  connec- 
tion with  it.  The  interest  in  agricultural  matters  thus  aroused  took  practical 
shape,  in  1846,  in  the  holding  of  Amherst's  first  cattle-show. 

In  the  autumn  of  1S46,  meetings  were  held  in  the  town,  at  which 
committees  were  appointed  to  make  arrangements  for  a  cattle-show. 
These  committees  prosecuted  their  work  with  diligence  ;  the  show  was  held 
on  the  common,  Nov.  12.  and  was  pronounced  by  a  spectator  "  one  of  the 
greatest,  if  not  the  greatest,  display  of  cattle  ever  exhibited  in  Hampshire 
county."  The  exhibits  included  neat  stock,  horses,  swine  and  sheep; 
there  were  144  yoke  of  cattle  and  40  horses.  Over  one  hundred  persons 
sat  down  at  table  at  the  dinner  which  was  prepared  and  served  at  the 
Amherst  house.  Hon.  Edward  Dickinson  presided,  with  President  Hitch- 
cock on  his  right  and  Rev.  Professor  Warner  on  his  left  ;  divinity,  science 
and  law  bestowed  their  blessings  on  the  enterprise.  A  committee  was 
appointed,  consisting  of  one  member  from  each  school  district  in  the  town, 
to  make  necessary  arrangements  for  the  organization  of  a  town  agricultural 
society.  The  second  cattle-show  was  held  in  1847.  It  was  described  by 
the  Express  as  a  "  mass  meeting  of  the  farmers.''  By  the  middle  of  the 
forenoon  of  the  day  appointed  the  common  was  covered  with  men  and 
animals.  There  was  a  large  display  of  cattle.  An  exhibition  of  fruits 
and  vegetables  was  made  in  Sweetser's  hall ;  there,  also,  the  ladies  presided 
at  tables  where  articles  were  sold  for  charitable  purposes.  North  Amherst 
provided  a  band,  which  "discoursed  sweet  music  at  different  times  through- 
out the  day."  At  the  cattle-show  held  in  1848,  premiums  were  first 
awarded.  The  committee  of  arrangements  had  no  money,  but  they 
distributed  patent  right  deeds  on  inventions  of  Major  Joseph  Colton,  of 
a  nominal  value  of  $10,000,  but  in  actual  value  problematical.  Thecattle- 
show  of  1849  was  held  Oct.  31.  It  surpassed  in  many  features  anything 
of  similar  nature  that  had  taken  place  in  Hampshire  county  east  of  the 
Connecticut  river.     The  display  of  cattle  was  larger  than  ever  before  pre- 


EAST    HAMPSHIRE    AGRICULTURAL    SOCIETY.  279 

sented  at  a  similar  show  in  Massachusetts.  There  were  exhibited  260 
pairs  of  working  cattle,  including  69  yoke  from  Leverett  and  52  yoke  from 
South  Amherst.  Over  200  persons  were  present  at  the  dinner,  which  was 
served  at  the  Amherst  house.  After  the  dinner,  Hon.  Myron  Lawrence  of 
Belchertown  delivered  an  address  in  favor  of  railroads.  It  was  determined 
to  organize  an  agricultural  society.  On  motion  of  Alfred  Baker,  it  was 
voted  that  the  farmers  of  the  eastern  part  of  Hampshire  County  form 
a  society  for  the  promotion  of  agriculture,  and.  as  a  preliminary  step,  a 
subscription  paper  was  passed  to  raise  the  necessary  funds.  Over  S300 
was  subscribed  at  the  time.  The  statement  was  made  that  the  town  of 
Amherst  was  pledged  to  raise  S500  of  the  Si, 000  necessary  to  secure  a 
charter  from  the  state,  if  other  towns  in  the  neighborhood  would  make  up 
the  remainder. 

In  April,  1850,  the  following  act  was  passed  by  the  General  Court: 

"An  Act  to  incorporate  the  East  Hampshire  Agricultural  Society:  - 
Alfred  Baker.  Edward  Dickinson,  Luke  Sweetzer,  their  associates  and  suc- 
cessors, are  hereby  made  a  corporation,  by  the  name  of  the  East  Hampshire 
Agricultural  Society,  for  the  encouragement  of  agriculture  and  the  mechanic  arts. 
by  premiums  and  other  means,  in  the  town  of  Amherst,  in  the  county  of  Hamp- 
shire, with  all  the  powers  and  privileges,  and  subject  to  all  the  duties,  liabilities 
and  restrictions,  set  forth  in  the  forty-second  and  forty -fourth  chapters  of  the 
Revised  Statutes,  and  all  subsequent  acts  concerning  agricultural  societies:  and 
said  corporation  may  hold  and  manage  real  estate,  not  exceeding  in  value  the  sum 
of  fifteen  thousand  dollars,  and  personal  estate  not  exceeding  the  same  sum,  for 
the  purposes  aforesaid." 

This  act  was  approved  by  the  governor,  May  1.  The  following  act 
was  passed  by  the  General  Court  in  May.  1S51  : 

"An  Act  concerning  the  East  Hampshire  Agricultural  Society: 
The  East  Hampshire  Agricultural  Society,  in  the  county  of  Hampshire,  shall 
after  the  passing  of  this  act,  be  called  and  known  by  the  name  of  the  Hampshire 
Agricultural  Society. 

Sect.  2.  The  said  society  shall  be  entitled  on  the  same  terms  as  other  incor- 
porated agricultural  societies,  to  receive  annually,  out  of  the  treasury  of  the  Com- 
monwealth, such  sums  as  any  other  agricultural  society  may  receive,  under  the 
provisions  of  chapter  forty-two  of  the  Revised  Statutes,  notwithstanding  the 
restriction  of  section  seven  of  that  chapter." 

When  the  act  of  incorporation  was  passed  in  1S50,  the  incorporators 
did  not  possess,  in  that  capacity,  property  to  the  amount  of  $3,000,  which 
was  necessary  in  order  to  secure  an  annual  bounty  of  S600  from  the  state. 
Measures  were  at  once  instituted  to  raise  a  permanent  fund  sufficiently 
large  to  secure  this  state  bounty.  These  measures  were  successful,  and 
in  1S51  the  treasurer  reported  a  permanent  fund,  securely  invested  and 
bearing  interest,  amounting  to  S^,t;o.     The    societv  was  organized  under 


200  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

the  charter,  Aug.  20,  1850.  Alfred  Baker  was  elected  president  and  James 
W.  Boyden  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  Massachusetts  Agricultural 
society  donated  to  the  Hampshire  society,  in  1850,  a  pair  of  North  Devon 
cattle.  The  society  voted  at  its  first  meeting,  "  that  ladies  be  admitted  to 
seats  on  cattle-show  day."  The  society  held  its  first  fair  and  cattle-show, 
after  organization,  on  the  common,  Oct.  30,  1850.  It  was  a  gala  occasion 
for  the  residents  in  Amherst  and  adjoining  towns.  The  day  was  ushered 
in  by  the  firing  of  cannon.  Soon  after  sunrise  the  common  was  dotted 
with  oyster-booths,  auction-stands,  gingerbread  and  cider-carts  and  all  the 
side-shows  which  in  olden  time  were  considered  a  necessary  adjunct  of  the 
cattle-show  and  which  in  some  places  still  survive.  Long  before  noon  the 
common  was  crowded  with  men,  women,  children,  cattle  and  horses.  A 
procession  was  formed  and,  headed  by  the  Amherst  Artillery  company, 
marched  to  the  First  church  building,  where  an  address  was  delivered  by 
Professor  Fowler.      There  were  many  ladies  present  on  this  occasion. 

The  society  grew  and  prospered.  At  the  cattle-show  in  1851,  500 
cattle  were  exhibited,  390  working  oxen,  123  horses,  600  specimens  of 
poultry.  Of  the  working  oxen,  202  came  from  Belchertown,  decorated 
with  flags  and  attached  to  a  spacious  car  which  was  occupied  by  181 
persons,  including  the  Belchertown  brass  band.  During  the  year,  the 
society  had  gained  300  life  members  and  its  total  membership  was  640. 
Its  officers  were  :  President,  Alfred  Baker  ;  vice-presidents,  Luke  Sweetser, 
Joseph  Smith  of  Hadley,  Paoli  Lathrop  of  South  Hadley,  J.  B.  Woods  of 
Enfield,  Horace  Henderson  of  Sunderland  ;  secretary  and  treasurer, 
James  W.  Boyden;  executive  committee,  Horace  Kellogg,  Samuel  Powers 
of  Hadley,  Charles  Adams,  William  Thayer  of  Belchertown,  Asa  L.  Field 
of  Leverett,  Benjamin  Witt  of  Granby,  W.  M.  Kellogg.  Marshall  P. 
Wilder  represented  the  state  board  of  agriculture  at  the  fair,  and  delivered 
an  interesting  address,  in  course  of  which  he  said:  "It  is  particularly 
cheering  to  all  who  have  at  heart  the  advancement  of  agriculture,  to  witness 
the  large  number  of  professional  gentlemen,  for  which  Amherst  is  so 
celebrated,  coming  forward,  with  a  helping  hand,  and  cooperating  with  the 
intelligent  farmers  of  Hampshire  County,  in  behalf  of  an  institution  for 
the  promotion  of  that  most  important  and  useful  pursuit,  the  culture  of 
mother  earth."  In  this  one  sentence  Mr.  Wilder  struck  the  keynote  of  the 
society's  prosperity  in  its  earlier  years  ;  it  had  the  good  wishes  and  hearty 
support  of  all  classes  in  the  community. 

In  1853,  the  executive  committee  met  in  April  and  prepared  a  list  of 
premiums,  which  was  printed  and  copies  were  posted  in  more  than  200 
public  places  in  the  towns  from  which  the  society  drew  its  support. 
Thirty-four  committees   were   appointed   to    award  premiums  in  as  many 


THE    SOCIETY    PROSPEROUS.  2QI 

different  classes.  Many  of  these  classes  correspond  with  those  in 
which  premiums  are  offered  by  the  society  at  the  present  time ; 
others,  no  longer  in  existence,  were  :  Plowing  with  oxen,  plowing  with 
horses,  subsoil  plowing,  meadow  lands  and  manures.  In  1S54,  for 
the  first  time,  the  fair  and  cattle-show  was  held  two  days.  Over  600 
persons  competed  for  premiums.  On  the  second  clay,  a  procession  was 
formed  and  marched  through  the  streets  to  the  First  Congregational  church 
building  where  the  annual  address  was  delivered,  after  which  the  procession 
again  formed  and  marched  to  the  Amherst  house,  where  dinner  was  served. 
The  society  voted  that  its  prosperity  and  usefulness  would  be  promoted  by 
a  larger  and  more  convenient  hall.  The  indoor  exhibits  were  displayed  in 
Sweetser's  hall  and  Phoenix  hall.  The  fair  in  1855  was  graced  by  the 
presence  of  Governor  Gardner  and  Lieutenant-Governor  Brown.  The 
permanent  fund  amounted  to  $3,570.20.  of  which  §2. 427. 77  was  invested 
in  loans  on  mortgages  of  real  estate.  Premiums  were  awarded  amounting 
to  $367.37.  In  the  report  of  the  transactions  for  the  year,  the  following 
prediction  is  found:  "The  public  spirit  of  the  inhabitants  of  Amherst 
will  doubtless  soon  furnish  that  enterprising  town  with  a  suitable  town  hall, 
which  will  also  accommodate  an  annual  exhibition  and  secure  its  contin- 
uance at  Amherst."  An  interesting  prophecy,  but  a  generation  was  to 
pass  away  ere  it  was  fulfilled  even  in  part.  From  4,000  to  5,000  persons 
attended  the  society's  exhibition  in  1S56.  There  were  nearly  800  entries 
for  exhibit  and  premium.  During  the  year  a  part  of  the  basement  story 
of  the  First  Congregational  church  building  had  been  partitioned  off, 
suitably  fitted  and  furnished,  and  christened  Agricultural  Hall.  The  room 
was  75  feet  in  length  by  62  in  width.  One-half  the  expense  was  borne  by 
the  Agricultural  society,  on  condition  that  it  should  have  the  use  of  the 
room  for  exhibitions,  on  payment  of  a  suitable  rent,  and  also  have  one-half 
the  income  from  the  rent  of  the  hall. 

Nothing  occurred  to  mar  the  prosperity  of  the  society  until  the  year 
1859,  when  there  arose  a  controversy  which  threatened  for  a  time  its  very 
existence.  The  facts  of  the  case  appear  to  be  embodied  in  a  statement 
made  by  Levi  Stockbridge,  at  that  time  a  resident  of  Hadley  and  a  member 
of  the  society's  executive  committee,  which  forms  a  part  of  the  report  of 
the  society's  transactions,  published  in  i860.  This  statement  may  be 
summarized  as  follows  :  For  several  years  after  its  organization,  the  society 
was  dependent  on  individuals  and  the  towns  for  grounds  and  halls  for  exhibi- 
tion uses.  In  course  of  time,  the  officers  found  it  necessary  to  build  a  hall, 
unauthorized  by  the  society,  which  up  to  i860  had  been  the  only  public 
hall  in  Amherst.  At  its  annual  meeting  in  1859,  the  society  was  informed 
that  the  grounds  on  which  its  shows  were  held  had  been  granted  to  another 


252  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    .MASS. 

association  and  would  not  again  be  opened  to  their  use.  There  had  been 
for  many  years  a  growing  conviction  in  the  minds  of  many  members  of 
the  society  that  it  should  own  grounds  on  which  to  hold  its  annual  exhi- 
bitions, in  order  to  increase  its  income  and  add  to  the  pleasure  of  the 
occasions.  Nearly  all  the  agricultural  societies  in  the  state  had  grounds 
of  their  own  and  were  prospering,  while  the  Hampshire  society  seemed  to 
be  losing  its  hold  on  the  interest  and  sympathies  of  the  farming  community. 
The  income  of  its  permanent  fund  and  a  large  portion  of  the  state  bounty 
was  used  in  payment  of  current  expenses,  and  no  additions  were  made  to 
the  fund.  Notice  had  been  received  from  the  secretary  of  the  State  Board 
of  Agriculture  that  the  bounty  would  be  withheld  unless  it  was  used  in 
payment  of  premiums  or  added  to  the  fund.  The  society  had  arrived  at  a 
point  where  something  must  be  done  to  revive  its  waning  prosperity. 

With  all  these  facts  and  reasons  before  them,  and  after  a  full  and  free 
discussion  of  the  subject  in  all  its  bearings,  the  society  voted  by  a  large 
majority  to  instruct  its  executive  committee  to  purchase  or  lease  grounds 
and  fit  them  for  exhibition  purposes,  if  it  could  be  done  within  the  limits 
of  the  fund.  Some  members  expressed  fears  that  the  measure  would  be 
demoralizing  in  its  influence,  from  the  undue  preponderance  it  would  give 
to  the  exhibition  of  horses ;  they  feared,  also,  that  the  permanent  fund 
might  be  lost  or  impaired  by  taking  it  from  mortgage  investments  and 
spending  it  on  grounds  and  fixtures,  but  all  appeared  willing  to  give  the 
plan  a  trial.  As  soon  as  possible  the  committee  began  their  labors  in 
accordance  with  the  vote.  It  was  considered  very  desirable  to  procure 
grounds  near  the  center  village,  and  much  time  and  labor  was  expended 
in  efforts  to  that  end.  But  the  attempt  was  a  failure.  Owing  to  the  nature 
of  the  soil,  inequalities  of  surface  and  the  price  of  land  in  that  vicinity,  it 
was  found  impracticable.  A  location  was  selected  at  East  Amherst,  one 
and  one-fourth  miles  from  the  common.  A  plot  of  land  containing  sixteen 
and  one-half  acres,  with  soil  well  suited  for  the  intended  purpose,  was 
bought  for  .'sfj^o.  When  it  became  known  that  a  site  had  been  selected 
and  probably  purchased,  great  dissatisfaction  was  expressed  in  certain 
quarters,  and  an  attempt  was  made  to  prevent  the  accomplishment  of  the 
plans  decided  on  by  the  officers.  A  meeting  of  the  disaffected  was  held 
and  resolutions  were-  passed,  couched  in  strong  terms,  impugning  the 
motives  and  condemning  the  course  of  the  officers.  The  officers  thereupon 
called  a  meeting  of  the  society,  to  see  what  action  it  would  take  in  refer- 
ence  to  show-grounds.  The  meeting  was  held  in  April  and  attracted  a 
large  attendance.  After  a  protracted  hearing  of  the  facts  in  the  case, 
resolutions  were  passed  approving  the  course  adopted  by  the  committee  in 
d  to  location,  and  instructing  them  to  proceed  in  their  work  of  fitting 


HAMPSHIRE    HALL    AND    PARK.  283' 

up  the  grounds.  A  vote  was  also  passed,  by  a  large  majority,  authorizing 
them  to  build  a  hall  on  the  grounds,  provided  they  could  raise  S  1,000  and 
do  it  without  involving  the  society  in  debt. 

The  committee  continued  their  work  with  renewed  activity.  The 
grounds  were  inclosed  by  a  high  board  fence,  a  model  half-mile  track  was 
graded,  all  ground  in  the  enclosure  was  plowed,  leveled  and  smoothed, 
seats  for  the  people  and  a  judges'  stand  were  erected,  and  wells  were  dug 
for  the  accommodation  of  stock.  The  time  approached  for  holding  the 
exhibition,  but  no  hall  had  been  built  ;  the  committee  were  unable  to  secure 
the  S  1,000  needed.  In  this  emergency,  several  public-spirited  citizens 
came  forward  and  gave  their  personal  obligations  to  the  amount  of  S500. 
As  this  made  up  the  sum  needed,  a  contract  was  made  with  John  II. 
Haskins  to  erect  a  building  100  feet  long  by  50  wide,  with  a  hall  below 
for  exhibition  purposes  and  one  above  for  dinners  and  addresses.  The 
contract  was  made  in  September,  and  not  a  stick  of  timber  had  been  cut 
for  the  building,  but  by  the  energy  and  skill  of  the  contractor  the  founda- 
tions were  laid  and  the  superstructure  completed  ready  for  use  by  Oct.  10. 
The  hall  was  large  enough  to  seat  1,000  persons  comfortably. 

An  article  in  the  Hampshire  Express  under  date  of  March  16,  i860, 
affords  some  additional  information.  The  executive  committee  were  unan- 
imous in  their  decision  to  purchase  16  acres  of  land  at  East  Amherst,  of 
Charles  Dickinson  and  Philip  D.  Spaulding.  They  had  used  every  exer- 
tion to  secure  land  near  the  village,  but  were  unable  to  do  so  without 
incurring  a  debt,  which  was  expressly  forbidden  by  the  society.  The  com- 
mittee bargained  for  a  piece  of  land  belonging  to  Pomeroy  Cutler,  which 
is  now  intersected  by  Lincoln  avenue,  but  when  this  had  been  examined 
by  a  civil  engineer  they  learned  that  the  cost  of  grading  alone  would 
exceed  the  cost  of  both  land  and  grading  at  Past  Amherst.  The  soil  of 
the  grounds  at  the  center  was  also  unsuitable  for  a  race-track.  The  com- 
mittee were  influenced  somewhat  in  their  choice  by  a  desire  to  awaken 
interest  and  secure  stronger  support  for  the  society  from  the  farmers  in 
Belchertown.  In  the  same  issue  of  the  Express  was  published  a  call  for  a 
meeting  of  the  disaffected  members,  signed  by  172  names,  embracing  those 
of  many  men  who  had  been  prominent  in  the  organization  of  the  society. 

Hampshire  Hall  and  Park  were  christened  and  dedicated  on  the 
evening  of  Nov.  2,  1866.  In  the  early  part  of  the  evening  a  concert  was 
held  in  the  hall,  attracting  an  audience  which  filled  it  to  the  doors.  At 
the  conclusion  of  the  concert,  an  historical  sketch  of  the  society  was  pre- 
sented by  Levi  Stockbridge,  who  moved  that  the  hall  and  grounds  be 
named  in  honor  of  the  society's  president,  William  S.  Clark.  Hon.  Ithamar 
F.  Conkey  moved  that  the  name  be  Hampshire  Hall    and    Park,    and   this 


^84  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

motion  was  carried  by  unanimous  vote.  The  christening  ceremony  was 
■then  performed  by  President  (lark,  who  said:  "  By  virtue  of  authority 
conferred  upon  me  by  a  special  vote  of  the  executive  committee  of  the 
Hampshire  County  agricultural  society,  and  by  the  unanimous  consent  of 
this  assembly,  composed  as  it  is  largely  of  members  of  this  society,  I  .for- 
mally set  apart  and  solemnly  devote  these  grounds  and  this  hall  to  the 
noble  purposes  of  the  society,  to  wit :  '  The  encouragement  and  promotion 
of  Agriculture  and  the  Mechanic  Arts,'  and  I  denounce  as  profanation 
any  use  of  them  which  conflicts  with  the  principles  of  sound  morality. 
In  performing  the  last  act  of  this  ceremony.  I  shall  sprinkle  the  floor  of 
this  building  not  with  oil  or  wine  which  have  been  commonly  employed 
upon  similar  occasions,  but  with  pure  water  of  our  own  famous  New  England 
river,  the  beautiful  and  ever  bountiful  Connecticut.  Now,  therefore,  I 
declare  the  name  of  this  edifice  to  be  Hampshire  Hall ;  and  the  name  of 
this  enclosure  to  be  Hampshire  Park,  and  may  these  names  be  preserved 
and  untarnished  to  remotest  generations."  The  assembly  then  joined  in 
singing  a  hymn  of  dedication,  composed  by  Charles  H.  Sweetser,  to  the 
tune  of  "  Auld  Lang  Syne." 

The  purchase  of  the  grounds  and  erection  of  the  hall  alienated  from 
the  society's  support  many  who  had  heretofore  been  active  in  the  promo- 
tion of  its  interests.  The  total  membership  of  the  society  in  i860  was 
1056.  Of  these,  438  were  residents  of  Amherst,  128  of  Hadley,  126  of 
Sunderland,  71  of  Leverett,  48  of  Belchertown,  36  of  Granby,  t,^  of 
Pelham,  32  of  South  Hadley,  27  of  Northampton,  20  of  Enfield,  12  of 
Ware.  Others  were  resident  in  various  parts  of  New  England,  the  Southern 
and  Western  states.  As  these  were  all  life  memberships,  there  was  no 
immediate  decrease  in  the  list,  but  many  of  the  farmers  and  business  men 
ceased  to  take  an  active  interest  in  the  society's  affairs  and  in  the  annual 
exhibition.  The  distance  of  the  fair-grounds  from  the  center  village 
detracted  largely  from  attendance  at  the  cattle-shows,  and  this  was  still 
further  reduced  by  the  charging  of  an  admission  fee.  The  building  of  a 
race-track  and  the  holding  of  horse-races  was  disapproved  by  many. 
The  excitement  attendant  on  the  civil  war  had  an  unfavorable  effect  on  the 
society's  affairs,  and  it  entered  upon  a  period  of  decline  from  which  it  has 
never  fully  recovered.  Within  the  past  few  years  an  earnest  effort  has 
been  made  to  restore  the  society  to  the  commanding  position  in  public 
favor  which  it  once  enjoyed,  and  with  a  measure  of  success.  A  new  and 
commodious  grand-stand  has  been  erected,  new  horse-sheds  have  been 
built,  the  old  fence  has  been  partially  rebuilt  and  extensive  repairs  have 
been  made  upon  the  hall.  The  society  is  to-day  in  a  more  prosperous 
condition  than  for  many  years  in  the  past,  with  an  encouraging  outlook  for 
the  future. 


CREAMERY    ASSOCIATIONS.  285 

The  dairy  industry  in  Amherst  attained  prominence  at  an  early  date.- 
In  the  early  '40s  it  was  the  fourth  town  in  the  state  in  the  amount  of  butter 
produced.  It  was  not  until  1SS2  that  the  owners  of  dairy  herds  decided  to 
avail  themselves  of  the  advantages  of  cooperation  in  carrying  on  their 
business.  The  Amherst  Cooperative  Creamery  association  was  organized 
June  1,  1882,  with  a  capital  stock  of  $2,700,  which  in  1889  was  increased 
to  $3,700.  The  first  officers  elected  were  :  Directors,  Edmund  Hobart, 
Flavel  Gaylord,  Charles  Lawton,  J.  E.  Merrick,  Henry  C.  West  ;  president, 
Edmund  Hobart;  treasurer,  Charles  S.  Smith  ;  clerk,  William  A.  Magill. 
The  above  were  the  only  charter  members  of  the  association,  but  the  stock 
was  soon  distributed  among  59  farmers,  and  since  the  increase  of  capital 
the  membership  has  averaged  close  to  100.  Membership  has  been 
restricted  to  "persons  directly  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits."  The 
first  creamery  building  was  built  in  1882,  and  the  product  was  first  placed 
on  the  market  in  December  of  that  year.  The  second  building  was  erected 
in  the  fall  of  18S8.  The  receipts  of  cream  in  1883  were  399.324  spaces  ; 
in  1892  this  had  risen  to  1,907,206  spaces,  equivalent  to  something  like 
300.000  pounds  of  butter.  In  the  first  ten  years  of  its  existence,  the 
association  paid  to  its  patrons  over  a  half-million  dollars  for  cream.  The 
stockholders  have  received  an  annual  dividend  of  six  per  cent,  per  annum 
on  their  investment.  The  principal  market  for  the  product  is  found  in  the 
cities  and  towns  of  Hampden  county.  The  Bay  State  Creamery  associa- 
tion was  organized  in  January,  18S9.  The  capital  stock  was  S2.500,  the 
number  of  charter  members  15.  The  creamery  building  was  erected  in 
1888.  The  original  officers  were  :  Directors,  E.  A.  King.  Salmon  Wake- 
field. F.  L.  Stone,  Philip  D.  Spanieling,  W.  A.  Dickinson  ;  president,  E.  A. 
King;  clerk  and  treasurer,  E.  O.  Curtiss.  The  annual  product  is  about 
155.000  pounds  of  butter,  valued  at  some  $45,000.  The  principal  market 
is  found  in  Holyoke. 

Of  interest  and  value  in  this  connection  are  the  following  agricultural 
statistics,  those  for  1837  taken  from  Bigelow's  "  Branches  of  Industry  "  for 
the  year  ending  April  1,  those  for  1845  from  Palfrey's  manual,  and  those 
for  1855  from  the  Massachusetts  census  report. 

In  1837,  there  were  owned  in  Amherst  42  Saxony  sheep,  698  merino, 
and  1090  of  other  kinds.  The  Saxony  wool  produced  amounted  to  105 
pounds,  the  merino  to  1832  pounds,  other  kinds  to  3068  pounds.  The 
average  weight  of  fleece  was  two  and  three-fourths  pounds,  the  value  of 
the  wool  product  Si, 6 10,  and  the  capital  invested  $3,264. 

In  1S45,  there  were  owned  in  Amherst  2.054  sheep,  valued  at  $2,568  ; 
336  horses,  valued  at  $15,120;  1,668  neat  cattle,  valued  at  $30,083  ;  625 
swine,  valued  at  $9,375.     The  farm  crops   produced   and   their  estimated 


286  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

valuation  was  as  follows:  Corn,  18,930  bushels,  $12,683;  wheat,  311 
bushels,  $389 ;  rye.  6.586  bushels,  $4,940-  oats,  8,903  bushels,  $3,116; 
beans,  200  bushels,  $250:  buckwheat,  500  bushels.  $250;  potatoes,  1,691 
bushels,  $4,022;  other  esculent  vegetables,  750  bushels.  $137;  hay,  3,900 
.tons,  $29,250;  fruit,  4,805  bushels,  $1,600;  hops,  950  pounds,  $100; 
tobacco,  29,638  pounds,  81,630;  butter,  82,447  pounds.  $10,306;  cheese, 
37.425  pounds,  $2,2  15  :  honey.  422  pounds.  $53  ;  broom  seed,  4,526 
bushels.  Si.  13  i  :  broom  brush,  65,659  pounds,   $3,939. 

In  1855,  there  were  owned  in  Amherst  429  horses,  valued  at  $33,900  ; 
741  sheep,  > r.41  7  ;  541  oxen  and  steers,  $23,448  :  1.1  27  cows  and  heifers, 
$27,691  ;  525  swine,  $4,500.  Farm  products  and  their  valuations  were  as 
follows  :  Butter,  62,875  pounds,  $12,575  I  cheese,  30.750  pounds,  $3,075  ; 
honey,  220  pounds,  $44;  Indian  corn,  873  acres,  $28,512  ;  broom  corn, 
84  acres,  $5,040;  broom  seed,  50  bushels  per  acre,  $1,260;  wheat.  19 
acres,  $648  ;  rye,  593  acres,  $6,685  :  barley,  2  acres,  $63  ;  oats,  310  acres, 
$4,090;  potatoes,  238  acres,  $11,348:  onions,  one  acre,  $315;  turnips, 
•one  and  one-acre,  $19. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI, 


M  VNUFACTURING    INTERESTS. PAPER    MAKING.— TEXTILE   INDUSTRIES. 

Amherst     Cotton  Factory. — Woolen     Mills. — Hat    M  \.\r- 

FACTURING. L.     M.     HlLLS    &    SON. IRON    AND      STEEL      MaNU- 

1  \<  tills. — Kellogg  Plane  Factory. — The  Roper  Repeating 
Rifle. — Bowie  Knife  Pistols. — Hoop  Skirts. — Wire  Goods. 
—  Cooking  Stoves. — Carriage  Making. —Children's  Car- 
riages and  Sleds. 

While  Amherst  has  never  been  a  manufacturing  center,  it  has  been 
•he  home  of  extensive  and  diversified  manufacturing  industries.  The  two 
Streams  that  flow  through  the  town  furnish  a  water-power  which  has  been 
utilized  for  fully  an  hundred  years  for  manufacturing  purposes.  Some  of 
these  industries  were  successful  for  a  time,  but  the  great  majority  proved 
losing  ventures  for  those  who  engaged  in  them.  In  olden  times,  before 
the  railroad  era,  the  banks  of  New  England  streams  and    rivers    were    bor- 


LEADING    MANUFACTURERS. 


PAPER    FACTORIES.  2S7 

dered  by  mills  and  factories,  located  where  good  water-power  could  be 
secured  at  small  expense,  with  little  regard  for  centers  of  population  or  for 
markets.  As  railways  were  built,  and  steam-power  came  into  more  general 
use,  there  arose  a  tendency  toward  the  centralization  of  manufacturing 
industries  in  the  cities  and  larger  villages.  Ready  access  to  the  sources 
of  raw  materials  and  to  the  markets  for  the  manufactured  product  became 
a  necessity,  lacking  which  an  industry,  no  matter  how  old-established  or 
prosperous  heretofore,  was  crowded  to  the  wall  by  competitors  more  favor- 
ably situated.  To  one  who  has  never  made  a  study  of  manufacturing  in 
Amherst,  the  number  and  variety  of  industries  which  have  flourished  here 
at  various  times  must  prove  a  source  of  surprise.  Concerning  some  of 
these  but  little  reliable  data  can  be  secured  ;  the  records  of  others  are 
more' full  and  interesting. 

The  first  factory  in  Amherst  of  which  there  is  any  existing  record  was 
situated  on  Mill  river,  just  above  the  "City."  It  was  owned  in  1795  by  a 
man  named  Rowe,  who  was  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  paper.  About 
1807,  Reuben  Roberts  came  from  Hartford,  Conn,  to  Amherst,  and  in 
company  with  a  man  named  Cox  bought  out  Rowe.  About  1809,  Cox 
disposed  of  his  interest  in  the  concern,  and  Reuben  Roberts  was  joined  by 
his  brother  Ephraim,  the  business  being  conducted  for  many  years  under 
the  firm  name  of  Roberts  Bros.  They  engaged  at  first  in  the  manufacture 
of  writing  paper,  most  of  the  work  being  done  by  hand,  the  stock  being 
reduced  to  pulp  by  the  rude  machinery  which  was  then  in  use.  They 
gathered  rags  through  all  the  counties  in  the  state  to  supply  their  mill,  and 
carried  the  finished  product  to  Albany  by  teams.  Their  mill  stood  in  the 
ravine  across  the  stream  from  the  highway  leading  from  the  "City"  to 
"  Factory  Hollow."  The  business  established  one  hundred  years  ago  was 
continued  by  the  descendants  of  Ephraim  and  Reuben  Roberts  until  1894, 
when  the  mill,-  then  owned  by  William  L.  and  Manning  Roberts,  was 
destroyed  by  incendiary  fire,  Aug.  3.  For  several  years  preceding  the  mill 
had  been  employed  in  the  manufacture  of  wrapping  paper,  straw  and 
leather-board,  with  an  output  of  about  one  ton  per  clay. 

Ephraim  and  John  R.  Cushman  began  the  manufacture  of  paper  in 
what  was  subsequently  known  as  the  "old  mill,"  far  up  on  Mill  river,  in 
1835.  They  were  sons  of  Ephraim  Cushman  and  were  born  in  Amherst 
early  in  the  century.  In  1S54.  they  obtained  a  patent  for  a  process  of 
drying  thick  paper  whereby  it  was  prevented  from  warping  out  of  shape. 
In  1859,  they  purchased  a  water  privilege  further  down  the  stream  and 
erected  what  is  known  as  the  "  red  mill."  They  manufactured  straw-board 
and  leather-board,  the  latter  under  a  patent  granted  to  John  R.  Cushman. 
The  leather,  in  scraps  and  waste  bits,  is  ground  into  pulp  as  in  the  manu- 


288  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

facture  of  paper  and  made  into  sheets  of  any  required  thickness.  Before 
the  introduction  of  railroads,  the  products  of  the  mills  were  carried  to 
Boston  by  teams.  The  business  thus  established  by  the  Cushman  broth- 
ers has  been  conducted  by  their  descendants  up  to  the  present  time.  In 
recent  years  there  has  been  added  to  the  business  the  manufacture  of 
"  button-board,"  a  material  from  which  small  pieces  are  punched  with  a 
die  and  manufactured  into  shoe-buttons.  In  1863  A.  R.  Cushman  bought 
out  the  interest  of  Ephraim  Cushman,  and  the  firm  name  was  then 
J.  R.  Cushman  &  Son.  Ephraim  Cushman  then  bought  a  water 
privilege  in  "Factory  Hollow"  and  erected  a  mill  where,  in  part- 
nership with  his  sons,  he  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  printing  and 
manilla  paper.  In  1866,  the  Cushman  Bros,  paper  mill  furnished  paper 
for  printing  the  New  York  Tribune.  This  mill  was  burned  in  1873  and  the 
business  was  given  up.  J.  R.  Cushman  &  Son  continued  the  business  at 
the  "old"  mill  and  the  "red"  mill  until  1878,  when  it  passed  into  the 
hands  of  Avery  R.  Cushman.  son  of  John  R.,  who  still  conducts  it.  In 
1S71,  the  business  of  the  firm  amounted  to  $75,000  annually;  since  then 
it  has  increased  considerably.  The  mills  at  present  employ  about  20 
hands,  turning  out  about  three  tons  of  straw,  leather  and  button-board  per 
day.  Feb.  5,  1891,  the  "old"  mill  was  burned  and  a  new  one  has-been 
erected  on  the  same  site. 

Some  time  in  the  '50s,  William  H.  Smith  and  John  Wiley  built  a  paper 
mill  in  what  was  known  as  "  Westville,"  west  of  North  Amherst,  and  con- 
ducted business  under  the  name  of  the  Westville  Paper  company.  This 
mill  was  burned  March  17.  1858.  An  item  in  the  Express,  referring  to  the 
fire,  states  that  the  mill  had  not  been  running  for  some  time  and  the  lire 
was  doubtless  of  incendiary  origin. 

Bigelow's  statistics  for  the  year  ending  April  1.  1S37,  show  that  at 
that  time  there  were  two  paper-mills  in  Amherst;  42  tons  of  paper  were 
manufactured,  valued  at  $7,000.  Eleven  males  and  seven  females  were 
employed  and  the  capital  invested  was  $8,000.  In  1845,  there  were  two 
mills;  the  stock  consumed  amounted  to  175  tons,  from  which  105  tons  of 
paper  were  made,  valued  at  $7,700.  The  capital  invested  was  $7,700,  the 
number  of  employes  ten.  In  1855,  there  were  two  mills  in  operation  ;  the 
stock  consumed  was  600  tons,  from  which  was  made  300  tons  of  paper 
valued  at  $24,000.  The  capital  invested  was  $15,000,  the  number  of 
employes  25.  In  [865,  four  mills  were  in  operation;  these  produced  150 
tons  of  wrapping  paper  valued  at  Si  5,000,  and  700  tons  of  paper  and 
leather-board  valued  at  $70,000.  The  capital  invested  was  $26,000,  the 
number  of  employes  38. 

At  "  Factory  Hollow,"  about  1809,  Ebenezer  Dickinson,  a  well-to-do 
farmer,  built  a  three-story  wooden  building  in  which  to  spin  cotton  yarn  by 


(   LARK    PLA(   E 


OLD   PAPER   MILL    AT   NORTH   AMHERST, 


AMHERST    COTTON    FACTORY.  289 

machinery.  He  had  no  experience  in  the  business  and,  as  a  natural  con- 
sequence, soon  became  hopelessly  involved.  He  borrowed  money  from 
neighbors  and  friends,  but  failed  to  put  the  business  on  a  paying  founda- 
tion and  it  passed  out  of  his  hands.  A  company  was  formed  in  1812  to 
conduct  the  business,  ten  men  investing  $1,000  each  in  the  enterprise. 
The  company  was  legally  incorporated  in  18 14,  under  the  following  charter, 
the  first  to  be  granted  to  Amherst  citizens  for  a  manufacturing  enterprise  : 

"An  Act  to  establish  the  Amherst  Cotton  Factory  : 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  in  General  Court 
assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  same.  That  Levi  Collins,  Ebenezer  Mat- 
toon,  Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Elijah  Eastman,  Robert  Douglass,  Nathan  Gilson, 
Asa  Adams  and  Samuel  Perrin,  together  with  such  other  persons  as  may  here- 
after associate  with  them,  their  successors  and  assigns,  be,  and  they  hereby  are 
made  a  Corporation,  by  the  name  of  the  Amherst  Cotton  Factory,  for  the  purpose 
of  manufacturing  cotton  yarn  and  cloth,  in  the  town  of  Amherst,  in  the  county  of 
Hampshire  ;  and  for  that  purpose  shall  have  all  the  powers  and  privileges,  and  be 
subject  to  all  the  duties  and  requirements  contained  in  an  act  entitled  An  Act 
defining  the  general  powers  and  duties  of  Manufacturing  Corporations. 

Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  said  Corporation  may  be  lawfully  seized  and 
possessed  of  such  real  estate,  not  exceeding  the  value  of  thirty  thousand  dollars, 
and  such  personal  estate,  not  exceeding  fifty  thousand  dollars,  as  may  be  neces- 
sary and  convenient  for  carrying  on  the  manufacture  of  cotton  yarn  and  cloth  in 
said  town  of  Amherst." 

This  company  conducted  the  mill  for  several  years,  manufacturing 
cotton  yarn  and  giving  it  out  to  families  to  be  woven  on  hand  looms.  As  none 
of  the  incorporators  had  any  knowledge  of  the  business,  they  engaged  the 
services  of  an  Englishman  named  Odber  to  take  charge  of  the  machinery. 
In  1814,  L.  Collins,  agent  for  the  Amherst  Cotton  Manufacturing  company, 
advertised  chat  machinery  of  all  kinds  for  cotton  and  woolen  manufacturing 
could  be  bought  of  the  company.  In  June,  1814,  the  name  of  the  concern 
was  changed  to  the  Amherst  Cotton  Factory.  In  the  Hampshire  Gazette, 
under  date  of  July  24,  1822,  appears  the  following  notice  : 

"All  persons  indebted  to  the  Amherst  Cotton  Factory,  either  by  Book  or 
Note,  are  hereby  called  upon  to  make  payment  by  the  First  of  August  next. 
Should  anyone  neglect  this  call,  they  may  expect  their  accounts  will  be  put  into 
other  hands  for  collection. 

For  the  Amherst  Cotton  Factory, 

Israel  Scott,  Treasurer." 

The  investment  proved  a  permanent  one,  the  capital  being  exhausted 
by  poor  management  and  business  reverses.  Most  of  the  parties  engaged 
in  the  enterprise  gave  up  the  business  in  disgust,  but  Gen.  Mattoon  would 
seem  to  have  been  connected  with  it  as  late  as  1830.  Ebenezer  Dickinson, 
the  original  owner  of  the  mill,  broke  into  the  building  after  it  had  passed 

*9 


290 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


from  his  possession  and  stole  a  quantity  of  cotton  yarn.  An  officer  armed 
with  a  search  warrant  found  the  yarn  stored  in  the  garret  of  his  dwelling. 
Dickinson  fled  to  Ohio,  where  he  died  in  poverty,  but  before  leaving 
Amherst  he  recorded  his  curse  upon  the  "  Hollow,*'  where  he  had  lost  his 
property.  The  ill  fortune  that  attended  for  many  years  the  various  enter- 
prises there  conducted  was  ascribed  by  many  to  the  effects  of  this  curse. 

Elnathan  Jones  was  in  possession  of  the  first  mill  as  early  as  1836, 
and  owned  and  conducted  the  business  until  the  mill  was  burned  in  1842  ; 
in  company  with  his  son  Thomas  he  rebuilt  the  mill  and  continued  the 
business.  In  the  early  '40s,  Thomas  Jones  owned  three  mills  in  the 
"  Hollow,"  where  he  manufactured  Kentucky  jeans.  He  sold  these  mills 
to  the  Amherst  Manufacturing  company.  This  company  was  chartered  in 
1846,  the  act  of  incorporation  bearing dateof  Feb.  7,  and  giving  the  names 
of  Thomas  Jones,  John  S.  Adams  and  J.  M.  Whitcomb  as  principals  in 
the  venture.  The  business  of  the  corporation  was  the  manufacture  of 
cotton  and  woolen  goods  in  Amherst,  and  it  was  authorized  to  issue  capital 
stock  to  an  amount  not  exceeding  $100,000.  The  company  sunk  all  its 
capital,  and  Jones  bought  the  mills  again  in  1854.  It  would  appear,  from 
such  sources  of  information  as  are  available,  that  Jones  sold  at  least  two 
of  his  mills  to  Dana  YYheelock  in  1854.  In  the  Hampshire  Express,  under 
dateof  Nov.  8,  1 854,  is  published  an  account  of  the  burning  of  "  Wheelock 
Mill  No.  2."  The  loss  on  the  building  and  machinery  was  estimated  at 
$12,000,  on  which  there  was  no  insurance.  About  40  persons  were 
employed  in  the  mill.  The  Express  also  records,  under  date  of  April  30, 
1857,  the  burning  of  the  "Jones  factory  "  at  North  Amherst.  The  flames 
spread  with  great  rapidity,  and  the  operatives,  many  of  them  females, 
saved  themselves  by  jumping  from  the  second-story  windows.  The  building, 
including  a  large  stock  of  raw  material  and  cloth  ready  for  the  market. 
was  destroyed.  The  factory  was  built  in  1851  and  was  owned  by  Thomas 
Jones  &  Bros.;  it  cost  $10,000,  and  was  insured  for  $7,000.  The  stock, 
owned  by  Jones  i\:  Alexander,  was  valued  at  $3,000  and  was  not  insured. 
A  statement  of  the  affairs  of  the  Amherst  Manufacturing  company, 
printed  in  the  Express  under  date  of  Jan.  18,  1848,  is  signed  by  Thomas 
Jones  as  president  and  by  (Jharles  Adams  and  William  Kellogg,  Jr.  as 
directors  The  capital  stock  paid  in  amounted  to  SjO.ooo.  the  debts  to 
$23,783.98.  Bigelow's  "  branches  of  Industry  "  published  in  [837  contains 
no  notice  of  cotton  manufacturing  in  Amherst.  Palfrey's  statistics  for 
1845  show  that  there  was  one  cotton  mill  in  Amherst  with  672  spindles. 
The  amount  of  cotton  consumed  was  120,000  pounds,  from  which  was 
manufactured  cotton  yams  valued  at  $7,500  and  cotton  batting  valued  at 
$150.     The   capital    invested   was   $5,000,   the    number  of  employes    17,5 


WOOLEN    MILLS.  29  I 

males  and  12  females.  The  state  census  for  1855  shows  that  there  was 
one  cotton  wickirig  mill  in  Amherst.  The  amount  of  cotton  consumed  was 
50,000  pounds,  the  value  of  wicking  manufactured  $7,000,  the  number  of 
employes  5. 

In  1830,  Peter  Ingram  built  a  small  woolen  mill  on  Mill  river  above 
the  "  City."  The  business  was  successful  for  a  time,  but  succumbed  to  the 
panic  of  1837.  It  was  afterwards  reorganized  under  the  firm  name  of 
Peter  Ingram  &  Co.,  and  the  business  continued  until  1847  when  the  mill 
was  burned.  The  loss  was  about  $6,000,  partially  covered  by  insurance. 
In  1837,  Peter  Ingram,  as  agent  for  the  factory,  advertised  that  wool  would 
be  carded  for  customers  and  woven  into  cloth  at  the  factory.  Wool  would 
be  taken  in  the  fleece  and  returned  cloth,  the  work  to  be  done  upon  shares 
or  for  an  agreed  price  per  yard.  In  1S45,  Thomas  Jones  and  a  Mr.  Brad- 
ford built  a  woolen  mill  which  was  burned  in  1857.  In  1852,  the  West- 
ville  company,  consisting  of  William  H.  Smith,  George  Cutler,  Luke 
Sweetser  and  Thomas  Jones,  built  a  woolen  mill  on  the  site  now  occupied 
by  S.  E.  Harrington  &  Son's  wood-working  factory.  This  mill  was  burned 
March  26,  1855  ;   the  loss  was  $8,600,  the  insurance  $5,150. 

Statistics  for  1837,  show  there  were  two  woolen  mills  in  Amherst  with 
four  sets  of  machinery.  Wool  was  consumed  to  the  amount  of  39,000 
pounds,  from  which  was  manufactured  62,195  >"ai"ds  of  cloth  valued  at 
$40,337.  The  capital  invested  was  $30,000,  the  number  of  males  employed 
was  22,  females  30.  In  1S45,  there  were  two  woolen  mills:  the  amount  of 
wool  consumed  was  102,200  pounds  from  which  252,000  yards  of  Kentucky 
jeans  were  manufactured,  valued  at  $52,600.  The  capital  invested  was 
$18,000,  the  number  of  males  employed  25,  of  females  30.  In  1855,  there 
was  one  woolen  and  cotton  mill ;  amount  of  wool  consumed  16,000  pounds, 
cotton  consumed  20,000  pounds,  Kentucky  jeans  made  145,600  yards 
valued  at  $28,000,  number  of  employes  20.  The  series  of  disastrous  fires 
that  destroyed  so  many  mills  proved  a  death-blow  to  the  textile  industry  at 
North  Amherst.  After  the  year  i860,  there  is  no  further  mention  of  any 
attempt  to  manufacture  either  cottons  or  woolens  in  Amherst. 

Early  in  the  present  century,  palm-leaf  was  brought  from  Boston  to 
Amherst  and  manufactured  into  hats.  It  was  brought  to  Boston  by  vessels 
trading  with  the  West  Indies.  \\ 'hen  the  Boston  &  Albany  railway  was 
opened  for  business  the  palm-leaf  was  carried  to  Palmer  by  rail  and  thence 
carted  to  Amherst  in  teams.  Henry  Jackson,  the  veteran  teamster,  brought 
many  loads  of  leaf  to  Amherst  before  the  Amherst  &:  Belchertown  railway 
was  built.  The  leaf  was  distributed  among  many  families  living  in  Amherst 
and  adjoining  towns,  where  it  was  split  by  hand,  braided,  sewed,  fashioned 
into  hats  and  the  latter  disposed  of  to  the  local  merchants  in  exchange  for 


292  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

goods.  Many  persons  were  engaged  in  the  business,  but  it  was  not  until 
the  fall  of  1829  that  an  attempt  was  made  to  systematize  and  develop  it  as 
a  distinctive  industry.  In  1829,  Leonard  M.  Hills  came  to  Amherst  from 
Ellington,  Conn,  and  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  palm-leaf  hats  in  a 
little  shop  at  East  Amherst.  The  business  prospered  and  was  soon  enlarged 
to  include  the  making  of  "  Shaker "  hoods,  at  that  time  and  for  many 
years  thereafter  a  popular  article  of  female  wearing  apparel.  The  old 
"  hood  shop,"  yet  standing  on  Main  street  and  now  owned  by  the  New 
London  Northern  railway  company,  was  erected  by  Mr.  Hills  in  1859  ;  it  is 
a  large  and  commodious  building  and  the  business  of  hood-making  there 
conducted  for  many  years  gave  employment  to  large  numbers  of  people. 
In  1856,  L.  M.  Hills  erected  mills  at  "Factory  Hollow,"  where  in  partner- 
ship with  his  son  Henry  F.  he  carried  on  the  business  of  hat  manufactur- 
ing. The  mills  were  carried  away  by  the  great  freshet  in  1863,  when  Hills 
&  Son  erected  a  large  wooden  factory  building  on  the  site  now  occupied 
by  the  mill  of  Burnett  &  Son.  The  first  building  on  this  site  was  occupied 
by  a  factory  for  splitting  palm-leaf,  which  was  burned  in  i860.  L.  M. 
Hills  continued  in  business  until  his  death  in  1872.  In  July,  1868,  a 
patent  was  issued  to  John  C.  Smith  of  Chicopee  and  L.  D.  Hills,  son  of 
L.  M.  Hills,  for  a  loom  for  weaving  palm-leaf  by  power,  work  that  formerly 
been  done  by  hand. 

Some  idea  of  the  extent  of  the  business  conducted  by  L.  M.  Hills  & 
Sons  may  be  gained  from  a  long  article  published  in  the  Boston  Advertiser 
in  1 87 1.  At  that  time  Massachusetts  was  the  only  state  in  the  Union 
where  palm-leaf  was  manufactured  into  hats.  The  only  factories  for  carrying 
on  this  work  were  located  at  Amherst.  Barre,  Palmer  and  Fitchburg.  Of 
these,  the  factories  at  Amherst  were  the  most  important  as  regarded  the 
size  of  buildings,  the  amount  of  business  and  the  completeness  of  the 
work  done.  L.  M.  Hills  <.\:  Sons  were  the  largest  operators  in  the  business 
in  America.  All  the  leaf  used  in  the  work  came  from  Cuba.  The  straw 
was  bleached,  split  and  dyed  at  the  factory,  and  then  sent  out  to  be  braided 
into  hats  and  woven  into  webs  for  shaker  hoods.  This  work  was  all  done 
by  hand,  generally  by  the  wives  and  daughters  of  farmers.  The  firm  had 
agents  in  all  the  New  England  states  to  handle  the  braid.  Country  mer- 
chants frequently  took  the  leaf  and  distributed  it  among  the  families  in 
their  neighborhood.  The  hats  were  gathered  up  and  returned  to  the  factory 
to  be  bleached  a  second  time,  pressed,  trimmed,  and  packed  for  the  market. 
Hydraulic  presses  were  used.  The  business  for  the  year  1S71  amounted 
to  about  100,000  dozen  hats.  In  addition  to  the  palm-leaf  business,  large 
quantities  of  hats  were  imported  from  Malaga.  Spain,  and  from  Leghorn, 
Italy,  to  be  bleached,  pressed  and  bound.      Braid  was  also  imported  from 


ARING    AM)    CO'S    II  \  I     I    \<  TORY,    BURNED    IN     iSSo. 


PLEASANT    STREET    IN    [875  —  LOOKING    NORTH. 


HAT    MANUFACTURING.  293 

Canton,  China.  About  ioo  persons  were  employed  in  the  building,  but 
this  was  a  small  proportion  of  those  engaged  in  the  palm-leaf  business. 
The  hood-factory  employed  a  large  number  of  hands.  The  products  of 
the  factories  were  sent  to  New  York  city,  where  they  were  sold  by  a  resi- 
dent member  of  the  firm.  The  first  year  that  L.  M.  Hills  was  engaged  in 
the  business  his  receipts  amounted  to  about  $5,000.  Before  his  death, 
the  business  of  the  factories  amounted  annually  to  hundreds  of  thousands 
of  dollars. 

On  the  death  of  L.  M.  Hills  in  1872,  the  hat  business  was  purchased 
of  his  heirs  by  H.  D.  Fearing  &  Co.,  a  firm  organized  at  that  time  and 
consisting  of  H.  D.  Fearing,  C.  M.  Osgood  and  E.  A.  Thompson.  They 
carried  on  the  business  of  finishing  hats  for  other  parties.  Their  business 
prospered,  and  in  1880  their  monthly  pay-roll  amounted  to  upwards  of 
$5,000  and  250,000  dozen  hats  were  sent  out  from  their  works.  April  23, 
1880,  their  factory  was  destroyed  by  fire,  and  the  same  year  a  fine  brick  build- 
ing was  erected  which  cost,  with  machinery  and  other  equipment,  upwards 
of  $100,000.  From  the  time  that  ground  was  broken  for  the  new  factory 
until  it  was  finished  and  ready  for  business  only  eighty  days  elapsed.  The 
contractor  was  John  Beston,  Jr.  In  October,  1891,  C.  M.  Osgood  withdrew 
from  the  firm,  and  in  1892  the  business  was  sold  to  George  B.  Burnett  &  Son. 
The  latter  firm  now  employs  upwards  of  250  hands  during  the  busy  season 
and  their  business  is  rapidly  increasing.  The  Hills  Co.  was  organized  in 
1877,  with  Henry  F.  Hills  as  president.  A  factory  was  erected  on  the  east 
side  of  the  New  London  Northern  railway  tracks,  but  this  was  burned  in 
1880,  at  the  same  time  time  that  Fearing  &  Co's  factory  was  destroyed. 
The  fire  started  in  the  factory  of  The  Hills  Co.;  the  loss  of  the  two  concerns 
was  something  like  $150,000.  The  Hills  Co.  rebuilt  on  the  same  site, 
where  they  now  conduct  a  flourishing  business,  the  number  of  hands 
employed  in  the  busy  season  averaging  about  325.  E.  L.  Dean  &  Co.  still 
continue  to  split  and  bleach  palm-leaf  and  manufacture  palm-leaf  hats. 

Statistics  for  1837  show  that  there  were  two  hat  factories  in  Amherst; 
the  number  of  hats  manufactured  was  1,200  dozen,  the  value  of  the  product 
$3,600,  the  number  of  males  employed  5,  of  females  2.  In  1845,  the 
number  of  palm-leaf  hats  manufactured  was  317,236,  valued  at  $56,696; 
the  number  of  males  employed  was  5,  of  females,  65.  In  1855,  there  were 
two  straw  hat  and  bonnet  factories  ;  the  value  of  their  product  was  $32,000, 
the  number  of  employes  173.  In  1865,  there  was  one  establishment  for 
the  manufacture  of  palm-leaf  for  hats,  hoods  and  bonnets.  The  value  of 
stock  used  was  $20,000,  tons  of  leaf  prepared  120,  capital  invested  $8,000, 
employes  20.  There  was  one  establishment  for  the  manufacture  of  hats, 
hoods  and  bonnets.     The  value  of  stock  used  was  $30,000,  number  of  hats 


2Q4  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

made  50,000  dozen,  of  hoods  made  30,000  dozen,  value  $135,000,  capital 
invested  $17,000,  number  of  employes  55. 

Many  industries  for  the  manufacture  of  articles  constructed  in  whole 
or  in  part  of  iron  or  steel  have  been  conducted  at  Amherst.  Perhaps  the 
most  important,  certainly  the  most  successful  in  its  day,  was  the  manufac- 
ture of  planes  at  East  Amherst.  About  1835,  James  Kellogg  bought  from 
Eli  Dickinson  a  shop  at  South  Amherst  that  stood  on  the  site  now  occu- 
pied by  C.  E.  Hayward's  factory.  There  he  engaged  in  the  making  of 
bench  planes  and  molders'  planes.  The  business  prospered,  and  a  part- 
nership was  formed  under  the  name  of  Kellogg,  Washburne  &  Vox  for  its 
development.  This  firm  was  dissolved  in  April,  1839,  and  immediately 
thereafter  James  Kellogg  and  Hiram  Fox  formed  a  partnership  "  for  the 
merchandising  and  manufacturing  of  joiners'  tools  in  Amherst."  The 
capital  stock  was  $8,000.  The  firm  was  dissolved  in  1840,  Mr.  Kellogg 
continuing  the  business.  In  1839,  the  business  was  removed  to  that  part 
of  Amherst  which  subsequently  acquired  the  name  of  "  Kelloggville." 
Here  two  factories  were  erected,  one  of  brick  and  one  of  wood,  which  were 
stocked  with  machinery  of  the  latest  pattern.  Success  attended  the  new 
venture,  the  business  increasing  so  rapidly  that  the  factories  were  frequently 
unable  to  fill  the  orders  which  came  from  all  parts  of  the  country  and  even 
from  abroad.  Experts  declare  that  better  planes  were  never  made  than 
those  sent  out  from  Kellogg's  factory  in  Amherst,  and  many  years  after  the 
business  was  suspended  orders  for  the  goods  continued  to  come  in.  When 
the  works  were  in  full  operation  some  twenty  men  were  employed  and 
planes  of  all  kinds  were  manufactured.  The  operatives  were  well  paid, 
and  residing  near  the  factories  they  formed  a  flourishing  little  community 
which,  as  stated  above,  was  christened  "  Kelloggville.''  James  Kellogg 
retired  from  business  in  1867,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son  William.  A 
sketch  of  the  business,  written  in  1869,  states  that  the  woodwork  of  the 
planes  was  made  from  beech,  box  and  rosewood,  and  the  irons  were  brought 
from  New  Haven  and  fitted  at  the  factory.  The  average  daily  output  from 
the  factory  was  150  to  200  planes.  In  1886  the  dam  of  the  pond  that 
furnished  power  for  the  factories  was  carried  away  and  for  several  years 
the  works  have  remained  idle. 

Previous  to  1829,  the  firm  of  Hills.  Wolcott  &  Co.  was  engaged  in 
the  manufacture  of  joiners'  tools  at  South  Amherst.  The  firm  was  dis- 
solved, March  16,  1829,  and  the  business  was  continued  by  Samuel  and 
1  [ervey  1 1  ills, who  manufactured  joiners'  tools  of  the  latest  and  most  approved 
patterns;  they  advertised  to  make  any  kind  of  tools  according  to  drafts 
that  might  be  furnished,  also  to  supply  wholesale  purchasers  on  the  most 
liberal  terms. 


ROPER    RIFLE    COMPANY.  295 

For  several  years  George  Burnham  conducted  a  factory  at  East 
Amherst  where  planes  were  manufactured.  In  1857,  Ebenezer  Nutting 
and  E.  Porter  Nutting  manufactured  planes  and  other  tools  at  a  factory  in 
South  Amherst.  The  following  statistics  serve  to  show  the  rise  and  decline 
of  this  industry:  In  1837,  the  value  of  planes  manufactured  was  $8,000, 
the  number  of  employes  10,  the  amount  of  capital  invested  $3,000.  In 
1845,  the  value  of  tools  manufactured  was  $14,975,  the  number  of  employes 
22.  In  1855,  the  value  of  tools  manufactured  was  $18,000,  the  number  of 
employes  20.  In  1865,  the  value  of  the  product  had  declined  to  $3,000, 
the  number  of  employes  to  3.  Porter  Dickinson  built  a  shop  at  East 
Amherst  about  1835,  where  for  many  years  he  manufactured  hammers, 
forks  and  edged  tools.  On  his  death  in  1S79,  n's  son  E.  P.  Dickinson, 
succeeded  him,  but  has  given  his  attention  mainly  to  general  job  work. 

The  "  Roper  Repeating  Rifles"  were  first  manufactured  in  1866.  A 
company  was  formed  to  conduct  their  manufacture  and  sale,  in  which 
Amherst  capital  was  largely  interested. 

The  Hampshire  Express,  under  date  of  April  19,  1866,  published  the 
following  sketch  of  this  enterprise  : 

■•  A  new  enterprise  has  recently  been  commenced  in  Amherst,  and  a  corpora- 
tion formed.  The  parties  concerned  are  Mr.  S.  II.  Roper  of  Roxbury,  the  inventor 
of  the  rifle  proposed  to  be  manufactured  and  of  numerous  other  valuable  machines, 
Mr.  Spencer,  the  inventor  of  the  Spencer  repeating-  rifle,  which  has  proved  so 
effectual  in  the  late  war.  and  Messrs.  H.  D.  Fearing  and  L.  M.  &  H.  F.  Hills. 
The  capital  stock  is  Si 00.000.  The  company  will  commence  operations  in  the  red 
building  connected  with  Messrs.  Hills  Palmleaf  works,  which  building  they  are 
now  converting  into  a  machine  shop.  The  machinery  introduced  is  of  the  very 
best  and  latest  patterns,  and  will  be  sufficient  to  manufacture  every  part  of  the  rifle 
but  the  barrel.  These  can  be  manufactured  abroad  easier  than  here.  The  rifle  is 
the  invention  of  Mr.  Roper  and  has  just  been  patented.  So  unlike  any  other  fire- 
arm is  it,  that  no  difficulty  attended  the  procuring  of  the  patent.  It  is  a  novelty, 
and  at  the  same  time  one  of  the  neatest  sporting  pieces  we  have  ever  seen.  The 
rifle  which  we  were  shown  weighs  but  4^  lbs.,  carries  a  common  pistol  cartridge 
No.  30,  and  will  do  execution  at  20  rods.  It  is  hreach-loading  and  contains  eight 
cartridges.  The  action  of  cocking  brings  the  cartridge  into  its  right  position  and 
discharges  the  empty  shell.  The  eight  cartridges  can  be  discharged  in  less  than  a 
minute.  The  inventor  claims  that  he  can  attain  a  larger  range  with  this  gun  than 
with  any  now  manufactured.  They  will  also  manufacture  a  shot-gun  on  the  same 
principle.  This  will  be  supplied  with  a  quantity  of  steel  shells  for  cartridges  which 
can  be  loaded  with  common  ammunition  and  capped  with  common  percussion  caps. 
Thus  a  sportsman  can  charge  50  or  100  cartridges  at  home,  and  with  any  ammuni- 
tion he  chooses,  and  all  he  has  to  do  in  the  field  will  be  to  load  the  revolving  breech, 
and  remove  the  empty  shells.  The  company  will  employ  at  the  outset  about  30 
first-class  mechanics,  and  increase  their  force  as  the  market  for  their  guns  shall 
demand.  They  have  purchased  a  lot  of  land  on  the  east  side  of  the  railroad  tracks, 
and  will  soon  erect  houses  for  the  accommodation  of  the  workmen.  We  welcome 
this  new  enterprise  to  Amherst,  believing  that  it  is  but  a  pioneer  of  many  others 
that  will  embrace  the  advantages  offered  by  this  town." 


296  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

The  company  was  organized  under  its  charter  with  the  choice  of  Henry 
F.  Hills  as  president,  H.  D.  Fearing  as  treasurer,  and  these  officers, 
together  with  L.  M.  Hills  and  S.  H.  Roper  as  directors. 

In  1868,  the  company  occupied  a  building  situated  near  the  New 
London  Northern  railway  tracks.  The  guns  first  made  and  put  on  the 
market  were  found  to  be  defective,  and  an  unavailing  effort  was  made  to 
secure  their  return  to  the  factory.  The  pattern  was  afterwards  improved 
and  a  large  number  of  the  guns  were  made  and  placed  upon  the  market 
where  they  met  with  a  ready  sale.  A  newspaper  paragraph,  under  date  of 
May  21,  1868,  states  that  the  company  were  just  completing  a  second  lot 
of  guns,  fifty  in  number,  made  after  the  new  pattern,  and  had  commenced 
on  a  new  lot  of  100.  In  addition  to  orders  from  all  parts  of  this  country, 
they  had  recently  received  an  order  from  China.  In  July  of  the  same  year, 
announcement  was  made  that  the  Roper  shot-guns  were  meeting  with  unpar- 
alleled success.  The  demand  for  the  product  of  the  factory  was  so  great 
that  it  was  necessary  to  increase  the  capital  stock,  employ  more  hands  and 
manufacture  on  a  larger  scale.  The  company  had  recently  been  granted  a 
patent  for  a  "  close-shooting  attachment "  to  the  muzzle  of  their  shot- 
gun, enabling  one  to  shoot  close  or  scattering  as  desired.  The  prosperity 
was  short-lived,  for  in  November,  1868,  announcement  was  made  that  the 
company  had  sold  patents,  tools  and  fixtures  to  D.  W.  C.  Perry,  who  with 
C.  M.  Spencer,  inventor  of  the  Spencer  rifle,  would  carry  on  the  business. 
The  guns  were  loaded  with  four  charges,  which  could  be  discharged  in  two 
and  one-half  seconds.  Some  of  these  guns  are  still  in  existence  in  Amherst. 
An  article  in  the  Springfield  Republican,  printed  in  December,  1868,  states 
that  it  was  proposed  to  remove  the  works  to  Springfield  and  form  a  stock 
company  with  a  capital  of  $100,000  to  continue  the  manufacture.  The 
works  were  in  operation  in  Amherst  as  late  as  April,  1869.  Later  on,  they 
were  removed  to  Hartford,  Conn. 

At  East  Amherst,  just  across  Fort  river  on  the  road  leading  to  Pelham, 
there  was,  as  early  as  1837,  a  shop  were  cutlery  and  pistols  were  manu- 
factured. April  1,  1836,  Henry  A.  Morrill,  Silas  Mosman,  Jr.  and  Charles 
Illair  formed  a  copartnership  for  the  manufacture  of  cutlery  and  machinery. 
From  a  Georgia  man,  who  was  the  patentee,  the  firm  secured  a  contract  for 
manufacturing  "bowie-knife  pistols."  For  a  description  of  this  unique 
weapon  the  writer  is  indebted  to  the  Boston  Courier,  which  published  the 
following  item  under  date  of  Aug.  30,  1837  : 

"  At  Amherst  about  a  mile  east  of  the  principal  village  is  a  small  establish- 
ment, now  in  its  infancy,  which  we  found  was  entirely  unknown  to  its  near  neigh- 
bors. The  principal  article  which  it  produces  is  a  weapon,  which  has  yet  hardly 
made  its  appearance,  and  which  will  not,  probably,  for  many  years,  if  ever,  be 
much  used  in  New  England.     His  called  the  Bowie-Knife  Pistol,  a  combination 


KIM   I      I  A<  "1  OR\ 


t*>>ssa— if 


AN    OLD    WOOD-CUT    OF    COMMON. 


MANUFACTURE    OF    WIRE.  297 

of  these  two  articles,  the  knife  being  fixed  by  means  of  a  spring  to  the  lower  side 
of  the  pistol  barrel.  These  instruments  are  intended  for  the  hunter,  and  the  man- 
ufacturer has  a  contract  for  one  thousand  for  a  Georgia  man  who  is  the  patentee. 
They  are  made  in  three  sizes." 

The  business  panic  of  1837,  and  the  failure  of  Knowles  &  Thayer, 
who  had  endorsed  the  firm's  paper,  proved  a  death-blow  to  the  enterprise. 
An  advertisement  published  in  the  Hampshire  Gazette  under  date  of  March 
8,  1837,  is  of  interest  in  this  connection.      It  reads  as  follows  : 

"  Wanted — Six  or  eight  filers,  who  can  do  first-rate  work,  and  who  feel  smart 
enough  to  do  a  day's  work  in  ten  hours,  without  raising  higher  pressure  of  steam 
than  cold  water  will  make,  and  can  leave  their  long  yarns  until  their  day's  work  is 
done.     Such  will  find  good  encouragement  by  applying  immediately  to 

Morrill,  Mosmax  &  Blair." 

The  partnership  was  dissolved  in  July,  1838,  the  business  being  car- 
ried on  by  Silas  Mosman  and  Charles  Blair  until  February,  1839,  when  the 
water-power,  machinery  and  patents  were  disposed  of  at  assignee's  sale. 
Statistics  for  1837  show  the  value  of  bowie-knives  and  pistols  manufactured 
to  have  been  $2,000,  the  number  of  employes  four  and  the  capital  invested 
$1,500. 

The  manufacture  of  wire  hoop-skirts  was  at  one  time  a  flourishing 
industry  in  Amherst.  It  was  established  in  1863,  by  Charles  D.  Clapp? 
who  employed  from  three  to  four  hands.  The  work  was  carried  on  in  a 
shop  located  west  of  the  meeting-house,  where  L.  M.  Hills  had  developed 
his  palm-leaf  business.  In  1865,  H.  J.  Bardwell  and  E.  H.  Haskell,  the 
latter  coming  from  Gloucester,  were  taken  into  partnership  in  the  business, 
a  patent  on  a  "  collapsing  skirt "  was  secured,  and  the  number  of  employes 
was  increased  to  about  30.  The  firm  was  known  as  the  "  Odessa  Skirt 
company;"  they  manufactured  the  "Odessa  patent  collapsing  skirt," 
described  in  an  advertisement  as  "the  greatest  invention  of  the  age."  It 
could  be  altered  in  an  instant  from  the  "  Empress  trail  "  or  "tilting"  skirt 
to  a  "  Paris  trail  "  or  "  Parlor  invisible  "  skirt.  The  shape  was  "the  most 
beautiful  in  the  market;"  it  could  "never  move  of  its  own  accord,"  but 
would  "always  stay  in  the  position  placed  by  the  pleasure  of  the  wearer." 
In  1867,  S.  H.  Emanuel  of  Gloucester  bought  an  interest  in  the  business, 
and  its  rapid  development  calling  for  increased  accommodations,  it  was 
thought  best  to  remove  the  works  to  Gloucester. 

B.  F.  Allen  &  Co.  began  the  manufacture  of  wire  goods  in  Amherst  in 
1855,  in  the  building  now  occupied  by  E.  P.  Dickinson.  They  sold  out 
the  business  in  1856  to  Allen  Bros.,  and  in  i860  it  was  bought  by  L.  H. 
Allen  who  has  since  conducted  it.  The  goods  manufactured  consist  of 
wire  cloth,  screens,  corn-poppers  and  wire  goods  of  all  kinds.  The  busi- 
ness in  its  best  days,  before  these  goods  were  made  by  machinery,  employed 


298  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

about  ten  hands.  The  product  was  formerly  sold  throughout  New  England 
and  the  West,  but  in  later  years  the  market  has  been  confined  to  New. 
England.  Statistics  for  1855  show  that  4,000  wire  covers,  riddles,  etc. 
were  manufactured  and  the  number  of  employes  was  13. 

About  the  year  1834,  the  firm  of  Clapp  &  Rust  was  formed  for  the 
manufacture  of  cooking-stoves,  which  were  then  a  great  novelty,  very  few, 
if  any,  being  in  use  in  Amherst  at  that  time.  The  castings  were  made  at 
Trask's  foundery  in  Springfield,  and  brought  to  Amherst  where  the  work 
was  completed.  The  shop  stood  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  G.  E.  Thayer's 
store.  The  firm  employed  two  or  three  men  beside  themselves  in  the 
factory  and  opened  a  store  at  the  center  village  for  the  sale  of  their  wares. 
In  November,  1S35,  tne  nrm  0I  Clapp,  Spencer  &  Co.  was  organized,  con- 
sisting of  Oliver  M.  Clapp,  John  H.  Spencer  and  Timothy  Hubbard.  In 
an  advertisement  published  in  the  Hampshire  Gazette  in  1835,  they  invited 
the  attention  of  the  public  to  an  examination  of  ''anew  and  highly 
improved  cooking-stove  which  they  are  now  manufacturing  at  their  shop  in 
Amherst."  They  continued  in  business  until  about  1837,  when  the  "mulberry 
craze,"  in  which  ( ).  M.  Clapp  was  early  interested,  and  the  failure  of 
Knowles  &  Thayer  and  Morrill,  Mosman  &  Blair,  whose  paper  Clapp  & 
Rust  had  endorsed,  put  an  end  to  the  manufacture  of  stoves  in  Amherst. 
One  of  the  stoves,  bearing  the  name  of  Clapp  &  Rust,  was  in  use  in  the 
family  of  Joseph  Dickinson  until  about  1885.  Statistics  for  1837  give  the 
value  of  stoves  manufactured  as  $2,500,  the  capital  invested  $800.  the 
number  of  employes  ten.  Statistics  for  1S37  also  show  that  70  plows  and 
300  axes  were  manufactured  in  Amherst.  Berioni  Rust  was  for  some  time 
engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  steel  springs  in  a  shop  located  near  the 
New  London  Northern  railroad.  Statistics  for  1845  give  the  value  of  steel 
springs  manufactured    as  S  1,600. 

Lyman  Knowles  began  the  manufacture  of  carriages  in  a  shop  front- 
ing on  "the  Green  "  at  South  Amherst  about  1827.  In  1S30,  he  removed 
to  hast  Amherst,  where  in  partnership  with  Asahel  Thayer  he  carried  on  a 
large  business  in  the  manufacture  of  fine  carriages  under  the  firm  name  of 
Knowles  <N:  Thayer.  For  several  years  this  was  one  of  the  largest  and  best- 
known  concerns  engaged  in  carriage  manufacturing  in  Massachusetts. 
Their  product  was  of  superior  workmanship,  commanding  a  ready  sale  at 
good  prices.  Their  factories  were  located  on  the  road  leading  to 
Pelham,  including  shops  for  wood-working,  iron-working,  upholstering 
and  painting.  From  100  to  150  hands  were  employed  in  the  various 
departments.  Asahel  Thayer  was  a  deacon  in  the  Second  Congrega- 
tional church,  endowed  with  all  the  shrewdness  and  sagacity  in  bargain- 
ing   proverbial    in    Yankee    deacons.      A    story    is    told  of   him,  in  the  time 


CARRIAGE    MAKING.  299- 

when  the  carriage-making  industry  was  in  its  infancy  and  the  members  of 
the  firm  were  their  own  traveling  salesmen.  Dea.  Thayer  had  a  carriage  built 
which  he  intended  to  sell  to  the  president  of  a  bank  in  Greenfield. 
Especial  pains  was  taken  in  its  manufacture,  the  best  of  materials  being 
employed.  The  night  succeeding  the  day  when  the  last  coat  of  varnish 
was  applied  was  bitter  cold  and  the  varnish  cracked  badly.  Another  coat 
was  applied  but  this  served  only  to  bring  out  the  markings  in  bolder  relief. 
The  deacon  started  for  Greenfield  with  three  carriages,  including  the  one 
of  special  make.  Having  disposed  of  two  carriages,  he  called  on  the  bank 
president  and  told  him  that  he  had  a  chaise  of  superior  quality  for  sale, 
adding,  "  It  has  a  peculiar  finish  known  as  the  turtle  shell,  and  there  is 
only  one  man  in  the  United  States  who  can  do  that  kind  of  work."  The 
president  inquired  the  price,  and  was  told  that  he  could  have  chaise  and 
harness  for  $275.  After  a  little  bargaining  a  sale  was  effected  at  $250. 
There  is  no  record  to  show  if  other  carriages  were  adorned  with  the 
" turtle-shell "  finish.  The  panic  of  1837  caused  the  firm  of  Knowles  & 
Thayer  to  suspend.  The  business  was  sold  to  Loren  Blanchard  who  con- 
tinued it,  on  a  smaller  scale,  some  little   time. 

A  petition  dated  at  Amherst.  Jan.  22,  1838,  was  addressed  to  the  Gen- 
eral Court.  It  stated  that  the  subscribers,  having  associated  themselves 
together  for  carrying  on  the  business  of  manufacturing  carriages  and 
harness  at  Amherst,  were  satisfied  that  the  business  could  be  conducted 
more  advantageously  to  all  concerned  by  a  corporation,  and  therefore 
prayed  that  they  might  be  incorporated  under  the  name  of  the  Amherst 
Carriage  company,  with  the  right  to  hold  real  estate  to  the  amount  of 
$10,000  and  personal  estate  to  the  amount  of  S20.000.  The  first  name 
signed  to  the  petition  was  that  of  Robert  C.  Kid  ;  other  names  of  well- 
known  men  were  those  of  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.,  Leonard  M.  Hills  and 
Oliver  Watson.  The  petition  was  accompanied  by  a  memorial  signed  by 
50  persons,  nearly  all  resident  in  Amherst,  requesting  that  it  be  granted. 
No  less  than  three  remonstrances  were  filed  against  the  petition.  The  first 
was  signed  by  23  persons,  who  protested  against  incorporating  any  business 
already  safe  and  flourishing  in  the  hands  of  individuals  ;  the  second  signed 
by  47  names  of  persons  resident  in  Cambridge  and  engaged  in  carriage- 
making  and  allied  trades  ;  the  third  signed  by  47  journeymen,  also  engaged, 
in  the  business  of  carriage  manufacture.  Despite  these  remonstrances, 
the  committee  on  manufactures  reported  a  bill  favorable  to  the  petitioners, 
but  it  failed  to  be  enacted.  Statistics  for  1837  show  that  during  the  pre- 
ceding year  carriages  were  manufactured  to  the  value  of  $100,000,  capital 
was  invested  amounting  to  $30,000  and  the  number  of  employes  was  100. 
When  the  carriage  business  was  given  up  the  factory    buildings   were   dis- 


.30°  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

connected  and  parts  are  yet  standing,    in  use   as  dwelling-houses.     A.   W. 
Hall  has  carried  on  a  small  but  prosperous  business  in  the  manufacture  of 

■carriages,  express  and  farm  wagons,  sleighs,  etc.,  in  a  factory  at  North 
Amherst}  since  1879.     He  employs  from  three  to  six  hands. 

The    manufacture   of  children's   carriages   and   sleds   has    for    many 
years  been  a  prominent  feature   of   Amherst's   industries.      Thousands   of 

•  dollars  have  been  invested  in  it  and  hundreds  of  persons  have  found  in  it 
the  means  of  securing  a  livelihood.  The  fast  Amherst  man  to  engage  in 
this  line  of  manufacture  was  Eli  Dickinson,  whose  factory  was  located  a 
little  north  of  the  site  of  C.  E.  Hayward's  present  factory  at  South  Amherst. 
Mr.  Dickinson  had  previously  been  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  faucets, 
but  had  no  water-power  connected  with  his  shop.  Benjamin  Allen  and  C. 
E.  Hayward  began  the  business  in  1845,  and  about  a  year  afterward  Mr. 
Hayward's  brother,  C.  F.  Hayward,  went  in  partnership  with  him.  For 
five  years  they  manufactured  children's  carriages  exclusively,  and  then 
engaged  in  the  making  of  sleds.  The  business  was  very  successful  until 
"hard  times"  came  in  1857-58.  In  1864,  C.  F.  Hayward  conducted  two 
factories  at  South  Amherst.  During  the  year  he  disposed  of  his  interest 
in  one-  to  his  nephew,  C.  E.  Hayward,  who  has  conducted  it  since  that 
time.  In  its  busiest  clays  from  ten  to  fifteen  men  were  employed  the 
product  of    the   factory   being  about    10,000   wagons  a  year.     Children's 

•carts  and  wheelbarrows  have  also  been  made  at  this  factory.  The  material 
used  in  the  business  is  bought  in  Amherst  and  vicinity,  and  the  product 
is  sold  to  jobbing  houses  in  New  York.  The  present  output  of  the  factory 
is  about  5,000  sleds  and  3,000  to  4,000  wagons  each  year.     C.  F.  Hayward 

-continued  in  business  until  his  death  in  1879,  wnen  the  stock  was  bought 
by  C.  E.  Hayward  and  A.  J.  Robinson,  who  carried  on  the  business  in 
partnership  for  almost  a  year.  At  the  end  of  that  time  Mr.  Robinson 
bought  out  the  business  and  continued  it  until  1888.  The  average  annual 
output  of  the  factory  was  valued  at  $10,000,  the  average  number  of  hands 
employed  was  ten,  the  amount  of  lumber  used  per  year  was  30,000  feet, 
the  amount  of  capital  invested  $6,000.      C.  L.  &  S.  H.  Goodale  engaged  in 

'the  same  line  of  business  in  1865,  and  continued  in  it  about  ten  years; 
they  occupied   a   shop  a   little   south  of  Mr.  Hayward's.      In    1869,  their 

.annual  output  was  about  5,000  children's  sleighs,  1,000  tip-carts,  700 
wagons  and  500  wheelbarrows.  They  employed  from  three  to  five  hands. 
At  Mill  Valley,  David  Dexter,  in  1869,  was  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of 
children's  sleighs  and  saw-horses.     He  employed  from  one  to  three  hands 

;and  the  annual  output  was  500  sleighs  and  twenty  dozen  saw-horses. 

Statistics  for  1837  snow  the  value  of  children's  wagons  manufactured 

..to  have  been  $1,500,  the  number  of  employes  ten.      In    1845,   the   number 


GEORGE    BURNHAM.  301 

of  wagons  made  was  7,000,  valued  at  $8,500,  the  value  of  velocipedes, 
made,  $1,200.  In  1S55,  the  number  of  wagons  and  sleds  manufactured 
was  74,900,  valued  at  $14,985,  the  amount  of  capital  engaged,  $2,800,  the 
number  of  employes,  18.  In  1865,  there  were  three  establishments  in 
town  devoted  to  the  manufacture  of  this  line  of  goods  ;  the  number  of 
children's  carriages  and  sleds  made  was  17,750,  valued  at  $18,000,  the 
capital  invested,  $2,000;   the  number  of  employes,  12. 


CHAPTER   XXXVI 


Miscellaneous  Manufactures. — "  Burnham's  Mills." — Wood-work- 
ing  Establishments. — Faucets. — Tanneries. — Brick-making.. 
— American  Button  Company. — Bonnet-making. — Lesser 
Industries. 

Many  branches  of  wood-working  industry  have  been  conducted  in 
Amherst.  Among  the  most  important  were  the  various  enterprises  carried  on. 
at  "Burnham's  Mills"  at  East  Amherst.  In  view  of  Mr.  Burnham's  promi- 
nence as  a  manufacturer  in  Amherst,  a  brief  sketch  of  his  career  is  here 
presented.  George  Burnham,  Jr.  was  born  in  East  Hartford.  Conn.,  Jan. 
28,  1S17.  He  received  a  common  school  education  and  served  an  appren- 
ticeship at  bench  plane  making  in  New  Hartford,  Conn.  Completing  his 
apprenticeship,  he  removed  to  Amherst,  April  10,  1841,  taking  a  position 
as  journeyman  plane  maker  with  Luther  Fox  then  carrying  on  a  bench 
plane  business  near  the  river  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  town.  In  the 
course  of  a  year,  a  company  was  formed  of  Hiram  Fox,  Benoni  Thayer, 
Aaron  Ferry  and  George  Burnham,  they  buying  the  business  from  Luther 
Fox  and  carrying  it  on  for  about  two  years.  The  business  was  then  bought 
and  continued  by  George  Burnham  for  a  number  of  years,  being  finally 
sold  to  a  company  in  Middletown,  Conn,  to  which  place  it  was  removed. 
Mr.  Burnham  then  equipped  his  shop  with  presses  for  pressing  straw  hats, 
and  for  sometime  did  a  general  pressing  business,  pressing  hats  for  L.  M. 
Hills  and  others  through  the  Connecticut  Valley.  Later  a  partnership 
was  formed  with  Stephen  W.  Gilbert  for  the  manufacture  of  axe  and  other 
handles,  this  partnership  terminating  with  the  new  year,  Mr.  Burnham 
continuing  the  business  alone.  In  1S55,  axe -handles  were  manufactured 
to  the  value  of  $30,000;  the  capital  invested  was  $12,000,  the  number  of 
employes  ten.     July  22,  1858,  one  of  the  buildings  being  struck  by   light- 


302  HISTORY    OS'    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

ning  during  a  hard  shower,  the  entire  plant  was  destroyed  by  fire.  Mr. 
Burnham  immediately  rebuilt  and  continued  the  handle  business.  Later  a 
run  of  stone  for  grinding  corn  was  added  and  he  did  a  general  milling 
business.  Still  later  a  steam  plant  and  saw-mill  were  added  to  the  business. 
In  the  fall  of  1868,  he  formed  a  parthership  with  E.  B.  Fitts  for  manufac- 
turing pumps,  which  business  was  carried  on  for  some  time,  the  whole  works 
being  disposed  of  to  Mr.  Fitts.  They  manufactured  an  "  anti-freezing 
glass  cylinder  pump,"  owning  a  patent  on  a  new  process  for  boring  logs. 
In  the  spring  of  187 1,  Mr.  Burnham  removed  to  Worcester  and  was  engaged 
in  various  kinds  of  business  in  that  city.  He  died  in  Worcester  July 
n,  1893. 

In  1863,  Asahel  Dwight  and  William  Dickinson  conducted  a  factory 
at  South  Amherst  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  Merrick's  saw  mill  and 
cider-mill.  They  manufactured  wooden  pumps,  shingles  and  broom- 
handles.  In  1870,  the  business  was  removed  to  Mill  Valley,  where  it  was 
conducted  by  Asahel  Dwight  and  his  brother  Nathaniel  until  1878.  Many 
of  the  pumps  they  manufactured  were  sold  in  Hadley,  and  a  few  in  Con- 
necticut. Asahel  Dwight  has  continued  the  manufacture  of  pumps  up  to 
the  present  time,  his  shop  being  located  at  Mill  Valley. 

Sometime  in  the  '60s,  Charles  H.  Bangs  and  George  E.  Howes  formed 
a  partnership  for  the  manufacture  of  doors,  sashes,  blinds  and  tobacco- 
boxes.  The  business  was  conducted  in  a  building  which  stood  on  the  site 
now  occupied  by  A.  W.  Hall's  carriage-shop,  which  they  bought  of  Elijah 
Gibbs.  In  1S69,  Charles  H.  Bangs  sold  out  his  interest  to  Dwight  Graves, 
and  the  firm  of  Dwight  Graves  &  Co.  was  organized,  consisting  of  Dwight 
Graves,  B.  F.  Kellogg  and  George  E.  Howes.  In  1876,  Mr.  Howes  dis- 
posed of  his  interest  to  ().( '.  Bangs.  When  Cushman's  paper  mill  was 
burned  at  "  factory  Hollow,"  Dwight  Graves  &  Co.  bought  the  water  priv- 
ilege and  built  a  new  mill  in  1880,  which  they  now  occupy,  doing  sawing, 
planing  and  matching  of  lumber,  and  also  manufacturing  door  and  win- 
dow-screens. 

In  1866,  S.  E.  Harrington  came  to  Amherst  and  bought  of  Messrs. 
Church  and  White  a  mill  which  had  been  built  some  two  or  three  years 
before  by  Edward  Graves,  who  had  used  it  for  dressing  lumber.  Mr.  Har- 
rington bought  from  Greenfield  machinery  for  the  manufacture  of  seed- 
sowers  and  cultivators,  making  this  line  of  work  a  specialty  for  several 
years,  but  at  the  same  time  carrying  on  a  general  business  in  wood-working. 
In  1881,  his  son.  F.  W.  Harrington,  became  associated  with  him  under  the 
firm  name  of  S.  E.  Harrington  &  Son.  The  business  as  carried  on  at 
present  embraces  the  dressing  of  lumber,  and  the  manufacture  of  mould- 
ings, brackets,  window-frames,  blinds,  screens,  etc.  Most  of  the  product 
of  the  mill  is  used  by  Amherst  builders. 


TANNERIES.  303 

In  1872,  Levi  E.  Dickinson  bought  from  Jonathan  Cowls  a  saw-mill 
at  North  Amherst  where  he  engaged  in  a  general  line  of  job  work.  The 
following  year  he  engaged  in  box-making.  In  1879,  ne  removed  to  the 
center  village,  and  built  the  factory  he  has  since  occupied,  below  the  tracks 
of  the  New  London  Northern  railway.  In  1882,  he  began  the  manufac- 
ture of  boys'  tool-chests,  which  has  since  become  an  important  feature  of 
his  business.  The  factory  is  equipped  with  machinery  of  the  latest  pattern, 
but  little  work  being  done  by  hand.  Mr.  Dickinson  works  up  about  one 
million  feet  of  lumber  annually,  nearly  all  pine  and  of  native  growth. 
About  40,000  boys'  tool-chests  are  made  each  year,  being  sold  to  jobbers 
in  New  York.  Several  hundred  carpenters'  and  machinists'  chests  also 
form  a  part  of  the  annual  product,  and  a  good  business  is  done  in  the 
manufacture  of  creamery  butter-boxes  from  whitewood.  The  average 
number  of  hands  employed  is  fifteen. 

Early  in  the  present  century.  Eli  Dickinson  began  the  manufacture  of 
wooden  faucets  in  a  little  shop  at  South  Amherst  on  the  site  of  the  house 
now  occupied  by  his  grandson.  Edwin  K.  Dickinson.  His  friend,  ""Squire" 
Rood,  drove  an  old  horse  hitched  to  a  lumber  wagon  about  the  town, 
gathering  up  old  boots  and  shoes  to  be  used  by  Dickinson  in  the  manu- 
facture of  his  faucets.  He  made  them  by  a  process  on  which  he  had 
secured  a  patent.  His  factory  contained  a  turning  lathe  and  a  few  other 
rude  tools.  His  lathe  was  turned  by  horse-power.  He  had  several  boys, 
who  assisted  their  father  at  his  work  when  not  in  school.  I  lis  principal 
market  was  Baltimore,  where  he  went  once  a  year  to  dispose  of  his  wares. 
It  took  him  from  two  to  three  weeks  to  make  the  trip.  He  moved  his  busi- 
ness to  Plainville  but  remained  there  only  a  short  time.  Later  on,  two 
brothers,  Luther  and  Dexter  Fox,  engaged  in  the  same  line  of  business, 
making  competition  so  sharp  that  Dickinson  gave  up  work  and  sold  his 
shop  in  1  S3 5  to  James  Kellogg. 

In  1865,  a  man  named  Gardner  manufactured  Inciter  matches  in  a 
shop  at  East  Amherst  that  had  been  built  by  Oliver  Clapp.  These  matches 
had  not  long  been  in  use  and  were  commonly  known  as  "  Loco  Foco  " 
matches.  The  business  was  small,  and  was  continued  only  for  a  short 
time. 

David  Watson  came  from  Spencer  to  Amherst  in  the  early  part  of  the 
present  century  and  started  a  tannery  near  the  house  now  occupied  by 
Oscar  F.  Morse,  where  he  continued  in  business  until  his  death  in  1815. 
In  1 82 7,  his  son  Oliver,  having  served  an  apprenticeship  to  the  trade  in 
Hadley,  started  in  the  tanners'  business  on  the  same  site  where  his  father 
had  located.  Meeting  with  good  success  he  continued  the  business  until 
about  1832,  when  he  sold  out  to  William  B.  Caswell  who  carried  it  on  for 


304  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

a  number  of  years.  For  several  years  before  and  after  1827,  Enoch  Whit- 
ing conducted  a  tannery  near  the  premises  now  occupied  by  John  M. 
Hyde;  it  was  from  the  location  of  this  tannery  that  the  name  "Tan 
Brook  "  was  derived.  Statistics  for  1837  show  there  was  one  tannery  in 
operation  in  Amherst  ;  the  number  of  hides  tanned  was  1,200,  the  value 
of  leather  $2,500,  the  capital  invested  $1,000,  the  number  of  hands 
employed  two.  In  1845,  there  was  one  tannery;  the  number  of  hides 
tanned  was  650,  the  value  of  leather  tanned  and  curried  $1,600,  capital 
invested  $1,500,  number  of  employes  two. 

When  Oliver  Watson  sold  out  his  tannery  in  1832,  he  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  boots  and  shoes  at  East  Amherst.  In  this  he  was  very 
successful,  soon  acquiring  a  handsome  competence.  The  boots  and  shoes 
he  manufactured  were  honest  goods,  commanding  a  ready  sale  wherever 
introduced.  Statistics  for  1837  show  that  during  the  preceding  year  1,150 
pairs  of  boots  and  3,000  pairs  of  shoes  were  manufactured,  valued  at 
$8,550;  the  number  of  males  employed  was  11,  of  females  three.  In 
1845,  the  factory  turned  out  918  pairs  of  boots  and  2,833  pairs  of  shoes, 
valued  at  $5,870  :  the  number  of  males  employed  was  18,  of  females 
four.  In  1855,  there  were  manufactured  3,650  pairs  of  boots  and  2,700 
pairs  of  shoes,  valued  at  $13,500  ;  the  number  of  employes  was  29.  In 
1865,  1,400  pairs  of  boots  and  250  pairs  of  shoes  were  manufactured, 
valued  at  $11,000;  the  capital  invested  was  $10,000,  the  number  of 
employes  12. 

Roswell  D.  Howard  began  the  manufacture  of  brick  at  Hadley  in 
1820.  In  1S36,  he  removed  to  Amherst  and  started  a  brick-yard  in  the 
east  part  of  the  town  in  what  is  known  as  Kelloggville.  He  continued  in 
business  until  his  death  in  1889.  In  1869,  the  product  of  his  yard  was 
upwards  of  700,000  brick,  that  sold  from  seven  to  ten  dollars  a  thousand. 
In  1830,  Hervey  Gilbert  advertised  for  sale  a  good  brick  yard  about  one 
and  one-half  miles  south  of  Amherst  College.  In  1887,  C.  L.  Alexander 
&  Co.  leased  land  of  W.  F.  Williams  at  South  Amherst  and  engaged  in 
the  manufacture  of  brick,  on  a  large  scale.  They  became  insolvent  in 
1892,  and  the  property  passed  into  the  hands  of  Marcy  &  Gardner  who 
have  since  conducted  the  business.  The  average  number  of  brick  made 
at  the  yard  in  the  course  of  a  year  is  from  three  to  four  million,  the  average 
number  of  employes  is  from  35  to  40.  Most  of  the  product  is  sold  in 
Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut.  Statistics  for  1845  show 
the  number  of  brick  manufactured  in  Amherst  the  preceding  year  to  have 
been  85,000,  valued  at  $225  ;  the  number  of  employes  was  two.  In  1855, 
250,000  brick  were  made  valued  at  $1,125  >  tne  number  of  employes  was 
ten. 


AMERICAN    BUTTON    COMPANY.  305 

In  the  early  '60s,  the  American  Button  company  was  organized,  com- 
posed mainly  of  Amherst  men.  for  the  manufacture  of  a  patent 
button.  The  following  paragraph,  quoted  from  the  Hampshire  Express 
under  date  of  May  3,  1866,  gives  a  good  idea  of  the  beginning  and 
nature    of  the  enterprise  : 

■•  A  new  enterprise  has  been  developed  by  the  business  men  in  this  vicinity 
within  the  past  few  days.  Mr.  I.  F.  Palmer  of  Springfield  has  invented  a  patent 
button  which  is  attached  to  any  kind  of  clothing  without  sewing.  The  shank  and 
cap  of  the  button  are  made  separate.  The  cloth  is  pierced  with  a  bodkin  and  the 
shank,  which  has  a  cap  upon  the  under  side,  inserted.  The  button  then  fits  on  to 
the  shank  and  is  fastened  in  its  place  with  a  spring,  and  can  only  be  removed  by 
cutting  the  cloth.  This  patent  was  assigned  by  Mr.  Palmer  to  Rev.  George  Cooker 
J.  S.  &  C.  Adams,  and  W.  H.  Keith,  president  of  the  Waltham  Watch  Co.  They 
have  organized  a  joint  stock  company,  with  a  capital  stock  of  £100.000,  to  promote 
the  manufacture.  All  of  the  stock  was  taken  in  a  week's  time,  and  a  large  portion 
of  it  in  this  vicinity.  Parties  are  now  offering  10  per  cent  premium  for  it.  Although 
the  company  is  not  yet  organized,  yet  the  proprietors  of  the  patent  have  machinery 
already  manufacturing,  and  have  made  contracts  for  the  manufacture  of  the  button 
until  they  shall  have  established  a  factory  of  their  own.  The  location  of  the  fac- 
tory is  not  yet  decided  upon.  The  button  has  been  patented  in  England,  France 
and  Belgium." 

The  factory  was  situated  a  little  south  of  the  Xew  London  Northern 
railway  depot.  A  notice  of  the  annual  meeting  held  in  Boston 
in  May,  1S68,  gives  the  following  list  of  officers  :  President,  Henry  F. 
Hills  ;  clerk  and  treasurer,  E.  A.  Kingsley  ;  directors,  J.  S.  Adams  and  W. 
M.  Cutler  of  Amherst.  Charles  Roberts  of  Boston,  Hon.  Edward  Southworth 
of  Springfield,  L.  N.  Granger  of  North  Hadley ;  general  agent,  Edward 
Kingsley.  The  company  met  with  little  success  in  its  enterprise,  and  a 
notice  in  the  Amherst  Record  under  date  of  Nov.  19,  1S68,  announced  that 
the  Button  company  had  disposed  of  half  its  machinery,  tools  and  fixtures 
at  private  sale,  but  had  not  disposed  of  its  patents. 

David  Mack  engaged  in  the  business  of  manufacturing  ladies'  hats 
sometime  between  the  years  1835  and  1S40.  The  business  was  carried  on 
in  a  block  built  by  him  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  Cook's  block.  His 
son  Samuel  E.  was  associated  in  business  with  him.  They  employed  about 
100  hands,  on  an  average,  sometimes,  in  the  busy  season,  as  many  as  140. 
These  employes  were  nearly  all  girls  and  women,  only  about  ten  men  being 
engaged  in  the  business.  They  used  foreign  straw,  bought  in  New  York, 
and  carried  on  the  complete  business  of  hat  manufacture.  The  goods  were 
sold  in  New  York,  Philadelphia  and  New  Orleans.  The  business  was  sold 
out  in  1848  to  Joseph  Payson  of  Easthampton,  who  conducted  it  until  1852 
or  '53,  when  it  was  given  up.  David  Mack  died  in  Amherst  in  1854. 
Samuel  E.  Mack  removed  in  1848  to  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  where  he  died  in  1866. 


306  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

For  many  years  O.  M.  Clapp  was  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of 
bonnets  and  artificial  flowers.  Concerning  this  industry,  his  daughter, 
Mrs.  A.  M.  Bardwell,  now  a  resident  of  California,  writes  as  follows: 

"  It  was  about  1840,  I  think,  that  father  began,  in  the  front  room  of  the  house 
in  ,n  occupied  bv  the  family  of  Noah  Dickinson,  the  manufacture  of  straw  bonnets, 
the  material  being  largely  furnished  by  the  busy  lingers  of  Pelham's  industrious 
daughters.  Some  six  or  eight  girls  were  employed  in  the  sewing-room  at  that 
time,  but  as  the  goods  found  favor  with  New  York  parties,  imported  braids  were 
used  and  the  number  of  employes  in  the  shop  was  increased  to  about  25.  The 
business  having  been  removed  to  the  house  north  of  the  store,  general  millinery 
was  added,  and  the  demand  for  artificial  flowers  caused  father  to  engage  in  their 
manufacture.  In  1844,  I  was  sent  to  New  York  to  learn  the  business,  and  that 
department  was  given  into  my  charge.  The  greatest  number  employed  at  any  one 
time,  1  think,  was  ten.  It  was  continued  three  or  four  years,  many  of  the  flowers 
going  to  wholesale  houses  in  Boston.  The  importation  of  French  flowers  increas- 
ing rapidly,  rendered  the  business  less  profitable  and  it  was  abandoned.  The  large 
importation  of  foreign  braids,  and  the  introduction  of  machinery  in  their  manufac- 
ture, rendered  the  making  of  straw  goods  also  unprofitable,  and  about  1S48  he 
gave  it  up,  but  enlarged  the  millinery  department  so  as  to  retain  most  of  his  old 
employes.     The  millinery  business  was  continued  until  about  1S56." 

About  1850,  O.  M.  Clapp  bought  out  the  marble  works  which  had 
been  established  by  Chandler  Sabin.  He  manufactured  monuments,  head- 
stones and  all  kinds  of  marble  work,  employing  three  or  four  men  most  of 
the  time.  He  continued  in  the  business  until  his  death  in  1887.  On  his 
death  the  business  was  purchased  by  Samuel  P.  Clutia,  who  has  since  con- 
ducted it,  removing  the  works  to  the  center  village  in  1890. 

As  early  as  1854,  Ira  C.  Haskins  began  the  manufacture  of  gold  pens 
in  Amherst.  For  several'  years  his  brother,  J.  C.  Haskins.  was  associated 
with  him  in  the  business  under  the  firm  name  of  Haskins  Bros.  Gold 
pens  were  manufactured  in  nearly  fifty  different  patterns.  In  1867,  by 
special  act  of  the  General  Court,  the  Haskins  Gold  Pen  manufacturing- 
company  was  incorporated,  for  the  manufacture  of  pencils  and  gold  pens  in 
Shutesbury  and  Amherst.  The  capital  stock  was  not  to  exceed  $100,000. 
The  company  was  never  organized  under  the  charter. 

In  [839,  the  General  Court  passed  an  act  to  incorporate  the  Amherst 
Silk  association.  The  persons  whose  names  were  given  in  the  charter  were 
Nelson  Rust,  Oliver  M.  Clapp  and  Matthew  Porter.  The  business  of  the 
association  was  to  manufacture  silk  in  the  town  of  Amherst,  and  the  capital 
stock  was  not  to  exceed  $20,000.  So  far  as  can  be  learned,  there  was 
never  any  organization  under  the  charter. 

For  several  years  William  Cutler  conducted  a  lampblack  factory  on 
the  site  now  occupied  by  The  Hills  Co's  factory.  At  different  times  many 
persons  have  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  brooms  and  brushes  in 
Amherst.      Since  1880,  A.  H.  Brown  has  conducted    a    broom    and    brush 


RAILWAYS    IX    MASSACHUSETTS.  307 

factory  at  North  Amherst,  employing  from  three  to  five  hands,  the  annual 
product  being  about  4,000  brooms.  Shoe-heels  were  manufactured  for  a 
time  by  C.  O.  Parmenter  and  S.  W.  Gilbert.  C.  R.  Stickney  manufactured 
in  1869  a  patent  pocket  light,  consisting  of  a  small  match-box  and  candle- 
stick combined,  the  whole  not  larger  than  an  ordinary  match-box.  Edward 
P.  Cushman  was  for  a  time  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  cigars.  ( >f 
saw-mills  and  grist-mills  and  cider-mills  the  town  has  had  its  quota,  but  it 
is  a  practical  impossibility  to  trace  their  ownership  from  generation  to 
generation. 


CHAPTER   XXXVIII. 


The  First  Railway  i\  Massachusetts. — Connecticut  River  Road. — 
Hampshire  and  Franklin  Railway  Company. — Mount  Hol- 
yoke  Railway  Company. — Amherst  Branch  Railroad. — The 
Amherst  and  Belchertown  Railway  Company. — New  Lon- 
don Northern  Road. — Massachusetts  Central  Railway 
Company. 

The  efforts  made  by  Amherst's  citizens  to  secure  railway  communica- 
tion with  the  outer  world  furnish  material  for  an  interesting  chapter  in 
local  history.  These  efforts  began  at  an  early  period  in  the  history  of 
railway  construction  in  New  England,  and  were  continued  until  crowned 
with  success,  witnessed  to-day  by  the  two  railway  lines  that  pass  through 
the  town,  the  one  accommodating  travel  to  the  north  and  south,  the  other  to 
the  east  and  west.  The  story  of  their  construction  is  one  of  persistent 
labor,  liberal  expenditure  and  patient  waiting;  labor  that  engaged  the  time 
and  talents  of  the  most  prominent  citizens  of  the  town,  expenditure  that 
added  largely  to  the  town's  indebtedness  and  burden  of  taxation,  waiting 
which  taxed  patience  and  public  spirit  to  the  utmost.  The  first  railway 
project  designed  to  benefit  the  citizens  of  Western  Massachusetts  originated 
in  1S27,  when  a  board  of  commissioners  was  appointed  to  survey  one  or 
more  routes  for  a  railway  between  Boston  and  Albany.  The  board 
examined  two  routes,  one  crossing  the  Connecticut  river  at  Northampton, 
the  other  at  Springfield.  In  making  their  estimates,  they  figured  on  the  use 
of  horses  for  motive  power,  the  development  of  steam  power  being  as  yet 
in  its  infancy.     As  a  result  of  these  surveys,  the  Boston  &  Worcester  rail- 


308  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

road  company  was  incorporated;  later  on,  in  1833,  the  "  Western  Railroad 
Corporation  "  was  chartered,  for  the  purpose  of  constructing  a  road  from 
Worcester,  the  terminus  of  theBoston&  Worcester  railroad,  to  the  New  York 
state  line,  with  a  capital  stock  limited  to  $2,000,000.  The  corporation 
was  organized  in  January,  1836,  the  work  of  construction  began  in  1837, 
ami  ( )ct.  1,  1S39.  the  road  was  opened  to  travel  from  Worcester  to  Spring- 
field. The  western  extension  of  the  road  to  Albany  was  not  open  for 
travel  until  September,  1842. 

The  completion  of  the  Western  railroad  was  a  signal  for  the  inaugu- 
ration of  new  enterprises  in  railway  building  in  Western  Massachusetts. 
In  March,  1842,  John  Clarke,  Samuel  L.  Hinckley,  Stephen  Brewer, 
Jonathan  H.  Butler,  Winthrop  Hillyer  and  their  associaties  were  granted  a 
charter  as  the  "  Northampton  and  Springfield  Railroad  Corporation,"  for 
the  purpose  of  building  a  road  "commencing  within  one  mile  of  the  Court 
House  (Northampton),  crossing  Connecticut  river  near  Mt.  Holyoke,  and 
passing  down  the  valley  of  said  river  on  East  side  thereof,  through  a 
portion  of  Hadley,  South  Hadley  and  Springfield,  to  meet  the  track  of  the 
Hartford  and  Springfield  corporation  at  Cabotville,  or  diverging  from 
said  line,  at  or  near  Stony  Brook  in  South  Hadley,  and  passing  over  the 
plain,  and  crossing  the  Chicopee  river  near  the  Falls,  uniting  with  the 
Western  Railroad,  easterly  of  the  depot  in  Springfield."  The  capital  stock 
was  limited  by  the  original  act  of  incorporation  to  £400,000,  but  by  special 
act  of  the  General  Court,  passed  in  1S44,  was  increased  to  $500,000.  In 
January,  1845,  Henry  W.  Clapp,  Ralph  Williams,  Henry  W.  Cushman  and 
their  associates  were  incorporated  as  the  "  Greenfield  and  Northampton 
Railroad  Company,"  and  were  authorized  to  build  a  railroad  from  North- 
ampton to  Greenfield.  By  the  act  of  incorporation,  the  Greenfield  and 
Northampton  and  Northampton  and  Springfield  companies  were  authorized 
to  unite  under  the  name  of  the  Connecticut  River  railroad  company  ;  this 
union  was  brought  about  in  July,  1845.  March  21,  1845,  a  special  act  was 
passed  authorizing  the  Northampton  and  Springfield  company  to  change 
its  route  to  the  present  location  on  the  west  side  of  the  Connecticut,  cross- 
ing the  river  at  Willimansett.  In  April,  1846,  an  act  was  passed  authoriz- 
ing the  Connecticut  River  railroad  company  to  extend  their  tracks  north- 
ward to  the  Vermont  state  line. 

The  inhabitants  of  towns  on  the  east  side  of  the  Connecticut,  having 
every  reason  to  believe  that  the  tracks  of  the  Northampton  and  Springfield 
road  were  to  be  laid  on  their  side  of  the  river  from  Springfield  to  Mt. 
Holyoke,  took  prompt  measures  to  secure  an  extension  of  tin-  road  to  the 
north  through  Hampshire  and  Franklin  count}-  towns.  With  that  end  in 
view,  a  railroad  convention  was  held  at  Sweetser's  hall  in  Amherst,  Dec. 
17,   1844.      Martin    Grout  of    Montague   was   chosen    president  of   the  con- 


RAILROAD    CONVENTION    AT    AMHERST.  309 

vention  and  Horace  Lyman  of  Sunderland  and  Newton  Fitch  of  Amherst 
secretaries.  Resolutions  were  passed  to  the  following  effect :  That  the 
prospect  of  the  early  completion  of  the  Vermont  and  Massachusetts  rail- 
road as  far  west  as  Grout's  in  Montague,  and  the  increasing  business  upon 
the  route  through  the  valley  of  the  Connecticut  river,  justified  and  required 
that  immediate  efforts  be  made  to  secure  a  charter  for  a  road  to  connect 
the  Northampton  and  Springfield  road  at  Hockanum  with  the  Vermont  and 
Massachusetts  road  at  or  near  Grout's ;  that  the  construction  of  a  road 
over  the  proposed  route  would  complete  a  great  circle  of  railway  commu- 
nication between  New  York  and  New  England,  and  furnish  a  more  direct 
communication  between  this  part  of  the  Connecticut  valley  and  Boston  ; 
that  the  survey  made  by  an  experienced  engineer  on  the  contemplated 
route  showed  it  as  feasible  as  any  that  had  been  examined  and  that  the 
road  could  be  constructed  as  cheaply  as  any  in  New  England  ;  that  a  com- 
mittee be  appointed  to  take  all  necessary  measures  to  obtain  a  charter 
from  the  next  Legislature.  A  committee  of  six  was  appointed.  Amherst 
being  represented  by  Dr.  Timothy  J.  Gridley.  The  Hampshire  and  Frank- 
lin railroad  company  was  incorporated  by  an  act  of  the  General  Court 
passed  Feb.  i,  1845.  The  names  of  the  incorporators  were  Timothy  J. 
Gridley,  Luke  Sweetser,  Parsons  West,  and  others.  They  were  empowered 
to  locate,  construct  and  fullv  complete  a  railroad  with  one  or  more  tracks 
from  some  convenient  point  in  the  village  of  Hockanum  in  the  town  of 
Hadley,  passing  through  the  towns  of  Amherst,  Hadley  and  Sunderland,  to 
some  convenient  point  on  the  Vermont  and  Massachusetts  railroad,  in 
either  of  the  towns  of  Montague  or  Frving.  The  capital  stock  was  not  to 
exceed  $600,000.  The  location  of  the  road  was  to  be  filed  with  the  county 
commissioners  in  two  years  and  the  road  to  be  completed  in  four  years. 
The  road  might  unite  with  the  Vermont  and  Massachusetts  road  at  either 
Montague  or  Erving,  and  with  the  Northampton  and  Springfield  road  at 
Hockanum,  should  the  latter  road  be  constructed  to  that  village.  The 
Vermont  and  Massachusetts  railroad  company  was  incorporated  in  1844, 
and  authorized  to  build  a  railroad  from  Fitchburg  to  Vernon,  Vt. 

When  the  incorporators  of  the  Hampshire  and  Franklin  railway  com- 
pany learned  that  it  was  proposed  to  alter  the  route  of  the  Northampton 
and  Springfield  road,  and  lay  its  tracks  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  great 
indignation  was  aroused.  The  action  was  considered  a  breach  of  faith  on 
the  part  of  its  projectors  and  of  the  General  Court.  It  was  realized  that 
the  Hampshire  and  Franklin  railroad,  if  constructed,  must  have  a  southern 
connection,  and  if  this  could  not  be  secured  at  Hockanum,  with  the  North- 
ampton and  Springfield  road,  then  an  independent  line  must  be  built. 
With  this  end  in  view  the  incorporators  of  the  Hampshire  and  Franklin 
road  secured  from  the  General  Court  in    March,    1846,   a   charter  for  the 


310  HISTORY    OF     ["HE     I'oWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Mount  Holyoke  railroad  company.  The  names  mentioned  in  the  act  of 
incorporation  are  John  S.  Adams,  Luke  Sweetser  and  Samuel  Nash.  They 
were  authorized  to  locate,  construct  and  complete  a  railroad  from  the 
southern  terminus  of  the  Hampshire  and  Franklin  railroad,  in  the  village 
of  Hockanum  in  the  town  of  Hadley,  passing  through  a  part  of  Hadley, 
South  Hadley  and  Springfield  to  some  convenient  point  on  the  Connecticut 
River  railroad  at  or  near  Willimansett  in  Springfield.  The  capital  stock 
was  to  be  not  more  than  $200,000  in  shares  of  $100  each.  The  location 
of  the  road  was  to  be  filed  in  one  year  and  the  road  completed  in  three 
years.  It  might  unite  with  and  take  the  name  of  the  Hampshire  and 
Franklin  railroad. 

A  meeting  of  friends  of  the  Hampshire  and  Franklin  railroad  was 
held  at  Sweetser's  hall  in  Amherst,  May  5,  1846.  It  was  called  to  order 
by  Hon.  Edward  Dickinson.  Permanent  officers  were  chosen  as  follows : 
President,  James  White  of  Northfield  ;  vice-presidents,  Hon.  Zebina  Field 
of  Leverett,  Gen.  Parsons  West  of  Hadley;  secretaries,  E.  G.  Bowdoinof 
South  Hadley,  Newton  Fitch  of  Amherst.  A  committee  was  appointed  to 
report  business  to  the  meeting.  The  incorporating  acts  of  the  Hampshire 
and  Franklin  and  Mount  Holyoke  railway  companies  were  read,  also  the 
acts  authorizing  the  extension  of  the  Connecticut  River  railroad,  and  an 
act  in  addition  to  an  act  incorporating  the  Vermont  and  Massachusetts 
railroad.  The  committee  reported  a  preamble  and  resolutions,  in  substance 
as  follows  : 

Whereas,  the  Legislature  in  1842  granted  a  charter  to  the  Northampton 
and  Springfield  railroad  company  to  build  a  railroad  on  the  east  side  of 
the  Connecticut  river  from  Cabotville  to  Hockanum,  thence  crossing  the 
river  to  Northampton,   and 

Whereas,  the  Legislature  of   1S44  extended  the  charter  two  years,  and 

Whereas,  the  people  living  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  in  1844  made 
application  to  the  Legislature,  procured  the  necessary  surveys  and  took  all 
preliminary  measures  required  by  law  for  obtaining  a  charter  to  extend 
the  road  up  the  east  side  of  the  river,  and  obtained  a  charter  for  such 
extension  from  Hockanum  to  Grout's  at  Millers  River,  and 

Whereas,  after  a  charter  was  granted  for  such  extension,  the  Legisla- 
ture gave  leave  to  the  Northampton  and  Springfield  railroad  to  cross  the 
Connecticut  river  between  Willimansett  and  West  Springfield,  and  build 
their  road  on  the  west  side  of  the  river  for  eight  out  of  the  twelve  miles 
between  Cabotville  and  Northampton,  and  thus  abandon  two-thirds  of  the 
originally  chartered  route  on  the  ground  of  saving  in  expense  of  construc- 
tion, and 

Whereas,  the  friends  of  the  originally  chartered  route  have  felt  obliged 


SUBSCRIPTION    BOOKS    OPENED.  31 1 

to  apply  to  the  Legislature  for  leave  to  build  a  railroad  over  the  route  above 
named,  and  have  obtained  a  charter  for  that  purpose, 

Resolved,  that  a  railroad  on  the  east  side  of  the  Connecticut  river  is 
needed  as  imperatively  now  as  when  the  charter  of  the  Northampton  and 
Springfield  railroad  was  granted  in  1S42,  and  as  when,  in  1844,  the  time 
for  construction  was  extended,  and  that  a  road  on  the  west  side  of  the 
river  does  not  afford  us  reasonable  accommodation  ; 

Resolved,  that  the  route  of  the  Mount  Holyoke  and  Hampshire  and 
Franklin  railroads  is  feasible,  that  they  can  be  built  at  reasonable  expense 
and  in  our  opinion  would  pay  good  dividends  ; 

Resolved,  that  the  interests  of  the  people  on  the  line  of  the  road,  in 
the  valley  of  the  Connecticut  river,  and  the  interests  of  the  public  gener- 
ally, require  that  a  railroad  should  be  built  from  Grout's  on  Miller's  river  to 
Willimansett  at  the  earliest  practicable  period,  and  that  we  will  exert  our- 
selves to  the  utmost  of  our  ability  to  accomplish  this  object. 

After  brief  discussion,  these  resolutions  were  adopted  by  unanimous 
vote.  Professor  E.  S.  Snell  addressed  the  meeting,  giving  the  results  of 
his  investigations  as  to  the  feasibility  of  constructing  a  railroad  around  the 
west  end  of  Mt.  Holyoke,  illustrating  his  remarks  by  drawings.  He 
expressed  the  belief  that  such  a  road  could  be  built  at  reasonable  expense. 
Hon.  James  White,  president  of  the  convention,  stated  that  in  his  opinion 
the  proposed  road  between  Grout's  and  Willimansett  would  prove  an 
important  part  of  the  river  road  and  that  in  many  respects  its  interests 
were  identical  with  those  of  the  Vermont  and  Massachusetts  road.  A  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  solicit  subscriptions  for  stock  in  the  towns  through 
which  the  road  would  pass  ;  those  appointed  from  Amherst  were  John 
Leland,  Thomas  Jones  and  Charles  Adams.  The  Express,  under  date  of 
May  14,  1846,  announced  that  stock  subscription  books  had  been  opened 
in  Amherst,  May  7,  and  in  one  week  over  $72,000  had  been  subscribed, 
with  the  prospect  of  a  considerable  increase.  Within  three  weeks,  at  least 
one-fourth  of  the  capital  stock  of  $425,000  was  subscribed  for  in  the  towns 
of  Amherst  and  South  Hadley.  June  25,  1846,  announcement  was  made 
that  Amherst  citizens  had  subscribed  $90,000  of  the  amount  needed. 
These  subscriptions  were  made  by  no  less  than  200  individuals  ;  the  largest 
amount  subscribed  by  any  one  man  was  $6,000.  Hadley  citizens  had 
subscribed  to  the  amount  of  $20,000.  All  this  time  a  fierce  controversy 
was  being  waged  between  the  residents  of  Northampton  and  those  in 
Amherst  over  the  merits  and  demerits  of  the  railway  lines  projected  on  the 
east  and  west  sides  of  the  Connecticut.  The  weight  of  money,  if  not  of 
argument,  rested  with  Northampton.  The  Connecticut  River  road  was 
opened  for  travel,  from  Springfield  to  Northampton,  Dec.  13,  1845  ;  the 
extension  to  Greenfield  was  completed  in  November,  1846. 


312  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

In  October,  1846,  the  Express  announced  it  was  probable  that  the 
Hampshire  and  Franklin  and  Mt.  Holyoke  railroads  would  be  united  and 
the  line  definitely  located  that  fall.  Oct.  27,  the  stockholders  of  the  Hamp- 
shire and  Franklin  road  met  at  Sweetser's  hall  in  Amherst  and  proceeded 
to  organize  under  their  charter.  The  following  persons  were  chosen  as 
directors  of  the  company  :  Charles  Adams  and  John  Leland  of  Amherst, 
Horace  Henderson  of  Sunderland,  John  S.  Ward  of  Montague  and  Samuel 
Powers  of  Hadley.  The  directors  chose  Hon.  John  Leland  president  and 
John  S.  Adams,  Esq.  clerk  and  treasurer.  On  the  same  clay,  the  stock- 
holders of  the  Mount  Holyoke  railroad  company  met  at  Smith's  hotel  in 
South  Hadley,  for  organization,  and  chose  as  directors,  William  Bowdoin, 
Alonzo  Bardwell,  Erastus  T.  Smith,  Moses  Montague  and  Hiram  Smith, 
all  of  South  Hadley.  Hon.  William  Bowdoin  was  elected  president  and 
E.  G.  Bowdoin,  Esq.  clerk.  Nov.  4,  1846,  the  two  corporations  agreed  to 
unite  under  the  name  of  the  Hampshire  and  Franklin  railroad  company. 
The  united  companies  chose  as  directors  Hon.  John  Leland,  Luke 
Sweetser,  Esq.  and  Charles  Adams  of  Amherst,  Hon.  William  Bowdoin  of 
South  Hadley,  John  A.  Morton  of  Hadley,  Horace  Henderson  of  Sunder- 
land, John  S.  Ward  of  Montague,  Hon.  Otis  Everett  of  Boston,  and  George 
W.  Warren,  Esq.  of  Charlestown.  A  party  of  eight  or  ten  men  was  set  at 
work,  under  direction  of  A.  F.  Edwards  of  Fitchburg,  civil  engineer,  to 
make  the  preliminary  survey  and  locate  the  road. 

Early  in  December,  1846,  the  surveys  of  the  road  had  been  completed 
from  Grout's  to  Hockanum.  At  a  meeting  of  the  stockholders  held  at 
Sweetser's  hall,  Jan.  28,  1847,  a  report  was  submitted  of  the  location  of 
the  road.  The  route  at  Sunderland  passed  from  So  to  100  rods  east  of 
the  church,  thence  crossed  Dry  Brook  near  the  house  of  Zebina  Hunt, 
passed  a  little  east  of  the  house  of  John  Wiley,  some  80  rods  west  of  the 
"  Plumb  Trees,"  crossed  the  North  Amherst  and  North  Hadley  road  a 
little  east  of  the  home  of  E.  Spear,  and  continued  to  a  point  some  six  or 
eight  rods  west  of  Elijah  Boltwood's  house,  or  about  a  half-mile  west  of 
the  Amherst  house,  thence  turning  to  the  west.  The  length  of  the  route 
as  surveyed  was  23.11  miles.  The  estimated  expense  of  building,  equip- 
ping and  putting  it  in  running  order  was  a  little  more  than  $437,000.  In 
February,  1847,  the  directors  levied  the  first  assessment,  of  $1.00  per 
share  on  the  capital  stock,  payable  before   March  24. 

The  enthusiasm  shown  by  the  projectors  of  the  road  was  shared  to 
1  1  extent  by  the  general  public,  but  while  the  residents  of  Amherst  and 
South  Hadley  subscribed  liberally  to  the  stock  the  inhabitants  of  other 
towns  along  the  proposed  route  failed  to  supply  the  money  needed  for 
carrying  the  enterprise  to  a  successful  conclusion.  Earnest,  almost  heroic 
efforts  were  made  to  raise  the    necessary   funds,  but  they  were    unavailing. 


AMHERST    BRANCH    RAILROAD    COMPANY.  313 

In  April,  1S4S,  the  General  Court  passed  a  special  act  extending  the  time 
in  which  the  road  might  be  constructed  to  Feb.  i,  1850.  At  a  meeting  of 
the  corporation,  held  in  Amherst,  July  3,  1848,  to  take  action  on  this 
measure.  585,000  of  the  capital  stock  of  the  road  was  represented.  After 
a  full  discussion  of  the  matter,  a  vote  was  passed  not  to  accept  of  the  pro- 
visions of  this  act.  The  directors  were  instructed  to  collect  all  assessments 
and  settle  all  claims  as  early  as  practicable.  Thus  came  to  an  inglorious 
ending  the  first  railway  enterprise  in  which  Amherst  men  and  Amherst 
capital  engaged.  It  is  interesting  to  speculate  on  the  possible  results  had 
the  road  been  constructed  along  the  route  proposed.  Sunderland  and 
Montague  Center  would  have  been  placed  in  railway  connection  with  the 
outside  world  a  half-century  ago;  what  this  might  have  meant  t.)  these 
towns  in  the  way  of  progress  and  development  can  only  be  estimated  by 
the  stimulating  effect  of  railway  facilities  upon  communities  of  like 
character.  Although  the  Hampshire  and  Franklin  railway  had  nothing 
but  corporate  existence,  the  labor  expended  in  its  behalf  was  not  entirely 
fruitless.  A  popular  interest  was  aroused  in  railway  matters,  and  the 
public  was  educated  in  regard  to  the  value  of  railway  facilities  so  that 
when,  a  few  years  later,  another  road  was  projected  it  encountered  but 
little  of  the  opposition  against  which  the  original  enterprise  was  forced  to 
contend. 

The  next  railway  enterprise  to  enlist  the  attention  of  Amherst  citizens 
was  the  "Amherst  Branch  Railroad  Company."  By  an  act  of  the  General 
Court  passed  April  10.  1S4S.  Samuel  L.  Hinckley.  John  Dickinson.  Jr. 
and  Jason  Stockbridge,  their  associates  and  successors,  were  incorporated 
by  the  name  of  the  Amherst  Branch  Railroad  company,  with  power  to 
loeate,  construct  and  maintain  a  railroad,  with  one  or  more  tracks,  from 
some  convenient  point  in  the  town  of  Amherst,  within  half  a  mile  of 
Amherst  College,  through  the  town  of  Hadley,  to  some  point  on  the  Con- 
necticut River  railroad  in  Northampton,  or  in  the  southerly  part  of  Hatfield  ; 
they  might  also  construct  and  maintain  a  bridge  across  the  Connecticut 
river  between  the  Northampton  bridge  and  the  site  of  the  old  Hatfield 
bridge.  The  capital  stock  was  not  to  exceed  5250,000,  and  unless  the 
road  should  be  completed  in  18  months  the  charter  would  become  void. 
The  company  was  authorized  to  unite  its  road  with  the  Connecticut  River 
railroad.  The  company  was  organized  under  its  charter  at  a  meeting  held 
in  Amherst,  Aug.  25.  184S.  Samuel  L.  Hinckley  served  as  chairman  of 
the  meeting  and  J.  W.  Boyden,  Esq.  as  secretary.  It  was  voted  that  the 
capital  stock  of  the  company  should  be  Si 60,000.  Subscription  books 
should  be  opened  in  Amherst.  Hadley  and  Northampton.  As  soon  as  the 
subscriptions  to  the  capital  stock  should  amount  to  $75,000,  a  meeting  was 
to  be  held  for  the  choice  of  directors,  who  should  hold  office  until  the  cor- 


314  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

pt nation  became  merged  in  the  Connecticut  River  railroad  company. 
Some  two  weeks  later,  announcement  was  made  that  Amherst  citizens  had 
subscribed  to  the  capital  stock  to  the  amount  of  $31,300.  From  a  map  of 
the  survey  of  the  "  Northampton  and  Amherst  Railroad,"  made  in  1847 
and  now  on  hie  in  the  State  Library  at  Boston,  the  proposed  route  of  the 
road  may  lie  ascertained.  Two  lines  are  marked  out  on  the  map,  one 
leading  to  Northampton,  the  other  to  Hatfield.  The  route  through  Hadley 
passed  near  the  southerly  end  of  Mt.  Warner,  and  entered  Amherst  con- 
siderably north  of  the  line  of  the  Central  Massachusetts  road.  The  same 
causes  that  led  to  the  abandonment  of  the  Hampshire  and  Franklin  road 
proved  fatal  to  the  "  Amherst  Branch."  The  necessary  funds  were  not 
forthcoming,  and  the  project  was  abandoned.  As  the  Hampshire  and 
Franklin  road  was  the  forerunner  of  the  New  London  and  Northern,  so 
the  Amherst  Branch  may  be  regarded  as  a  prophecy  of  the  road  which 
forty  years  later  was  to  join  the  town  of  Amherst  and  the  city  of  North- 
ampton in  the  bonds  of  commercial  intercourse. 

In  1847.  the  Connecticut  Legislature  chartered  the  New  London,  Wil- 
limantic  and  Springfield  railroad  company,  authorizing  it  to  locate  and 
construct  a  railroad  from  New  London  to  Willimantic,  and  thence  to  the 
"  North  line  of  the  State  towards  Springfield  in  the  State  of  Massachu- 
setts." It  was  subsequently  deemed  advisable  to  make  Palmer,  instead 
of  Springfield,  the  northern  terminus  of  the  route.  In  1848,  the  company 
was  granted  a  charter  by  the  Massachusetts  General  Court  for  continuing 
the  road  from  the  state  line,  a  distance  of  nine  miles,  to  the  Western  rail- 
road at  Palmer.  Sept.  20,  1850,  the  road  was  opened  from  New  London 
to  Palmer,  a  distance  of  66  miles.  The  road  was  successful  from  its 
beginning,  but  its  owners  and  operators  early  felt  the  need  of  an  extension 
of  the  line  to  the  north.  Herein  lay  Amherst's  opportunity,  an  opportu- 
nity promptly  recognized  and  embraced.  The  Express,  in  its  issue  for 
March  7,  185  1,  called  the  attention  of  its  readers  to  the  railway  route  for 
which  a  petition  was  then  pending  before  the  General  Court.  It  was 
esteemed  a  better  route,  in  many  respects,  than  others  previously  planned 
to  pass  through  Amherst,  and  would,  when  completed,  form  an  important 
link  in  a  great  railroad  chain  reaching  across  New  England. 

The  Genera]  Court,  by  an  act  passed  in  May,  [851,  incorporated 
Edward  Hitchcock,  Ithamar  Conkey,  Edward  Dickinson,  Myron  Lawrence, 
Luke  Sweetser  and  others,  under  the  name  of  the  Amherst  and  Belcher- 
town  railroad  company.  Hon.  Myron  Lawrence  was  a  resident  of  Del- 
town,  the  others  named  of  Amherst.  They  were  empowered  to  locate, 
construct  and  maintain  a  railroad  from  the  depot  of  the  New  London, 
Willimantic  and  Palmer  railroad  in  Palmer,  crossing  the  Western  railroad  at 
or  near  its  depot  in   Palmer,  by  the  most  convenientroute  northerly  through 


AMHERST    AND    BELCHERTOWN    RAILROAD    COMPANY.  315 

the  towns  of  Palmer,  Belchertown,  Amherst,  Leverett,  Sunderland  and  Mon- 
tague, to  the  Vermont  and  Massachusetts  railroad  at  the  point  most  con- 
venient to  intersect  the  same  in  the  town  of  Montague.  The  capital  stock 
was  not  to  exceed  $600,000,  in  shares  of  $100  each.  Within  rive  years 
after  the  completion  of  the  road  the  General  Court  might  reduce  its  tolls 
or  profits,  but  the  same  should  not  be  reduced,  without  the  consent  of  the 
corporation,  to  less  than  ten  per  cent,  on  the  capital  stock  subscribed  for 
and  paid  in.  Other  roads  might  enter  upon  and  use  its  tracks  under 
reasonable  conditions.  The  road  must  be  located  in  two  years  and  com- 
pleted in  four  years.  Under  certain  conditions,  the  Xew  London,  Willi- 
mantic  and  Palmer  road  could  unite  with  the  Amherst  and  Belchertown 
railroad,  and  become  one  corporation  under  the  name  of  the  New  London, 
Palmer  and  Amherst  railroad.  The  corporation,  so  far  as  its  road  was 
situated  in  Massachusetts,  should  be  subject  to  the  general  laws  of  the 
state.  No  shares  in  its  capital  stock  should  be  issued  for  a  less  sum  or 
amount,  to  be  actually  paid  in  on  each,  than  the  par  value  of  the  shares 
first  issued.  For  purposes  of  construction,  the  road  should  be  divided  into 
two  sections,  one  reaching  from  Palmer  to  Amherst,  the  other  from  Amherst 
to  Montague.  A  moiety  of  the  capital  stock  authorized  by  the  act  should 
be  set  apart  for  the  construction  of  each  section,  and  work  was  not  to 
begin  on  either  section  until  a  certificate  had  been  filed  in  the  office  of  the 
secretary  of  the  Commonwealth,  signed  by  the  president  and  a  majority  of 
the  directors,  stating  that  all  the  stock  appropriated  and  set  apart  for  the 
construction  of  such  section  had  been  subscribed  for  by  responsible  parties, 
and  that  twenty  per  cent,  of  the  par  value  of  each  and  every  share  so  set 
■  apart  had  actually  been  paid  into  the  treasury  of  said  company. 

The  citizens  of  Amhetst  were  not  the  only  ones  to  appreciate  the 
advantages  of  a  railroad  extending  north  from  Palmer.  As  early  as  May, 
185  1,  no  less  than  three  routes  had  been  petitioned  for  and  charters  for 
each  had  been  granted.  In  addition  to  the  road  leading  by  way  of  Amherst 
to  Montague,  the  General  Court  authorized  the  construction  of  a  road  via 
Enfield  to  Athol,  also  a  road  via  Ware.  Pa  ire  and  Templeton  to  the  New 
Hampshire  state  line.  The  Amherst  and  Belchertown  railroad  company 
was  organized  under  its  charter,  June  30,  1851.  Luke  Sweetser,  Edward 
Dickinson,  Ithamar  Conkey,  Myron  Lawrence  and  Joseph  Brown  were 
chosen  directors.  At  a  meeting  held  by  the  directors,  Luke  Sweetser  was 
elected  president  and  John  S.  Adams  clerk  and  treasurer.  The  directors- 
voted  that  a  survey  should  be  made  with  reference  to  the  construction  of 
the  road  between  Palmer  and  Amherst.  They  engaged  the  services  of 
Gen.  James  N.  Palmer  as  engineer;  his  report,  with  estimates  for  construc- 
tion, was  as  favorable  as  had  been  anticipated.  Books  of  subscription 
were  opened,  and  up  to  Aug.  22,  185  1,  persons  resident   in    Amherst   had 


316  HISTORY    OF     THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    .MASS. 

subscribed  upwards  of  $50,000  for  stock  in  the  road.  At  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  stockholders,  held  at  Sweetser's  hall  in  Amherst,  Feb.  6, 
1S52,  about  400  persons  were  present.  Announcement  was  made  that,  by 
the  energy  of  the  agents  employed,  the  whole  amount  needed  for  the 
construction  of  the  section  between  Amherst  and  Palmer  had  been  sub- 
scribed. A  contract  for  building-  the  road  had  been  made  with  Willis  and 
George  W.  Phelps  of  Springfield.  Nearly  all  the  stock  subscribed  for  had 
been  taken  by  persons  living  on  or  near  the  line  of  the  road.  A  contract 
had  been  made  with  the  New  London,  Willimantic  and  Palmer  railroad 
company,  by  which  the  latter  was  to  equip  the  road  and  run  it  for  a  term 
of  years  on  conditions  favorable  to  both  parties.  The  officers  originally 
chosen  were  re-elected,  T.  W.  Williams  and  J.  C.  Lippett  of  New  London 
being  added  to  the  board  of  directors. 

Early  in  February,  1852,  J,  S.  Adams,  treasurer  of  the  corporation, 
gave  notice  that  the  first  assessment  of  $20  per  share  had  been  made  by 
the  directors,  payable  on  or  before  March  10.  Ground  was  first  broken  on 
the  line  of  the  road  in  February,  and  the  road  was  fully  completed  by  May 
1,  1853.  There  was  some  dissatisfaction  with  the  management  of  the 
road.  Thomas  Hastings,  a  stockholder,  petitioned  the  Supreme  Court  for 
an  injunction  against  the  company,  for  issuing  stock  below  its  par  value. 
and  beginning  to  construct  the  road  before  the  necessary  amount  of  stock 
had  been  subscribed.  He  also  charged  that  the  survey  as  filed  located  the 
terminus  of  the  road  at  a  distance  of  one-half  mile  from  the  village.  The 
case  was  argued  before  the  Supreme  Court  at  its  September  term,  and  the 
petition  was  dismissed.  May  3.  1853,  the  first  locomotive  was  run  over  the 
road  from  Palmer  to  Amherst,  making  the  trip  in  55  minutes.  The  first 
passenger  train  passed  over  the  route  Saturday,  May  14;  George  Ford  was 
the  conductor  and  William  Bond  the  engineer.  The  first  time-table  went 
into  effect  Monday,  May  16.  Trains  left  New  London  for  Amherst  at  10 
A.  M.  and  [-45.  P.  M.;  returning,  left  Amherst  at  5  A.  m.  and  1-15  P.  M. 
Connections  were  made,  at  Palmer,  for  Boston,  Albany,  Worcester  and 
Springfield;  at  Willimantic,  for  Hartford  and  Bristol;  at  Norwich,  for 
Worcester  and  boston  ;  at  New  London,  for  New  Haven  and  New  York, 
and  for  New  York  by  boat.  Through  tickets  were  sold  at  the  following 
rates:  From  Amherst  to  Springfield,  Si. 00:  to  Worcester,  Si. 75:  to 
Boston;  $2.85  ;  to  Albany.  S3. 75  :  to  New  York,  cabin  passage,  $3.50; 
deck,  $3.00.  The  road  was  operated  by  the  New  London.  Willimantic  and 
Palmer  company  a  little  less  than  six  months,  but  the  arrangement  between 
the  companies  proved  unsatisfactory,  and  early  in  November,  1853,  the 
Amherst  and  Belchertown  company  assumed  control.  The  first  passenger 
train  run  under  the  new  management  passed  over  the  road  Nov.  7:  George 
L.  West  was  the  conductor  and  John   Rich,  now  a  resident  of    Palmer,   the 


SOLD    TO    THE    BONDHOLDERS.  3 1  7 

engineer.     The  locomotive  was  the  "  Amherst,"  a  fine  machine,  new  from 
the  Taunton  locomotive  works. 

For  four  years  the  Amherst  and  Belchertown  company  operated  its 
railroad,  with  varying  success.  Considerable  business  was  transacted,  but 
expenses  were  heavy  and  the  balance  on  the  wrong  side  of  the  ledger  grew 
greater  with  every  passing  year.  In  December,  1857,  friends  of  the  road 
sent  copies  of  a  circular  to  every  voter  in  the  towns  of  Belchertown  and 
Amherst.  This  circular  stated  that  the  Amherst  and  Belchertown  company, 
in  order  to  complete  its  road,  had  issued  bonds  for  £60,000,  payable  in  live 
years  and  had  mortgaged  the  road  as  security  for  their  payment.  A  second 
mortgage  of  $40,000  had  been  given  to  secure  bonds  issued  to  raise  funds 
for  the  purchase  of  locomotives,  passenger  and  freight  cars  and  to  dispose 
of  a  floating  indebtedness,  amounting  in  all  to  $25,500.  The  first  mortgage 
bonds  became  due  January  1.  185.X.  if  they  were  not  paid,  the  trustees 
would  take  possession  of  the  road  and  rent  it  to  the  company's  directors 
until  Oct.  1,  1S58,  at  which  time,  according  to  the  provisions  of  the  mort- 
gage, the  trustees  would  sell  the  road  for  the  benefit  of  the  bondholders. 
The  friends  of  the  road  proposed  that  the  towns  of  Amherst  and  Belcher- 
town should  guarantee  the  bonds  for  twenty  years,  with  interest  payable 
semi-annually,  each  town  in  proportion  to  its  state  valuation,  which  would 
make  Amherst's  share  $50,500  and  Belchertown's  $35,000.  In  return  for 
this  guarantee,  the  company  would  give  a  mortgage  on  all  its  property  to 
secure  the  towns  from  loss.  It  was  apprehended  that  if  the  bondholders 
gained  possession  of  the  road  they  would  probably  sell  the  property  and 
discontinue  the  road.  As  the  road  had  cost  more  than  $350,000  it  was 
surely  worth  more  than  $85,000,  without  considering  the  damage  that 
would  be  done  the  towns  by  the  loss  of  their  railway  facilities.  A  special 
town-meeting  was  held  in  Amherst,  Dec.  4,  1857,  and  a  resolution  was 
offered  that  the  town  petition  the  General  Court,  in  connection  with  the 
town  of  Belchertown,  to  afford  material  aid  to  the  Amherst  and  Belcher- 
town railroad  in  order  that  the  road  might  be  kept  in  operation.  This 
resolution  was  voted  down,  yeas  86,  nays  138. 

In  January,  1858,  the  road  passed  into  the  hands  of  trustees  who 
were  chosen  by  the  bondholders  to  represent  their  interests.  By  special 
act  of  the  General  Court,  passed  in  March,  1858,  the  company  was 
empowered  to  issue  any  of  the  remaining  shares  of  its  capital  stock, 
already  authorized  by  law  to  be  issued,  not  exceeding  1,000  in  number,  as 
a  preferred  stock  for  the  purpose  of  paying  the  bonds  and  the  debts  of  the 
company.  Of  this  preferred  stock,  600  shares  should  be  entitled  to  such 
dividends  as  the  company  might  determine,  not  exceeding  eight  per  cent., 
and  the  remainder  to  dividends  not  exceeding  six  per  cent.,  said  dividends 
to  be  paid  out  of  the  first  net  earnings  of  the  company.     If  the  company's 


318  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

railroad,  fixtures  and  franchise,  already  mortgaged  to  the  trustees  for  the 
security  of  the  bondholders,  should  be  lawfully  sold  by  the  trustees  for  the 
benefit  of  the  bondholders,  then  the  purchasers  at  such  sale  were  authorized 
to  associate  themselves  under  any  name  they  might  assume,  and  the  said 
purchasers,  their  successors  and  assigns,  should  remain  a  body  corporate 
with  all  the  powers  and  privileges  of  the  original  corporation.  This  act 
was  to  take  effect  when  ratified  by  a  majority  of  the  stockholders. 

In  October,  1858,  the  road  and  all  its  belongings  were  purchased  by 
Samuel  F.  Cutler  and  Charles  Adams  acting  in  the  interest  of  the  bond- 
holder, for  $42,500,  about  half  the  amount  for  which  the  property  was 
under  mortgage.  Preparations  were  at  once  made  for  a  reorganization 
under  a  new  name,  as  permitted  by  the  special  act  of  General  Court.  The 
name  selected  was  the  Amherst,  Belchertown  and  Palmer  railroad  company. 
The  stock  of  the  new  company  was  fixed  at  $85,000,  of  which  the  holders 
of  the  first  mortgage  bonds  proposed  to  take  $60,000,  and  the  holders  of 
the  second  mortgage  bonds  $25,000,  exchanging  the  bonds  for  stock  at  par. 
In  March,  1S59,  tlie  Amherst,  Belchertown  and  Palmer  railroad  company 
began  to  operate  the  road,  continuing  in  possession  some  five  years.  When 
the  road  was  opened  to  Amherst,  the  first  agent  at  the  Amherst  station  was 
Samuel  C.  Carter.  .Many  amusing  incidents  occurred  in  the  earlier  history 
of  the  road.  The  Express,  under  date  of  July  3,  1857,  tells  of  a  "scrub" 
race  between  a  train  and  a  belated  passenger.  The  passenger  hailed  from 
North  Amherst  and  his  wife  was  on  board  the  cars ;  the  train  had  one  or 
two  minutes  start  when  it  left  the  station,  but  the  passenger  was  a  sprinter, 
had  run  for  office  several  times  and  never  been  defeated,  and  he  caught 
up  with  that  train  "in  the  deep  cut  in  Judge  Dickinson's  pasture.'"  The 
Express  naively  remarks  at  the  conclusion  of  the  paragraph  that  the 
locomotive  drawing  the  train  was  not  the  best  in  the  company's  service; 
had  it  been  the  "  Vermont*'  instead  of  the  "  Kates,"  the  result  might  have 
been  different.  In  1858,  the  managers  of  the  road  advertised  that  passen- 
gers in  the  village,  with  their  baggage,  would  be  taken  to  and  from  each 
train  for  a  sum  not  exceeding  twelve  cents  each  way,  within  limits  as 
prescribed  in  the  books  at  the  hotels.  In  January,  1858,  the  trustees 
secured  the  services  of  J.  Iv.  Parsons  as  superintendent,  larder  his 
•efficient  management,  the  road  earned,  over  and  above  all  expenses,  from 
$800  to  $900  per  month. 

By  special  act  of  the  General  Court,  passed  in  1864,  the  Amherst. 
Belchertown  and  Palmer  railroad  company  was  authorized  to  lease  its  road 
and  franchise  to  the  New  London  Northern  railroad  company,  and  the 
companies  thus  united  were  empowered  to  issue  bonds  to  an  amount  not 
exceeding  $300,000,  for  the  construction  of  the  road  from  Amherst  to 
•'.lout's  in  Montague.      At  a  meeting  of  the  stockholders  of  the   Amherst, 


THE  NEW  LONDON  NORTHERN  ROAD.  319 

Belchertown  and  Palmer  railroad  company,  held  at  Palmer,  Feb.  22,  1864, 
it  was  voted  unanimously  to  unite  with  the  New  London  Northern  railroad 
company.  The  basis  of  union  was  two  shares  of  the  N.  L.  N.  stock  for 
three  shares  of  the  A.  B.  &  P.  The  union,  or  sale,  was  ratified  by  the 
stockholders  of  the  New  London  Northern  railroad  company.  The  Gen- 
eral Court  had,  from  time  to  time,  granted  extensions  of  time  during  which 
the  section  of  the  road  from  Amherst  to  Montague  might  be  constructed. 
Wlu-n  the  New  London  company  assumed  control,  it  was  decided  to  begin 
work  immediately  upon  the  extension.  A  survey  of  the  route  was  made 
by  A.  R.  Field  of  Greenfield.  In  October,  1S64,  the  company  advertised 
for  35,000  railroad  ties  to  be  delivered  along  the  line  between  Amherst  and 
Grout's  Corner.  The  road  was  completed  as  far  as  Grout's  Corner, 
(Miller's  Falls)  in  1866,  and  the  company  having  purchased  of  the  Ver- 
mont and  Massachusetts  railroad  company  an  extension  of  its  line  from 
Grout's  to  Brattleboro,  Vt.,  began,  Oct.  8,  1S66,  to  run  through  trains 
between  New  London  and  Brattleboro.  Three  passenger  trains  were  run 
over  the  line  daily  in  each  direction.  In  November.  1871,  the  Vermont 
Central  railroad  company  leased  the  New  London  Northern  road  for  a 
period  of  20  years,  paying  S240,ooo  per  annum;  at  the  expiration  of  this 
lease  in  1891,  a  new  lease  was  executed  for  a  period  of  99  years. 

Having  secured  the  construction  and  operation  of  a  railway  running 
through  Amherst  to  the  north  and  south,  the  residents  of  the  town  next 
turned  their  attention  to  gaining  railway  connection  with  the  towns  and 
cities  to  the  east  and  west.  By  a  special  act  of  the  General  Court,  approved 
April  13,  1S64,  the  act  passed  in  1848,  incorporating  the  Amherst  Branch 
railroad  company,  was  partially  revived,  and  Leonard  M.  Hills  of  Amherst 
and  Thaddeus  Smith  of  Hadley  were  added  to  the  list  of  incorporators. 
The  capital  stock  was  limited  to  §200.000.  The  company  was  authorized 
to  locate,  construct  and  maintain  a  railroad,  from  some  convenient  point 
connecting  with  the  New  London  Northern  road  in  Amherst,  within  one- 
half  mile  of  Amherst  College,  through  the  towns  of  Hadley  and  Hatfield, 
crossing  the  Connecticut  river  and  connecting  with  the  Connecticut  River 
railroad  at  any  point  between  the  station  of  said  road  in  Northampton  and 
"  Cutter's  Crossing," — so-called,  in  Hatfield.  It  might  cross  the  Connec- 
ticut River  railroad  and  connect  with  the  New  Haven  and  Northampton 
road  on  land  owned  by  the  latter  in  Northampton.  The  company  must 
file  the  location  of  its  road  on  or  before  June  1,  1866,  and  complete  it 
within  two  years  thereafter.  Special  acts  were  passed  in  1866  and  1S69, 
extending  the  time-limit  for  construction.  In  March,  1870,  an  act  was 
passed  authorizing  the  company  to  increase  its  capital  stock  by  an  amount 
not  exceeding  $100,000.  The  company  might  locate  its  road  as  authorized 
in   the   act   of   1864,  or   wholly   within  the  towns  of  Amherst,  Hadley  and 


2,2 O  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Northampton.  Any  part  of  the  road  located  in  "  Hadley  meadows," 
so-called,  should  be  constructed  under  direction  of  the  board  of  railroad 
commissioners,  and  in  strict  compliance  with  such  requirements  as  they 
should  deem  essential  to  secure  a  free  and  uninterrupted  flow  of  the  waters 
of  the. Connecticut  river  at  all  seasons.  The  towns  of  Amherst,  Hadley, 
Northampton  and  Hatfield  were  authorized  at  town  meetings  called  for  the 
purpose,  to  subscribe  for  and  hold  shares  in  the  capital  stock  of  the  company 
to  an  amount  not  exceeding  five  per  cent,  of  the  assessed  valuation  of 
said  towns,  if  a  two-thirds  vote  was  passed  in  favor  of  such  subscription. 
The  towns  might  pay  for  such  stock  out  of  their  town  treasuries,  and  were 
authorized  to  raise  money  by  loan,  upon  bonds,  or  by  tax  or  otherwise, 
and  might  hold  and  dispose  of  the  stock  like  other  town  property.  The 
selectmen,  or  any  agent  especially  selected  for  the  purpose,  might  repre- 
sent the  towns  at  meetings  of  the  company,  and  might  vote  upon  the 
amount  of  stock  held  by  said  towns.  The  company  might  by  vote  adopt 
as  its  corporate  name  the  Northampton  and  Amherst  railroad  company. 
This  charter  was  accepted  at  a  meeting  held  in  Amherst,  Nov.  2,  1870. 
The  incorporation  of  the  Massachusetts  Central  railroad  company  at  about 
this  time  caused  a  suspension  of  effort  towards  building  an  independent 
road,  by  the  incorporators  of  the  Amherst  Branch  railroad. 

By  a  special  act  passed  by  the  General  Court  in  1867,  approved  by  the 
governor,  March  23,  Thomas  E.  Hastings,  Eleazer  Porter,  Levi  Stockbridge 
and  others  were  incorporated  as  the  Northampton  and  Amherst  Street 
Railway  company,  for  the  purpose  of  constructing  and  using  a  street  railroad 
from  the  town  of  Northampton  to  the  town  of  Amherst.  Its  capital  stock 
was  not  to  exceed  $200,000.  By  a  special  act  passed  in  1868,  the  town  of 
Hadley  was  authorized  to  subscribe  to  stock  in  this  company  to  an  amount 
not  exceeding  $6,000.  In  1868,  the  original  act  was  amended  so  that  the 
capital  stock  might  not  exceed  $75,000.  The  town  of  Hadley  might 
subscribe  to  this  stock  an  amount  not  exceeding  one-half  of  one  per  cent, 
of  its  assessed  valuation.  There  are  no  existing  records  to  show  that  any 
further  action  was  ever  taken  under  this  charter. 

The  Massachusetts  Central  Railroad  company  was  incorporated  by  an 
act  of  the  General  Court,  approved  May  10,  1869.  The  names  of  the 
incorporators  were  as  follows  :  Edward  Denny,  Joel  Hayden,  Erancis  Brig- 
ham,  James  S.  Draper,  Constance  Southworth,  Edward  Atkinson,  Francis 
Edson,  B.  H.  Tripp,  Charles  A.  Stevens,  C.  C.  Aldrich,  Lafayette  Maltby, 
Henry  F.  Hills  and  Philo  Chapin.  They  were  authorized  to  locate,  con- 
struct, maintain  and  operate  a  railroad  with  one  or  more  tracks,  beginning 
at  some  convenient  point  in  the  town  of  Williamsburg,  thence  running  by 
the  most  convenient  route  through  the  towns  of  Northampton,  Easthampton, 
Westhampton,  Hatfield,  Hadley,  South  Hadley,  Amherst.  Granby,  Ludlow,, 


MASSACHUSETTS    CENTRAL    RAILROAD.  32  I 

Belchertown,  Enfield,  Greenwich,  Ware,  Palmer,  West  Brookfield,  New 
Braintree,  Hardwick,  Dana,  Petersham,  Barre,  Phillipston,  Oakham,  Hub- 
bardston,  Rutland,  Princeton,  Holden,  Sterling,  Boylston,  West  Boylston, 
Clinton,  Lancaster,  Northborough,  Berlin,  Bolton,  Hudson,  Stow  and 
Marlborough,  or  any  of  them,  to  Mill  Village  in  Sudbury,  thence  over  the 
line  of  the  Wayland  and  Sudbury  Branch  railroad  company,  incorporated 
in  1 868,  to  its  terminus  near  the  Stony  Brook  station  on  the  Fitchburgroad. 
The  Wayland  and  Sudbury  Branch  railroad  might  be  consolidated  with  and 
merged  in  the  Massachusetts  Central  railroad  company.  The  Williamsburg 
and  North  Adams  railroad  company,  incorporated  in  1867,  and  the  Massa- 
chusetts Central  railroad  company  were  authorized  to  merge  and  consolidate 
their  capital  stock,  rights,  powers  and  franchises,  if  the  stockholders  of 
both  companies  should  so  vote.  The  Massachusetts  Central  railroad 
company  might  enter  upon,  unite  with  and  use  the  Ware  River  railroad 
company,  and  the  latter  company  might  sell,  assign,  convey  or  lease  its 
road  and  franchise  or  any  part  thereof  to  the  Massachusetts  Central. 
The  Central  railroad  was  also  empowered  to  unite  with  the  New  Haven 
and  Northampton,  the  Connecticut  River,  the  New  London  Northern,  the 
Worcester  and  Nashua,  the  Boston,  Clinton  and  Fitchburg,  the  Lancaster 
and  Sterling  Branch,  and  the  Fitchburg  railroads,  or  with  either  or  any  of 
them,  and  either  of  them  might  enter  upon  and  unite  with  the  road  of  the 
Massachusetts  Central.  The  towns  named  in  the  act,  and  also  the  towns 
of  Wayland  and  Weston,  or  any  of  them,  were  authorized  to  subscribe  for 
and  hold  stock  in  the  Massachusetts  Central  to  an  amount  not  exceeding 
five  per  cent,  of  their  assessed  valuation.  They  might  pay  for  the  same  out  of 
their  town  treasuries,  and  raise  the  money  by  a  loan  upon  bonds,  by  tax  or 
otherwise,  and  might  hold  and  dispose  of  the  stock  like  other  town  property. 
The  capital  stock  should  be  not  less  than  S3, 000, 000  and  might  be  increased 
to  $6,000,000,  divided  into  shares  of  $100  each.  The  road  was  to  be 
located  within  three  years  and  constructed  within  six  years. 

From  the  comprehensive  nature  of  this  charter,  the  number  of  towns 
through  which  the  road  might  be  constructed  and  the  different  railroads 
with  which  it  was  granted  power  to  unite,  it  was  plain  that  the  incorpora- 
tors had  in  view  the  construction  of  a  through  line,  and  intended  to  con- 
solidate under  one  management  the  routes  of  several  smaller  railroads  that 
had  already  secured  charters.  Connection  with  Boston  was  to  be  secured 
over  the  tracks  of  the  Fitchburg  road,  and  the  western  terminus  was  to  be 
North  Adams.  The  company  was  organized  under  its  charter,  Sept.  2, 
1869,  when  the  following  officers  were  chosen:  President,  J.  M.  Stone; 
treasurer,  Francis  J.  Parker  ;  chief  engineer,  Edward  Frost ;  directors,  J. 
M.  Stone  of  Charlestown,  C.  A.  Cutting  of  Boston,  J.  S.  Draper  of  Way- 


322  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

land,  Francis  Brigham  and  George  Houghton  of  Hudson,  E.  B.  Shattuck, 
J.  E.  Smith  and  Hiram  Wadsworth  of  Barre,  B.  H.  Tripp  of  Rutland,  H. 
F.  Hills  of  Amherst,  L.  J.  Dudley  of  Northampton  and  Joel  Hayden  of 
Haydenville.  By  a  special  act  of  the  General  Court,  passed  in  June,  1S70, 
the  company  was  authorized  to  issue  bonds  in  sums  not  less  than  $100 
each,  payable  at  periods  not  exceeding  twenty  years  from  date,  bearing 
interest  not  exceeding  seven  per  cent,  per  annum,  to  an  amount  not 
exceeding  the  capital  stock  actually  paid  in,  and  might  mortgage  the  road 
to  secure  the  bonds.  The  capital  stock  might  be  reduced  to  $2,000,000. 
For  purposes  of  construction,  the  road  might  be  divided  into  four  sections. 
Subscriptions  might  be  received  for  the  construction  of  the  sections  sepa- 
rately, and  work  on  constructing  each  section  might  begin  when  stock  had 
been  sold  to  the  full  amount  needed  for  the  construction  of  that  section 
and  twenty  per  cent,  of  the  purchase  money  had  been  paid  into  the 
treasury. 

A  public  meeting  was  held  at  Amherst,  May  16,  1S70,  at  which  time 
President  Stone  and  Engineer  Frost  explained  the  plans  of  the  company, 
and  gave  statistics  tending  to  show  that  the  road  as  projected  would  be  a 
paying  property.  The  location  of  the  road  would  depend  on  the  action 
taken  by  the  towns  in  regard  to  subscriptions.  If  Amherst  subscribed, 
then  the  route  between  Belchertown  and  Northampton  would  be  definitely 
fixed.  A  special  town-meeting  was  held  in  Amherst,  Sept.  6,  1870.  Hon. 
Edward  Dickinson  offered  a  motion  that  the  town  treasurer  be  authorized 
to  subscribe  immediately  in  the  name  of  the  town  for  $100,000  of  the 
capital  stock  of  the  Massachusetts  Central  railroad  company,  agreeably  to  the 
terms  of  the  charter,  and  to  borrow  money  on  credit  of  the  town  to  pay 
assessments  as  they  were  made,  on  condition  that  not  less  than  $3,000,000 
in  bona-fide  subscriptions  be  made  to  such  stock,  that  a  contract  be  made 
with  responsible  parties  to  construct  the  road  through  Hadley,  the  central 
part  of  Amherst,  stations  for  passengers  and  freight  to  be  built  within  one-half 
mile  of  the  Amherst  house,  and  through  Belchertown,  Enfield,  Greenwich, 
and  so  on  to  make  a  continuous  line  to  the  Stony  Brook  station  on  the 
Fitchburg  railroad.  The  motion  was  voted  down,  153  votes  being  cast  in 
the  affirmative  and  228  in  the  negative. 

The  friends  of  the  road  regretted  this  action,  but  were  not  discouraged. 
They  entered  at  once  upon  a  short  but  sharp  campaign  to  influence  public 
sentiment  in  favor  of  the  project.  In  this  they  were  assisted  by  the  mer- 
ciless ridicule  that  was  heaped  upon  the  town  and  its  citizens  by  individ- 
uals and  by  newspapers  in  adjoining  communities.  A  special  town-meeting 
was  held  Oct.  4,  to  take  action  on  the  matter.  There  was  a  larger  attend- 
ance than  at  any  town-meeting  ever  before  held  in  Amherst.  Edward 
Dickinson  offered  a  motion   substantially  the  same  as  that  which  had  met 


AMHERST    SUBSCRIBERS    TO    STOCK.  323 

with  defeat  at  a  previous  meeting.  Discussion  began  at  2-30  o'clock  and 
was  continued  about  two  hours.  The  leading  arguments  in  favor  of  the 
road  were  made  by  Edward  Dickinson  and  Levi  Stockbridge  ;  the  princi- 
pal speakers  in  opposition  were  Cummings  Fish,  Aaron  Ingram  and 
Simeon  Clark.  The  voting,  by  ballot,  began  at  4-30  o'clock  and  was  con- 
tinued until  7  o'clock,  soon  after  which  the  result  was  announced,  369 
votes  having  been  cast  in  favor  of  the  road  and  270  in  opposition.  There 
was  great  excitement  while  the  vote  was  being  cast  and  intense  anxiety  as 
to  the  result.  Both  friends  and  opponents  of  the  road  were  confident  of 
success.  When  the  vote  was  declared  it  was  greeted  with  deafening  cheers. 
A  salute  was  fired  and  a  huge  bonfire  was  built  on  the  common.  The 
opponents  of  the  road  were  accused  of  resorting  to  all  manner  of  means 
to  defeat  it.  When  they  found  themselves  outnumbered,  they  claimed  that 
7  7  more  votes  were  counted  on  the  ballot  than  had  been  checked,  and  threat- 
ened to  call  another  meeting  to  rescind  the  vote.  But  the  charge  was 
proven  false,  and  as  public  sentiment  grew  in  favor  of  the  road  the  oppo- 
sition was  given  up. 

In  October,  1870,  President  Stone  issued  a  circular,  in  which  it  was 
stated  that  the  efforts  made  in  behalf  of  the  road  had  been  successful 
beyond  the  most  sanguine  expectation  of  its  originators.  The  speedy 
construction  of  the  road  was  assured,  a  contract  having  been  made  with  a 
responsible  builder  of  railroads  to  construct  the  entire  line  from  Weston  to 
Northampton.  As  soon  as  a  definite  location  of  the  road  was  made  in  the 
several  towns  in  the  chartered  limit  the  work  of  construction  would  begin, 
and  would  be  completed  in  about  two  years.  The  preliminary  surveys 
made  by  Engineer  Frost,  showed  that  it  would  be  impracticable  to  locate 
the  road  through  the  southern  part  of  Pelham  into  Enfield.  At  a  meeting 
of  stockholders,  held  in  Boston,  Oct.  26,  a  pledge  was  given,  by  what 
authority  is  not  stated,  that  residents  of  Amherst  would  raise  $30,000  for 
the  road,  in  addition  to  the  sum  subscribed  by  the  town.  The  Boston 
Journal  announced  in  April,  187 1,  that  a  contract  had  been  made  for 
building  the  road  from  Northampton  to  Stony  Brook  station,  and  work 
would  begin  at  once.  In  August,  187 1,  President  Stone  was  in  Amherst 
to  confer  with  land-owners  along  the  proposed  line  of  the  road  in  regard  to 
land  damages  and  also  to  determine  a  location  for  the  bridge  across  Fort 
river. 

In  the  summer  of  1871,  the  directors  of  the  road  laid  the  first  assess- 
ment of  20  per  cent,  upon  the  stock  subscribed.  The  treasurer  of  the 
town  of  Northampton  refused  to  pay  the  assessment  on  the  $300,000  of 
stock  subscribed  for  by  that  town,  on  the  ground  that  as  certain  conditions 
had  been  attached  to  the  subscription  its  legality  was  doubtful.  In  this 
contention  he  was  sustained  by  eminent  legal  authority.     At  a  town-meeting 


324  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

held  in  Northampton  in  September,  a  new  and  unconditional  subscription 
of  $300,000  was  made  to  the  company's  stock,  and  the  town  treasurer  paid 
the  first  assessment.  The  town  of  Amherst  paid  its  first  assessment  of 
$20,000  early  in  October.     The  Amherst  Record,  under  date  of  Sept.   27, 

187 1,  stated  that  it  was  the  company's  intention  to  begin  the  work  of  con- 
struction on  the  west  end  of  the  line,  and  that  as  soon  as  the  bridge  across 
the  Connecticut  river  was  completed  cars  would  run  to  Amherst.  The 
first  grading  on  the  road  was  done  at  Hardwick  in  October,  187 1  :  it  was 
expected  at  the  time  that  grading  would  be  begun  in  Amherst  in  a  few 
days.  In  187 1,  the  General  Court  granted  permission  to  the  company  to 
extend  its  road  to  Brookline  and  there  connect  with  the  Boston  and  Albany 
road.  The  same  year,  the  Holyoke  and  Belchertown  railroad  company  was 
incorporated  and  authorized  to  unite  with  the  Massachusetts  Central 
company. 

In  February,  1872,  the  second  assessment  of  20  per  cent,  was  levied 
by  the  directors  upon  the  capital  stock,  payable  on  or  before  March  1. 
Considerable  dissatisfaction  was  expressed  by  Amherst  parties  over  the  fact 
that  the  road  had  not  yet  been  located  through  the  town.  The  Record  made 
the  following  announcement,  under  date  of  March  13,  1872:  "  The  Central 
Railroad  will  enter  the  town  parallel  to  the  Northampton  road,  pass  through 
College  grove  (formerly  Baker's  grove),  cross  the  Mill  Valley  road  by  a  15- 
feet  cut,  meander  through  Prof.  Snell's  garden,  and  then  strike  across  the 
fields  to  the  southeast.  It  will  hit  Freshman  river  near  Dana's  bridge  and 
cross  the  road  by  an  18-feet  cut  and  continue  on  to  the  southeast." 
Under  date  of  March  27,  announcement  was  made  that  the  location  of  the 
road  through  the  town  had  been  filed.  It  would  cross  the  Dickinson  farm 
south  of  College  hill,  and  the  highway  near  W.  B.  Smith's  place.      In  June, 

1872,  the  company  made  a  contract  with  J.  H.  Smith  of  Springfield, 
to  build  the  bridge  across  the  Connecticut  river ;  work  was  to  begin 
at  once  and  the  bridge  was  to  be  completed  by  Sept.  1,  1873.  The  third 
assessment  of  20  per  cent,  was  levied  by  the  directors  of  the  road  in 
August. 

By  a  special  act  passed  by  the  General  Court  in  1872,  the  company 
was  allowed  an  extension  of  time  for  two  years  in  which  to  file  its  location. 
The  subscriptions  by  towns  and  individuals  amounted  to  nearly  $1,000,000, 
and  under  authority  of  an  act  passed  in  1870  the  road  was  bonded  to  the 
amount  of  $995,000,  and  a  mortgage  was  placed  upon  the  property  for  that 
amount.  The  general  work  of  construction  began  in  1872,  Norman  ('. 
Munson  of  Boston  having  contracted  to  build  the  road  from  Stony  Brook 
to  Northampton.  Grading  was  done  in  several  towns  at  the  eastern  end  of 
the  route,  land  was  purchased  for  terminal  facilities  at  Northampton,  and  a 
contract  made   for  building   the  Connecticut   river   bridge.      Considerable 


BUILDING     THE    ROAD.  325 

work  had  been  done  upon  the  bridge  piers,  when  ill  success  in  raising 
funds  and  the  failure  of  Contractor  Munson  put  an  end  to  all  work.  Up 
to  the  fall  of  1878,  the  total  cost  of  construction  had  been  §2,782,932.78. 
The  company  at  that  time  had  a  funded  debt  of  $995,000  and  a  floating 
debt  of  S37.428.76. 

It  was  not  until  the  summer  of  1878,  that  an  effort  was  made  to  revive 
the  fortunes  of  the  road.  A  meeting  of  the  stockholders  was  held  at 
Boston,  June  5,  when  it  was  unanimously  recommended  that  the  stock- 
holders, both  town  and  individual,  should  transfer  their  stock  to  a  trustee 
to  be  held  by  him  two  years ;  if  at  the  end  of  that  time  the  entire  road 
was  completed  and  in  running  order,  then  the  trustees  should  convey  three- 
fourths  of  the  stock  to  the  order  of  the  directors  and  one-fourth  to  the 
original  owners.  If  the  road  was  not  completed  and  ready  for  use,  then 
all  stock  should  be  reconveyed  to  the  original  owners.  At  a  special  meeting 
held  June  29,  Amherst  voted  to  act  in  accordance  with  this  recommenda- 
tion. At  a  meeting  of  the  directors  held  in  Boston,  July  24,  Thomas 
Talbot  was  chosen  a  trustee  to  represent  the  interests  of  the  towns.  Anew 
board  of  directors,  including  several  New  York  capitalists  was  chosen, 
new  capital  was  subscribed,  and  the  total  indebtedness  of  the  company 
was  provided  for  by  an  issue  of  six  per  cent,  bonds,  to  run  twenty  years. 
to  the  amount  of  $1,843,000.  The  General  Court  granted  permission  to 
the  company  to  extend  its  tracks  through  Waltham  to  Cambridge,  there  to 
connect  with  the  Arlington  branch  of  the  Boston  and  Lowell  road,  and  also 
from  Amherst  to  West  Deerfield,  thence  to  connect  with  the  Tunnel  road. 
In  May,  1S79,  a  new  survey  was  made  by  Engineer  S.  D.  Kendall.  Enfield 
and  Greenwich,  where  grading  had  been  nearly  completed,  were  omitted 
from  the  route,  the  line  running  further  south,  while  beyond  Amherst  the 
survey  was  continued  north  to  a  junction  with  the  Tunnel  road  at  Old 
Deerfield.  The  contract  to  build  the  road  was  again  awarded  to  N.  C. 
Munson,  he  sub-letting  the  contract  for  the  grading  and  mason-work  between 
Northampton  and  Belchertown  to  W.  C.  McClellan  of  Chicopee.  The 
selectmen  of  Amherst  in  May,  18S0,  accepted  the  plans  of  the  road  and  its 
location  through  the  town,  as  presented  by  the  company's  officials.  Early 
in  1880,  work  was  resumed  on  the  road-bed  on  all  parts  of  the  line. 
Grading  was  begun  in  Amherst,  Sept.  20,  1880,  on  land  of  Patrick  Hurley, 
west  of  Blake-field.  Thus  ten  years  lacking  two  weeks  had  elapsed  from 
the  time  when  Amherst  voted  a  subscription  of  Si 00,000  to  the  company's 
capital  stock  ere  its  citizens  were  permitted  to  witness  in  their  town  any 
sign  of  the  road's  construction.  Oct.  4,  the  first  rail  was  spiked  down  at 
South  Sudbury.  In  October,  1881,  the  road  was  opened  from  Boston  to 
Hudson,  a  distance  of  28  miles  ;  in  June,  1882,  it  was  opened  to  Oakdale, 
41  miles.     Soon   afterward   the   road  was   opened  to  Jeffersonville,  seven 


326  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

miles  west  of  Oakdale,  but  the  latter  became  for  a  time  the  western  termi- 
nus of  the  road. 

The  misfortunes  that  had  attended  the  road  from  the  beginning 
seemed  destined  to  continue  with  it.  In  1882,  C.  A.  Sweet  &  Co.,  of 
Boston,  who  had  been  made  the  selling  agents  of  the  company's  bonds, 
became  insolvent,  bringing  about  a  crisis  in  the  company's  affairs  and 
putting  an  end  to  the  work  of  construction.  In  1883,  the  road  was  sold 
under  foreclosure  to  a  committee  of  the  bondholders,  consisting  of  S.  N. 
Aldrich,  T.  H.  Perkins  and  Henry  Woods.  This  committee,  in  1885, 
made  a  contract  with  the  Boston  and  Lowell  railroad  conipany  to  put  the 
line  in  working  order  and  operate  it  so  far  as  it  had  been  completed.  The 
Boston  and  Lowell  company  advanced  the  sum  of  $200,000  to  meet  neces- 
sary expenses,  taking  in  return  the  entire  receipts  of  the  road.  This 
arrangement  continued  one  year,  the  road  being  operated  at  a  loss.  In 
December,  1886,  the  road  was  leased  to  the  Boston  and  Lowell  company  for 
99  years.  Under  the  agreement  then  made,  the  Massachusetts  Central 
company  issued  bonds  to  the  amount  of  $2,000,000,  and  gave  them  to  the 
Boston  and  Lowell  company,  the  latter,  in  return,  having  made  good  the 
loss  of  $200,000  already  sustained,  agreed  to  complete  the  road  to  North- 
ampton. The  Boston  and  Lowell  company  further  agreed  to  pay  the 
Massachusetts  Central  company  20  per  cent,  of  the  gross  receipts  of  the 
road  up  to  $1,000,000  annually,  and  25  per  cent,  of  all  earnings  in  excess 
of  that  amount.  If  the  earnings  should  not  amount  to  $1,000,000,  the 
Boston  and  Lowell  company  agreed  to  pay  the  interest  on  the  bonds  at  five 
per  cent.,  thus  guaranteeing  interest  and  all  fixed  charges.  Under  this 
agreement,  the  previous  bonded  indebtedness  became  preferred  stock,  and 
the  old,  amounting  to  about  three  and  one-half  millions,  remained  common 
stock.  Of  the  preferred  stock  there  was  about  $4,000,000,  and  the  road 
was  obliged  to  earn  at  least  $500,000  to  pay  the  interest  on  its  bonded 
indebtedness.  At  the  time  of  reorganization,  the  name  of  the  road  was 
changed  from  the  Massachusetts  Central  to  the  Central  Massachusetts. 

The  work  of  construction  was  renewed  in  the  spring  of  1887,  and  the 
road  was  completed  to  Northampton  in  the  fall  of  that  year.  The  first 
through  train  from  Boston  to  Northampton  passed  over  the  road  Dec.  12, 
1887.  Leaving  Boston  at  S-30  a.  m.,  it  arrived  at  Northampton  at  12-30. 
The  train  was  drawn  by  the  locomotive  "  Hudson  "  and  consisted  of  a 
smoking-car  and  a  drawing-room  car.  The  passengers  included  officers  of 
the  Boston  and  Lowell,  Boston  and  Maine  and  Central  Massachusetts  rail- 
way companies.  The  arrival  of  the  train  at  Northampton  was  greeted 
with  ringing  of  bells,  blowing  of  steam-whistles,  firing  of  cannon  and 
music  by  a  brass  band.  Mayor  Hill  made  an  address  of  welcome,  after 
which  the  passengers  took  dinner  at  the  Norwood.     The  road  was  opened 


FIRST    TRAIN    ON    THE    CENTRAL.  327 

to  public  travel,  Dec.  19.  The  first  passenger  train,  consisting  of  a  loco- 
motive, two  passenger  coaches,  and  a  combination  smoking  and  baggage- 
car,  left  Ware  at  7-25  a.  m.  The  locomotive  was  the  "  Fabyan's  No.  97," 
in  charge  of  Frank  Lane,  engineer,  and  G.  F.  French,  fireman.  The  con- 
ductor was  C.  A.  Phelps  of  Lowell,  the  brakeman  John  Q.  Hawes,  the 
baggage-master  W.  N.  Titus.  The  train  left  Ware  with  13  passengers,  and 
received  accessions  to  this  number  from  all  the  stations  along  the  route. 
At  Amherst  about  75  persons  were  waiting  to  take  the  train.  F.  E.  Alden 
was  the  first  station-master  at  Amherst  and  John  E.  Williams  purchased 
the  first  ticket  sold  at  the  station.  The  first  through  train  for  Boston  left 
Northampton,  Dec.  19,  at  9  a.  m.  It  consisted  of  three  passenger  coaches 
and  a  smoking-car,  drawn  by  the  engine  "'Orleans."  Daniel  Spofford  was 
the  engineer  and  Charles  Gilpatrick  the  conductor.  There  was  a  serious 
controversy  among  Amherst  residents  as  to  where  the  freight  and  passenger 
depots  of  the  new  road  should  be  located.  Some  favored  the  site  that  was 
afterwards  adopted,  others  a  location  considerably  further  to  the  east  on 
land  owned  by  John  C.  White  and  Mrs.  Edward  Tuckerman.  At  a  special 
town  meeting  held  Nov.  12,  18S7,  after  extended  discussion,  a  vote  was 
taken  on  the  question,  and  320  ballots  were  cast  in  favor  of  the  present 
site,  while  the  "  union  station  "  to  the  east  receivedbut  175.  The  road  since 
it  was  opened  has  clone  an  extensive  business  in  the  transportation  of  both 
passengers  and  freight,  Amherst  being  one  of  the  best  paying  stations  on 
the  line.  From  time  to  time  as  the  business  increased,  the  train  service 
has  been  extended  to  the  general  satisfaction  of  the  public.  In  1888,  the 
Boston  and  Lowell  system  was  leased  to  the  Boston  and  Maine,  and  the 
Central  Massachusetts  road  is  now  known  as  the  Southern  Division  of  the 
Boston  and  Maine. 


CHAPTER   XXXIX. 


Banks,  Post-Offices  and  Courts. — The  First  Amherst  Bank. — 
Hampshire  and  Franklin  Bank. — First  National  Bank. — 
Amherst  Savings  Bank. — Post-Offices,  Post-Masters  and 
Mails. — Courts,  Court  Sessions  and  Court  Officers. — 
Justices  of  the  Peace. 

Soon  after  1820,  the  residents  of  the  smaller  towns  in  Western  Massa- 
chusetts began  to  feel  the  need  of  better  banking  facilities  than  were  fur- 
nished by   the   cities    near   at    hand.     In   February,  1S25,  the  "  Farmers' 


328  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Bank  "  of  Belchertown  was  incorporated,  but  its  charter  was  repealed  in 
1829.  The  Sunderland  bank  was  incorporated  Feb.  26,  1825.  The  follow- 
ing act,  passed  by  the  General  Court,  and  approved  by  the  governor  June 
13,  183 1,  resulted  in  the  removal  of  the  Sunderland  bank  to  Amherst : 

"  Be  it  enacted,  etc., 

That,  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  October  next,  the  president,  directors  and 
company  of  the  Sunderland  Bank,  may  establish  their  banking  house  and  do  their 
banking"  business  in  Amherst,  in  the  county  of  Hampshire,  and  the  name  of  the 
said  corporation  shall  thereafter  be  changed,  and  the  same  be  known  and  called  by 
the  name  and  style  of  The  President,  Directors  and  Company  of  the  Amherst 
bank;  and  from  and  after  the  said  first  day  of  October,  the  power  of  said  corpor- 
ation to  transact  their  banking  business  in  Sunderland  shall  cease. 

Be  it  further  enacted, 

That  the  said  president,  directors  and  company  of  the  Amherst  Bank  shall 
be  subject  to  all  the  duties,  liabilities  and  obligations  of  the  said  president,  direc- 
tors and  company  of  the  Sunderland  Bank,  as  they  shall  exist  on  the  said  first  day 
of  October  next,  and  the  same  shall  be  by  them  performed  and  assumed  at  their 
banking  house  in  said  Amherst,  anything  in  the  tenor  of  their  bills,  or  other  con- 
tracts and  obligations  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.  Provided,  that  the  present 
board  of  directors  may  continue  in  office  until  the  next  regular  election  of  directors, 
although  a  majority  of  them  may  not  be  resident  within  the  said  county  of 
Hampshire." 

The  bank  began  operations  in  Amherst  in  October,  1831.  Its  capital 
stock  at  the  time  of  its  removal  to  Amherst  was  $100,000  ;  its  first  president 
was  Nathaniel  Smith,  its  first  cashier  Luther  Root.  Like  all  banks  estab- 
lished by  authority  of  the  state,  the  Amherst  bank  was  a  bank  of  issue,  and 
its  currency  doubtless  proved  a  great  convenience  to  persons  living  in 
Amherst  and  vicinity  in  the  transaction  of  their  business.  In  1837,  the 
bank  suspended  specie  payments,  and  during  the  same  year  counterfeit 
five-dollar  bills  of  its  issue  were  put  in  circulation.  In  1S41,  a  crisis  came 
in  the  bank's  affairs.  Its  funds  had  been  mismanaged,  and  separate  inves- 
tigations were  undertaken  by  the  bank  commissioners  and  by  a  committee 
appointed  by  the  stockholders.  Feb.  9,  1841,  Solomon  Pitkin,  president, 
Joseph  A.  Sweetser,  cashier,  and  Edward  Dickinson,  attorney,  of  the 
Amherst  bank,  addressed  a  letter  to  Bank  Commissioner  J.  Rockwell, 
requesting  that  two  or  more  of  the  bank  commissioners  should  visit  Amherst 
at  once,  on  account  of  the  progress  made  by  a  committee  of  investigation 
in  relation  to  an  excess  of  the  old  circulation.  In  accordance  with  this 
request  two  of  the  commissioners  visited  Amherst  and  remained  there  three 
days.  As  a  result  of  their  examination,  it  appeared  that  from  the  organiz- 
ation of  the  bank  up  to  October,  1838,  when  Luther  Root,  the  cashier,  left 
the  bank,  the  bills  in  sheets  engraved  and  furnished  to  the  Amherst  bank 
amounted  to  $268,305.  The  bills  issued  during  that  time  amounted  to 
$220,732.     The  bills   on    hand,  in    sheets,  never  issued,  amounted  Oct.  1, 


THE    OLD    AMHERST    BANK.  329 

1838,  to  $31,400.  It  would  thus  appear  that  $16,173,  insheets.  which  had 
been  furnished  to  the  bank  were  not  accounted  for.  Up  to  Feb.  10.  an 
overplus  of  bills  had  been  redeemed  amounting  to  $24,212.  It  was  cus- 
tomary for  each  president  to  open  an  account  with  himself  for  the  bills 
issued  during  his  administration,  debiting  himself  with  the  amount  issued 
and  crediting  himself  with  the  amount  destroyed.  When  bills  were  retired 
from  circulation,  they  were  burned  in  the  presence  of  the  president  and 
directors,  who  signed  a  statement  to  that  effect.  Upon  the  supposition 
that  bills  were  issued  which  were  not  entered  on  any  accouut,  it  appeared 
that  bills  so  issued  could  only  amount  to  $16,173,  leaving  $8,039  to  be 
accounted  for  in  some  other  way.  The  commissioners  were  of  the  opinion 
that  there  was  an  error  somewhere  in  the  account  of  the  destruction  of 
bills,  that  is  not  so  many  bills  had  been  destroyed  as  was  made  to  appear 
by  the  books  and  certificates. 

The  committee  of  investigation  appointed  by  the  stockholders  sub- 
mitted a  long  report  under  date  of  June  2,  1841  ;  they  were  satisfied  that 
fraud  had  been  committed,  and  committed  since  Luther  Root  gave  up  his 
situation  as  cashier.  Neither  the  bank  commissioners  or  the  stockholders' 
committee  were  able  to  discover  what  had  become  of  the  missing  funds. 
Early  in  1842,  another  investigation  was  undertaken  by  a  disinterested 
committee,  with  the  following  result,  as  recorded  in  the  Hampshire  Gazette : 
"The  deficiency  heretofore  unaccounted  for,  is  traced  to  frauds  committed 
by  Luther  Root,  the  late  cashier.  Mr.  Root  commenced  his  depredations 
upon  the  funds  of  the  bank  as  long  ago  as  the  presidency  of  Nathaniel 
Smith.  We  have  not  seen  the  report,  but  understand  that  this  fact  is 
established  to  the  satisfaction  of  all  who  know  its  contents.  *  *  * 
It  is  well  that  the  truth  has  come  to  light,  for  cruel  suspicions  have  rested 
on  the  innocent."  After  leaving  Amherst.  Mr.  Root  was  for  about  a  year 
agent  of  the  Grand  Haven,  Mich.  Lumber  company,  and  later  taught 
school  at  Orangeburgh,  S.  C,  where  he  died  in  February,  1842.  He  was 
succeeded  as  cashier  of  the  Amherst  bank,  in  December,  1838,  by  Thomas 
Green,  and  he  in  turn  by  Joseph  A.  Sweetser,  brother  to  Luke  Sweetser, 
with  whom  he  was  associated  in  mercantile  business  at  Amherst.  The 
president  and  directors  of  the  bank  brought  suit  against  Luther  Root  and 
others  who  were  sureties  on  Root's  bond.  Mr.  Root  was  appointed  cashier 
in  1 83 1,  and  re-appointed  in  1832.  but  gave  no  new  bond.  The  case  was 
carried  to  the  supreme  court,  and  Metcalf's  Reports  state  that  Root's 
sureties  were  held  liable,  not  being  exonerated  on  account  of  the  failure  of 
the  directors  of  the  bank  to  examine  into  its  condition.  Suit  was  also 
entered  to  ascertain  whether  the  signatures  on  the  bond  were  genuine,  it 
being  thought  that  some  were  forgeries;  the.  jury  before  whom  the  case 
was  tried  were  unable  to  agree. 


3$0  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

In  February,  1S41,  the  bank  petitioned  the  General  Court  for  power 
to  reduce  its  capital  stock  from  $100,000  to  $50,000.  The  bank  surrendered 
its  charter  in  1S42,  and  in  1S44  the  General  Court  allowed  it  two  years  in 
which  to  close  up  its  affairs.  In  1S45,  Wells  Lathrop  brought  suit  against 
the  president  and  directors  of  the  bank  to  recover  $500  for  services 
rendered.  As  agent  of  the  bank  he  had  prosecuted  claims  in  its  behalf, 
under  the  agreement  that  if  successful  he  should  receive  five  per  cent,  of 
the  amount  recovered,  if  not  he  was  to  have  only  his  actual  expenses. 
The  case  was  decided  against  him  in  the  lower  court,  but  the  supreme 
court  granted  him  a  new  trial.  The  presidents  of  the  bank  and 
their  terms  of  service  were  as  follows:  Nathaniel  Smith,  to  October, 
1S32  ;  Alpheus  Field,  October,  1832  to  November,  1835  !  Lucius  Boltwood, 
November,  1S35  to  October,  1836  ;  Solomon  Pitkin,  October,  1836  to  Feb- 
ruary, 1S41.  The  banking-house  stood  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  the 
savings  bank  building.  After  the  bank  went  out  of  business  the  building 
was  purchased  by  Chester  Kellogg. 

By  an  act  of  the  General  Court  passed  March  18,  1S45,  the  "  Hamp- 
shire and  Franklin  Bank  "  was  incorporated,  to  transact  a  banking  business 
at  Amherst.  Its  incorporators  were  David  Mack,  Jr.,  John  Dickinson,  Jr., 
Luke  Sweetser  and  others.  The  capital  stock  was  $100,000.  In  the 
latter  part  of  January,  1846,  a  bill  was  introduced  in  the  General  Court, 
authorizing  the  Hampshire  and  Franklin  bank  to  go  into  operation  if 
$50,000  of  its  capital  stock  should  be  paid  in  by  Oct.  1st.  Opponents  of 
the  measure  argued  that  there  was  no  necessity  for  it.  The  bank  had 
been  incorporated  the  previous  year  with  a  capital  of  $100,000,  but  the 
petitioners  had  only  been  able  to  secure  stock  subscriptions  amounting  to 
$40,000.  Mr.  Gridley  of  Amherst  spoke  in  favor  of  the  measure,  contend- 
ing that  the  bank  was  needed  and  that  $50,000  was  capital  enough  for  the 
present.  The  bill  was  passed  to  be  engrossed,  but  the  originators  of  the 
enterprise  were  unable  to  raise  even  the  reduced  amount  of  capital  required, 
so  the  project  was  finally  abandoned. 

The  "  First  National  Bank  of  Amherst  "  was  incorporated  in  1864, 
under  the  law  governing  the  establishment  of  national  banks.  Its  charter 
number  was  393.  Its  incorporators  were  L.  M.  Hills,  Charles  Miles,  A. 
C.  Marshall,  J.  T.  Westcott,  E.  I).  Williams,  William  P.  Smith,  James  G. 
Vose,  Edward  Hitchcock,  Calvin  Bridgman  and  nineteen  others.  Its 
capital  stock  was  $51,000,  which  was  increased  in  September,  1864,  to 
$100,000,  and  in  May,  1865,  to  $150,000.  A  preliminary  meeting  of  the 
stockholders  was  held  Jan.  2^,  1S64  ;  a  permanent  organization  was  formed 
Jan.  30  ;  the  charter  bears  date  of  April  20,  and  thebankbegan  to  transact 
business  May  4,  1864.  The  original  board  of  directors  consisted  of  L. 
M.  Hills,  A.  C.  Marshall,  J.  T.  Westcott,  E.  D.  Williams,   J.   G.   Vose,   W. 


AMHERST    SAVINGS    BANK.  33  I 

P.  Smith  and  5.  J.  Bennett.  L.  M.  Hills  was  elected  the  first  president, 
remaining  in  office  until  his  death  in  1S72,  when  Calvin  Bridgman  of 
Belchertown  was  chosen  to  fill  out  his  unexpired  term.  Mr.  Bridgman 
resigned  and  was  succeeded,  Jan.  13.  1S74,  by  L.  D.  Hills,  who 
remains  in  office.  The  first  cashier  was  William  P.  Smith,  who  resigned, 
Oct.  10,  1865,  and  was  succeeded.  Oct.  16,  by  R.  J.  D.  Westcott,  who  held 
the  office  until  1887,  when  his  resignation  was  regretfully  accepted.  In 
January,  1885,  H.  T.  Cowles  was  elected  assistant  cashier,  and  on  the 
acceptance  of  Mr.  Westcott's  resignation,  was  promoted  to  the  office  of 
cashier  which  he  yet  holds.  In  1864,  the  bank  was  opened  for  business 
in  S.  W.  Whitney's  house,  near  the  New  London  Northern  railway  depot, 
where  it  had  secured  quarters  while  the  handsome  brick  block  on  Main 
street,  which  it  built  and  occupied  for  many  years,  was  in  course  of  con- 
struction. In  1891,  the  business  was  removed  to  Hunt's  block  where 
excellent  accommodations  were  provided.  The  regular  report  of  the  bank, 
under  date  of  Dec.  13,  1895,  showed  resources  amounting  to  $611,202.26, 
a  surplus  fund  of  $50,000,  undivided  profits  of  $14, 107.77,  anc^  individual 
deposits  amounting  to  $212,509.52. 

By  an  act  of  the  General  Court  passed  in  February,  1854,  Ithamar 
Conkey,  John  S.  Adams,  William  Kellogg,  Jr.  and  others  were  incorporated 
as  the  Amherst  Savings  Bank.  So  far  as  can  be  ascertained,  there  was  no 
attempt  made  to  effect  an  organization  under  this  act,  and  in  April,  1864, 
a  new  charter  was  granted,  with  Ithamar  Conkey,  George  Cutler,  Charles 
Adams  and  others  as  incorporators.  At  a  meeting  held  Dec.  20,  1864,  the 
corporation  was  organized  and  the  following  officers  were  elected  :  Trus- 
tees, I.  F.  Conkey,  Charles  Adams,  F.  F.  Cook,  James  Hastings.  D.  W. 
Palmer,  W.  A.  Dickinson.  A.  R.  Cushman,  Horace  Ward,  George  Cutler, 
all  of  Amherst,  Calvin  Bridgman  of  Belchertown,  David  Rice  of  Leverett, 
N.  Austin  Smith  of  Sunderland,  L.  N.  Granger  of  North  Hadlev  ;  presi- 
dent, Charles  Adams :  secretary,  George  Cutler :  treasurer.  S.  C.  Carter. 
The  bank  was  opened  for  business  Monday,  Jan.  2,  1865.  The  first  deposit 
received  was  one  of  $50.  The  deposits  for  the  first  year  amounted  to 
$8,239.47.  The  business  was  first  carried  on  in  a  small  wooden  building 
that  stood  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  Dickinson's  block.  In  1875,  it  was 
removed  to  a  brick  building,  erected  by  Dwight  H.  Kellogg  and  purchased 
by  the  bank,  which  stood  on  the  site  of  the  present  bank  block  ;  this 
building  was  burned  in  the  great  fire  of  1S79,  after  which  the  block  now 
occupied  by  the  bank  and  post-office  was  erected.  In  1870,  Charles  Adams 
resigned  as  president  and  was  succeeded  by  E.  F.  Cook,  who  remains  in 
office.  S.  C.  Carter  continued  to  serve  as  treasurer  until  Dec.  31,  1887, 
when  advancing  years  induced  him  to  tender  his  resignation,  which  was 
accepted  by  the  trustees  with  deep  regret.      He  was  succeeded  by  E.  D. 


332  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Bangs,  who  is  now  in  office.  The  affairs  of  the  corporation  have  ever  been 
managed  with  prudence  and  strict  economy,  insuring  its  prosperity.  A 
report  of  its  condition  Jan,  i,  1896,  shows  deposits  amounting  to  $2,057,138, 
undivided  earnings  $61,329.37,  guarantee  funds  $84,582.  A  dividend  of 
4  1-4  per  cent,  was  paid  in  1895. 

THE    POSTAL    SERVICE    IN    AMHERST. 

The  first  post-office  established  in  Amherst  by  the  United  States  gov- 
ernment was  located  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  town,  at  that  time  the 
business  center,  and  the  place  where  town-meetings  were  held.  The  first 
post-master  appointed  was  James  Watson,  whose  commission  bore  date  of 
Jan.  1,  1806.  The  office  occupied  a  room  in  his  dwelling-house,  where  the 
accommodations,  though  not  extensive,  were  fully  adequate  for  the  business 
transacted.  There  was  at  the  time  but  one  mail  a  week,  brought  in  by 
stage-coach,  and  its  arrival  was  an  event  of  general  interest  to  the  commu- 
nity. James  Watson  served  as  postmaster  only  one  year,  being  succeeded, 
Jan.  1,  1807,  by  Joseph  Watson.  Rufus  Kellogg  was  appointed  postmaster 
in  1809,  his  commission  bearing  date  of  Nov.  21;  he  remained  in  office 
until  1824.  Up  to  1820,  the  office  was  kept  in  a  room  in  the  southwest 
corner  of  his  house,  yet  standing  and  now  occupied  by  his  son,  Willard 
M.  Kellogg.  About  1820,  the  establishment  of  Amherst  college  and 
other  causes  operated  to  bring  about  a  large  increase  in  population  at  the 
West  street,  and  the  post-office  was  removed  to  a  building  owned  by  Jarib 
White,  now  know  as  the  Amherst  house  "  Annex."  Mr.  Kellogg  continued 
to  serve  as  postmaster  after  the  removal  of  the  office  to  the  West  street, 
the  office  business  being  attended  to  by  a  clerk.  Jay  White  was  appointed 
postmaster  in  1S24,  serving  until  April,  1S25,  when  he  was  succeeded  by 
Hezekiah  Wright  Strong.  The  office  was  then  removed  to  Mr.  Strong's 
dwelling-house,  which  stood  to  the  east  of  Phoenix  Row,  a  room  being 
built  on  the  west  side  of  the  house  for  office  use. 

With  the  removal  of  the  office  to  the  West  street  and  a  consequent 
increase  in  business,  the  town  was  enabled  to  secure  three  weekly  mails  from 
Boston.  The  stage  route  passing  through  Amherst  extended  from  Boston 
to  Albany  and  the  trip  occupied  three  days.  The  stage  left  Boston  at  1 
a.  M.  and  arrived  at  Amherst  at  9  p.  m.  It  stopped  for  the  night  at  North- 
ampton, continuing  on  its  way  to  Albany  in  the  morning.  The  mails 
arrived  at  Amherst  Tuesdays,  Thursdays  and  Saturdays.  There  was  also 
a  mail  route  north  and  south  between  Hartford,  Conn,  and  Brattleboro, 
\'t.  .Mail  matter  fur  surrounding  towns  was  left  at  the  Amherst  office  for 
distribution.  The  postage  on  letters  weighing  one-half  ounce  was,  to 
Belchertown  6c.,  to  Boston  12  1-2C,  to  New  York  18  3-4C,  to  Washington 
25c.      H.  W.  Strong  continued  to  serve  as   postmaster  until    1S42.      There 


p 


OS! 


Oil 


ICE 


*!'■  "         ■   ■ 


SIGN    OF    FIRST    POST    OFFICE    AT    SOUTH    AMHERST. 


I'.OLTWOOD  S   TAVERN    SIGN. 


AMHERST    POSTMASTERS.  $7,7, 

was  some  complaint  in  regard  to  the  manner  in  which  he  conducted  the 
office.  It  was  claimed  that  he  allowed  persons  to  sit  in  the  office  and  read 
papers  that  came  through  the  mails  directed  to  other  parties,  and  that  the 
papers  were  not  always  returned  to  the  boxes  where  they  belonged. 
Samuel  C.  Carter  was  appointed  postmaster,  March  30,  1S42.  He  removed 
the  office  to  the  old  Amherst  bank  building,  that  occupied  the  site  of  the 
present  Savings  bank  block.  Mr.  Carter  was  succeeded  by  Seth  Nims, 
who  was  appointed  to  the  office  May  9,  1845.  Mr.  Nims  removed  the 
office  to  Phoenix  Row,  in  the  block  now  occupied  by  E.  D.  Marsh.  On 
Mr.  Carter's  appointment  in  1S49,  tne  office  was  again  removed  to  the 
Amherst  bank  building,  where  it  remained  until  1864.  The  building  was 
a  two-story  one,  and  the  post-office  occupied  the  north  side  of  the  lower 
story,  with  S.  C.  Carter's  shoe-store  on  the  south  side  and  I.  F.  Conkey's 
law-office  in  the  second  story.  In  1864,  the  Kelloggs  who  owned  the 
property  desired  to  make  a  three-story  building  of  it  and  the  tenants 
vacated  it.  The  floors  not  being  properly  supported,  the  walls  fell,  June 
29,  1865,  and  Dwight  H.  Kellogg  erected  on  the  site  a  three-story  building 
which  was  burned  in  1879.  Since  1845,  the  postmasters  at  the  center 
office  in  Amherst  with  the  date  of  their  commissions  have  been  as  follows  : 
Samuel  C.  Carter,  May  29,  1849;  Seth  Nims,  June  3,  1853;  Lucius  M. 
Boltwood,  June  17,  1861  ;  Jairus  L.  Skinner,  July  7,  1S65  ;  John  Jameson, 
Dec.  20,  1876;  Orson  G..  Couch,  March  30,  1885;  Byron  H.  Williams, 
Aug.  9,  1889  ;  Orson  G.  Couch,  March  20.  1894. 

At  Amherst,  as  in  nearly  all  large  towns  and  cities,  the  appointment 
of  postmasters  and  their  retention  in  office  has  depended  largely  upon  their 
polifical  faith.  For  a  half-century,  at  least,  the  victors  have  been  awarded 
the  spoils  and  changes  in  national  administrations  have  been  signalized  by 
changes  in  the  management  of  the  local  office.  From  the  results  of  this 
pernicious  system  Amherst  has,  perhaps,  suffered  as  little  as  any  town  in 
the  county.  The  postmasters,  as  a  rule,  have  been  efficient,  faithful,  and 
attentive  to  the  interests  of  their  patrons.  Since  the  establishment  of 
Amherst  College,  and,  later  on.  of  the  Agricultural  College,  and  the 
stations  for  agricultural  experiment,  there  has  been  a  rapid  increase 
in  the  business  of  the  office,  until  at  the  present  time  it  is  far  in  excess  of 
that  conducted  in  most  towns  of  equal  size  and  population  with  Amherst. 
A  system  of  free  mail  delivery  was  inaugurated  April  1,  1896.  July  1,  the 
office  was  moved  into  new  and  commodious  quarters  in  Williams'  block. 
With  two  railways  running  through  the  town,  the  mail  facilities  are 
excellent. 

A  post-office  was  established  at  North  Amherst  in  1834.  The  list  of 
postmasters  with  dates  of  their  appointment  is  as  follows  :  Samuel  Davis, 
May  8,  1834;   Horace  Cutler,  Aug.  9,  1837  i  William   H.    Robinson,   Feb. 


334  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

4,  1858  ;  Horace  Cutler,  Sept.  5,  186 1  ;  Charles  H.  Hobart,  April  8,  1869  ; 
Forester  P.  Ainsworth.  Aug.  31,  1869.  The  post-office  at  South  Amherst 
was  established  in  1S41.  The  postmasters  who  have  served  there  and  the 
dates  of  their  appointment  are  as  follows:  Hiram  H.  Allen,  July  30,  1841  ; 
Waitstill  Dickinson,  June  7,  1844;  Charles  F.  Hay  ward,  Dec.  20,  1849; 
Daniel  Paine,  July  17,  1S56;  Sylvanus  M.  Wright,  Apri.13,  1S5 7  ;  Thomas 
Reed,  Jan.  29,  1863  ;  Waitstill  Dickinson,  April  7,  1S65  ;  Charles  A.  Shaw, 
March  7,  1881. 

COURTS    AND    COURT    OFFICERS. 

The  judicial  system  of  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Pay,  at  the 
time  of  the  settlement  of  Hampshire  county  and  thence  down  to  the  period 
of  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  comprised  a  superior  court  of  judicature 
with  original  and  appellate  jurisdiction  throughout  the  province,  which  held 
sessions  in  the  several  counties  and  resembled  in  many  of  its  features  the 
superior  judicial  court  of  to-day;  a  court  for  each  county  called  the  supe- 
rior court  of  common  pleas,  consisting  of  four  justices,  which  had  cogniz- 
ance of  all  actions  triable  at  common  law,  and  a  court  of  sessions  for  each 
county,  comprising  all  its  justices  of  the  peace,  which  had  a  limited  criminal 
jurisdiction  and  managed  the  prudential  affairs  of  the  county.  The 
justices  of  the  peace  had  a  separate  jurisdiction  in  minor  matters,  both 
civil  and  criminal,  and  from  their  judgment  appeal  could  be  taken  to  the 
court  of  common  pleas  and  court  of  sessions.  There  was  also  a  probate 
court.  At  the  close  of  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  the  courts  of  the  Com- 
monwealth of  Massachusetts  were  established  by  act  of  the  General  Court, 
passed  July  3,  1782.  There  were  a  supreme  judicial  court,  a  court  of 
common  pleas,  and  a  court  of  general  sessions  of  the  peace.  The  supreme 
court  consisted  of  one  chief  and  four  associate  justices.  It  had  jurisdic- 
tion in  both  civil  and  criminal  cases  and  appellate  jurisdiction  in  nearly  all 
probate  matters.  The  court  of  common  pleas,  established  for  each  county, 
had  powers  ecpiivalent  to  those  exercised  by  the  provincial  courts  of  the 
same  name.  This  was  succeeded,  in  181 1,  by  a  circuit  court  of  common 
pleas,  the  act  by  which  this  was  established  dividing  the  state  into  six 
circuits.  The  circuit  court  was  abolished  in  182  1,  and  a  court  of  common 
pleas  throughout  the  state  established.  The  court  of  general  sessions  of 
the  peace  for  each  county  was  held  by  justices  of  the  peace  therein,  and 
determined  matters  relating  to  the  conservation  of  the  peace  and  the 
punishment  of  offences  cognizable  by  them  at  common  law. 

Probate  courts  were  established  by  an  act  passed  by  the  General  Court 
in  1784.  From  that  time  up  to  1858,  the  officers  of  the  probate  court  were 
a  judge  and  a  register  of  probate.  In  1858,  the  court  of  insolvency  was 
placed  under  the  jurisdiction  of  these  officers,  who  were  henceforth  known 


EDWARD    DICKINSON. 


COURTS    AND    JUSTICES.  335 

as  judges  and  registers  of  probate  and  insolvency.  In  1S58,  an  act  was 
passed  giving  certain  powers  in  criminal  cases  to  justices  of  the  peace,  who 
were  entitled  trial  justices.  These  were  appointed  by  the  governor  and 
held  office  three  years.  The  following  men  have  been  appointed  as  trial 
justices  for  the  town  of  Amherst :  James  W.  Boyden  in  1858,  Albion  P. 
Howe  in  1859,  Oliver  Pease  in  1865,  Edward  A.  Thomas  in  1874.  The 
jurisdiction  of  trial  justices  in  Hampshire  county  was  terminated  by  an 
act  of  the  General  Court  approved  May  16,  1882,  which  formed  the  towns 
of  Hampshire  county  into  a  district  court.  William  P.  Strickland  of 
Northampton  was  appointed  justice,  with  A.  J.  Fargo  of  Easthampton  and 
R.  W.  Lyman  of  Belchertown  special  justices.  Sessions  of  this  court  are 
held  at  Northampton,  Amherst  and  Ware,  the  sessions  at  Amherst  being- 
held  on  the  first  and  third  Wednesdays  of  each  month.  Sessions  of  the 
probate  court  for  Hampshire  county  are  held  at  Amherst  on  the  second 
Tuesday  of  January,  March,  June.  August  and  November. 

Probably  the  most  distinguished  jurist  who  has  ever  made  his  home 
in  Amherst  was  Simeon  Strong.  Appointed  a  justice  of  the  peace  in  1768, 
he  gave  up  his  commission  at  the  outbreak  of  the  war  of  the  Revolution. 
In  1800,  he  was  appointed  one  of  the  justices  of  the  Massachusetts  supreme 
court,  holding  that  office  until  his  death  in  1805.  In  an  address  delivered 
by  George  Bliss  in  1826,  before  the  bar  of  the  counties  of  Hampshire, 
Franklin,  and  Hampden,  Judge  Strong  is  thus  described :  He  was  quite 
a  metaphysician  and  always  fond  of  theology.  From  17S0  to  1800  his 
practice  was  extensive.  He  was  very  modest  and  unassuming  in  his  whole 
deportment,  and  always  on  all  occasions  treated  the  court  before  whom 
he  appeared  with  great  deference  and  respect.  He  treated  his  antagonists 
with  perfect  fairness.  He  was  eminently  skilled  in  the  science  of  special 
pleading.  He  was  nearly  a  third  of  a  century  at  the  bar.  Solomon  Strong, 
son  of  Judge  Simeon,  was  appointed,  in  1818,  judge  of  the  circuit  court  of 
common  pleas,  and  in  July,  182 1,  judge  of  the  court  of  common 
pleas,  retaining  the  latter  office  until  September,  1S42,  when  he 
resigned.  In  1834,  Ithamar  Conkey  was  appointed  judge  of  probate  for 
Hampshire  county,  an  office  which  he  held  until  185S.  Other  prominent 
members  of  the  bar  who  have  made  their  home  in  Amherst  were  the  Dick- 
insons, Samuel  Fowler,  Edward  and  William  Austin,  Simeon  Strong, 
Jr.,  Noah  Dickinson  Mattoon,  Lucius  Boltwood,  Osmyn  Baker,  Charles 
Delano  and  Ithamar  F.  Conkey.  In  1S09,  probate  courts  were  held  in 
Amherst  three  times  a  year  at  such  times  and  places  as  the  judge  of  probate 
should  appoint.  In  1S17  and  for  several  years  thereafter  these  courts  were 
held  at  house  of  S.  D.  Ward,  innkeeper,  the  third  Tuesday  in  April,  June 
and  October.  In  1828,  the  sessions  of  probate  court  in  Amherst  was  held 
at  the  house  of  John  Baggs  in   the    east   part  of  the   town.      Other   court 


33& 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


sessions  have   been   held  at  the  town  lock-up,  in  Hunt's  block  and  in  the 
district  court-room  in  the  town  hall  building. 

From  the  records  at  the  state-house  in  Boston  the  following  names  of 
Amherst  men  who  have  served  as  justices  of  the  peace  were  transcribed. 
The  date  of  first  appointment  is  given,  many  of  them  having  been 
reappointed  for  several  terms. 


Moses  Dickinson,  Aug.  20,  1775 
Nathaniel  Dickinson,  Sept.  20,  17S1 
Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.,  March  28,  17S: 
Ebenezer  Boltwood,  March  18,  1786 
Daniel  Cooley,  Oct.  14,  1789 
Simeon  Strong,  Dec.  2,  17S9 
Zebina  Montague,  Feb.  13,  1797 
Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Feb.  8,  1S03 
Jarib  White.  March  2,  1S05 
Medad  Dickinson,  June  16,   1S09 
Ichabod  Draper,  Feb.  14,  1810 
Hezekiah  W.  Strong,  Feb.  5,  181 1 
John  Dickinson,  June  4,  181 1 
Gideon  Stetson,  May  15,  1S12 
Noah  Webster,  Feb.  1,  1814 
John  Strong,  July  2,  1814 
Noah  D.  Mattoon,  July  2,  1814 
Levi  Collins,  Aug.  31,  1815 
Rufus  Graves,  June  10,  1S17 
Ithamar  Conkey,  May  11,  1S19 
Timothy  J.  ( fridley,  May  1 1.  1819 
Jonathan  Eastman,  Aug.  26,  1823 
Zebina  Dickinson,  Feb.  17,  1824 
Lucius  Boltwood.  Feb.  22,  1825 
Isaac  Robbins,  Feb.  22, 1825 
Asahel  Thayer,  Feb.  22,  1825 
Chester  Dickinson,  Oct.  16,  1S27 
Enos  Dickinson,  Oct.  16,  1S27 
Osmyn  Baker,  Jan.  6,  1830 
Elijah  Boltwood,  Feb.  3,  1831 
Edward  Dickinson,  Feb.  3,  1831 
Daniel  Dickinson,  Feb.  26,  1833 
John  Leland,  March  9,  1833 
Luther  Root,  Feb.  18,  1835 
Samuel  Ware,  Sept.  23,  1S35 
David  Mack,  Jan.  22,  1836 
James  Kellogg,  Feb.  iS,  1839 
Leonard  M.  Hills,  Dec.  17.  [842 
Simeon  Dickinson,  Feb.  3,  1844 
Charles  Delano,  March  8,  1844 
Luke  Sweetser,  March  1,  1845 
Baxter  Eastman,  Dec.  22.  1846 


Joseph  Dickinson,  Jan.  8,  1853 
Willard  M.  Kellogg.  Jan.  8,  1853 
Baxter  Eastman.  Dec.  6,  1S53 
Henry  A.  Marsh,  Feb.  16,  1854 
Daniel  Paine,  July  7,  1854 
Albin  P.  Howe,  March  9,  1855 
Newton  Fitch,  March  24,  1S55 
Benjamin  F.  Smith,  May  23,  1855 
John  M.  Emerson,  Sept.  3,  1855 
Henry  B.  Prince,  March  14,  1S56 
Jared  T.  Westcott,  March  14,  1856 
Ezra  Ingram,  May  15,  1856 
W.  A.  Dickinson,  Jan.  23,  1857 
M.  N.  Spear,  May  29,  1S57 
F.  A.  Palmer,  March  21,  1S60 
Abner  G.  Mossman,  March  21,  i860 
J.  O.  Peck,  Jan.  5,  1S61 
Seth  Fish,  March  20,  1S61 
Aaron  E.  Warner,  Dec.  24.  1S61 
John  E.  Cushman,  Oct.  21,  1S62 
Hiram  C.  Howard,  Dec.  16,  1S64 
Oliver  Pease,  May  5,  1S65 
Geo.  Cutler,  Jan.  23,  1867 
Marshall  B.  Cushman,  Oct.  31,  1S67 
William  S.  Clark.  Nov.  2,  1867 
Horace  Cutler,  May  6,  186S 
Edward  P.  Cushman,  May  13,  1S68 
Levi  Stockbridge,  April  1,  1S69 

D.  B.N.  Fish,  Feb.  23,  1871 
Forester  P.  Ainsworth,  March  15,  1S71 
Edward  A.  Thomas,  Feb.  3,  1874 
Edward  E.  Webster,  Sept.  9,  1S75 
John  Jameson,  Oct.  7,  1N75 

Edward  Conkey,  May  6,  1876 
John  C.  Dillon,  April  10,  1877 
James  I.  Cooper,  Dec.  S,  1877 
Foster  R.  Clement,  Nov.  28,  1879 
Frank  E.  Paige,  April  6,  t88o 
Wolcott  Hamlin,  April  20,  18S0 
J.  F.  Morell.  July  19,  1882 
C.  B.  Marvin,  Jr.,  March  22,  1SS3 

E.  I).  Bangs,  April  18.  1S83 


NEWSPAPERS    AND    PRINT.ING.  337 

Ithamar  F.  Conkey,  Feb.  3,  1S47  H.  C.  Nash,  Jr.,  May  7,  1883 

James  W.  Boyden,  June  1,  1848  George  W.  Sanderson,  April  2,  1S84 

Simeon  Clark,  March  29,  1S49  Flavel  Gaylord.  April  9,  1SS4 

Elbridge  G.  Bowdoin,  June  20,  1S49  Dwight  W.  Palmer,  June  19,  18S5 

Horace  Smith,  Sept.  16,  185 1  H.  M.  McCloud.  July  6.  1886 

Hiram  H.  Allen,  Sept.  16,  1851  James  E.  Merrick,  April  10,  1889 

Ferdinand  Robinson,  Sept.  16,  1S51  F.  A.  Hobbs,  Dec.  3,  1S90 

Jonas  H.  Winter,  Sept.  30,  1S51  W.  A.  Hunt,  April  1,   1S91 

John  R.  Cushman,  Dec.  2,  1851  Oramel  S.  Senter,  Feb.  23,  1894 

Levi  Nutting,  Dec.  2S,  1852  B.  H.  Williams,  May  17,  1894 

Bela  U.  Dickinson,  Jan.  S,  1S53  W.  J.  Reilley,  Oct.  3,  1895 

Amherst  has  furnished  but  one  high  sheriff  for  the  county  of  Hamp- 
shire, Ebenezer  Mattoon,  appointed  in  1796,  who  continued  in  office  for 
nearly  twenty  years.  There  are  no  existing  records  from  which  can  be 
compiled  a  list  of  deputy  sheriffs  appointed  for  Amherst.  A  careful 
investigation  of  papers  on  hie  at  the  court-house  in  Northampton  would 
seem  to  show  that  one  of  the  first,  if  not  the  first,  Amherst  deputy  to  be 
appointed  was  Zebina  Dickinson,  who  first  took  the  oath  of  office  June  2, 
1806.  He  continued  to  serve  until  after  the  year  1S24,  having  as  an 
associate  during  the  latter  part  of  his  term  of  office  Chester  Dickinson. 
From  1824  to  1S38,  there  is  no  record  of  an  Amherst  appointment  to  this 
office.  Frederick  A.  Palmer  was  appointed  deputy  sheriff,  Sept.  6,  1838, 
continuing  in  office  until  his  death  in  1S74.  Seth  Niras  was  appointed  a 
deputy  in  185 1.  In  1S45,  Henry  Frink  was  appointed  a  deputy,  to  serve 
five  years.  On  the  death  of  Mr.  Palmer,  George  B.  Gallond  was  appointed 
deputy  sheriff  and  served  until  his  death  in  iSSS.  Mr.  Gallond  was 
succeeded  by  William  W.  Smith,  who  died  in  office,  Nov.  26,  1893.  The 
present  incumbent  of  the  office  is  David  H.  Tillson. 


CHAPTER   XL. 


Newspapers  and  Printing. — The  First  Printing  Press. — J.  S.  &  C. 
Adams. — New  England  Inquirer. — Hampshire  and  Frank- 
lin Express. — Local  News  and  Advertisements. — Hamp- 
shire Express. — The  Amherst  Record. — Other  Newspaper 
Ventures. — Miscellaneous  Publications. 

The  printing  business  was  first  established  in  Amherst  in  1825.  In 
August  of  that  year,  the  first  printing-press  was  brought  to  town  by  Samuel 
C.    Carter   and   John   S.   Adams.      It   was   known   as  a  "  Ramage  "  press, 


338  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

manufactured  in  Philadelphia  and  considered  at  that  time  one  of  the  best 
in  use.  Few  of  the  townspeople  had  up  to  that  time  seen  a  printing-press; 
it  was  to  them  so  interesting  and  curious  an  object  they  crowded  the  office 
from  morning  to  night  for  several  weeks  after  it  was  put  in  that  they  might 
see  it  in  operation.  Associated  with  S.  C.  Carter  and  J.  S.  Adams  in  the 
printing  business  was  Charles  Adams,  brother  to  John  S.  Of  Samuel 
C.  Carter,  a  brief  biographical  sketch  will  be  given  in  a  later  chapter  in  this 
volume. 

John  S.  Adams  was  born  in  Middleton,  May  24,  1S03.  He  entered, 
at  an  early  age,  the  printing  office  of  Flagg  &  Gould  at  Andover,  where  he 
worked  six  years,  five  as  an  apprentice  and  the  sixth  as  foreman  of  the 
office.  While  at  this  office  he  was  engaged  a  large  part  of  his  time  on 
Greek,  Hebrew  and  Arabic  works.  He  came  to  Amherst  in  1825,  where 
for  more  than  a  half  century  he  was  prominent  in  public  affairs.  Public 
spirited  in  the  best  sense  of  the  word,  he  was  ever  willing  to  devote  time, 
labor  and  money  to  any  project  that  made  for  the  public  good.  An  early 
advocate  of  railway  construction,  on  the  organization  of  the  Amherst  and 
Belchertown  railway  company  he  was  appointed  clerk  and  treasurer,  a 
position  which  he  held  for  ten  years.  For  many  years  he  was  clerk  and 
treasurer  of  the  First  Congregational  church,  and  served  the  town  in  a 
similar  capacity  for  one  year.  He  died  at  his  home  in  Amherst,  Sept.  28, 
1877.  He  built  and  resided  in  the  house  now  occupied  by  Mrs.  YV.  D. 
Herrick's  home  school. 

Charles  Adams  was  born  in  Middleton,  May  3,  1805.  Coming  to 
Amherst  in  1S25,  he  engaged  in  business  with  his  brother  John  S.  Adams 
and  S.  C.  Carter,  the  firm  of  J.  S.  &  C.  Adams,  organized  in  the  '20s, 
continuing  in  existence  until  1S71.  The  business  of  printing  and  publish- 
ing was  first  conducted  in  a  building  situated  on  the  site  now  occupied  by 
the  Amherst  house  "Annex."  Mr.  Adams  was  a  man  of  affairs,  highly 
esteemed  in  the  community.  He  served  the  public  in  many  offices  of  trust 
and  honor.  He  served  the  town  for  one  year  as  representative  to  the 
General  Court,  and  also  as  selectman  and  assessor;  he  held  the  office  of 
county  commissioner  for  one  term  ;  he  was  for  several  years  a  member  of 
the  committee  of  the  First  Congregational  parish  and  also  parish  assessor. 
He  was  the  first  president  of  the  Amherst  Savings  bank,  being  elected  in 
1864  and  holding  office  until  his  resignation  in  1870.  He  resided  for 
many  years  in  the  "Cooper  house"  adjoining  Palmer's  block,  which  was 
destroyed  by  fire  in  March,  18S8.  He  afterwards  built  and  resided  in  the 
house  on  Lincoln  avenue  now  owned  by  Charles  M.  Osgood.  While  in 
partnership  with  his  brother,  the}'  built  a  brick  block  on  "  Merchants'  Row," 
which  they  rented  but  never  occupied.  Mr.  Adams  died  at  his  home  in 
Amherst,  July  14,  1888. 


or  PROMI  NENT  *> 
BUSINESS   MEN. 


THE    FIRST    NEWSPAPER.  339 

The  first  business  engaged  in  by  the  Adams  brothers  and  S.  C.  Carter 
was  a  general  line  of  printing  and  book-binding,  Mr.  Carter  paying  partic- 
ular attention  to  the  bindery.  The  first  book  printed  by  them  was  a 
volume  of  sermons  by  Rev.  Daniel  A.  Clark,  who  had  recently  been 
dismissed  from  the  pastorate  of  the  First  Congregational  church.  At  that 
time  the  nearest  place  where  printing  paper  could  be  procured  was  Boston. 
It  was  shipped  from  there  by  water,  carried  by  boat  through  Long  Island 
Sound  and  up  the  Connecticut  river  to  the  wharf  in  Hadley.  the  trip 
occupying  from  10  to  14  days.  Sometimes  it  was  brought  overland  from 
Boston  by  six-horse  teams,  the  trip  occupying  from  six  to  seven  days. 
Paper  was  expensive  in  those  earlier  days  ;  good  rag  stock  was  the  basis 
of  its  composition  and  wood-pulp,  grass  and  straw  were  unknown  as 
adulterants.  The  first  periodical  issued  from  the  press  of  Carter  &  Adams 
was  the  "Chemist  and  Meteorological  Journal."  The  first  number  of  the 
first,  and  only,  volume  bears  date  of  July  S.  1826.  Its  price  was  S4  per 
annum,  "half  ad.."  the  interpretation  of  the  latter  phrase  being  that  one- 
half  of  the  price  was  payable  in  advance.  Its  editor  was  John  R.  Cotting, 
a  gentleman  of  considerable  scientific  lore,  who  was  engaged  as  a  lecturer 
on  chemistry  at  Amherst  Academy.  The  "Chemist  "  was  issued  weekly, 
contained  16  pages  of  printed  matter,  of  octavo  size,  the  matter,  set  in  two 
narrow  columnson  the  page,  being  devoted  exclusively  to  scientific  subjects. 
As  concerned  any  reference  to  the  town  of  Amherst  or  its  people,  it  might 
as  well  have  been  printed  in  Siberia.  Its  pages  were  illustrated  with  wood- 
cuts of  scientific  apparatus,  and  each  number  contained  a  meteorological 
table  compiled  at  some  well-known  institution  of  learning. 

UTEW-EWCJLAND  INQUIRER. 


ltlin>h\V,   N'AI.MUKIt-2i.  I8\!7 


The  above  is  a  reproduction  of  the  heading  on  the  first  page  of  the 
fust  newspaper  printed  in  the  town  of  Amherst.  In  October,  1826,  Carter 
&  Adams  issued  in  the  form  of  a  prospectus  "  Proposals  for  publishing  a 
Weekly  Newspaper,  at  Amherst,  Mass.,  to  be  called  the  New  England 
Inquirer."  This  document  stated  that  in  the  new  publication  it  was 
proposed  to  devote  considerable  space  to  national  politics,  "  trammeled  by 
no  party  prejudices  and  influenced  by  no  sectional  interests."  There 
would  be  inserted  in  its  columns  such  correspondence  and  articles  of  intel- 
ligence as  should  seem  to  be  important  to  the  moral  interests  of  the 
community.  Its  literary  character  would  be  "  worthy  of  the  intelligent 
population  on  whose  patronage  it  must  subsist."     Particular   efforts  would 


340  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

be  made  to  collect  matter  which  would  illustrate  our  colonial  and  revolu- 
tionary history.  Attention  would  also  be  paid  to  improvements  and  inven- 
tions in  agriculture  and  the  mechanic  arts,  "with  which  this  age  so  much 
abounds,''  as  well  as  to  all  interesting  news,  foreign  and  domestic.  From 
this  prospectus  may  readily  be  gained  an  idea  of  the  character  and  the 
accepted  mission  of  the  weekly  newspaper  published  seventy  years  ago. 
National  politics,  foreign  intelligence,  literature,  history,  these  were  the 
essentials,  to  which  were  subordinated  and  relegated  almost  into  nothing- 
ness, the  gathering  and  chronicling  of  purely  local  news. 

Number  one  of  volume  one  of  the  Inquirer  hears  date  Dec.  i,  1826. 
Carter  &  Adams  were  the  publishers  and  Hon.  Osmyn  Baker  the  editor, 
but  the  latter's  name  does  not  appear  in  the  paper  at  all.  The  Inquirer 
was  printed  and  published  every  Friday  morning.  Its  subscription  price 
was  $2  per  year  when  paid  within  six  months  of  the  date  of  subscription, 
or  $1.75  if  paid  on  receipt  of  the  first  issue.  No  subscription  was  received 
for  less  than  one  year.  Post-riders  were  supplied  with  the  paper  "on  good 
terms."  It  was  a  four-page  paper  with  five  columns  on  a  page.  The 
publishers  announced  that  "Advertisements  will  be  conspicuously  inserted 
at  the  usual  terms.7'  A  summary  of  the  contents  of  the  first  issue  is  of 
interest  at  this  time.  On  the  first  page  was  printed  a  story  entitled  "  A 
Border  Tradition,"  copied,  in  condensed  form,  from  the  United  States  Review 
ami  literary  Gazette,  and  a  report  of  the  cattle-show  of  the  Merrimack 
Agricultural  society,  at  Concord,  N.  H.  The  last  page  was  devoted  to 
religious  news  and  Revolutionary  war  papers.  The  foreign  news,  on  the 
inside  pages,  consisted  of  reprints  from  the  New  York  Mercury  of  Nov.  14 
and  the  New  York  Enquirer.  The  one  item  of  local  intelligence  related 
to  the  sending  up  of  a  balloon,  12  or  15  feet  in  diameter,  from  College 
hill.  There  were  three  columns  of  advertising  in  the  issue  and  of  this 
space  nearly  one-half  was  occupied  by  the  announcements  of  Luke  Sweetser 
and  Graves  &  Field.  Both  these  parties  kept  "  general "  stores,  where 
they  sold  dry-goods,  groceries,  hardware,  liquor,  etc. 

The  second  issue  of  the  paper  contains  the  announcement  that  the 
steamboat  "  Barnet,"  the  first  that  had  ever  ascended  the  Connecticut 
river  above  Hartford,  had  arrived  at  Northampton  the  Friday  preceding. 
The  issue  •  of  Jan.  26  contains  the  following  interesting  notice  to 
correspondents  : 

•■  We  have  been  favored  this  week  with  no  less  than  three  articles  of  original 
poetry.  Our  taste  in  these  matters  has  been  said  to  he  somewhat  fastidious,  and 
perhaps  it  is  well  that  it  is  so,  for  if  we  were  to  publish  indiscriminately  whatever 
we  receive  of  that  commodity,  we  might  be  as  nearly  overwhelmed  by  moon-struck 
ballad-mongers  as  we  have  been  by  writers  on  education,  which  Heaven  forbid, 
but  luckily  for  our  readers,  Hotspur  himself  did  not   more  heartily  detest  mincing 


HAMPSHIRE    AND    FRANKLIN    EXPRESS.  341 

poetry  than  we  do.  We  are  the  humble  slaves  of  the  true  worshipers  of  the  Muses 
whom  the  Nine  acknowledge,  but  for  those  whom  both  Rhyme  and  Reason  have 
repudiated,  we  have  little  affection." 

May  22,  1827,  the  firm  of  Carter  &  Adams  was  dissolved,  being 
succeed  by  the  firm  of  J.  S.  &  C.  Adams.  Mr.  Carter  on  retiring  from 
the  printing  business  devoted  his  attention  to  the  work  of  book-binding. 
In  the  Inquirer 's  issue  for  Nov.  16,  1827,  announcement  was  made  that 
the  property  in  the  establishment  had  been  "  purchased  of  the  present 
proprietors  by  a  number  of  gentlemen,  who  have  determined  on  carrying 
forward  the  publication  on  an  improved  and  extended  plan."  The  size  of 
the  paper  was  to  be  increased  about  one-fifth  and  its  appearance  improved 
in  many  respects.  No  name  was  signed  to  this  announcement.  Under 
the  new  management,  the  Inquirer  was  edited  by  Prof.  Samuel  M.  Wor- 
cester of  Amherst  College.  The  paper  was  enlarged  by  the  addition  of 
one  column  to  each  page,  and  the  publication  day  was  changed  from  Fri- 
day to  Thursday.  The  pages  were  numbered  consecutively  from  week  to 
week,  that  an  index  for  the  volume  might  be  made  at  the  end  of  the  year. 
The  publication  was  continued  about  a  year  under  its  new  management 
and  then  was  given  up.  In  1839,  the  Amherst  Gazette  was  published  for 
a  few  months  by  James  B.  Yerrington,  but  the  enterprise  proving  unprofit- 
able, was  promptly  abandoned.  Its  venerable  namesake,  the  Hampshire 
Gazette,  alluded  thus  unfeelingly  to  its  demise  :  "  The  Amherst  Gazette,  a 
neutral  bantling,  after  a  short  existence  of  thirteen  weeks,  has  retired  to 
the  peaceful  shades  of  non-existence.'' 

HAMPSHIRE  AND  FRANKLIN  EXPRESS. 


J    S.  t  C.  A 

DAMS.  Puninon 

oftice  No 

3     P  H  E  N  I  X 

BOW 

SAMUEL  NASH.  Eorroi 

VOL.    1 

nnii' 

T,   ■!»..  Pill 

[111      10l\l\ 

c.  in  »,  ims. 

.NO    37 

Of  more  enduring  qualities  than  its  predecessors  was  the  paper  whose 
title-page  bore  the  heading  faithfully  portrayed  above.  Under  different 
titles  and  different  owners  the  publication  has  been  continued  down  to 
the  present  time.  The  Hampshire  and  Franklin  Express  gained  a  more 
extended  circulation  and  exerted  a  wider  influence  than  any  other  paper 
ever  printed  in  Amherst.  Its  field  was  broad  ;  from  Greenfield  on  the 
north  to  Springfield  on  the  south,  from  Northampton  on  the  west  to  Wor- 
cester on  the  east,  it  had  no  competitor.  The  daily  newspaper  had  not 
yet  begun  its  deadly  inroads  on  the  field  of  weekly  journalism  ;  the  few 
magazines  published  in  America  were  still  in  their  infancy  and  had  not 
begun  to  dispute  the  field  of  literature  with  the  weekly  press.  The  first 
issue  of  the  Express  bears  date  of  Sept.   13,  1844.     On   the   first  page   is 


34-  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

printed  the  publishers'  prospectus.  From  this  it  is  learned  that  the  proprie- 
tors had  been  repeatedly  urged  to  publish  a  paper  on  the  east  side  of  the 
Connecticut  river,  and  had  concluded  to  do  so.  Its  object  would  be  the 
diffusion  of  such  news  as  might  be  expected  to  find  a  place  in  a  family 
newspaper,  and  the  advancement  of  such  plans  and  measures  as  the 
proprietors  believed  were  calculated  to  promote  the  general  welfare  and  pros- 
perity and  moral  and  intellectual  improvement  of  the  community.  It  would 
advocate  the  principles  of  the  Whig  party  in  politics,  including  a  protective 
tariff  and  opposition  to  territorial  expansion.  The  interests  of  religion 
and  agriculture  would  be  properly  cared  for.  The  editorial  department 
would  be  in  care  of  Samuel  Nash,  while  J.  S.  &  C.  Adams  were  the  pro- 
prietors and  publishers.  The  terms  of  subscription  were :  To  those  who 
paid  on  receipt  of  the  fourth  number,  $1.50;  to  those  who  paid  before  the 
end  of  six  months,  $1.75,  to  all  others,  $2.  No  subscriptions  were  received 
for  less  than  six  months. 

The  paper  comprised  four  pages  with  six  broad  columns  on  a  page. 
At  the  head  of  the  editorial  column  in  the  first  issue  were  the  names  of 
Henry  Clay,  candidate  for  president,  and  Theodore  Frelinghuysen,  candi- 
date for  vice-president,  on  the  Whig  ticket.  In  an  editorial  paragraph  an 
apology  was  made  for  the  delay  in  issuing  the  first  number,  which  was 
caused  by  the  time  taken  up  in  securing  a  larger  press.  The  paper 
contained  an  interesting  selection  of  foreign  and  domestic  news,  including 
election  returns  from  Maine  and  Vermont  and  a  letter  from  Henry  Clay  on 
tariff  matters.  The  only  item  which  by  any  stretch  of  imagination  could 
be  accounted  Amherst  news  was  a  meteorological  record  for  the  month  of 
August,  compiled  by  Prof.  E.  S.  Snell.  Liberal  abstracts  were  published  of 
probate  notices  for  Hampshire  and  Franklin  counties,  a  feature  to  which 
the  publishers  called  particular  attention.  There  was  the  customary  long 
list  of  marriages  and  deaths,  covering  a  wide  extent  of  territory.  Especial 
attention  was  paid  to  railroad  matters  from  the  first,  the  affairs  of  the 
Vermont  and  Massachusetts  road  receiving  extended  consideration.  At  the 
time  of  the  first  issue  of  the  Express  the  residents  of  Amherst  were 
beginning  to  realize  the  desirability,  if  not  the  absolute  necessity,  of 
securing  railway  communication  with  the  outer  world.  It  was  generally 
understood  at  the  time  that  one  principal  reason  for  establishing  the  paper 
was  to  aid  the  railway  project. 

The  first  issue  contained  but  two  and  one-half  columns  of  advertising 
matter,  but  in  subsequent  issues  this  space  was  greatly  increased.  Sweetser 
&  <  !utler  were  the  principal  advertisers  in  the  Express,  as  Luke  Sweetser 
had  been  in  the  Inquirer  seventeen  years  before.  But  in  the  years  that 
intervened  between  the  two  publications  a  new  line  of  advertising  had 
been  developed  and  had  forced    its   way   into   prominence.     The    "  patent 


READING    MATTER    AND    ADVERTISEMENTS.  343 

medicine  adv.,"  the  origin  of  which  has  ever  been  veiled  in  obscurity,  first 
assumed  prominence  in  the  weekly  newspapers  published  in  New  England 
in  the  decade  beginning  with  1830.  The  Express  secured  its  full  share  of 
this  advertising,  and  its  columns  were  illuminated  with  the  praises  of 
"Sherman's  Worm  Lozenges,"  "Magical  Pain  Extractor,''  "Celestial 
Balm  of  China  "  and  "Resurrection  Pills."  Generous  advertising  patron- 
age was  also  secured  from  many  of  the  valley  towns  on  the  east  side  of 
the  Connecticut  river,  the  merchants  of  Hadley,  South  Hadley  Falls, 
Montague,  Palmer,  Springfield  and  Hartford  finding  the  Express  a  valuable 
medium  for  communicating  with  their  customers.  Nearly  all  the  Amherst 
news  of  interest  found  place,  if  anywhere,  in  the  advertising  columns. 
From  these  it  is  learned  that  the  headquarters  of  Amherst  Democracy  were 
located  at  Baggs'  tavern  in  East  Amherst,  while  the  Whigs  generally 
gathered  at  Howe's  tavern  at  the  center.  In  common  with  its  Whig  con- 
temporaries the  Express  mourned  over  the  election  of  Polk  and  Dallas, 
but  its  editor  was  optimistic,  trusting  that  what  seemed  a  national  misfor- 
tune would  be  overruled  by  Providence  for  good.  The  doings  of  the 
national  Congress  and  the  state  Legislature  occupied  a  conspicuous  place 
in  its  columns,  and  from  time  to  time  state  laws  of  importance  were 
published.  Unlike  the  editor  of  the  Inquirer,  the  first  editor  of  the  Express 
welcomed  and  printed  much  original  poetry,  and  an  occasional  original 
story  was  printed  on  the  first  page.  Most  of  the  literary  matter  was  quoted 
from  well-known  publications. 

In  the  issue  for  June  20,  1S45,  announcement  was  made  that  on  July 
1  the  new  postal  law  would  go  into  operation,  by  which  editors  and 
publishers  were  allowed  to  send  papers  through  the  mails  free  of  cost 
within  a  circle  of  fifty  miles.  The  circulation  of  the  Express  was  prin- 
cipally through  the  agency  of  carriers,  and  its  publishers  declared  their 
intention  of  continuing  this  service  as  it  was  more  convenient  for  them  and 
for  the  subscribers  as  well.  Should  the  papers  be  sent  by  mail  to  villages 
near  post-offices  then  forming  parts  of  the  routes  of  carriers,  the  best  part 
of  their  business  would  be  taken  away  and,  in  consequence,  the  routes 
would  be  abandoned.  Those  residing  at  a  distance  from  the  post-offices 
would  discontinue  their  paper.  Besides  the  additional  expense  of  mailing 
papers  to  individual  subscribers,  the  keeping  of  an  account  with  each  and 
the  additional  risk  and  expense  of  collecting  to  the  publishers  would  forbid 
a  reduction  from  the  advertised  rates  to  mail  subscribers.  The  circulation 
of  the  Express  was  limited  mostly  to  towns  on  the  east  side  of  the  Con- 
necticut river. 

Following  is  a  list  of  the  editors  of  the  Express,  together  with  the 
dates  when  they  began  their  service:  September,  1S44,  Samuel  Nash  ; 
May,  1848,  Homer  A.  Cook;  July,  1849,  J.  R.  Trumbull;   March  1,  1856, 


344 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 


Homer  Bliss  ;  June  13,  1856,  John  H.  Brewster;  Aug.  21,  1857,  Pliny 
H.  White;  April  30,  1858,  John  H.  Brewster;  March  25,  1859,  J.  H. 
M.  Leland  ;  Aug.  25,  1859,  Henry  A.  Marsh;  June  20,  1867,  J.  L.  Skin- 
ner. From  time  to  time  changes  were  made  in  the  size  and  appearance  of 
the  paper.  These  were  generally  in  the  direction  of  enlargement  of  the 
sheet,  as  the  amount  of  advertising  matter  increased.  The  news  relating 
to  Amherst  and  surrounding  towns  was  always  set  in  the  smallest  type  and 
given  the  least  conspicuous  position  in  the  columns.  It  was  not  until  the 
'60s,  when  H.  A.  Marsh  was  editor,  that  anything  like  prominence  was 
given  to  matter  of  purely  local  interest.  With  the  issue  of  March  16, 
i860,  the  paper  attained  its  largest  size,  eight  columns,  24  inches  in  length, 
being  printed  on  each  page.  In  1862,  the  introduction  of  the  electric 
telegraph  in  town  and  the  public  thirst  for  war  news  brought  into  being  the 
Daily  Express.  Its  first  issue  bears  date  of  April  20,  and  it  was  continued 
through  the  greater  part  of  the  year.  It  was  a  small  four-page  paper, 
printed  at  first  with  three  columns  on  a  page  but  this  was  afterwards 
increased  to  four.  It  was  devoted  almost  exclusively  to  the  publication  of 
war  news,  which  was  printed  with  imposing  headlines  and  was  generally 
optimistic  for  the  Union  cause  to  a  marked  degree.  It  is  interesting  to 
learn  from  these  despatches  how  for  many  months  the  rebellion  was  in 
daily  and  hourly  danger  of  being  crushed  and  annihilated  by  one  brilliant 
move  of  the  Union  armies.  This  move,  for  reasons  which  history  has 
recorded,  was  delayed  for  more  than  two  years.  While  the  war  was  in 
progress  two  reductions  were  made  in  the  size  of  the  weekly  Express. 


Vol.  XXI. 


AMHERST.  FRIDAY,  MAY  12,  1865. 


No.yi 


With  the  issue  of  Jan.  27,  1865,  the  artistic  heading  printed  above 
made  its  first  appearance.  One  column  was  added  to  each  page  of  the 
paper  and  the  columns  at  the  same  time  were  lengthened.  No  reason  was 
assigned  by  editors  or  publishers  for  the  change  of  name.  In  May,  1S66, 
the  paper  was  still  further  enlarged.  The  issue  of  May  3  contains  the 
following  announcement  :  "We  have  long  felt  that  our  advertisements  are 
crowding  too  much  upon  our  news  and  miscellaneous  columns,  but  the 
extreme  high  price  of  paper  has  deterred  us  from  making  any  enlargement 
until  the  present  time."     The  editor  would  inflict   no    long-winded    article 


THE    AMHERST    RECORD.  345 

upon  his  readers,  but  would  aim  to  make  the  paper  a  medium  of  commu- 
nication of  facts  and  valuable  intelligence.  From  this  time  on  more 
attention  was  paid  to  the  gathering  and  publication  of  news  of  purely 
local  interest.  The  introduction  of  the  telegraph  and  the  multiplication  of 
daily  papers  had  detracted  greatly  from  the  value  of  the  weeklies  in  the 
publication  of  foreign  and  general  news. 


WEDNESDAY     OCTOBER    16     1895 


The  first  issue  of  the  Amherst  Record  bears  date  of  May  7,  1868. 
In  changing  its  title,  the  proprietors  intended  to  signify  as  well  a  change 
in  the  character  of  the  paper.  Amherst  was  growing  rapidly,  and  it  was 
believed  that  the  town  should  support  a  larger  and  better  paper  than 
before.  To  quote  from  the  announcement  made  in  the  first  issue  printed 
under  the  new  heading:  "The  educational  institutions  established  here, 
the  class  of  people  that  are  being  and  will  continue  to  be  drawn  here,  the 
reputation  of  the  town  as  foremost  in  educational  matters  and  for  beauty 
of  natural  scenery,  all  demand  that  a  paper  be  published  here  that  shall  not 
only  give  local  news  but  shall  to  a  certain  extent  represent  the  educational 
interests  of  the  town."  Special  attention  would  be  paid  to  the  interests 
of  the  Agricultural  College.  For  a  long  time  after  this  announcement  was 
made  a  special  department  was  sustained  in  the  paper  under  the  Agricultural 
College  heading.  At  this  time,  J.  L.  Skinner  and  H.  M.  McCloud  were  the 
owners  of  the  paper  and  J.  L.  Skinner  its  editor.  In  1868,  Mr.  Skinner 
disposed  of  his  interest  to  C.  L.  Storrs.  and  the  firm  name  was  changed  to 
Storrs  &  McCloud,  editors  and  proprietors.  March  8,  1S71,  Mr.  Storrs 
was  compelled  on  account  of  continued  ill  health  to  give  up  his  connection 
with  the  paper,  and  H.  M.  McCloud  became  sole  editor  and  proprietor. 
In  assuming  editorial  management,  Mr.  McCloud  made  the  announcement 
that  he  should  aim  especially  to  make  a  newspaper  of  local  interest, 
indispensable  to  every  family  in  the  vicinity.  In  this  effort  he  was  eminently 
successful,  the  paper  gaining  largely  in  circulation  and  attracting  a  large 
and  lucrative  line  of  advertising.  It  was  found  necessary,  at  frequent 
intervals,  to  issue  supplements  on  account  of  the  large  amount  of  advertis- 
ing matter.  About  Aug.  1,  187  1.  the  paper  was  altered  from  the  old-style 
"blanket-sheet"  of  four  large  pages  to  an  eight-page  form  of  smaller  size. 
In  June,  1S77,  John  E.  Williams  purchased  an  interest  in  the  business, 
which  was  conducted  under  the  firm  name  of  McCloud  &  Y\ 'illiams  until 
Aug.    27.    1879,    when   Mr.    Williams   became  editor  and  proprietor.      He 


346  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

continued  in  charge  until  his  death  in  January,  1S90.  In  April,  1S90,  the 
Record  property  was  purchased  by  E.  W.  Carpenter  and  C.  F.  Morehouse, 
who  have  since  conducted  the  paper  along  the  lines  marked  out  by  their 
immediate  predecessors,  seeking  to  make  of  it  an  interesting  and  valuable 
record  of  local  events.  When  the  Express  was  first  established  in  1S44, 
the  publication  office  was  at  No.  3  Phoenix  Row.  In  1S70,  it  was  removed 
to  Holland's  block,  and  in  1S76  to  Union  block  on  Main  street.  Here  it 
remained  until  18S2,  when  it  was  removed  to  a  new  building  erected  by 
Mr.  Williams  in  the  rear  of  the  American  house  block  where  it  is  now 
located. 

In  1850,  Lebbeus  B.  Fifield,  a  student  at  Amherst  College,  published 
for  five  months,  semi-monthly,  The  Experiment,  a  four-page  sheet  measur- 
ing 8  1-2  x  12  inches,  at  a  subscription  price  of  75  cents  per  year.  Need- 
less to  say,  the  experiment  was  not  a  success.  In  1854,  the  Valley  Farmer, 
edited  by  John  A.  Nash,  was  started  in  Springfield,  and  removed  in 
December  of  that  year  to  Amherst,  where  it  passed  a  brief  and  not  over- 
profitable  existence.  In  the  Amherst  Record  under  date  of  April  21,  1875, 
a  paragraph  was  published  stating  it  was  rumored  that  a  new  agricultural 
paper  was  to  be  issued  in  Amherst,  published  by  T.  G.  Huntington  and  E. 
H.  Libby,  the  former  a  practical  farmer  residing  in  Hadley,  the  latter  a 
graduate  of  the  Agricultural  College  in  the  class  of  1874.  A  further 
announcement  was  issued  under  date  of  May  12,  to  the  effect  that  many 
subscriptions  had  been  received  and  3000  copies  would  be  printed  of  the 
first  number.  June  2,  announcement  was  made  that  the  first  number  had 
been  issued  and  had  met  with  great  favor.  Every  department  was  in 
charge  of  an  expert.  Despite  of  its  flattering  prospects,  the  journal  was 
destined  to  a  brief  life.  The  Amherst  Transcript  was  published  by  R.  A. 
and  Charles  Marsh,  from  Sept.  iS,  187710  Aug.  12,  1S79.  It  was  devoted 
especially  to  local  matters.  Since  the  organization  of  Amherst  College, 
its  students  have  conducted  several  periodical  publications,  beginning,  in 
1S31,  with  the  Sprite.  The  college  at  the  present  time  supports  two 
publications,  the  Amherst  Student,  a  weekly  newspaper  of  college  affairs, 
established  in  1S67,  and  the  Literary  Monthly,  established  in  1886,  devoted 
to  the  literary  interests  of  the  college.  In  1890  the  students  of  the  Agri- 
cultural College  began  the  publication  of  Aggie  Life,  a  college  paper, 
issued  bi-weekly,  which  still  enjoys  a  prosperous  existence. 

While  the  firm  of  J.  S.  &  C.  Adams  was  engaged  in  the  printing 
business  it  published  many  works  of  interest  and  value.  In  1833,  they 
printed  an  edition  of  35,000  copies  of  the  bible,  the  printing  being  done 
on  a  hand-press  while  S.  C.  Carter  did  the  binding.  Probably  the  most 
important  work  in  which  they  engaged  was  the  publication  of  Webster's 
Dictionary,    they    having    purchased   the  copyright  of  the  work  from  Mr. 


THE    FIRST    LIBRARY.  347 

Webster's  executors.  The  dictionaries  were  first  printed  in  Amherst,  but 
later  on  the  copyright  was  sold  to  G.  &  C.  Merriam,  who  removed  the 
work  of  publication  to  Springfield.  Among  the  other  works  published  by 
J.  S.  &  C.  Adams  were  Wilbur's  Reference  Testament,  a  small  pocket 
Bible,  Doddridge's  Family  Expositor,  Mrs.  Sigourney's  Sketches,  the  Legal 
Classics,  Hitchcock's  Geological  Survey  of  Massachusetts,  Humphrey's 
Domestic  Education,  and  other  works  by  Presidents  Humphrey  and 
Hitchcock. 


CHAPTER  XLI. 


Libraries  and  Lyceums. — Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  the  First- 
Library. — Agricultural  Lierary. — The  North  Amherst 
Library. — The  Center  Library. — The  North  Amhersi 
Lyceum. — The  South  Amherst  Lyceum. — Lyceums  at  the 
Center  and  at  East  Amherst. 

The  residents  of  Amherst  recognized  even  in  the  earlier  times  the 
value  of  the  public  library  as  a  source  of  educational  improvement.  Books 
were  few  and  high-priced,  so  that  only  the  well-to-do  could  afford  to  purchase 
or  own  them.  The  Bible,  the  hymn  book.  Young's  "  Night  Thoughts," 
Baxter's  "Saints'  Rest,"  and  Dr.  Cotton  Mather's  "  Magnalia  "  could  be 
found  in  many  households,  but  a  library  was  a  luxury  few  could  afford. 
But  that  which  was  denied  to  the  individual  could  be  gained  by  association. 
As  early  as  1793,  over  a  century  ago,  the  first  library  association  was 
organized  in  Amherst.  Its  constitution  and  by-laws,  interesting  not  alone 
from  age  but  from  the  knowledge  they  impart  of  library  management  at  that 
early  date,  are  copied  here  entire,  together  with  the  names  of  the 
subscribers: 

We  the  Subscribers  do  hereby  associate  and  form  ourselves  into  a  Company, 
for  the  Purpose  of  procuring  and  maintaining  a  common  Library  in  the  Town  of 
Amherst  under  the  Conditions  and  Regulations  hereafter  expressed. — 

That  is  to  say. 

Art.  1.  Each  Individual  of  the  Company  shall  pay  two  Dollars  to  be  disposed 
of,  by  the  Company,  or  their  Committee,  for  purchasing  books,  and  procuring  neces- 
sary Accommodations  for  a  Library,  and  shall  be  incapable  of  taking  out  any 
book  until  he  has  paid  as  above  expressed. 

2.  Each  Individual  of  the  Company  shall  pay  eighteen  Pence  annually  for 
the  Term  of  three  years,  from  the  Date  hereof,  for  the  Purpose  above  expressed 
and  to  be  disposed  of  accordingly. 


348  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

3.  The  Volumes  are  all  to  be  neatly  covered  with  Paper  and  kept  so  covered 
at  the  Expence  of  the  Company. 

4.  The  Library  shall  be  kept  together,  in  a  convenient  Place  to  be  under  the 
•■•Care  of  such  Librarian,  as  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Company. 

5.  Every  Proprietor  shall  have  Right  to  take  out  of  the  Library  one  or  two 
Volumes  only  at  a  Time  and  to  keep  the  same  untill  the  first  Tuesday  of  the  next 
succeeding  month  save  one,  and  no  longer. 

6.  Every  Proprietor  shall  have  Right  to  return  his  books  to  the  Librarian, 
any  Time  before  the  time  set  for  the  return  of  books,  in  the  preceeding  article 
.and  take  out  other  books  and  shall  return  the  same,  at  the  Time  affixed  for  taking 
out  Books  in  the  preceeding  article. 

7.  Every  Book  taken  out  of  the  Library  shall  be  used  only  by  the  Proprietor 
himself,  who  shall  take  it  out,  or  by  some  of  his  family,  and  never  shall  be  lent  to 
any  other  Person,  or  conveyed  to  any  other  House  than  his  own. 

8.  Every  Person  taking  out  a  Book  shall  be  responsible  for  the  same,  and  pay 
the  full  Damages  to  the  Librarian,  in  case  it  shall  be  defaced,  abused,  lost  or 
distroyed. 

9.  Every  one,  who  shall  not  return  his  Book  on  or  before  the  first  Tuesday 
of  every  second  Month  after  the  taking  the  same  out.  shall  pay  to  the  Librarian 
one  shilling;  or  who  shall  lend  any  book  or  suffer  any  Book  to  be  conveyed  to 
any  other  house  than  his  own,  shall  not  take  from  the  Library  any  Book  for  the 
Term  of  twelve  months — or  who  shall  deform  any  Book  by  folding  down  a  Leaf, 
shall  pay  one  shilling,  or  who  shall  drop  or  leave  thereon  any  Grease  or  Ink  shall 
pay  for  each  Drop  or  Spot  six  Pence  or  who  shall  tear  out  any  Leaf  shall  pay  two 
shillings — or  who  shall  any  other  way  or  Means  deface  or  abuse  any  Book  shall 
pay  such  other  sum  as  the  Damage  may  be  in  the  Judgment  of  the  Librarian  or 
the  Committee. 

10.  Every  Proprietor,who  shall  have  lost  hurt,destroyed, defaced  abused  or  neg- 
lected to  return  any  Book  as  mentioned  in  the  foregoing  articles,  shall  be  incapable 
of  taking  out  any  book  from  the  Library,  untill  he  has  paid  the  Forfiture  or  For- 
fitures  for  the  Breach  of  the  same,  to  the  Librarian  or  excused  therefrom  by  the 
Major  Part  of  the  Company  or  their  Committee. 

11.  The  Librarian  shall  account  with  the  Committee  or  the  Proprietors  for  all 
Monies  that  may  be  paid  to  him  in  Pursuance  of  these  articles. 

12.  Every  new  Member  who  shall  be  admitted  into  the  Company,  who  is  not 
a  purchaser  of  a  former  Right,  shall  pay  as  much  Money,  as  the  other  Proprietors 
individually  have  paid,  and  subscribe  his  Name  to  the  above  association  and 
articles,  and  every  such  Purchaser  shall  be  admitted  on  signing  as  aforesaid. 

13.  The  Proprietors  shall  meet  in  the  South  East  School  House  in  Amherst 
untill  some  other  Place  be  agreed  on:  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  June  annually  at 
■four  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon,  to  choose  a  Librarian,  Clerk  and  Committee  for 
directing  the  purchasing  Book  and  other  prudential  Matters  of  the  Company. 

14.  Every  Proprietor,  who  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  pay  as  provided  in  the 
second  article  agreeable  to  the  true  Intent  and  meaning  thereof:  shall  after  such 
Negligence  or  Refusal  be  incapable  of  taking  out  any  Book  from  the  Library 
untill  he  shall  pay  as  therein  expressed. 


A<  i RICULTU  KA  L    LI  HRARY. 


349 


15.  The  Librarian  shall  attend  the  service  of  Delivering  out  and  taking  in  the 
Books  the  first  Tuesday  of  every  other  Month  between  the  Hours  of  five  and  seven 
in  the  afternoon,  and  in  Case  of  necessary  absence  he  may  substitute  a  proper 
Person  in  his  steed. 

16.  The  Librarian  for  the  Time  being  shall  inspect  the  Books,  when  Returned 
and  be  the  Judge  of  the  Forfkures,  which  may  accrue  by  the  Virtue  of  the  fore- 
going Articles. 

17.  The  Company  do  hereby  elect  and  appoint  Daniel  Cooley  Clerk  and 
Librarian  and  Thomas  Hastings,  Med  Dickinson,  John  Thayer,  Jona  Dickinson, 
Elijah  Hastings, 

Committee    for    purchasing    Books    and    other    prudential    Matters  of    the 
Company. 
Amherst,  June  4th.  1793. 

Jonathan  C.  Warner 

Elisha  Smith  Junr 

Thos  Hastings  Jim 

Moses  Hastings 

John  Church 

Wm.  Cowls 

David  Moody 

Aaron  Russell 

Jon,a  Bridgman 

Seth  Coleman  Jr 

Daniel  Cooley 

Elijah  Hastings 

Medad  Dickinson 

John  Thayer 

Ebenezer  Bliss 

Judah  Dickinson 

Thomas  Hastings 


Judah  Clark 
Giles  Church 
Joel  Moody 
Jona  Dickinson 
Enos  Cowls 
Justus  Williams  Ju1 
Timothy  Allen 
William  Rice 
Aaron  Merick 
Elijah  Clark 
Lemuel  Moody  J11 
Seth  Smith 
Benjamin  Smith 
John  Lee 
Elijah  Yale 
Josiah  Ayres 


One  volume  supposed  to  have  belonged  to  this  library  is  still  in 
existence,  in  possession  of  the  Amherst  College  library.  It  is  labeled 
"  Amherst  Library,  Xo.  25."  This  library  was  contained  in  a  case  some 
six  feet  high  and  four  or  five  feet  wide,  and  was  kept  most  of  the  time  at 
the  house  of  Dea.  David  Moody  in  South  Amherst. 

About  the  year  1S40,  small  libraries  were  sustained  by  many  of  the 
school  districts  in  town.  They  numbered  less  than  100  volumes  each,  the 
latter  being  duodecimo  in  size,  uniform  in  binding,  and  published  by  Harper 
&  Bros,  of  New  York.  There  was  a  system  of  exchange  practiced,  by 
which  these  libraries  made  the  rounds  of  the  several  districts.  A  library 
was  instituted  about  1S40  by  the  Anti-slavery  society  at  South  Amherst. 

At  a  meeting  of  persons  interested  in  establishing  an  agricultural 
library,  held  in  Agricultural  hall,  Jan.  19,  1858,  R.  T.  Wheelock  was 
chosen  chairman  and  M.  N.  Spear  secretary  pro  tern.  An  association  was- 
formed  and  a  constitution  adopted.  The  name  selected  was  the  Amherst 
Agricultural  Library  association.      Its  object' was  to  procure  and  maintain 


.35°  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

a  library  of  agricultural  books,  papers  and  such  other  works  as  might  tend 
to   the    improvement    of  agriculture.       Its    president,    vice-president    and 
secretary   were   to   form,    ex-officiis,  an    executive    committee  with  power  to 
purchase  such  books  as  the  association   might   order.      Any   person   might 
become  a  member  on  payment  of  $3,  and  any  member  who  failed  to  pay  any 
fines,  dues  or  assessments  ordered  by  the  association  within  30  days  after 
receipt  of  a  written  notice  should  be  debarred  from  all  rights  and  privileges 
of  the  association.      This  constitution  was  signed  by  80   names.     Officers 
were  elected  as  follows  :   President,  Luke  Sweetser ;  vice-president,   M.    F. 
Dickinson;   secretary,  Simeon  Clark ;   treasurer,  A.   R.   Henderson;   libra- 
rian, Henry  Holland.      The  by-laws  provided  that  any  member  might  receive 
from  the  library  any  book  that  should  be  therein  at  the  time  of  his  applica- 
tion, and  retain  the  same  for  three  weeks.      No  person  should  remove  from 
the  library    any    book    or    paper   without   the    express   permission  of    the 
librarian.      No  member  could  draw  any  book   until  he  had  paid   all   sums 
due  from  him  to  the  association.     Any  member  who  should  mutilate  or  in 
any  way  injure  a  book,  should  pay  to  the  librarian  such  sum  as  should  be 
assessed    by   the    executive   committee,  and    if  the  book  so  lost  or  injured 
was  one  of  a  set,  he    should   pay   the    full  value  of  the  set  and  receive  the 
remaining  volumes  as  his  property.     The  fine  incurred  by  retaining  a  book 
longer   than    three    weeks   was   two   cents   per   clay.     At  a  meeting  of  the 
association  held  Feb.  15,  1859,  it  was  voted,  that  an  assessment  of  twenty 
cents   be  laid  on  each  shareholder   of  the   association,  for   the   purpose  of 
paying  any  debts   that   might    be    clue  ;  voted,  to  pass  over  the  election  of 
officers  ;   voted,  that   the    president   and    secretary    be    authorized  to  make 
arrangements  with  the  librarian  for  the  care  of  the   library.      The  associa- 
tion existed  but  a  short  time.       The   library   was  kept   at   the   store   of  S. 
Holland  c\r  Son.     Two  books  that  belonged  to  it  are  now  in  possession   of 
Mrs.  Henry  Holland;  their  catalog  numbers  are   148    and    149,    and    they 
are  the  first  and  second  volumes  of   "  Dr.  Ure's   Dictionary  of  Arts,   Man- 
ufactures and  Mines." 

A  library  association  was  organized  at  North  Amherst,  March  17, 
1869.  Its  first  president  was  Dr.  D.  B.  N.  Fish.  It  was  composed  of 
active  and  associate  members  ;  the  former,  45  in  number,  paid  each  $5  as 
an  initiation  fee  and  had  full  control  of  the  library,  while  the  latter,  paying 
$1  as  an  initiation  fee,  had  the  same  right  as  the  active  members  in  the 
use  of  books.  Fach  member  was  to  pay  $1  per  year  to  sustain  the  library. 
The  fund  first  raised  for  the  purchase  of  books  amounted  to  $236. 
Additions  to  this  fund  were  made  from  the  proceeds  of  a  lecture  course 
and  other  entertainments.  In  November,  1S73,  a  meeting  of  the  associa- 
tion was  held  to  listen  to  arguments  submitted  by  a  committee  of  citizens 
from  the  center  village,    who   desired    to   found   a   free    public  library  and 


LIBRARY    AT    NORTH    AMHERST.  35  I 

wished  the  North  Amherst  association  to  donate  its  books  as  the  nucleus 
for  such  a  library.  It  was  voted  to  defer  definite  action  until  the  citizens 
at  the  center  had  raised  as  much  money  for  the  library  as  the  citizens  at 
North  Amherst  had  already  expended.  Dec.  i,  1S73,  the  association  voted 
to  make  the  library  free  to  all  responsible  citizens  for  one  year.  "  as  an 
experiment."  As  a  similar  vote  was  passed  the  next  year,  it  would  seem 
that  the  experiment  was  deemed  a  success.  In  1875,  the  town  appropriated 
$i  00  for  the  support  of  the  library,  and  in  order  that  it  might  accept  the 
gift  the  association  secured  a  charter  and  made  of  the  library  a  free  public 
institution.  The  first  report  of  its  managers  is  incorporated  in  the  town 
reports  for  the  year  ending  March  1.  1S77.  During  the  year  100  books 
had  been  added  to  the  library  by  purchase  and  10  by  donation,  making  the 
total  number  595.  The  average  number  of  persons  drawing  books  during 
the  year  was  180,  the  total  number  of  books  drawn  2S20.  The  officers  of 
the  association  were  :  President,  Harrison  Ingram  ;  vice-president,  Almon 
E.  Cowles ;  clerk,  treasurer  and  librarian.  F.  P.  Ainsworth.  In  1883.  the 
association  received  a  gift  of  S500  from  Rufus  B.  Kellogg  of  Green  Bay, 
Wis.,  a  former  resident  at  North  Amherst.  The  library  was  first  located 
in  the  post-office  building.  In  October.  1883.  it  was  removed  to  an  unoc- 
cupied room  in  the  brick  school-house.  During  the  same  year  the  books 
were  renumbered  and  a  new  catalog  was  issued.  The  library  was  open  to 
the  public  on  Wednesday  and  Saturday  afternoons,  and  books  were  delivered 
by  the  card  system.  The  burning  of  the  grammar  school-house  in  1891 
rendered  it  necessary  that  a  new  home  for  the  library  should  be  provided. 
In  this  emergency  Mrs.  Ellen  E.  Fisher  proposed  to  subscribe  $500  to  a 
building  fund,  if  the  town  would  appropriate  a  like  amount.  The  town 
was  prompt  to  act  on  this  suggestion,  and  at  its  annual  meeting  in  1S92 
appropriated  the  sum  requested.  From  the  unexpended  balance  of  the 
Kellogg  fund  a  building  site  was  purchased  at  a  cost  of  Si 50,  a  little  to 
the  northwest  of  the  Congregational  church  building.  Mrs.  Fisher 
increased  her  original  subscription  to  the  building  fund  to  S700  ;  W.  D. 
Cowls  contributed  Si 50  and  others  smaller  amounts.  A  furnace  to  heat 
the  building  was  donated  by  Mrs.  Fisher  and  William  W.  Hunt.  The 
entire  cost  of  the  land,  building  and  furniture  was  about  S2.500.  The  new 
building,  a  neat  and  ornamental  structure,  was  dedicated  Sept.  20.  1893. 
At  that  time  the  association  was  in  debt  to  the  amount  of  about  SSoo. 

About  the  year  1S70,  the  young  people  at  East  Amherst  gave  a  fair 
and  entertainment  at  Hampshire  park,  under  the  management  of  Charles 
O.  Parmenter.  The  proceeds,  a  considerable  sum,  were  entrusted  to 
Herbert  B.  Adams,  who  visited  New  York  and  invested  the  money  in  a 
number  of  second-hand  but  standard  books,  which  he  purchased  at  low 
rates:  they  included  works  of  history,  biography  and  fiction.     The  number 


352  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

of  volumes  was  about  300,  the  average  price  paid  about  25  cents.  This 
library,  which  filled  a  large  case,  was  kept  in  the  office  of  the  grocery-store 
at  East  Amherst.  It  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  store-keeper,  and  the 
books  were  freely  circulated  in  the  neighborhood.  When  the  free  public 
library  was  established  at  the  center,  the  custodians  of  the  library  at  East 
Amherst  were  persuaded  to  allow  its  incorporation  in  the  larger  town 
collection.  A  collection  of  several  hundred  volumes  has  recently  been 
established  at  East  Amherst,  which,  under  the  name  of  the  "  East  Amherst 
Library,"  is  kept  in  the  ladies'  parlor  adjoining  the  vestry  of  the  Second 
Congregational  church. 

In  the  latter  part  of  March,  1873,  a  movement  for  a  free  public  library 
at  Amherst  center  was  inaugurated  by  the  Amherst  Bookclub.  Committees 
were  appointed  representing  the  different  parts  of  the  town,  to  take  such 
measures  as  they  deemed  expedient  to  awaken  public  interest  in  the  project. 
A  meeting  of  these  committees  was  held  Sept.  12,  1873.  Rev.  W.  D. 
Herrick  served  as  chairman  of  the  meeting  and  H.  M.  McCloud  as  secre- 
tary. It  was  decided  to  hold  a  fair  in  the  month  of  October  to  procure 
funds,  and  also  to  appoint  a  committee  to  solicit  subscriptions.  The 
proposition  was  made  and  adopted  to  hold  public  meetings  in  the  different 
parts  of  the  town  that  greater  interest  might  be  aroused.  The  only  argu- 
ment offered  in  opposition  to  the  establishment  of  a  public  library  was  the 
fact  that  Amherst  College  supported  an  excellent  library,  and  that  citizens 
of  the  town,  by  paying  S3  a  year  and  securing  permission  from  the  proper 
authorities,  could  avail  themselves  of  its  privileges.  To  this  the  promoters 
of  a  public  library  replied  that  only  a  limited  number  of  persons  either  had 
or  would  draw  books  from  the  college  library,  and  that  the  books  contained 
therein,  while  well  suited  to  their  specific  purpose,  did  not  meet  the  demands 
of  the  general  reading  public.  The  fair  was  held  Oct.  29  and  30  ;  it  was 
generously  patronized,  the  net  receipts  being  nearly  $600.  At  a  meeting 
held  Nov.  14,  a  committee  of  five  was  selected,  to  appoint  sub-committees 
in  all  parts  of  the  town  to  circulate  papers  to  be  signed  by  persons  who 
should  agree  to  become  members  of  a  library  association.  The  following 
were  chosen  members  of  this  committee :  Dr.  H.  J.  Cate,  Rev.  H.  F. 
Allen,  Rev.  C.  A.  Conant,  Asa  Adams,  Dea.  Samuel  Smith.  The  member- 
ship fee  was  placed  at  $5.  At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  24,  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  draw  up  a  constitution  and  by-laws.  A  regular  organization 
was  formed  at  a  meeting  held  Dec.  15.  The  constitution  and  by-laws 
reported  by  the  committee  were  adopted.  Officers  were  elected  as  follows  : 
President,  1'"..  A.  Thomas  ;  vice-president,  Levi  Stockbridge  :  secretary,  O. 
G.  Couch  :  treasurer,  J.  A.  Rawson  ;  auditors,  S.  C.  Carter,  J.  L.  Lovell  ; 
board  of  managers,  Rev.  H.  F.  Allen,  Rev.  J.  L.  Jenkins,  Rev.  W.  D. 
Herrick.  Rev.  T.  S.  Potwin,  Prof.  W.  S.  Tyler,  Dr.  H.  J.  Cate,    Dr.    P.    E. 


THE    CENTER    LIBRARY.  353 

Irish,  O.  G.  Couch,  H.  D.  Fearing,  Dr.  D.  B.  N.  Fish.  The  name  adopted 
was  the  "  Amherst  Library  Association."  Any  person  might  become  a 
member  by  paying  $5,  either  in  money  or  its  equivalent  in  books.  The 
annual  dues  were  placed  at  $1.  It  is  the  general  testimony  of  those  now 
living  who  were  active  in  promoting  this  organization  that  its  success,  its 
very  existence  in  fact,  were  due  in  large  measure  to  the  personal  efforts  of 
Dr.  H.  J.  Gate. 

The  library  was  first  opened  to  the  public  Feb.  25,  1S74.  It  was 
located  in  the  second  story  of  the  Adams  block,  adjoining  the  post-office 
block.  The  first  report  of  the  association  was  incorporated  in  the  town 
reports  for  the  year  ending  March  1.  1875.  The  treasurer's  report  showed 
the  following  receipts  :  Cash  from  fair,  S59S.78  ;  from  membership  dona- 
tions, S419  ;  from  the  town,  S200:  from  catalogs,  dues,  fines,  etc.,  S83.63. 
The  principal  items  of  expenditure  were:  Books,  S612.42  ;  book-binding, 
printing  and  stationery,  Si 7 1.30;  magazines  and  newspapers.  S79.85  ; 
furniture  and  fixtures,  $218.24  j  rent  and  care  of  rooms,  Si 56.46.  During 
the  year  886  books  had  been  purchased,  327  donated,  and  204  received 
from  the  library  at  East  Amherst.  The  report  covered  a  period  of  eleven 
months ;  during  that  time  780  persons  had  received  cards  and  had  taken 
out  14,619  books.  Connected  with  the  library  was  a  comfortable  reading- 
room.  The  librarian  was  Miss  M.  D.  Beaman.  During  the  following 
year  190  books  were  added  to  the  library,  129  by  purchase  and  61  by 
donation.  The  number  of  new  cards  issued  was  215,  making  995  in  all, 
on  which  12,219  books  had  been  delivered.  In  addition  to  its  regular 
sources  of  income  the  library  received  during  the  year  $250  as  the  proceeds 
of  a  "  May  breakfast."  In  January.  1S79,  the  books  in  the  library  were 
slightly  damaged  by  a  fire  in  the  post-office  block.  During  the  same  year 
the  reading-room  which  had  been  connected  with  the  library  was  given  up, 
and  the  papers  and  periodicals  were  presented  to  the  Reform  club.  In 
July.  1S79,  the  library  quarters  were  burned  out,  but  nearly  all  the  books 
were  saved.  The  library  found  a  temporary  home  in  W.  W.  Hunt's  wooden 
block,  where  it  remained  until  Williams'  block  was  erected,  when  it  found 
new  and  commodious  quarters  in  the  second  story  of  that  building.  The 
expenses  caused  by  the  fire,  including  re-binding  and  re-covering  books, 
new  fixtures  and  appliances,  were  very  heavy,  but  a  part  was  provided  for 
by  S3 00  secured  as  the  proceeds  of  a  performance  of  the  comic  opera 
"  Pinafore,"  by  local  talent. 

During  the  year  1SS4,  the  library  quarters  were  enlarged,  and   it   was 

found  possible  to  utilize  the  book-cases  and  shelves  that  had  been  presented 

to  the  association  by   the   literary   societies   of  Amherst  College.     During 

the  year  1889,  the  association  received  two  legacies,    one   of  S250   by  the 

23 


354  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

will  of  Miss  Esther  Cutler,  and  one  of  $1,000  bequeathed  by  Samuel  C. 
Carter.  The  provisions  of  the  Carter  bequest  were  that  only  the  income  of 
the  fund  should  be  expended  annually  for  the  purchase  of  books  of  travel, 
history  or  biography.  The  wearing  out  of  books  from  constant  use  had 
become  a  source  of  heavy  expense,  which  had  to  be  met  by  special  efforts 
to  raise  funds.  During  the  year  1890,  the  library  was  moved  into  its  new 
and  commodious  quarters  in  the  town  hall  building.  In  1891,  the  library 
received  $275  as  its  share  of  the  proceeds  of  the  Union  lecture  course,  and 
Si 85  from  the  fees  of  new  members  secured  through  the  personal  exertions 
of  Prof.  John  M.  Tyler. 

In  the  fall  of  1891,  a  number  of  public-spirited  citizens  organized, 
with  the  purpose  of  providing  for  the  citizens  of  the  town  a  "  Union  Lecture 
Course,"  a  series  of  entertainments  to  be  given  in  the  town  hall  at  popular 
prices,  the  net  proceeds,  if  any.  to  go  towards  the  support  of  the  public 
libraries.  The  course  was  very  generally  patronized  by  citizens,  and  at 
the  end  of  the  season  the  management  was  enabled  to  pay  $345  into  the 
library  fund,  the  sum  being  divided  between  the  libraries  at  the  center  and 
North  Amherst  in  about  the  same  proportion  as  the  annual  appropriation 
bv  the  town.  The  Union  course  proved  so  popular  it  was  decided  to  give 
another  series  of  entertainments  the  succeeding  year,  and  the  custom  thus 
established  has  been  continued  down  to  the  present  time,  but  the  increas- 
ing expense  of  entertainments  and  a  falling  off  in  public  patronage  has 
considerably  lessened  the  sums  realized  for  library  support. 

During  the  year  books  were  purchased  at  an  expense  of  $819.18.  In 
1892,  the  card  catalog  system  was  introduced,  and  arrangements  were 
made  for  the  delivery  of  books  to  the  patrons  of  the  library  at  South 
Amherst.  In  1894,  the  "two  card"  system  was  adopted,  by  which  a 
person  could  draw  from  the  library  two  books  at  one  time,  provided  one  is 
not  a  work  of  fiction.  The  report  of  the  year  ending  Feb.  15,  1S95,  shows 
a  total  of  6,607  books  in  the  library,  while  18,476  were  drawn  out  during 
the  year.  Sketches  of  the  libraries  at  Amherst  College  and  the  Agricultu- 
ral College  are  given  in  chapters  relating  to  these  institutions.  The  work 
of  the  public  libraries  has  been  ably  supplemented  by  many  book  and  mag- 
azine clubs  conducted  by  private  enterprise. 

AMHERST    LYCEUMS. 

During  a  period  extending  from  1835  to  1850,  the  lyceum  or  debating 
school  flourished  in  New  England.  Few  towns  were  so  small  but  they 
could  boast  their  lyceums,  and  many  an  orator  and  statesman  destined  in 
after  years  to  hold  vast  audiences  spellbound  by  his  eloquence  gained  his 
first  lessons  in  public  speaking  at  the  village  debating  society.  Amherst 
.supported,    from    time   to   time,  many  organizations  of  this  character :   the 


NORTH    AMHERST    LYCEUM.  355 

records  of  some  of  these  are  yet  in  existence,  and  as  they  resembled  each 
other  closely  in  plan  and  work  it  seems  hardly  necessary  to  give  any 
detailed  statement  of  the  doings  of  each  one.  From  the  following  para- 
graphs a  good  general  idea  may  be  gained  of  the  character  of  the  lyceums 
that  existed  in  Amherst  and  the  work  which  they  accomplished. 

The  "  Lyceum  of  North  Amherst  "'  was  organized  in  December,  1837, 
with  49  members.  The  preamble  to  the  constitution  reads  as  follows  : 
"  Wishing  to  promote  our  own  mutual  improvement,  and  avail  ourselves 
the  most  efficiently  of  mutual  aid  in  the  acquisition  of  knowledge  and 
cultivation  of  our  minds,  we  associate  and  subscribe  to  the  following 
constitution  and  rules."  Any  person  might  become  a  member  by  subscrib- 
ing to  the  constitution  and  paying  ten  cents  into  the  treasury.  The  meet- 
ings were  held  weekly,  from  the  first  Monday  in  December  to  the  first 
Monday  in  April.  The  exercises  included  debates,'  literary  and  scientific 
lectures  and  other  features.  No  "sectarian  controversies  in  religion,"  or 
"  party  controversies  in  politics,"  or  offensive  personalities  were  allowed. 
Although  the  date  of  organization  is  given  as  1837,  the  date  of  the  first 
meeting  as  inscribed  in  the  book  of  records  is  Feb.  1,  1847.  The  officers 
elected  at  that  meeting  were  as  follows  :  President,  Charles  Cooley ; 
vice-president,  Charles  K.  Smith  ;  secretary,  Albert  W.  Ball ;  treasurer, 
Ansel  W.  Kellogg.  The  Lyceum  was  sustained  through  the  season,  but  at 
a  meeting  held  Jan.  24.  1S48,  it  was  voted  inexpedient  to  continue  the 
Lyceum  any  longer  that  season,  to  sell  the  record  book  at  auction,  and  to 
adjourn  without  date.  Jan.  31,  1S4S,  a  new  Lyceum  was  formed  on  the 
basis  of  the  old  constitution,  with  14  members.  Its  officers  were:  Presi- 
dent, A.  C.  Marshall  ;  vice-president,  J.  Cowles  ;  secretary,  F.  H.  Ingram  ; 
treasurer,  A.  W.  Ball.  There  are  no  records  of  meetings  between  Jan.  2, 
1849  ar,d  Dec.  12,  185 1.  On  the  latter  date  a  temporary  organization  was 
effected,  the  following  being  chosen  as  officers  :  President,  Charles  Smith  ; 
vice-president,  C.  H.  Kellogg;  secretary,  A.  W.  Ball;  treasurer,  Baxter 
Eastman.  During  that  winter  ladies  took  part  in  the  exercises  at  the 
meetings,  reading  compositions  and  poetical  selections.  No  meetings 
were  held  between  Feb.  14,  1853  and  Dec.  6,  1858.  On  the  latter  date  the 
organization  was  revived,  and  the  old  constitution  and  by-laws,  with  some 
minor  amendments,  adopted.  The  officers  elected  were  :  President, 
Charles  Smith;  vice-president,  Ransom  Cowles;  secretary,  M.  F.  Dickin- 
son, Jr.;  treasurer,  Horace  Cutler.  The  roll  of  membership  contained  32 
names.  The  organization  was  continued  througli  tlie  season  and  then, 
like  its  predecessors,  passed  from  existence.  At  a  meeting  held  Feb.  5, 
1875,  a  new  organization  was  formed.  The  officers  elected  were  :  Presi- 
dent, Rev.  G.  F.  Humphreys  ;  vice-president,  H.  Ufford ;  secretary,  Jennie 
E.  Holmes;  treasurer    W.  M.  Dickinson.     At    a  meeting  held  Feb.   12,  a 


356  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

new   constitution   was   adopted   being    signed   by    57    names.       The    last 
recorded  meeting  was  held  Feb.  14,  1876. 

A  meeting  was  held  Sept.  20,  1839,  at  the  "  hall  of  the  school-house  " 
in  South  Amherst,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  society  for  mutual  improve- 
ment. A  constitution  was  presented  and  adopted.  Its  preamble  reads  as 
follows  :  "  We  the  undersigned,  in  order  to  cultivate  and  improve  our 
intellectual  and  moral  faculties  and  regarding  an  association  of  individuals 
as  a  pleasant  and  well  adapted  means  to  secure  this  object,  inasmuch  as 
it  tends  not  only  to  strengthen  and  discipline  the  mind,  but  also  to  elicit 
thought,  diffuse  information,  and  elevate  the  understanding,  and  thus  to 
increase  the  happiness  and  promote  the  well-being  of  the  community,  do 
agree  upon  and  associate  under  the  following  constitution."  The  name 
selected  was  the  "  South  Amherst  Lyceum."  The  object  was,  to  promote 
by  various  literary  and  rhetorical  exercises  the  mutual  improvement  of  its 
members.  Meetings  were  to  be  held  once  each  week.  Any  person  might 
become  a  member  by  signing  the  constitution.  Any  funds  required  to 
meet  expenses  were  to  be  raised  by  subscription.  The  by-laws  provided 
that  the  ordinary  exercises  should  consist  of  debates  and  the  reading  of 
compositions.  No  question  of  a  purely  religious  nature  should  be  debated. 
Four  male  members  should  be  appointed  to  take  part  in  each  debate,  two 
to  speak  on  the  affirmative  and  two  on  the  negative  side  of  the  question. 
These  should  begin  the  discusssion,  speaking  in  order,  and  when  they  had 
finished,  the  question  was  to  be  thrown  open  to  debate  by  other  members. 
No  speaker  was  to  occupy  more  than  ten  minutes.  No  offensive  person- 
alities should  be  allowed.  The  president  might  decide  the  question  in 
debate  according  to  the  merits  of  the  argument  on  either  side,  or  refer  the 
same  to  the  society  to  be  decided  by  their  vote.  The  constitution  was 
signed  by  43  names.  The  officers  elected  were  :  President,  N.  S.  Dickin- 
inson ;  vice-president,  J.  G.  Bridgman  ;  secretary,  Thomas  Reed.  The 
minutes  of  succeeding  meetings  show  that  matters  of  weighty  import  were 
debated  and  that  during  the  first  season  a  good  degree  of  interest  was 
maintained.  The  following  curious  vote  is  recorded  under  date  of  Oct. 
22,  1839  :  "  Voted,  That  the  Ladies  be  allowed  an  opportunity  to  get  home. 
That  the  gentleman  spectators  be  politely  invited  either  to  pass  quietly  out 
and  thus  give  them  this  privilege  or  to  remain  in  their  seats  until  the  ladies 
can  do  so."  Feb.  28,  1S40,  the  meeting  adjourned  sinedie.  A  new  organ- 
ization was  formed  Nov.  13,  1S40.  Its  object  was  mutual  discussion  and 
improvement.  It  adopted,  with  some  amendments,  the  constitution  and 
by-laws  of  the  old  society,  the  principal  change  being  a  provision  that  the 
necessary  funds  be  raised  by  a  tax  upon  the  male  members  of  the  society. 
The  officers  chosen  were  :  President,  E.  S.  Bridgman  ;  vice-president,  J.  F. 
Merrick  ;   secretary,    J.    G.    Adams.      The   last  meeting   of   this  society  of 


LYCEUM    AT    AMHERST    CENTER.  357 

which  there  is  record  was  held  Feb.  26,  1S41.  A  new  society  was  organ- 
ized Oct.  15,  1S41.  The  constitution  and  by-laws  of  the  former  societies 
were  adopted  with  minor  alterations.  The  following  officers  were  elected  : 
President,  E.  S.  Bridgman  :  vice-president,  E.  Bridgman  ;  secretary,  B.  E. 
Smith.     The  last  recorded  meeting  was  held  Jan.  7,  1842. 

A  lyceum  was  conducted  at  the  center  village  for  a  number  of  years. 
Careful  search  has  failed  to  discover  any  manuscript  record  of  its  doings. 
The  Express  of  Nov.  26,  1844,  contains  a  notice  signed  by  I.  F.  Conkey, 
secretary,  requesting  the  citizens  to  meet  at  Sweetser's  hall  that  evening 
to  organize  the  lyceum  for  the  coming  year.  At  the  annual  meeting  of 
the  Amherst  lyceum,  held  Dec.  8,  1S46,  the  following  officers  were  elected  : 
President,  J.  S.  Adams ;  vice-president,  Simeon  Clark  ;  secretary,  G.  W. 
Sargent ;  treasurer,  Joseph  Colton  ;  directors,  Samuel  E.  Mack,  Charles 
Delano,  I.  F.  Conkey.  At  a  meeting  held  Dec.  iS,  1846,  a  debating  club 
was  organized  in  connection  with  the  lyceum.  Oct.  5,  1S47,  a  meeting  of 
the  friends  of  the  lyceum  was  held  in  Howe's  hall.  It  was  voted  that  the 
debating  society  should  continue  its  connection  with  the  lyceum.  The 
following  officers  were  elected  :  President,  Samuel  E.  Mack  ;  vice-president, 
I.  F.  Conkey ;  secretary  and  treasurer,  Stephen  A.  Hubbard.  A  lyceum 
was  organized  at  East  Amherst,  Dec.  15,  1844.  Hon.  I.  Conkey,  Rev. 
Pomeroy  Belden  and  Rev.  Paul  Allen  were  appointed  a  committee  to  call 
the  attention  of  the  people  to  it.  The  Express  announced  under  date  of 
Nov.  5,  1846,  that  a  lyceum  was  in  successful  operation  in  the  East  parish. 
Several  college  students  and  residents  at  the  center  village  had  interested 
themselves  in  it.  Meetings  were  held  Tuesday  evenings  at  the  school- 
house.  The  Express  of  Nov.  4.  1847,  contains  a  notice  of  a  lyceum  meet- 
ing in  the  "school  hall,"  signed  by  L.  R.  Blanchard,  secretary.  In  1858, 
the  students  at  Amherst  Academy  organized  a  "Young  Men's  Lyceum," 
which  held  regular  meetings  during  the  winter  months. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


CHAPTER    XLII. 


Fire  Department  and  Fires. — The  Old  Volunteer  Companies. — - 
The  First  Fire  Engines. — Cataract  Engine  Co. — Deluge 
Engine  Co. — Lafayette  Hook  and  Ladder  Co. — Reservoirs. 
— Fire  Apparatus. — Pelham  Water  Introduced. — Alert 
Hose  Co.  No.  i. — Hose  Co.  No.  2. — Great  Fires  in  Amherst. 

Few  towns  in  New  England  of  equal  size  and  property  valuation  with 
Amherst  have  suffered  so  severely  as  has  this  town  from  the  ravages  of 
fire.  Within  a  period  of  fifty  years,  between  1S38  and  18S8,  there 
occurred  within  the  town  limits  no  less  than  twelve  extensive  conflagrations 
causing  a  property  loss  of  more  than  $620,000,  or  over  20  per  cent,  of  the 
present  assessed  valuation  of  the  town.  The  precise  date  when  Amherst 
citizens  first  engaged  in  organized  effort  to  protect  the  town  from  damage 
by  fire  is  not  a  matter  of  record.  The  earlier  fire  companies  were  inde- 
pendent organizations,  and  while,  doubtless,  records  were  kept  of  their 
doings,  in  few  instances  have  these  records  been  preserved  so  as  to  be 
available  at  the  present  time.  That  the  town  possessed  as  early  as  18 14 
some  kind  of  apparatus  used  as  a  protection  against  fires  is  suggested  by 
the  following  notice,  copied  from  the  original  manuscript  : 

•"To  Mr  Chester  Williams,  Captain  of  the  South  Company  of  Militia  in  the 
Town  of  Amherst — We  the  Subscribers  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  do 
hereby  Certify  that  we  have  appointed  Elijah  Boltwood,  David  Parsons  Junr  Moses 
Dickinson  Henery  Merrill  &  Elisha  Tilden  of  said  Town  as  Engine  Men  for  said 
Town  agreeable  to  the  Rules  prescribed  by  Law." 

This  notice  is  dated  April  13,  1814.  and  is  signed  by  Elijah  Dickinson, 
John  Eastman,  Martin  Baker,  Justus  Williams,  Jr.  and  Enos  Dickinson. 
The  first  allusion  to  protection  against  fire  is  found  in  the  town  records 
under  date  of  March  3,  1828,  when  the  following  were  appointed  to  serve  as 
"  firewards  ":  John  Leland,  Elijah  Boltwood,  Osmyn  Baker,  Chester  Kel- 
logg, Zebina  Dickinson,  W.  S.  Howland,  George  Guild,  F.  A.  Palmer, 
Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.,  Horace  Kellogg.  The  office  was  evidently  not 
held  in  high  repute,  as  only  five  of  the  number  qualified  for  duty.  The 
Inquirer^  under  date  of  Dec.  6,  1S27,  states  that  a  fire  had  broken  out  the 
Tuesday  evening  preceding  at  the  Mt.  Pleasant  institution  but  was  fortu- 
nately discovered  before  it  had  made  much  progress.  The  paragraph 
ends  as  follows  :   "  We  do  hope  the  citizens  of  the  village  will  take  some 


EARLY    FIRE    COMPANIES.  359 

efficient  measure  to  provide  engines  and  buckets.  The  present  engine,  if 
we  should  judge  from  its  operations,  is  fit  for  nothing  else  than  to  sprinkle 
the  boys,  and  to  be  gazed  at  by  those  who  consider  an  engine  a  rare  curi- 
osity." Under  date  of  Dec.  27,  the  Inquirer  published  a  notice  signed  by 
"  E.  Dickinson,  secretary  pro  tern,"  of  an  adjourned  meeting  of  the 
"  proprietors  of  the  new  fire  engine,"  to  be  held  that  evening  at  Boltwood's 
hotel.  Whether  this  was  the  engine  alluded  to  so  contemptuously  three 
weeks  before,  or  whether  the  paragraph  in  question  had  been  of  influence 
in  causing  the  purchase  of  a  new  one,  cannot  be  stated  with  certainty. 
The  issue  of  the  Inquirer  for  Feb.  21,  182S,  contains  the  following  notice, 
signed  by  Edward  Dickinson,  secretary  :  "  The  members  of  the  Fire  Society 
lately  organized  in  this  place  are  hereby  notified  that  their  first  annual 
meeting  for  the  choice  of  officers  will  be  holden  at  Boltwood's  hotel  on 
Monday  evening,  the  25th  inst.  at  half-past  6  o'clock."  Still  another 
notice,  headed  "  Fire  Society  "  and  signed  by  Edward  Dickinson,  appears 
in  the  issue  of  the  Inquirer  for  July  3,  1S2S  ;  it  requests  the  members  of 
the  society  to  meet  at  Boltwood's  hotel,  July  7,  "  to  act  on  business  of 
importance  in  concurrence  with  the  Engine  Company,  which  meets  at  the 
same  time  and  place." 

In  February,  1S3S,  the  town  suffered  from  its  first  great  fire,  when 
property  was  destroyed  amounting  in  value  to  more  than  $20,000.  At 
the  annual  town  meeting  held  March  5,  the  town  authorized  the  selectmen 
to  repair  the  '"two  old  engines,"  if  the  proprietors  would  give  them  to  the 
town.  It  was  also  voted  to  raise  Si. 200  for  the  purchase  of  a  new  engine 
and  for  repairing  the  old  engine.  Previous  to  1838,  how  early  it  is  impos- 
sible to  state  with  certainty,  there  was  a  regularly  organized  volunteer  fire 
company  in  town.  This  was  probably  known  as  Cataract  Engine  company, 
although  this  name  does  not  appear  in  available  records  until  1844.  The 
Express  in  its  issue  for  Oct.  4,  1S44,  contains  the  announcement  of  a 
meeting  of  Cataract  Engine  Co.  No.  1,  signed  by  I.  F.  Conkey,  clerk.  At 
a  special  meeting  held  Dec.  31,  1S44,  the  town  authorized  the  selectmen 
to  purchase  200  feet  of  hose  for  Cataract  engine.  Extended  inquiry  has 
failed  to  discover  any  existing  records  of  this  company,  which  was  for 
many  years  a  notable  organization,  numbering  in  its  membership  some  of 
the  most  prominent  citizens  of  the  town.  Announcements  of  meetings  of 
the  company  held  in  the  early  months  of  1845  are  signed  successively,  as 
clerk,  by  S.  D.  Learned,  W.  H.  Dudley  and  Hiram  Fox.  The  first  Cataract 
engine  found  on  record  was  purchased  in  the  early  part  of  1839.  A 
memorandum  in  the  journal  of  the  town  treasurer  under  date  of  Jan.  7, 
1S39,  shows  that  the  town  paid  William  Piatt  &  Co.  on  that  date,  ''for 
engine  and  interest,"  SS23.50.  In  the  Express  under  date  of  Dec.  10, 
1846,  F.  A.  Pierce,  clerk,  advertised  a  reward  of  $5    for  the   detection   of 


360  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

the  parties  who  had  filled  the  engine  with  water  and  allowed  it  to  freeze, 
thus  rendering  the  machine  useless. 

A  second  fire  company  was  formed  at  a  meeting  held  at  Mill  Valley, 
in  August,  1838.  The  following  agreement  was  signed  by  seventeen  men, 
the  first  name  on  the  list  being  that  of  Cotton  Smith  :  "  The  subscribers 
do  hereby  associate  and  form  themselves  into  a  company  for  the  purpose 
of  managing  the  Deluge  Engine  No.  2,  and  do  agree  to  observe  and  conform 
to  the  following  regulations  and  such  others  as  the  company  may  from 
time  to  time  adopt."  These  regulations  provided  that  the  officers  of  the 
company  should  consist  of  a  foreman,  an  assistant-foreman  and  a  clerk. 
There  should  also  be  an  executive  committee  to  look  after  the  engine  and 
keep  it  in  good  repair  Any  member  absent  at  the  first  roll-call  should  be 
fined  five  cents,  and  a  like  sum  if  absent  at  the  second  roll-call.  Any 
member  behaving  in  a  noisy  or  disorderly  manner  might  be  expelled  by  a 
two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  present.  Any  person  might  become  a 
member  of  the  company  by  signing  the  constitution  and  paying  25  cents 
into  the  treasury.  Each  member  should  be  liable  to  pay  an  annual  tax  of 
25  cents,  if  the  same  was  voted  by  the  company.  At  a  meeting  held  Aug. 
7,  1838,  officers  were  elected  as  follows  :  Foreman,  Cotton  Smith  ;  assistant 
foreman,  Philo  Joy  ;  clerk,  David  Dexter ;  executive  committee,  Simeon 
Clark,  Bradford  Bentley,  Horace  Kellogg.  The  Deluge  engine  had  been 
owned  by  the  fire  company  at  the  center,  but  was  turned  over  to  the  Mill 
Valley  company  when  the  Cataract  engine  was  purchased.  The  Deluge 
was  what  was  known  as  a  Hunneman  "  tub."  and  while  small  was  capable 
of  doing  good  work.  At  a  meeting  held  in  May,  1842,  the  matter  of 
preparing  some  suitable  place  for  keeping  the  engine  was  discussed.  In 
November,  1844,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  petition  the  town  for  aid 
in  building  an  engine-house.  In  1S45,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  build 
an  engine-house.  The  first  volume  of  company  records  ends  with  the  year 
1849,  but  the  organization  was  continued  until  well  along  into  the  '50s. 
At  a  special  town  meeting  held  March  n,  1861,  it  was  voted  to  sell  the 
engine  at  Mill  Valley. 

At  the  annual  town-meeting  in  March,  1839,  it  was  voted  to  allow 
the  fire  department  their  poll-taxes.  At  a  special  meeting  held  Dec.  13, 
1847,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  ascertain  the  amount  needed  to  purchase 
a  suitable  engine  and  fire  apparatus,  to  be  located  at  the  north  part  of  the 
town.  At  a  special  meeting  held  June  23,  1849,  it  was  voted  to  purchase 
an  engine  and  apparatus  to  be  stationed  at  North  Amherst,  at  a  cost  not 
to  exceed  $850. 

A  number  of  young  men  met  at  Howe's  hotel,  May  15,  1S46,  for  the 
purpose  of  organizing  a  hook  and  ladder  company.  Jonathan  S.  Slate 
served  as  chairman  and  I.  F.  Conkey  as  secretary  pro  tern.     It  was  voted 


LAFAYETTE    HOOK    AXD    LADDER    COMPANY.  36 1 

expedient  to  organize  a  company,  and  the  following  officers  were  elected  : 
Foreman,  Rodolphus  Turner ;  assistant  foreman,  Samuel  Harrington  ; 
clerk,  treasurer  and  steward,  I.  F.  Conkey :  commissary  general,  E.  J. 
Houghton.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  draft  suitable  by-laws.  The 
foreman  and  assistant  foreman  were  appointed  a  committee  to  select  a 
name  for  the  organization,  and  they  decided  upon  "  Lafayette  Hook  and 
Ladder  Co.  No.  i."  At  a  meeting  held  May  19,  the  committee  on  by-laws 
reported  a  series  of  regulations  which  were  adopted.  The  committee  on 
uniforms  reported  in  faYor  of  patent  leather  caps,  belts,  and  linsey-woolsey 
cloth  frocks  ;  the  report  was  accepted  save  the  item  in  regard  to  caps. 
The  foreman  reported  that  the  selectmen  had  agreed  to  appropriate  S20  to 
repair  the  hooks  and  ladders.  The  committee  on  finances  reported  that 
an  assessment  of  50  cents  should  be  leYied  on  each  member,  to  be  paid 
forthwith.  Of  the  rules  adopted,  the  most  interesting  related  to  the  duties 
of  the  commissary  general,  which  seems  well  worth  quoting  entire  : 

••  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Commissary  General,  when  directed  by  the  com- 
manding officer,  to  provide  all  necessary  refreshments,  upon  the  alarm  of  fire  to 
repair  immediately  to  the  scene  of  conflagration,  pay  his  respects  to  the  command- 
ing officer,  and  learn  from  said  officer  what  specific  refreshments  will  be  needed  by 
the  company,  and  see  that  they  are  furnished  at  the  proper  time  and  in  a  proper 
and  palatable  manner;  in  the  selection  of  refreshments  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
commanding  officer  and  commissary  general  to  see  that  they  are  such  as  will  give 
firmness  and  stability  to  the  nerves,  power  and  activity  to  the  muscles,  and  energy 
to  the  whole  body,  in  short  that  they  are  such  as  will  arouse  within  the  "inner 
man  "  that  bold  and  fearless  spirit,  which  so  peculiarly  marked  the  distinguished 
individual  whose  name  we  proudly  bear.  The  Commissary  General  should  under 
all  circumstances  be  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  honor  of  his  station  (a  station 
of  the  utmost  responsibility)  and  when  called  upon  to  administer  to  his  toiling 
comrades  he  should  pour  forth  the  indomitable  and  invincible  spirit  which  will 
gladden  their  hearts  while  combatting  the  raging  elements;  and  should  he  be 
inclined  to  falter  or  become  disheartened  in  the  discharge  of  his  arduous  duties  he 
should  be  nerved  on  by  a  remembrance  of  the  valor  and  heroism  of  those  who 
fought  their  country's  battles  on  the  banks  of  the  Brandywine." 

The  words  italicised  are  underlined  in  the  original  manuscript,  and  at 
the  end  of  the  clause  is  the  following  memorandum,  '"(not  Shakespeare) 
improved."  It  would  appear  that  the  commissary  general  was  expected 
to  attend  to  the  spirituous  rather  than  the  spiritual  needs  of  the  company, 
and  from  the  records  of  subsequent  meetings  it  is  evident  that  the  first 
commissary  and  his  successors  in  office  fulfilled  their  duties  nobly.  Rare 
old  times  were  those  and  rare  old  spirits  they  who  gathered  round  the  table 
at  regular  and  special  meetings.  The  regulations  provided  that  any 
member  absent  from  a  fire  or  from  a  regular  meeting  should  be  fined  25 
cents.  Any  person  might  become  an  honorary  member  on  receiving  a 
majority  vote  of  members  of  the  company  and  paying  Si  into  the  treasury. 


362  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

These  rules  were  signed  by  18  persons.  At  a  meeting  held  June  25,  1846, 
a  committee  reported  that  Landlord  Howe  would  furnish  a  room  and  lights 
for  the  company's  meetings  at  37  1-2  cents  per  evening.  At  the  same 
meeting  it  was  voted  that  any  man  who  should  spit  on  the  floor  should  be 
fined  12  1-2  cents.  In  November,  1S46,  the  company  occupied  quarters 
in  Phoenix  Row.  The  following  entry  in  the  records,  under  date  of  Dec. 
4,  1846,  makes  interesting  reading  in  these  later  times:  "The  question  as 
to  procuring  a  sufficient  quantity  of  the  needful  for   the   winter  campaign 

was    discussed.      Mr.   W presented  to    the    company    a    three-gallon 

Demijohn  and  it  was  voted  to  accept  of  the  same,  also  voted  that  the 
Commissary  General  be  directed  to  see  '  that  said  Demijohn  be  filled  for 
future  use.'  "  The  records  show  that  the  company  attended  several  fires 
and  did  efficient  service.  It  was  reorganized  on  several  different  occasions, 
the  last  entry  in  the  original  record-book  bearing   date   of   Dec.   25,    1852. 

At  a  town-meeting  held  March  1,  1S52,  the  town  authorized  the 
selectmen  to  sell  the  Cataract  engine,  and  with  the  proceeds,  an  additional 
appropriation  of  $250  by  the  town,  and  such  sums  as  could  be  raised  by 
subscription,  to  buy  a  new  and  powerful  fire  engine.  The  selectmen 
advertised  the  engine  for  sale,  stating  in  description  that  it  had  been  built 
by  the  Messrs  Button  at  Waterford,  N.  Y.,  at  an  expense  of  $Soo,  had 
recently  been  furnished  with  24  feet  of  new  suction  hose,  and  was 
warranted  in  best  order  for  service.  A  memorandum  in  the  journal  of  the 
town  treasurer,  bearing  date  Feb.  23,  1S53,  shows  that  the  town  had  paid 
to  L.  Button  &  Co.  $450.  This  would  seem  to  show  that  the  town  had 
disposed  of  the  engine  purchased  in  1S39  and  bought  a  new  one.  The 
engine  bought  in  1853  is  still  owned  by  the  town.  A  review  of  the  fire 
department  in  1855,  states  that  it  comprised  two  fire  engines,  a  hook  and 
ladder  apparatus  and  eight  firewards,  the  latter  being  grouped  in  with  the 
material  for  extinguishing  fires.  The  Cataract  company  numbered  45  men, 
with  G.  W.  Sargent  foreman,  R.  C.  Russell  assistant-foreman  and  Francis 
A.  1'ierce  clerk  and  treasurer.  The  engine  was  nearly  new,  threw  two 
streams  of  water  and  was  provided  with  700  feet  of  hose.  The  Deluge 
engine  company  at  Mill  Valley  numbered  28  men,  with  Charles  McMaster 
foreman,  William  W.  Smith  assistant-foreman  and  Eli  Hubbard  clerk.  The 
engine  though  small  was  efficient.  Lafayette  hook  and  ladder  company 
had  22  members,  with  Jonathan  S.  Slate  as  foreman,  Henry  Holland 
assistant-foreman  and  Rufus  Putnam  clerk  and  treasurer.  The  hook  and 
ladder  apparatus  was  in  fine  order.  The  firewards  were  A.  P.  Howe, 
Charles  Adams,  Oliver  Watson,  Austin  Eastman,  Marquis  F.  Dickinson, 
John  R.  Cushman,  John  W.  Smith  and  Alfred  Baker. 

That  the  members  of  the  old  fire  companies  enjoyed  a  joke  as  well 
as  their  successors  of  the  present  day  is  proved  by  the  following  anecdotes. 


THE    ENGINE    HOUSE.  363 

The  members  of  Deluge  engine  company  having  repaired  their  machine, 
challenged  the  Cataract  company  to  throw  water  in  their  engine  and  drown 
them  out  if  they  could.  The  trial  occurred  on  a  Saturday  evening,  and 
for  a  long  time  the  Cataract  was  unable  to  flood  the  Deluge,  but  at  length 
a  member  of  the  Cataract  company  discovered  that  the  "tail-screw  "  had 
been  removed  and  the  water  was  flowing  out  in  good  quantity.  Shortly 
after  the  two  companies  held  a  supper  at  the  Amherst  house,  when  Chauncey 
Pierce  gave  this  toast :  "  The  Deluge ;  challenge  the  Cataract  as 
often  as  you  please,  but  keep  your  eye  on  the  tail-screw."  Sometime  in 
the  '40s  the  Cataract  company  gave  a  supper  at  Whitney's  hotel  at  East 
Amherst.  Rufus  Putnam,  a  compositor  on  the  Express,  was  seated  north 
of  Walter  Mason  Dickinson,  and  gave  this  toast :  "  Let  us  Express  our- 
selves ;   we  are  north  of  Mason  Dickinson's  line." 

In  the  town  reports  for  1857  the  following  item  appears  :  "Paid 
Engine  Company,  grass  money,  $36.75.  This  money  was  received  from 
the  sale  of  grass  grown  on  the  common.  The  same  report  gives  the  sum 
°f  ^SQo0  as  P°ll  taxes  refunded  to  the  enginemen.  The  report  for  1S59 
contains  the  following  item  :  Paid  fire  department.  Si 36.  In  1S60,  the 
engine-house  was  built  on  Pleasant  street  ;  the  cost  of  the  land  was  $350, 
of  the  building  $645.73.  This  house  was  erected  in  accordance  with  the 
provisions  of  a  vote  passed  at  a  special  meeting  held  June  15,  authorizing 
the  selectmen  to  purchase  or  rent  and  fit  up  a  building  for  the  engine  and 
hook  and  ladder  companies  at  a  cost  not  exceeding  S600.  In  the  town 
report  for  1861,  the  selectmen  state  that  "The  Machine  and  all  its  appar- 
atus is  now  in  complete  order  and  under  the  charge  of  a  new  and  vigorous 
company,  who  are  now  ready  for  any  emergency." 

This  "  new  and  vigorous  "  company  had  been  organized  in  answer  to 
a  petition  addressed  to  the  selectmen  in  May.  by  certain  persons  desirous 
of  forming  an  engine  company.  Its  officers  were  :  Foreman,  Horace 
Ward ;  assistant,  Charles  E.  Hutchinson  ;  clerk  and  treasurer,  W.  W. 
Hunt.  March  22,  1S61,  an  organization  was  formed  at  North  Amherst 
which  adopted  the  title  of  "  Scott  Hook  and  Ladder  Co.  No.  2,"  and 
elected  A.  R.  Cushman  foreman.  This  action  was  taken  in  the  expecta- 
tion that  the  selectmen  would  provide  a  hook  and  ladder  truck  and  other 
suitable  equipment  for  such  a  company.  This  expectation  not  being 
fulfilled,  the  company  was  disbanded.  Instead  of  providing  such  equip- 
ments, the  selectmen  had  voted  to  purchase  one  fire-hook  and  three  ladders 
for  North  Amherst  and  the  "City,"  the  same  to  be  kept  near  the  center  of 
each  village.  The  fire  department  was  reorganized  in  August,  1864.  At 
a  meeting  held  Nov.  17,  1S65,  the  selectmen  were  authorized  to  purchase 
500  feet  of  hose  for  the  engine  at  a  cost  of  $1,000. 

The  lack  of  a  suitable  water-supply  was  a  great  hindrance  to  the  old- 


.364 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


time  companies  in  their  struggles  with  the  flames.  The  main  source  of 
supply  was  found  in  the  wells  near  at  hand,  and  the  contents  of  these  were 
soon  exhausted.  It  was  not  until  1S70  that  the  town  began  to  build 
reservoirs  in  central  locations.  In  the  town  reports  for  the  year  ending 
March  1,  1S7  1,  the  treasurer's  report  shows  the  year's  expense  for  "  fire 
department  and  reservoirs  "  to  have  been  $183.53.  During  the  year  ending 
March  1,  1873,  $638.85  was  expended  for  reservoirs,  of  which  the  town 
owned  ten,  six  having  been  built  by  individual  subscription.  In  1874,  the 
town  owned  eleven  reservoirs,  three  located  on  the  common,  two  on  Amity 
street,  three  on  Pleasant  street,  one  south  of  College  hill,  one  near  Dr.  I. 
H.  Taylor's  on  High  street  and  one  at  East  Amherst.  There  were  also 
reservoirs  owned  by  private  parties  near  the  residences  of  O.  G.  Couch  and 
Rev.  J.  L.  Jenkins  and  the  barn  of  R.  S.  Lincoln.  Their  average  capacity 
was  about  5,000  gallons.  The  selectmen,  in  their  report  for  the  year 
ending  March  1,  1872,  stated  that  in  accordance  with  the  vote  of  the  town 
they  had  organized  a  fire  company  of  45  men,  who  would  be  entitled  to 
$10  each  on  May  1. 

At  a  special  meeting  held  March  30,  1S74,  the  town  voted  that  the 
fire  department  should  be  organized  as  directed  by  the  public  statutes. 
The  selectmen  appointed  the  following  to  serve  as  fire  engineers  :  E.  A. 
Thomas,  Henry  Holland,  J.  L.  Skinner,  John  A.  Pierce,  Watson  W.  Cowles, 
Moses  E.  Cushman,  O.  S.  Longley,  Henry  Johnson,  Merritt  Crossett.  The 
engineers  held  their  first  meeting  April  28,  1874,  and  organized  with  E.  A. 
Thomas  as  chief  and  J.  L.  Skinner  as  secretary.  At  a  meeting  held  April 
29,  the  needs  of  the  department  were  considered  and  arrangements  made 
for  supplying  them.  The  engineer's  report  for  the  year  ending  March  1. 
1875,  states  that  the  town  had  appropriated  at  its  annual 
meeting  $500  for  the  use  of  the  department,  and  at  a  sub- 
sequent meeting  had  added  $250  to  this  amount.  The 
engine  company  numbered  30  men,  in  charge  of  Capt.  T. 
W.  Sloan.  The  hook  and  ladder  company  was  in  charge 
of  M.  N.  Spear.  Several  extension  ladders,  procured  for 
the  use  of  the  department,  were  stored  in  different  parts 
of  the  town.  One  hundred  buckets  had  been  purchased 
and  stored  in  the  engine-room  ;  these  were  for  the  use  of 
citizens,  not  the  enginemen.  The  bell  on  the  engine- 
house  was  to  be  rung  only  in  case  of  fire;  permission 
had  been  secured  to  use  the  Paptist  church-bell  for  fire 
alarm  purposes.  During  the  year  1S76,  there  were  ten 
fires  in  Amherst,  six  of  them  supposedly  of  incendiary  origin.  The 
board  of  engineers  recommended  the  purchase  of  a  steam  fire-engine, 
also  that    larger    reservoirs    be  built.       Three  new  reservoirs    were    built 


^i&tx? 


HOSE    COMPANIES.  365 

in  1877,  one  at  the  center,  one  at  North  Amherst  and  one  at  South 
Amherst.  The  one  at  the  center  was  located  on  the  common,  cost  S431.S1 
and  had  a  capacity  of   13,000,  gallons. 

The   introduction   of  Pelham    water   into  Amherst   in    1SS0   caused  a 
radical  change  in  the  composition  of  the  fire  department  and  the  agencies- 
employed  in  extinguishing  fires.      During  the  year   18S0,   34  fire  hydrants 
were  put  in,  the  town  paying  the  entire  expense  of  four,   so  located   as  to 
aid  in  the  protection  of  town  property,  while  the  remainder  were  paid  for 
jointly  by  the  town    and    by   individuals,  the    latter  subscribing  the  sum  of 
S900  while  the  town  appropriated  S750.      Very  soon  after  the  completion 
of  the  water-works,  an  independent  hose  company  was  organized  in   town, 
composed   mainly   of  boys   and  young  men,  which    adopted    the   name  of 
Alert  Hose  company.     The  records  of  this  company,  if  still  in  existence, 
are  not  available  for  reference.      From  newspaper  comment  current  at  the 
time  it  is  judged  that  the  company  did  not  enjoy  the   public  confidence  to 
any   marked   degree.     At   a    meeting   of   the  board  of  fire  engineers  held 
April  28,  1882,  it  was  voted  that  22  men  be  appointed  for  the  hose  carriages 
at  the  center  and  at  East  Amherst,  their  pay  to  be   $10   each   per  annum  ; 
also   that    10   men   be   appointed  for  the  hook  and  ladder  carriage  and  15 
men  for  the  engine  company,  who  should  be  paid    50   cents   per   hour   for 
service  actually  rendered.      At  a  meeting  held  May  12,  that  portion  of  the 
above  vote  relating  to  the  appointment  of  men  for  the  engine  and  hook  and 
ladder  companies  was  rescinded,  and  it  was  voted  to  appoint  four  additional 
hosemen   to   serve  on  the  engine  and  hooks  and  ladders  when  necessary. 
Alert  Hose  Co.  Xo.  1  was  organized  at  a  meeting  held  May  23,  1S82. 
Officer  were  elected  as  follows  :   Foreman,  George  J.  Gallond  ;   first  assist- 
ant, F.  W.  Sloan  ;   second  assistant,  J.  W.  T.  Davis  :   clerk,  W.  G.  Towne  ; 
steward,  C.  R.  Kenfield  ;  trustees,  E.  F.  Strickland,  A.  F.   Bardwell,   John 
Willis.     A  committee  was  appointed  to  draft   a   code   of  by-laws.      It   was 
voted  to  hold  meetings   on   the   first   Wednesday   evening  of   each  month. 
Members  were  to  be  fined,   for  absence  at  roll-call   at  a  fire,  50  cents; 
for   absence   at  the  first  roll-call   at   a   regular  meeting,   10  cents;  at  the 
second  roll-call,  15  cents.     The  by-laws  proposed  by   the   committee   were 
adopted    at    a    meeting    held    June    7.      Members  were  elected  by  ballot. 
April  4,  1S83,  the  company  voted  to  divide  the  amount  of  fines  at  the  end 
of  the   year   among   its   members.      May    2,    1S83,    it   was  voted  that  any 
member    absent     at  roll-call    at   a   fire    should   be   fined   $1.       In    1893, 
the  company  repaired   and   fitted    up   the   old   court-room,  in   the    second 
story  of  the    lock-up  building  and  still  hold  their  meetings  there. 

At  the  annual  town  meeting  held  March  7,  1S81,  $100  was  appropriated 
to  purchase  a  hose-cart  and  S400  for  hose,  to  be  used  at  East  Amherst. 
Hose    Co.    Xo.    2    was    organized    at  a  meeting;  held  in  the  school-house 


366  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

at  East  Amherst,  July  1,  1881.  H.  B.  Lovett  was  elected  foreman  and  G. 
E.  Thayer  clerk.  The  foreman  was  authorized  to  appoint  subordinate 
officers.  At  a  meeting  held  April  13,  1883,  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
draw  up  by-laws,  which  were  adopted  May  4.  Meetings  were  to  be  held 
the  first  Tuesday  evening  of  each  month.  Fines  for  absence  were  to  be 
as  follows  :  At  the  first  roll-call  at  a  regular  meeting,  15  cents;  at  second 
roll-call,  10  cents  ;  at  a  fire,  50  cents.  At  the  end  of  the  year  the  fines 
were  to  be  divided  among  the  members  of  the  company.  At  a  meeting 
held  May  6,  1885,  it  was  voted  to  increase  the  fine  for  absence  at  a  regular 
meeting  to  50  cents,  for  absence  at  a  fire  to  $1.  New  by-laws  were  adopted 
•Oct.  7,  1890.  The  company  has  quarters  in  a  building  on  Main  street  at 
East  Amherst  owned  by  C.  O.  Parmenter. 

In  April,  1879,  the  Lafayette  Hook  and  Ladder  company  was  revived 
as  an  independent  organization.  The  old  company  donated  all  its  furni- 
ture and  other  property  to  its  successor.  Officers  were  elected  as  follows  : 
Foreman,  O.  F.  Morse  ;  assistant-foreman,  Harvey  White  ;  clerk,  G.  M. 
Chamberlain  ;  commissary.  C.  F.  Bennett.  The  town  at  a  special  meeting 
held  Dec.  20,  1883,  voted  to  sustain  a  hook  and  ladder  company,  and  the 
board  of  fire  engineers  organized,  Jan.  1,  1884,3  new  company  of  12  men, 
bearing  the  old  name  of  Lafayette.  This  company  elected  the  following 
officers  at  a  meeting  held  Jan.  7  :  Foreman,  George  Graves  ;  assistants, 
W.  H.  H.  Morgan  and  G.  M.  Chamberlain  ;  clerk  and  treasurer,  G.  M. 
Chamberlain  ;  commissary,  YY.  H.  H.  Morgan.  The  company  occupies 
quarters  in  the  engine-house.  Members  absent  from  fires  are  fined  $1, 
from  regular  meetings  50  cents. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  board  of  engineers  held  May  5,  1SS4,  it  was  voted 
that  the  pay  of  hoseman  and  hook  and  ladder  men  be  $12  per  annum. 
In  1887,  two  Babcock  fire  extinguishers  were  purchased  for  the  use  of 
the  department  and  placed,  one  at  North  iYmherst,  the  other  at  the 
"City."  In  1888,  a  new  bell  was  purchased  and  placed  in  the  tower  of 
the  engine-house  ;  a  fire  chute,  jumping  canvas  and  line  gun  were  pur- 
chased the  same  year  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  state  law.  In 
1890,  700  feet  of  new  hose  was  added  to  the  equipment  of  the  department: 
in  1S92,  a  supply  wagon  was  purchased.  In  1S93,  the  hook  and  ladder 
truck  and  hose-cart  at  the  center  were  fitted  up  so  that  they  can  be  drawn 
by  horses,  and  arrangements  were  made  with  T.  L.  Paige  to  furnish  horses 
when  an  alarm  of  fire  is  given.  In  1S94,  a  new  alarm-bell  with  electric 
•striking  apparatus  was  placed  in  the  tower  of  the  town  hall  at  a  cost  of 
$291.  In  1895,  an  electric  fire  alarm  system  was  put  in.  In  the  spring 
of  1896,  the  engine-house  was  remodeled  and  enlarged,  accommodations 
being  provided  for  such  of  the  members  of  the  department  as  were  willing 
to  sleep  in  the  building.     In  1878,  E.  A.  Thomas  was  succeeded   as   chief 


DISASTROUS    FIRES.  367 

engineer  by  Henry  Holland ;  the  latter  held  office  until  1883,  when  he 
was  succeeded  by  Lewis  J.  Spear.  W.  H.  H.  Morgan  was  elected  chief  in 
1887,  serving  until  1892,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  G.  M.  Chamberlain. 
John  Mullen  was  elected  chief  in  1893  and  served  until  1895,  when  he  was 
succeeded  by  H.  D.  Holland.  The  department  was  never  so  well  equipped 
or  capable  of  doing  such  efficient  service  as  at  the  present  time. 

The  history  of  the  Amherst  fire  department  would  be  incomplete 
without  some  record  of  the  many  disastrous  fires  that  have  visited  the  town. 
As  a  complete  record  would  occupy  too  much  space,  mention  is  made  of 
those  only  which  caused  large  property  losses. 

The  first  great  fire  in  Amherst  occurred  in  February.  1838.  The 
following  brief  report  concerning  it  is  quoted  from  the  Northampton 
Courier  : 

"  It  started  in  an  unoccupied  room  in  the  basement  story  of  the  large  brick 
building  opposite  the  Amherst  house,  under  the  druggist  shop,  and  it  is  presumed 
from  an  uncovered  flue  of  the  chimney  :  and  when  discovered  the  east  end  of  the 
building  was  in  flames.  It  spread  rapidly  until  it  consumed  the  large  brick  block. 
the  store  occupied  by  Mr.  S.  Holland  (Merchant)  and  owned  by  Mr.  A.  Dickinson. 
— and  also  the  Hotel  owned  and  occupied  by  Mr.  A.  Dickinson.  This  house  was 
formerly  the  Mansion  House  of  Xoah  Webster.  The  house  and  store  and  barn 
north  of  the  brick  block  were  also  burnt,  the  house  being  occupied  by  Mr.  S 
Simonds.*' 

The  total  loss  was  from  S20.000  to  $25,000,  the  insurance  about 
$10,000.  Among  the  parties  who  suffered  loss  were  the  First  parish,  the 
female  seminary  and  J.  S.  &  C.  Adams,  the  latter  losing,  besides  type  and 
presses,  a  part  of  the  edition  of  three  published  works. 

In  1S42,  the  first  cotton  mill  built  at  "  Factory  Hollow7,"  owned  at  the 
time  by  Elnathan  Jones,  was  burned. 

In  1847,  Teter  Ingram's  woolen  mill  was  burned  at  the  "City,"' 
involving  a  loss  of  $6,000,  partially  insured. 

In  1854,  the  YVheelock  mill  at  North  Amherst  was  burned:  loss 
$12,000,  no  insurance. 

March  26,  1855,  the  Westville  woolen  mill  was  burned;  loss  $8,600, 
insurance  $5,150. 

In  the  winter  of  1857  the  North  dormitory  at  Amherst  College  was 
burned  to  the  ground,  causing  a  loss  of  $10,000. 

Jones'  factory  at  North  Amherst  was  burned  in  1857  :  loss  $13,000, 
insurance  $7,000. 

In  1858,  W.  H.  Smith's  paper-mill  at  Westville  was  burned. 

Aug.  10,  1869,  what  was  known  as  "  Burnham's  mills,"  owned  by  E. 
B.  Fitts  and  located  at  East  Amherst,  were  burned.  The  fire  caught  from 
a  smokestack.     The  loss  was  $15,000,  the  insurance  $7,500. 


36S  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

May  7,  1872,  a  disastrous  fire  occurred  among  the  buildings  in  the 
rear  of  Phoenix  Row.  It  started  in  the  barn  owned  by  E.  F.  Cook,  and 
was  probably  set  by  an  incendiary.  The  buildings  destroyed  included 
Cook's  barn,  W.  E.  Stebbins'  barn,  G.  A.  Thomas'  paint-shop,  Emerson 
Russell's  carriage-shop,  Dr.  H.  J.  Cate's  house  and  barn,  and  Mrs.  Kellogg's 
house.  The  loss  was  estimated  at  $25,000.  Amherst  college  students 
rendered  valuable  assistance  in  saving  property.  The  firemen  had  not  hose 
enough  to  reach  the  reservoirs  on  the  common,  and  having  pumped  dry  all 
the  wells  in  the  vicinity  were  compelled  to  let  the  dames  have  their  way. 

July  4,  1879,  the  buildings  on  Merchants'  Row  were  burned  to  the 
ground.  The  fire  started  in  a  shed  in  the  rear  of  George  Cutler's  store. 
It  communicated  quickly  to  the  barns  of  Stebbins'  livery  stable,  and  thence 
to  the  Amherst  house.  These  buildings  were  all  burned,  together  with  the 
Savings  bank  block,  Charles  Adams'  block  and  the  stores  of  O.  G.  Couch, 
J.  H.  Starbuck,  Edwin  Nelson,  George  Cutler  and  B.  F.  Kendrick.  The 
origin  of  the  fire  was  unknown.  The  loss  was  between  $80,000  and 
$90,000,  largely  covered  by  insurance. 

July  10,  1873,  Cushman  Bros.'  paper-mill  at  North  Amherst  was 
burned.  The  fire  started  in  a  pile  of  paper  stock.  The  loss  on  the  build- 
ing was  estimated  at  $32,000.  insurance  $20,000.  A  large  quantity  of 
stock,  on  which  there  was  no  insurance,  was  burned. 

April  23,  1S80,  a  fire  started  in  The  Hill's  Co's.  hat  factory,  which 
quickly  communicated  with  the  factory  of  H.  D.  Fearing  &  Co.  The 
buildings  were  totally  destroyed.  The  fire  started  in  a  pile  of  waste,  from 
some  cause  unknown.  The  loss  was  estimated  at  over  $100,000,  partially 
covered  by  insurance. 

March  29,  1882,  the  Walker  hall  building  owned  by  Amherst  College 
was  burned.  The  loss  was  estimated  at  more  than  $175,000,  and  included 
the  Shepard  mineralogical  cabinet.     The  cause  was  unknown. 

Nov.  27,  1 S83,  the  buildings  on  Cash  Row  were  burned.  The  fire 
caught  in  the  block  occupied  by  J.  J.  Young  and  was  probably  the  work  of 
an  incendiary.  Young's  block,  S.  W.  Dickinson's  block  and  R.  T.  Dick- 
inson's building  were  burned,  and  Cook's  block  considerably  damaged. 
The  loss  was  estimated  at  $40,000. 

April  4,  18S1.  fire  started  in  the  Delta  Kappa  Epsilon  fraternity's 
rooms  in  the  upper  part  of  Cook's  block.  The  loss  was  estimated  at 
$2 0,000,  a  considerable  part  being  caused  by  water. 

lib.  4,  1.SS5,  the  South  dormitory  of  the  Agricultural  College  was 
burned.  The  lire  was  caused  by  the  explosion  of  a  lamp.  The  loss  was 
$35,000. 

March  13,  r888,  Palmer's  block,  and  the  "  Cooper  house  "  were 
burned  and  Union  block  badly   damaged.       This   tire   occurred  at  an   early 


MKK(  II  \N  I  S     Kou  .    B]  FORI      I  61  ;. 


MERCHANTS'   Row.   BURNED   in    1879. 


THE    MILITIA    LAW.  369 

hour  Tuesday  morning  of  the  memorable  "  blizzard  "  week.  Its  cause 
has  never  been  discovered.  The  loss  was  estimated  at  over  $60,000,  and 
included  the  law  library  and  many  documents  of  great  historic  value 
belonging  to  W.  A.  Dickinson. 

Sept.  11,  1891,  the  buildings  on  Mount  Pleasant  erected  by  Col.  W. 
S.  Clark  and  owned  and  occupied  at  the  time  by  Dr.  W.  F.  Bullman  were 
burned.  The  cause  of  the  fire  is  unknown,  but  it  was  generally  believed 
to  have  been  the  work  of  an  incendiary.  The  loss  was  estimated  at 
$22,000. 


CHAPTER  XLIII. 


Amherst  Militia. — The  North  and  South  Companies. — Militia  in 
the  War  of  18 12. — The  Hampshire  Rangers. — The  Cav- 
alry Company. — Amherst  Artillery  Company. — Company 
C. — Company  K. 

The  founders  of  our  national  government  realized  that,  if  the  country 
would  enjoy  the  blessings  of  freedom,  it  must  be  prepared  at  all  times  to 
defend  itself  against  foreign  aggression.  The  war  of  the  Revolution  had 
proved  that  the  American  people  are  willing  to  fight  for  the  privileges  of 
independent  government:  it  also  impressed  upon  their  minds  the  necessity 
of  military  discipline.  The  country  was  in  no  condition  to  maintain  a 
large  standing  army,  nor  was  it  considered  necessary  or  desirable  so  to  do. 
The  United  States  militia  law  was  approved  May  8,  1792  :  its  first  section 
reads  as  follows  : 

"Be  it  enacted,  etc. — That  each  and  every  free,  able  bodied  white  male  Citizen, 
of  the  age  of  eighteen  years  and  under  the  age  of  forty-five  years  (except  those 
who  are  exempted  by  law)  shall  be  enrolled  in  the  Militia,  by  the  Captain  or  Com- 
manding Officer  of  the  Company,  within  whose  bounds  such  citizen  shall  reside, n 
—  •■  and  it  shall  be  at  all  times  the  duty  of  the  Commanding  Officer  of  every  such 
Company,  to  enrol  every  such  citizen,  and  also,  those  who  from  time  to  time  arrive 
at  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  or  being  of  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  and  under  the 
age  of  forty-five  years,  (and  not  exempted)  shall  come  to  reside  within  his  bounds." 

The   Massachusetts    militia    law    supplemented    the  national  law  by 
providing  that  every  commanding  officer  of  a  company  should  parade  his 
company   on    the   first   Tuesday  of  May    annually,  at    one  o'clock  in  the 
24 


370  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

afternoon,  for  the  purpose  of  inspecting,  examining  and  taking  an  exact 
account  of  all  the  equipments  of  his  men  and  for  noting  all  delinquencies 
of  appearance  and  deficiencies  of  equipment  and  for  correcting  his 
company  roll. 

In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  national  law,  the  able  bodied 
white  male  citizens  of  Amherst,  between  the  ages  of  eighteen  and  forty- 
five  years,  were  duly  enrolled  in  the  militia.  The  town  was  divided  into 
two  military  departments,  Main  street  and  Amity  street  forming  the  arbitrary 
division-line.  Citizens  living  to  the  north  of  this  line,  liable  to  military 
duty,  were  enrolled  in  the  North  company,  those  living  to  the  south,  in  the 
South  company.  The  precise  date  of  organization  of  these  companies  is 
not  a  matter  of  record  ;  it  was  probably  very  soon  after  the  passage  of  the 
national  law.  In  1796,  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.  was  commissioned  as  major- 
general  of  the  Fourth  division  of  Massachusetts  state  militia,  comprising 
the  companies  in  the  Western  counties.  The  names  of  the  commanding 
officers  of  the  companies,  first  appointed,  cannot  be  stated  with  certainty. 
The  following  letter  of  Gen.  Mattoon,  addressed  to  Capt.  Aaron  Billings, 
under  date  of  Oct.  10,  1801,  would  indicate  that  the  latter  person  was  at 
that  time  captain  of  the  South  company  : 

"Amherst  October  10th  1S01 
To  Capt.  Aaron  Billings — Sir  : 

In  answer  to  the  question  you  asked  me  yesterday — whether  it  is  your  duty  to 
command  the  South  Company  in  this  Town  on  Monday  next? — I  have  given  the 
question  due  consideration — and  am  clearly  of  Opinion  that  you  are  a  Constitu- 
tional Officer,  that  you  are  obliged  to  obey  the  Orders  of  your  Superior  Officers — 
and  upon  neglect,  would  be  liable  to  an  arrest,  and  that  the  Company,  and  all 
Acw-Commission,  and  Commission  Officers,  as  well  as  soldiers  are  in  duty  bound 
to  obey  your  orders — I  presume  the  good  Sense  of  the  Company,  their  attachment 
to  Discipline,  will  prompt  them  to  conduct  with  that  propriety  they  usually  do. 
You  will  therefore  proceed  in  your  duty — and  the  Company  is  to  consider  themselves 
under  your  Command,  and  obey  you  accordingly.  I  am  Sryour,  and  the  Company's 
friend — and  shall  always  continue  so,  while  they  continue  to  merit  it — 

E.  Mattoon  Major  Gen'l  411'  Division." 

The  North  and  South  companies  were  attached  to  the  3d  regiment  of 
the  1  st  brigade,  4th  division.  The  records  of  the  North  company,  if  in 
existence,  are  unobtainable,  but  valuable  papers  relating  to  the  South 
company  are  in  possession  of  William  F.  Williams  of  Amherst,  grandson 
of  Chester  Williams,  who  commanded  the  company  several  years.  From 
these  papers  much  of  the  information  here  given  was  obtained.  Sept.  10, 
1798,  Chester  Williams  was  appointed  3d  sergeant  of  the  South  company, 
the  appointment  being  signed  by  Elijah  Dickinson,  lieutenant-colonel  com- 
manding the-  3d  regiment.  June  24,  1S02,  he  received  the  following 
commission  as  lieutenant,  signed  by  Caleb  Strong  as  governor  : 


THE    SOUTH    COMPANY.  37  I 

"By  His   Excellency  Calei;  Strong,  Esq.. 
Governor  and  Commander,  hi  Chief  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Masssachusetts 
To  Chester  Williams,  Gentleman,  Greeting  : 

You  being  appointed  Lieutenant  of  a  Company  in  the  third  Regiment  of 
Infantry  in  the  first  Brigade,  fourth  Division  of  the  Militia  of  this  Commonwealth. 
Reposing  special  Trust  and  Confidence  in  your  Ability.  Courage  and  good  Conduct, 
I  Do,  by  these  Presents,  Commission  you  accordingly.  You  are.  therefore,  Care- 
fully and  Diligently  to  Discharge  the  Duties  of  said  Office,  according  to  the  Laws 
of  this  Commonwealth,  and  to  Military  Rule  and  Discipline.  And  all  inferior 
Officers  and  Soldiers  are  hereby  commanded  to  obey  you  in  your  said  Capacity; 
and  you  are  yourself  to  observe  and  follow  such  Orders  and  Instructions  as  you 
shall,  from  time  to  time,  receive  from  me  or  others,  your  superior  Officers. 

Oiven  under  my  Hand  and  Seal  of  the  said  Commonwealth,  the  twenty-fourth 
Day  of  June,  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord,  1S02 — and  in  the  twenty-fifth  Year  of  the 
Independence  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

Johx  Avery,  Sec'y.  Caleb  Strong.*' 

In  1810,  Aaron  Billings  was  captain  of  the  company  and  Elijah 
Hastings  clerk.  In  1S11,  Moses  Hastings,  son  of  Thomas,  was  major  and 
commanding  officer  of  the  3d  regiment,  with  headquarters  at  Amherst. 
Aug.  20,  181 1,  a  meeting  of  the  officers  of  the  regiment  was  held  at  Land- 
lord Ward's  tavern  in  Amherst,  to  choose  a  lieutenant-colonel  commandant, 
in  place  of  Lieut.-Col.  Powers,  resigned.  Roswell  Dickinson  was  com- 
missioned captain  of  the  North  company  June  2.  1809  ;  he  was  promoted 
to  be  major  of  the  Third  regiment,  Aug.  31,  1812,  and  was  honorably 
discharged,  Jan.  5,  1S15.  May  7,  181 1.  Chester  Williams  was  commissioned 
captain  of  the  South  company,  the  commission  being  signed  by  Elbridge 
Gerry  as  governor;  he  served  as  captain  until  1S15,  when  at  his  request 
he  was  honorably  discharged.  When  meetings  of  the  company  were  held 
for  parade  or  inspection,  the  commanding  officer  issued  a  warrant  to  some 
one  of  his  subordinates,  requiring  him  to  notify  the  company  members  to 
be  in  attendance  at  the  time  and  place  appointed.  The  following  company 
warrant  is  copied  from  the  original  issued  by  Capt.  Williams,  addressed  to 
Corp'l  Lucius  Hastings  : 

'•  You  are  hereby  directed  to  notify  and  warn  all  the  non-commissioned  officers 
and  soldiers  belonging  to  the  company  under  my  command  to  appear  at  the  parade 
near  Cap.  Jonathan  Dickinson's  on  Tuesday  the  third  day  of  May  next  at  one 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  with  arms  and  equipments,  as  the  law  directs,  for  military 
duty." 

Regimental  orders  dated  at  Sunderland,  Sept.  17,  1S11,  signed  by 
Melzar  Hunt,  lieut.-col.  commandant,  announced  that  the  companies  com- 
prising the  3d  regiment  of  the  1st  brigade  would  meet  Oct.  1 1,  at  the  usual 
place  of  parade,  south  of  the  West  parish  meeting-house  in  Amherst,  for 
review,   inspection   and   discipline.      The   companies   were   to   be   on    the 


372  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

ground  as  early  as  9  a.  m.,  armed  and  equipped  agreeably  to  law,  each 
non-commissioned  officer  and  private  to  be  furnished  with  at  least  one-fourth 
pound  of  powder  made  up  into  sporting  cartridges. 

The  year  1S12  witnessed  stirring  times  in  military  circles  in  Massa- 
chusetts. While  Gov.  Strong  refused  the  president's  requisition  for  Mass- 
achusetts troops  to  serve  outside  the  state  in  the  war  with  Great  Britain, 
he  took  prompt  measures  to  prepare  for  the  public  defence.  Division 
orders  were  issued  by  Gen.  Mattoon,  bearing  date  May  4,  1812.  He  had 
received  orders  from  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  military  forces  of  the 
Commonwealth,  dated  at  Cambridge,  April  25,  directing  him  to  detach 
from  the  4th  division  541  men,  officers  included,  to  hold  themselves  in 
readiness  to  march  at  a  moment's  warning.  Brigade  orders  directed  Lieut.- 
Col.  Hunt  to  detach  one  captain,  one  lieutenant,  one  ensign,  one  surgeon 
and  53  rank  and  file,  including  four  sergeants,  four  corporals,  three  drum- 
mers and  fifers.  Regimental  orders  directed  Capt.  Roswell  Dickinson, 
commanding  the  North  company,  to  consider  himself  detached  and  to 
detach  four  privates  from  his  command.  Capt.  Williams  was  ordered  to 
detach  one  corporal,  one  fifer  and  four  privates ;  these  detachments  were 
to  be  made  before  June  1.  General  Orders  dated  at  headquarters,  Boston, 
July  3,  18 1 2,  signed  by  ^  llliam  Donnison,  adjutant-general,  by  order  of 
the  commander-in-chief,  announced  that  war  had  been  declared  by  the 
United  States  against  Great  Britain.  The  officers  and  privates  of  the 
various  military  organizations  were  enjoined  to  perfect  themselves  as 
thoroughly  as  possible  in  the  military  art,  that  they  might  be  prepared  to 
render  prompt  and  efficient  service  if  called  upon.  General  orders  dated 
June  22  called  for  the  detachment  of  445  men,  including  officers,  from  the 
4th  division.  Regimental  orders  instructed  Capt.  Dickinson  to  detach 
three  privates  and  Capt.  Williams  four. 

A  meeting  of  the  captains  and  subalterns  of  the  companies  in  the  3d 
regiment  was  held  at  Elijah  Boltwood's  inn  at  Amherst,  Aug.  31,  1S12.  to 
fill  a  vacancy  in  the  office  of  major.  At  this  meeting,  Capt.  Roswell  Dick- 
inson was  promoted  to  be  major.  Aug.  14,  a  notice  signed  by  Roswell 
Dickinson,  captain,  detached,  was  addressed  to  Capt.  Williams,  notifying 
him,  in  accordance  with  general  orders,  to  cause  the  men  detached  from 
his  command  to  appear  on  the  parade  near  the  East  parish  meeting-house, 
Aug.  21,  at  10  a.  m.,  for  the  purpose  of  being  inspected.  The  men  must 
be  equipped  in  every  particular  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of 
military  law  ;  the  least  deficiency  would  not  be  excused.  Sept.  5,  orders 
were  issued  for  regimental  inspection,  on  Oct.  15,  "'at  the  usual  place  of 
parade  below  the  West  parish  meeting-house  in  Amherst."  The  captains 
were  directed  to  have  their  companies  on  the  grounds  "  between  said 
Meeting  House  and  the  brook  at  the  South  end  of  the  parade  "  by  9  a.  m., 


ORDERS    TO    MARCH    TO    BOSTON.  373 

that  line  might  be  formed  by  10.  During  the  year  1S13.  the  military 
situation  in  Massachusetts  was  unchanged  ;  there  was  no  demand  for  the 
services  of  the  militia  to  repel  a  foreign  invasion.  The  annual  regimental 
inspection  was  held  in  Amherst,  Oct.  1.  Aug.  22,  1S14,  regimental  orders 
were  issued  signed  by  Col.  Hunt.  All  the  commissioned  and  non-com- 
missioned officers  and  the  musicians  of  the  3d  regiment  were  instructed  to 
assemble  Sept.  8,  at  9  a.  m.,  at  the  house  of  Isaac  Goodale,  inn-holder,  in 
Amherst.  The  officers  were  to  appear  with  their  arms  and  the  musicians 
with  their  respective  instruments.  The  meeting  was  preparatory  to  the 
approaching  review.  A  paragraph  at  the  end  of  the  orders  reads  as  follows  : 
"  Lt.  Col.  Hunt  presents  his  compliments  to  Rev.  Doct.  Parsons  and  Rev. 
Mr.  Perkins — to  Maj-Gen.  Mattoon  and  suite — to  Lt.  Col.  Porter  and  his 
staff — to  Majors  Mattoon  and  Leonard  and  to  Captains  Stebbins  of  the 
Artillery  and  Field  and  Dickinson  of  the  Cavalry,  with  their  respective 
Subalterns,  and  requests  them  severally  to  honor  the  meeting  by  their 
personal  attendance." 

But  graver  matters  than  parades  and  inspections  were  soon  to  engage 
the  attention  of  the  citizen  soldiery.  A  British  naval  expedition  had 
landed  on  the  coast  of  Maine  near  the  Penobscot,  occupying  territory  then 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  Massachusetts,  and  threatened  to  lay  waste  the 
coast  from  Maine  to  Georgia.  Governor  Strong  realized  that  the  time  for 
action  had  arrived.  General  orders  dated  at  headquarters,  Boston,  were 
issued  Sept.  6,  18 14.  They  stated  that  the  war  between  the  United  States 
and  Great  Britain  having  become  more  destructive,  in  consequence  of 
violations  of  Massachusetts  territory  by  the  forces  of  the  enemy,  the  whole 
of  the  militia  were  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  march  at  a  moment's 
notice.  The  four  companies  detached  from  the  4th  division  were  to  march 
to  Boston  immediately.  In  addition  to  these,  a  detachment  of  sixteen 
companies  was  to  be  made  at  once  from  the  4th  division,  properly  officered 
and  arranged  into  two  regiments,  to  march  to  Boston  without  delay.  Maj. 
Gen.  Mattoon  was  charged  with  the  arrangement  of  these  regiments. 
Division  orders  were  issued  Sept.  9  by  Gen.  Mattoon.  Brigadier-General 
Bliss  was  to  detach  one  regiment  of  infantry,  to  rendezvous  at  Palmer, 
and  from  there  march  to  Boston.  Regimental  orders  issued  the  same  day 
instructed  Capt.  Williams  to  detach  from  his  company  one  lieutenant,  one 
drummer  and  14  rank  and  file  ;  Capt.  Dickinson  was  to  detach  one  ensign, 
one  sergeant  and  1 1  rank  and  file.  These  men  were  to  rendezvous  at 
Palmer  the  following  Tuesday.  The  lieutenant  detached  from  the  South 
company  was  Enos  Dickinson,  who  was  commissioned  May  22,  1S11.  and 
served  until  Jan.  ^o.  1S17.  The  detachments  were  promptly  made,  as 
witness  the  following  copy  of  notification  :   • 


374  HISTORY    OF     THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

"Amherst,  Sept.  10,  1S14. 
ToAdolphus  Dickinson, 

A  soldier  in  the  South  Company  in  Amherst  under  command  of  the  subscriber : 
Who  hereby  notifies  you,  that  in  pursuance  of  General  Orders  of  the  6"'  inst., 
Division  orders  of  the  9"'  inst..  Brigade  orders  of  the  9th  inst.  and  Regimental 
orders  of  the  9''1  inst.  that  you  are  detached  from  his  Company  to  serve  in  the 
Service  of  this  Commonwealth  for  the  term  of  three  months  from  the  time  of 
rendezvous,  unless  sooner  discharged.  You  will  forthwith  be  equipped,  as  the 
Militia  law  of  this  Commonwealth  provides  &  repair  to  Palmer  on  Tuesday  the  13th 
inst.  of  the  present  month,  where  you  will  be  under  the  command  of  L'  Colo.  Foote, 
who  is  detached  as  Commandant  of  the  detachment  from  the  first  Brigade  &  fourth 
Division  of  Massachusetts  Militia.  •  Unless  you  report  yourself  to  me  within 
Twenty-four  hours,  or  send  me  an  able  bodied  Man  completely  equipped,  the 
Militia  Law  must  be  put  in  force  upon  you. 

Chester  Williams,  Cap'." 

There  is  no  record  of  the  names  of  the  men  detached  at  this  time,  or 
previously,  who  marched  to  Boston,  and,  having  enjoyed  a  taste  of  city  life, 
marched  back  again  without  having  gained  so  much  as  a  glimpse  of  a 
British  red-coat.  A  muster  roll  of  the  South  company,  undated  but  bearing 
the  name  of  Chester  Williams  as  captain,  contains  the  names  of  66  privates 
and  the  following  officers  :  Lieutenant,  Enos  Dickinson  ;  ensign,  Samuel 
Smith  ;  sergeants  and  musicians,  Elisha  Hastings,  Seth  Smith,  Ebenezer 
Williams,  George  Nutting,  Elijah  Clark,  William  Rice.  From  this  roll  it 
would  appear  that  the  general  equipment  required  for  each  man  included 
a  musket,  bayonet,  cartridge-box,  iron  rod,  scabbard  and  belt,  two  flints, 
wires  and  brushes,  knapsack,  24  cartridges  with  balls.  Some  of  the 
members  of  the  company  had  "'rifle-guns."  Most  of  the  guns  in  use  were 
the  old-fashioned  flint-locks  ;  some  of  the  flints  used  were  imported  and 
sold  at  the  stores,  others  were  of  home  manufacture.  Oliver  Clapp  had 
for  many  years  a  large  flint-rock  in  the  yard  in  front  of  his  tavern  at  East 
Amherst,  and  it  is  said  that  from  this  rock  the  men  in  Daniel  Shays' 
command  secured  their  flints.  Each  member  of  a  company  furnished  his 
own  arms  and  equipment,  paying  for  them  himself.  They  received  no 
pay  for  their  services.  To  them  the  modern  luxuries  of  armories  and  drill- 
halls  were  unknown.  They  were  obliged  to  do  military  duty  three  days 
each  year,  one  day  in  May  and  two  days  in  the  fall.  During  the  period  of 
the  war  with  Great  Britain,  the  authorities  insisted  on  three  full  days' 
service,  instead  of  half-days  as  was  frequently  the  custom. 

The  North  company  usually  paraded  in  front  of  Elijah  Boltwood's 
tavern,  but  sometimes  selected  the  open  space  in  front  of  Morton  Dickin- 
son's corner  grocery,  which  stood  at  the  forks  of  the  road  near  the  site 
now  occupied  by  the  house  of  Rev.  Milton  Waldo.  When  the  members 
had  grown  tired  of  military  exercise,  they  would  regale  themselves  with  hot 


HAMPSHIRE    RANGERS.  375 

toddy  from  Dickinson's  store.  During  the  excitement  attendant  on  the 
opening  of  Triangle  street,  an  account  of  which  is  given  in  a  later  chapter 
in  this  volume,  some  of  the  members  of  the  company  refused  to  march 
through  this  street.  At  a  regimental  parade  in  1822,  while  the  men  were 
off  duty  and  their  arms  were  stacked  on  the  village  common,  one  of 
the  guards  allowed  a  man  to  pick  up  a  musket,  which  he,  supposing  that 
it  was  not  loaded,  pointed  at  a  party  of  men  passing  by,  and  discharged. 
The  gun  chanced  to  be  loaded,  and  the  bullet  struck  and  killed  Dr.  Rice, 
a  young  physician  who  had  recently  located  at  Enfield.  Blank  cartridges 
were  in  use  on  muster  days,  but  the  gun  in  question  had  been  borrowed  for 
the  occasion  and  the  fact  that  it  was  loaded  with  a  ball  cartridge  was 
unknown  to  the  borrower. 

Kufus  Dickinson  was  commissioned  captain  of  the  North  company,May 
23,  1S18,  and  continued  in  service  until  April  23,  1S24.  Oliver  Dickinson, 
2d,  was  commissioned  captain  of  the  South  company,  Aug.  5,  1823,  con- 
tinuing in  service  until  Feb.  18,  1826.  Warren  S.  Howland  was  commis- 
sioned captain  of  the  North  company,  April  24,  1S29  ;  major  of  the  3d 
regiment,  Aug.  17,  1S29  ;  colonel  of  the  3d  regiment,  Jan.  19,  1831. 
Early  in  the  '30s,  the  organization  of  a  rifle  company  and  a  cavalry 
company  in  Amherst  caused  a  falling  off  in  interest  in  the  old  companies. 
They  became  careless  of  their  appearance  and  drill,  and  won  the  derisive 
title  of  the  "Floodwood"  militia,  which  clung  to  them  until  their  organiz- 
ation was  disbanded. 

May  24,  1S30,  Osmyn  Baker  was  commissioned  captain  of  an  inde- 
pendent rifle  company,  afterwards  known  as  the  "  Hampshire  Rangers." 
In  the  organization  of  this  company  O.  M.  Clapp  took  an  active  part. 
Like  the  North  and  South  companies,  it  was  attached  to  the  3d  regiment 
of  the  1  st  brigade  and  4th  division  of  militia.  Other  officers  of  the  company 
on  its  organization  were,  1st  lieutenant,  Robert  Cutler;  2d  lieutenant, 
Hervey  Hills.  For  a  long  time  this  was  accounted  the  finest  militia 
company  in  Western  Massachusetts.  It  is  thus  described  by  an  old-time 
admirer:  "Taking  all  things  into  consideration,  the  appearance  of  the 
men,  their  beautiful  and  showy  uniforms,  the  character  of  the  men,  the 
perfection  of  their  drill,  marching,  etc.,  there  was  no  company  in  all  New 
England  that  could  beat  them,  and  I  doubt  if  any  out  of  Boston  that  did 
or  could  equal  the  Rangers."  Capt.  Baker  was  discharged,  at  his  own 
request,  June  20,  1833.  There  is  no  record  of  the  company's  doings  or  of 
the  date  when  it  disbanded. 

July  4,  1S29,  Luther  Fox  was  commissioned  captain  of  a  cavalry 
company  which  had  been  organized  first  in  Sunderland,  removing  afterwards 
to  Leverett  and  thence  to  Amherst.  This. company  was  attached  to  the 
4th  regiment  of  cavalry  of  the  1st   brigade.     Most   of  its   members   were 


S76 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 


resident  in  Amherst,  but  a  few  came  from  Hadley,  Belchertown  and 
Pelham.  The  militia  law  permitted  those  liable  to  military  duty  to  serve 
in  the  "  horse  companies  "  if  they  preferred  them  to  the  infantry.  The 
company  was  accounted  a  fine  one  in  its  day.  disputing  with  the  rifle 
company  the  palm  of  popularity.  The  uniforms  of  the  company  were  blue 
with  red  trimmings,  a  black  chapeau  ornamented  with  black  plume.  Its 
members  were  armed  with  swords  and  with  pistols  carried  in  holsters. 
Capt.  Fox  was  discharged,  at  his  request,  Oct.  21,  1830,  and  was  succeeded 
in  office  by  Alfred  Baker,  brother  to  Osmyn.  No  trace  can  be  found  of 
the  records  of  either  the  rifle  or  the  cavalry  companies,  a  fact  much  to  be 
regretted. 


MAT    WORN    BY    HAMPSHIRE    RIFLE    RANGERS. 

In  answer  to  a  call  signed  by  23  men,  a  meeting  was  held  at  the 
Amherst  house,  June  29.  1849,  to  take  measures  for  organizing  a  military 
company.  J.  W.  Boyden  served  as  chairman  of  the  meeting.  It  was  voted 
to  form  a  military  company,  and,  after  some  discussion,  that  it  be  an 
artillery  company.  A  petition  addressed  to  Gov.  George  N.  Briggs  was 
drawn  up  and  given  into  the  hands  of  a  committee,  to  circulate  and  secure 
signatures  to  it.  The  committee,  having  secured  72  names,  forwarded  the 
petition  to  the  governor.  At  a  meeting  held  July  12,  a  letter  written  by 
Adjutant-General  G.  H.  Devereux,  addressed  to  I.  F.  Conkey,   Esq.  was 


AMHERST    ARTILLERY    COMPANY.  377 

read.  General  Devereux  called  attention  to  the  fact  that  it  was  customary 
for  towns  to  provide  armories  for  companies  organized  within  their  limits. 
If  the  petitioners  would  arrange  to  provide  in  any  way  a  suitable  gun- 
house  and  armory  for  the  safe-keeping  of  their  equipments,  he  would  at 
once  issue  an  order  to  carry  the  petition  into  execution.  Arrangements  were 
made  for  complying  with  the  requirements  stated  in  the  letter.  The  matter 
of  a  suitable  uniform  was  then  discussed,  when  Joseph  Colton  agreed  to 
provide  for  each  member  of  the  company  a  uniform  as  good  in  every  way 
as  that  worn  by  the  members  of  the  Northampton  artillery  company,  at  an 
expense  of  $15  each.  Notice  having  been  given  to  the  adjutant-general 
that  arrangements  had  been  completed  for  caring  for  the  public  property, 
he  issued  the  following  order,  dated  at  Boston,  July  24,  1849  : 

••  Whereas  the  Commander  in  Chief  has  been  notified,  that  forty-eight  men 
have  enlisted  for  the  formation  of  a  Company  of  Artillery  in  the  Town  of  Amherst 
and  Vicinity,  leave  having  been  granted  for  the  organization  of  said  Company,  to 
be  attached  as  Artillery  Company  A  to  the  First  Battalion  of  Artillery.  6th  Brigade 
3d  Division  M.  V.  M.;  His  Excellency  directs  that  a  meeting  be  held  immediately 
for  the  choice  of  Officers." 

At  a  meeting  held  at  the  Amherst  house,  Aug.  1 1,  officers  were  elected 
as  follows:  Captain,  I.  F.  Conkey ;  1st  lieutenant,  Joseph  Colton;  2d 
lieutenant,  William  Dickinson,  1st;  3d  lieutenant,  M.  F.  Dickinson:  4th 
lieutenant,  Joseph  R.  Payson  ;  1st  sergeant  and  clerk,  J.  W.  Boyden  ;  2d 
sergeant,  J.  S.  Slate  ;  3d  sergeant.  W.  H.  Lawton  :  4th  sergeant,  Alonzo 
Nutting;  5th  sergeant,  C.  B.  Cutter  ;  1st  corporal,  D.  A.  Dickinson:  2d 
corporal.  W.  M.  Dickinson;  3d  corporal.  A.  D.  Cushman  :  4th  corporal, 
D.  S.  Warner.  The  company's  first  drill  after  organization  was  held  at 
South  Amherst,  Aug.  15  ;  the  second  at  North  Amherst,  Aug.  18:  the  third 
at  the  center,  Aug.  21.  Aug.  2^,  Capt.  Conkey  acknowledged  to  the  adju- 
tant-general the  receipt  of  public  property  as  follows :  60  muskets.  60 
cartridge  boxes,  belts  and  plates,  60  bayonet  scabbards  and  plates,  60  gun 
slings,  five  sergeants'  swords  and  belts,  five  sergeants'  bayonet  scabbards. 
60  priming  wires  and  brushes. 

At  a  meeting  held  Sept.  4,  a  constitution  and  by-laws  were  adopted, 
being  signed  by  48  men.  All  persons  belonging  to  the  company  were  to 
provide  themselves  with  the  uniform  established  by  law  for  artillery 
companies,  with  the  following  variation.  "  a  black  felt-bodied  cap  with  a 
wreath  and  letter  A  in  front  and  pompous  of  red  and  white.''  The  right  to 
use  this  distinctive  badge  was  granted  by  special  permission  of  the  adjutant- 
general.  The  company  was  to  be  called  out  for  drill  or  parade  at  least 
twice  a  year  in  addition  to  the  trainings  required  by  law.  Provisions  were 
made  for  fining  members  for  absence  or  neglect  of  duty  ;  others  related  to 
the  discipline  of  offenders  against  the  rules.     Joseph  Colton  was  elected 


378  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

treasurer  of  the  company.  Sept.  6,  Capt.  Conkey  acknowledged  the 
receipt  from  the  adjutant-general  of  one  snare  drum  and  one  fife.  The 
company  held  its  first  parade  in  uniform  Sept.  12,  on  the  parade  ground  in 
front  of  the  residence  of  Dr.  Gridley,  on  Amity  street.  Sept.  19  and  20, 
the  company  attended  the  battalion  encampment.  Line  was  formed  in 
Northampton,  "  near  the  burying  ground,"  and  the  company  marched  to 
"  Camp  Springdale."  The  other  artillery  companies  in  the  battalion  were 
from  Northampton,  Belchertown  and  Plainfield.  Two  infantry  regiments 
also  took  part  in  the  encampment,  one  composed  of  companies  from 
Franklin  county  towns,  the  other  of  Hampden  county  companies.  A  com- 
petitive drill  of  the  artillery  companies  gave  the  place  of  honor  to  North- 
ampton, with  the  Amherst  company  second.  Oct.  26,  Capt.  Conkey 
acknowledged  the  receipt  of  nine  tents  and  fixtures.  The  company 
paraded  Oct.  31,  "  cattle-show  clay,"  and  was  greatly  admired.  In  January, 
1S50,  Joseph  Colton  was  promoted  to  be  major  in  the  artillery  regiment. 
The  members  of  the  company  received  from  the  state  $5  each  per  annum 
for  their  services. 

May  29,  1850,  Capt.  Conkey  acknowledged  the  receipt  of  the  following 
public  property:  Two  brass  cannon  (six-pounders),  two  carriages  for  same, 
one  caisson,  three  setts  of  harness  for  two  horses  each,  one  spare  wheel 
and  pole,  four  rammers  and  sponges,  two  worms,  two  linstocks,  two  port- 
hie  stocks,  four  haversacks,  two  portfire  cases,  two  gun-covers,  two  port- 
fire clippers,  two  vent  covers,  five  trail  handpikes,  three  tar  buckets,  four 
thumstalls,  two  sponge  buckets,  two  pouches  and  belts,  three  tin  hooks,  two 
priming  horns,  two  vent  punchers,  two  priming  wires,  two  prolonges,  ten  bri- 
coles,  two  tangent  scales,  one  pick-axe,  one  shovel,  two  tompions,  20  artillery 
swords,  20  sword-belts.  On  the  same  day,  the  company  formed  for  the 
first  time  in  the  armory  just  completed  for  its  reception.  This  armory 
was  a  two-story  wooden  building ;  it  stood  a  little  to  the  west  of 
the  old  Amherst  house;  the  cannon  were  stored  in  the  lower  story 
and  the  other  equipments  in  the  room  above.  Members  of  the  company 
were  assessed  37  1-2  cents  each  for  fitting  up  the  armory.  July  4,  1850, 
the  company  celebrated  Independence-day  by  firing  a  salute,  and  afterwards 
marched  to  Mount  Pleasant,  where  the  members  were  entertained  in 
hospitable  manner.  News  was  received,  July  13,  of  the  death  of  President 
Taylor,  and  the  company  tired  half-hours  guns  from  1  2  o'clock  until  sunset, 
displaying  the  flag  upon  their  armory-building  at  half-mast  in  honor  to  his 
memory.  badges  of  mourning  were  worn  by  the  company,  when  in 
uniform,  for  the  ensuing  six  months.  The  company  attended  the  annual 
encampment,  Aug.  28  and  29,  at  "Camp  Nonotuck "  on  the  meadows 
below  Northampton. 


EDMUND    BOLTWOOD  S    COMPANY.  379 

Feb.  15,  1S51,  William  Dickinson  was  elected  captain  of  the  company, 
in  place  of  I.  F.  Conkey,  discharged  at  his  own  request  ;  William  Dickin- 
son served  as  captain  until  May.  1851,  when  he  was  discharged  that  he 
might  accept  an  appointment  as  quartermaster  on  the  staff  of  Col.  Hawks 
of  the  3d  regiment  of  artillery  ;  Marquis  F.  Dickinson  was  elected  captain 
of  the  company,  May  21.  April  24,  1852,  the  company,  on  invitation  of 
the  Northampton  artillery  company,  assisted  the  latter  in  escorting  Louis 
Kossuth,  "  the  illustrious  Hungarian  chief,"  from  the  depot  in  Northampton 
to  the  house  of  Erastus  Hopkins,  and  thence  to  the  old  church,  where  he 
delivered  an  address.  Owing  to  a  freshet  which  covered  the  Hadley 
meadows  for  100  yards  east  of  the  bridge,  the  members  of  the  Amherst 
company  were  compelled  to  cross  the  Connecticut  river  in  boats. 
The  company  organization  was  continued  until  some  time  in  1S54,  but 
the  last  entry  in  the  record-book  concerning  meetings  is  given  under 
date  of  Aug.  21,  1S52.  The  regimental  encampment  in  1S52  was  held  at 
"Camp  Mattoon,"  on  land  of  Thomas  Jones  near  the  place  now  occupied 
by  Dr.  C.  A.  Goessmann.  The  encampment  in  1854  was  held  at  "Camp 
Amherst  "  near  Mount  Doma,  Sept.  5,  6,  and  7.  Of  those  who  served  as 
the  first  officers  of  the  company,  James  W.  Boyden  was  afterwards 
promoted  to  be  colonel,  and  I.  F.  Conkey  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  3d 
regiment. 

A  meeting  was  held  Aug.  7,  1869,  at  the  hall  occupied  by  E.  M. 
Stanton  Grand  Army  post,  in  the  interest  of  raising  a  militia  company  in 
Amherst  ;  40  persons  present  signified  their  desire  to  join  such  an  organ- 
ization. The  company  was  duly  organized,  was  known  as  Company 
C,  and  was  attached  to  the  2d  regiment  of  the  3d  brigade.  The 
following  officers,  duly  elected,  received  commissions  dated  Aug.  14,  1S69  : 
Edmund  Boltwood,  captain;  James  A.  Baker,  1st  lieutenant;  Wyett  M. 
Bassett,  2d  lieutenant.  The  non-commissioned  officers  were  as  follows  : 
1st  sergeant,  Lorenzo  Draper;  2d  sergeant,  W.  S.  Cook;  3d  sergeant,  B. 
R.  Franklin  ;  4th  sergeant,  George  H.  Bell  ;  5th  sergeant,  W.  F.  Johnson  ; 
corporals,  George  H.  Walker,  George  W.  Hunt,  F.  Kentfield,  H.  Snow, 
Charles  Clapp,  J.  D.  Parsons,  Charles  Dadmun,  E.  B.  Sears.  The  Record 
announced  under  date  of  Aug.  19,  1S69,  that  the  selectmen  had  secured 
the  "  Velocipede  Rink  "  as  temporary  quarters  for  the  militia  company, 
but  that  Agricultural  hall  was  being  fitted  up  as  an  armory  and  would  be 
ready  for  use  in  a  few  weeks.  Dec.  13,  1S71,  James  A.  Baker  was  com- 
missioned captain  of  the  company,  Lorenzo  Draper  1st  lieutenant,  Charles 
L.  Goodale  2d  lieutenant.  Feb.  7,  1S73,  Lorenzo  Draper  was  commis- 
sioned captain  and  Frank  E.  Dickinson  1st  lieutenant.  The  company  was 
disbanded  about  Sept.  1,    1S74. 


380  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

In  June,  1SS7.  a  petition  headed  by  the  name  of  H.  E.  Messinger, 
and  signed  by  prominent  citizens  of  Amherst,  including  the  selectmen, 
was  forwarded  to  the  governor,  requesting  the  appointment  of  a  company 
in  Amherst  to  be  attached  to  the  state  militia.  The  petition  was  granted 
in  November,  the  adjutant-general's  order  specifying  that  it  should  be  known 
as  Co.  K,  and  be  attached  to  the  2d  regiment,  1st  brigade  of  state  militia. 
The  company  was  organized  Nov.  19,  with  49  members,  H.  E.  Messinger 
was  elected  captain.  E.  G.  Thayer  1st  lieutenant,  and  W.  G.  Towne  2d 
lieutenant.  Capt.  Messinger  soon  resigned  his  office,  being  succeeded  by 
Willis  G.  Towne,  whose  commission  as  captain  bears  date  April  10,  18S8. 
On  the  resignation  of  Captain  Towne,  E.  G.  Thayer  was  elected  captain, 
his  commission  bearing  date  May  22,  1889.  In  accordance  with  state  law, 
towns  in  which  military  companies  are  established  are  obliged  to  furnish 
suitable  armories  for  their  accommodation,  the  rental  of  which  is  paid  by 
the  state.  Co.  K's  first  armory  was  established  in  Kellogg's  block,  and 
was  removed  in  1S88  to  Hunt's  block.  At  the  annual  town-meeting  in 
1890,  the  town  voted  to  instruct  the  selectmen  to  build  a  drill-hall  on  the 
rear  of  the  town  hall  lot,  appropriating  $2,000  to  defray  the  expense.  The 
hall  was  built  during  the  ensuing  summer  and  fall,  and  was  dedicated  with 
appropriate  ceremonies,  Dec.  16.  In  1S94,  the  policy  of  the  state  to  con- 
centrate its  militia  forces  in  the  cities  and  larger  towns  caused  the  company 
to  be  disbanded. 


CHAPTER   XLIV. 


Taverns  and  Stage  Routes. — Boltwood's  Tavern. — The  Mansion 
House. — Hygeian  Hotel. — Baggs'  Tavern. — Inns  at  North. 
East  and  South  Amherst.  —  Early  Stage  Routes. — Stage 
Drivers. 

The  taverns  or  inns  of  old  New  England  have  furnished  to  the 
romance-writer  abundant  material  for  fancy  to  work  upon  ;  to  the  historian 
they  furnish  facts  more  valuable,  if.  perchance,  less  interesting.  The 
centers  of  social  life  and  activity  at  home,  they  were,  as  well,  the  gateways 
to  the  outer  world.  They  welcomed  to  their  cosy  bar-rooms,  their  bountiful 
tables  and  their  spacious  chambers  travelers  from  all  parts  of  their  own 
and  foreign  lands.  Patterned  after  their  prototypes  in  England,  they 
became  as  democratic   as  the  people  among  whom   they   flourished.     The 


BOLTWOOD'S    I'AVERN.  381 

clergy  did  not  disdain  their  hospitality  ;  the  politicians  gathered  within 
their  walls  for  caucuses  and  conventions  ;  society  assembled  at  them  for 
balls  and  receptions.  The  complete  history  of  the  taverns  and  hotels  of 
Amherst,  could  it  be  written,  would  contain  matter  of  greater  interest  than 
anything  which  finds  a  place  in  these  pages,  but  it  remains,  and  ever  must, 
unwritten  history.  But  a  few  plain  facts  are  here  presented.  Some  of 
the  Amherst  taverns  were  but  small  houses,  of  little  more  than  local 
repute  ;  others  were  known  to  most  of  the  inhabitants  in  towns  up  and  clown 
the  valley,  and  to  all  who  traveled  over  the  old  stage  routes  from  Boston  to 
Albany.  To  the  latter  class  belonged  the  Boltwood  tavern  at  the  center 
village,  Baggs  tavern  at  East  Amherst  and  the  Cook  tavern  on  the  old  Bay 
road.  The  Clapp  tavern,  of  earlier  date,  has  already  been  mentioned  in 
connection  with  the  Shays  rebellion.  Mention  has  also  been  made  of 
Warner's  and  Nash's  tavern,  and  others  of  the  well-known  hostelries  that 
flourished  in  the  ante-revolutionary  period. 

The  Warner  tavern  stood  on  or  near  the  site  now  occupied  by  the 
Amherst  house.  It  was  erected  about  the  year  1757,  since  which  time  a 
tavern  or  hotel  has  ever  been  located  there.  The  property  was  owned  by  Rev. 
David  Parsons,  being  a  part  of  the  land  given  him  by  the  Third  Precinct 
for  his  settlement.  When  he  died,  in  17S1,  he  willed  to  his  son  Gideon 
"  the  tavern-house."  Gideon  Parsons  was  a  licensed  innkeeper  in  1777, 
and  for  many  years  thereafter.  He  was  succeeded  by  Joel  Dickinson, 
who  conducted  the  tavern  a  few  years  ;  he  was,  in  turn,  succeeded,  in  1S04, 
by  Solomon  Boltwood,  and  the  latter,  in  1S06,  by  Elijah  Boltwood.  For 
more  than  thirty  years  the  Boltwood  tavern  ranked  among  the  best-known 
inns  in  Western  Massachusetts.  Its  genial  landlord,  its  excellent  attend- 
ance, its  weil-stocked  bar,  commended  it  strongly  to  the  traveling  public. 
Many  a  wayfarer  whose  route  lay  through  Amherst  timed  his  arrival  so 
that  he  might  enjoy  for  the  night  the  hospitality  of  this  country  inn.  Its 
old  registers  bore  the  names  of  many  men  of  national  and  some  of  inter- 
national fame,  while  in  front  of  the  bar-room  fire  at  night  sat  doctors  of 
divinity,  learned  lawyers,  members  of  the  General  Court  and  of  Congress. 
And  yet,  in  hospitality  it  was  thoroughly  democratic ;  within  its  walls  the 
professional  man  and  statesman  met  on  equal  terms  the  man  who  labored 
with  his  hands  for  a  scant  subsistence. 

There  is  no  picture  in  existence  of  the  original  tavern  ;  it  is  doubtful 
if  one  was  ever  made.  In  the  days  of  Gideon  Parsons,  it  was  a  small, 
one-story,  wooden  building  with  gambrel  roof,  painted  white  in  accordance 
with  the  fashion  of  the  times.  When  Elijah  Boltwood  first  took  possession 
it  was  a  two-story  structure,  but  whether  a  new  building,  or  the  old  one 
remodeled,  it  is  impossible  to  state  with  certainty.  The  ground  on  which 
it  stood  was  some  twelve  to  fifteen  feet  higher  than  the  present  street  line 


382  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

and  the  building  stood  some  distance  back  from  the  highway.  The  tavern 
was  painted  yellow,  and  from  a  stout  post  in  front  was  suspended  the  old 
sign  of  which  an  excellent  likeness  is  presented  on  the  opposite  page. 
The  bar-room  was  at  the  front,  as  became  the  most  important  room  in  an 
old-time  tavern.  On  the  second  floor  was  a  ball-room,  arched  overhead 
and  extending  to  the  roof.  Here  were  held  the  old-time  assemblies  and 
dances,  with  dinners  served  on  state  occasions.  About  1S21,  when  Amherst 
College  was  established,  the  wooden  building  was  torn  down  and  a  large, 
substantial  three-story  building  of  brick  erected  in  its  stead.  In  the  rear 
was  a  kitchen,  built  of  wood,    one  story  in  height. 

Klijah  Boltwood,  son  of  Samuel,  was  born  Feb.  19,  1780.  He  was  a 
kind-hearted  man  and  universal  favorite.  A  married  man,  but  having  no 
children,  he  was  known  to  nearly  everyone  as  "  Uncle  Elijah.''  He  dearly 
loved  a  joke,  possessing  also  the  rare  quality  of  appreciation  when  the  joke 
was  at  his  expense.  Generous  almost  to  a  fault,  he  sought  abundance, 
ease  and  comfort  rather  than  profit.  As  one,  still  living,  who  knew  him, 
has  happily  expressed  it,  he  in  some  way  bridged  the  gap  between  the 
different  classes.  Honored  and  esteemed  by  his  fellow  townsmen,  he 
served  them  as  representative  to  the  General  Court  in  1829,  i834andi835. 
He  devoted  much  of  his  spare  time  to  gardening  and  floriculture  ;  much 
of  the  shrubbery  in  the  old  West  cemetery  was  planted  by  him.  When, 
in  1S38,  he  sold  the  Boltwood  tavern  to  Harvey  Rockwood,  he  retired  to 
his  farm  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  on  Amity  street,  afterwards  owned  by  the 
late  Charles  S.  Smith,  where  he  occupied  himself  in  the  culture  of  fruits 
and  early  vegetables  until  his  death,  which  occurred  Feb.  13,  1S55. 

When  Harvey  Rockwood  bought  the  tavern  he  enlarged  it  by  erecting 
a  two-story  addition  in  the  rear,  along  the  street  line,  and  by  lengthening 
the  kitchen  and  building  a  hall  over  it.  The  ground  surrounding  the 
building  was  cut  away  and  the  cellar  made  over  into  a  basement  which  was 
occupied  by  the  billiard-room,  bar-room  and  saloons.  He  also  changed 
the  name  to  the  Amherst  house.  Mr.  Rockwood  sold  out  in  1845  to 
Albin  P.  Howe,  and  subsequently  kept  the  United  States  hotel  in  Hartford, 
Conn.  He  was  a  quiet,  gentlemanly  man,  highly  esteemed  by  all  who 
knew  him.  Albin  P.  Howe  was  born  in  Marlboro  in  1806  ;  previous  to 
engaging  in  the  hotel  business  he  had  owned  a  market  in  Amherst.  He 
conducted  the  Amherst  house  successfully  for  many  years,  selling  out,  in 
1867,  to  Francis  Kingman,  at  that  time  proprietor  of  the  Mansion  house 
at  Northampton.  Mr.  Kingman  retained  possession  about  five  years,  when 
he  sold  the  property  to  I.  F.  Conkey  and  F.  F.  Cook,  who  owned  it  in 
partnership  until  about  1878,  when  it  passed  into  Mr.  Conkey's  posses- 
sion. Mr.  Kingman  was  succeeded  as  landlord  by  George  L.  Parker,  who 
remained  in  charge  about  five  years,  being  succeeded  by  N.  S.  Beebe,  who 


A  MHERST    HOUSE     -BURN  I     IX    1879. 


AMHERST    HOUSE   AND    MERCHANTS-   ROW — 1896. 


HYGEIAN    HOTEL.  383 

conducted  the  hotel  until  it  was  burned  in  the  disastrous  fire  of  July 
4,  1879. 

Edward  Conkey  had  bargained  for  the  property  and  was  to  have 
taken  possession  July  6,  1S79.  As  soon  as  the  rubbish  remaining  from 
the  fire  could  be  cleared  away  the  work  of  rebuilding  began,  and  the 
present  Amherst  house  was  completed  and  ready  for  occupancy  in  July, 
1880.  It  is  a  handsome  and  substantial  structure  of  brick,  four  stories  in 
height,  occupying  two  sides  of  a  quadrangle,  its  east  wall  90  feet  in  length 
and  its  north  wall  103  feet.  Landlord  Conkey  conducted  the  house  for 
seven  years  until  Oct.  1,1887,  when  it  was  leased  to  James  E.  Ryan  for  a 
term  of  five  years.  Nov.  7,  1888,  Mr.  Ryan  sold  his  lease  to  C.  G.  Putney, 
who  carried  on  the  business  until  March  4.  1S89.  when  a  new  lease  was 
made  out  to  Lorenzo  Chase.  Mr.  Chase  continued  in  possession  until 
April  1,  1S94,  when  D.  H.  Kendrick  became  manager  of  the  hotel. 

Noah  Webster  removed  with  his  family  from  Amherst  in  1822.  The 
large  house  he  built  and  resided  in,  near  the  east  end  of  Phoenix  Row. 
was  soon  afterwards  converted  into  a  hotel.  In  1828,  it  was  conducted  by 
Russell  Cooley,  who  was  succeeded,  in  1S32,  by  Thomas  Gilbert,  better 
known  as  "General"  Gilbert.  In  1S37,  the  house  was  conducted  by 
Aurelius  Dickinson,  who  owned  it  at  the  time  it  was  destroyed  by  fire,  in 
February,  1838.  It  was  known  as  the  Mansion  house  and  was  in  its  day 
a  popular  hostelry. 

The  Hygeian  hotel,  to  the  east  of  Phoenix  Row,  was  opened  to  the 
public  Aug.  15,  185 1.  It  was  first  conducted  by  Henry  Frink.  He  was 
succeeded,  in  1S53,  by  A.  P.  Spaulding,  and  the  latter,  in  1855,  by  R.  S. 
Lincoln.  Mr.  Lincoln  changed  the  name  to  the  American  house,  and 
conducted  the  business  successfully  until  1S64,  when  he  was  succeeded  by 
J.  B.  Wood.  The  hotel  business  was  given  up  in  November,  i86S,  since 
which  time  the  building  has  been  used  for  residence  and  business  purposes. 
A  glance  at  the  hotel  registers  shows  that  the  house  was  a  popular  one, 
entertaining  many  distinguished  guests. 

In  1853,  the  Amherst  and  Belchertown  railway  company  built  a  house 
on  Main  street  just  east  of  the  railway  tracks,  for  the  use  of  one  of  its 
conductors.  This  house  was  purchased  in  1S57  by  Simon  W.  Whitney, 
who  christened  it  the  Union  house  and  conducted  it  as  a  hotel.  In  1865, 
Mr.  Whitney  sold  the  property  to  Tabor  T.  Sisson,  who  has  owned  and 
managed  it  since  that  time. 

The  property  at  the  northwest  corner  of  Pleasant  and  Amity  streets 
was  purchased  in  1868  by  William  L.  Gunn.  It  was  opened  as  a  hotel, 
May  4,  1S77.  Nov.  20,  1SS2,  Mr.  Gunn  sold  the  property  to  Frank  P. 
Wood.  Mr.  Wood  conducted  a  hotel  on  the  premises  for  nearly  ten  years, 
meeting  with  excellent  success.      He  sold  the  property  in   April,    1S92,  to 


384  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Lorenzo  Chase,  since  which  time  it  has  been  known  as  the  "  Amherst 
House  Annex." 

John  Baggs  was  a  licensed  innholder  at  East  Amherst  as  earl)'  as 
18 18.  His  tavern  was  one  of  the  best-known  in  this  section.  In  1820, 
it  was  the  established  place  for  holding  probate  court.  In  1828,  it  was 
the  headquarters  of  the  democratic  party  in  town,  where  caucuses  were  held 
and  the  politicians  gathered  in  the  bar-room  of  an  evening  to  discuss  the 
state  of  the  country.  It  was  famous  for  the  excellence  of  the  liquors 
served  over  its  bar  and  the  royal  good  times  that  were  enjoyed  by  those 
who  loved  the  liquors,  not  wisely  but  too  well.  It  was  a  favorite  gathering 
place  for  the  old  stage-drivers,  who  found  in  its  toddy  and  its  flip  a  power- 
ful antidote  against  winter's  cold  and  summer's  heat.  In  1S25,  and  for 
several  years  thereafter,  the  tavern  was  conducted  by  Luther  Waite.  In 
1830,  the  proprietor  was  Josiah  Sprout.  In  1834,  Mr.  Sprout  was  succeeded 
by  Amasa  Davis,  better  known  as  "  Dr."  Davis.  In  1835.  Sumner  Gates 
was  in  possession,  but  his  license  did  not  permit  the  sale  of  liquors.  Mr. 
Gates  was  succeeded  in  1836  by  Alpheus  H.  Hyde.  In  1842,  and  for 
several  years  afterward,  the  house  was  again  owned  by  John  Baggs.  In 
1 85 6,  it  was  owned  by  P.  T.  Donovan,  who  changed  its  name  to  the 
"  Exchange  hotel."  Mr.  Donovan  carried  on  the  business  until  his  death 
in  1865  ;   the  house  is  now  occupied  by  his  widow. 

In  1831,  Leonard  M.  Hills  was  a  licensed  innholder  and  kept  a  tavern 
at  East  Amherst  in  the  house  now  owned  and  occupied  by  John  Pitman. 
Mr.  Hills  was  succeeded  by  Charles  Rust,  in  1833.  In  1S46,  Simon  W. 
Whitney  kept  a  tavern  at  East  Amherst,  which  he  called  the  "  Hampshire 
House."  His  license  as  innholder  did  not  permit  the  sale  of  liquor  on 
the  premises.  Mr.  Whitney  sold  the  house  in  1S56  to  Henry  Davis  ;  the 
latter  was  succeeded  by  James  Goodspeed.  Later  on  the  property  passed 
into  the  hands  of  the  Second  parish  and  the  house  was  used  as  a  parsonage. 
When  the  building  now  used  as  a  parsonage  was  erected,  the  old  building 
was  removed  a  few  rods  and  sold  to  Loren  Ball,  who  now  occupies  it. 
Eor  several  years  in  the  early  part  of  the  century  Andrew  Kimball,  com- 
monly known  as  "  Master  "  Kimball,  kept  a  tavern  in  what  is  now  known 
as  the  ••  Warner  house,"  yet  standing,  in  "  Hawley  Swamp." 

As  early  as  1818,  Rufus  Kellogg  was  a  licensed  innkeeper  and  kept  a 
tavern  at  the  "  City."  He  sold  the  place  to  Leprelate  Draper  who 
occupied  it  as  a  residence.  Solomon  Bond,  a  licensed  innkeeper  in  1803, 
kept  a  tavern  on  what  is  known  as  the  "  Howard  place  "  at  North  Amherst. 
He  sold  out  to  Stephen  Weeks.  Mr.  Weeks  was  licensed  as  an  innkeeper 
in  1828  ;  in  1832,  he  kept  a  tavern  at  his  house  in  the  northwest  part  of 
the  town  on  what  is  known  as  the  Lyman  Smith  place.  He  continued  in 
business  until  along  in  the  '40s.      Oliver  Dickinson  kept  a  tavern  at  North 


WRHKKnSmttm9. 


HYG EI AN     HOTEL 


irilBTTYll 


HYGEIAN    HOTEL,    AFTERWARDS    AMERICAN    HOUSE. 


FIELD    BUILDING — 1S59,    NOW    CHASE'S    BLOCK. 


TAVERNS    AT    NORTH    AND    SOUTH    AMHERST.  385 

Amherst  in  the  closing  years  of  the  iSth  century.  John  Dickinson,  son  of 
Nehemiah,  built  a  house  at  North  Amherst  which  he  intended  to  conduct 
as  a  tavern,  but  his  cousin  Oliver  having  opened  a  public  house  in  the 
near  neighborhood  he  gave  up  the  project  for  the  time.  His  son  Chester 
opened  the  house  as  a  tavern  in  1S10  and  conducted  it  for  many  years. 
"  Squire  Chester,"  as  he  was  known,  was  a  typical  New  England  landlord, 
bluff,  hearty,  mindful  of  the  comfort  of  his  guests.  The  tavern,  a  large 
three-story  building  with  a  gambrel  roof,  was  the  best-known  of  any  in  the 
north  part  of  the  town.  The  property  was  sold  in  the  '30s  to  Joshua 
Hobart,  who  used  the  house  as  a  residence.  It  stood  on  the  site  of  the 
dwelling  house  now  occupied  by  William  A.  Smith,  and  was  torn  clown  in 
May,  1 88  4. 

Roswell  Paine  was  a  licensed  innholder  in  1803,  and  Mary  Paine  was 
licensed  in  1806.  There  was  a  "  Paine  tavern  "  conducted  for  many  years 
on  Shays  street  at  South  Amherst,  in  what  was  known  as  the  '•Mossman 
house,"  which  was  burned  in  1SS8.  Jonathan  Rridgman  was  a  licensed 
innkeeper  in  1815,  as,  at  a  later  time,  was  Theodore  Pridgman.  The  Bridg- 
man  tavern  was  located  on  the  Bay  road  at  South  Amherst,  in  the  house 
now  occupied  by  Mrs.  C.  M.  Porter.  In  1825,  and  for  several  years  there- 
after, Ansel  Percival  kept  a  tavern  on  the  green  at  South  Amherst,  the 
house  standing  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  William  H.  Smith's  barn.  In 
182  1,  Joab  Bartlett  kept  a  tavern  on  the  Bay  road  at  South  Amherst  ;  he 
was  succeeded  in  1S26,  by  Dwight  Bartlett,  and  the  latter,  in  1828,  by 
James  Cook.  Mr.  Cook  called  his  tavern  the  American  hotel.  It  was  a 
wooden  building  two  stories  in  height,  with  an  ell  extending  to  the  north. 
It  stood  on  the  site  of  the  house  now  occupied  by  John  J.  Moriarty,  and 
was  burned  Sept.  29,  1876.      It  was  a  famous  tavern  in  its  day. 

The  above  list  contains  the  names  of  the  principal  taverns  and  hotels 
that  have  been  conducted  in  Amherst  during  the  present  century.  It  is 
known  that  others  existed,  but  little  reliable  information  can  be  obtained 
concerning  them.  The  licensed  innkeepers  in  Amherst  in  1800  were  George 
Williamson,  Abigail  Rood,  Stephen  Smith,  Medad  Dickinson  and  Joshua 
McMaster.  George  Williamson  was,  in  1S04,  a  resident  of  the  West 
Middle  District.  The  house  now  occupied  by  Rev.  Nelson  Scott  was 
known  at  one  time  as  the  Williamson  tavern.  The  Rood  family  lived  in 
the  northeast  part  of  the  town,  the  McMaster  family  at  the  south.  The 
house  recently  occupied  by  James  Cowles,  at  North  Amherst,  was 
known  in  early  times  as  Smith's  tavern.  In  1801,  Nathan  Tuttle.  John 
Pynchon  and  John  McMaster  were  licensed  innholders.  In  1802,  Joel 
Billings  kept  a  tavern  at  East  Amherst.  In  1803,  Charles  Williamson, 
Ithamar  Smith  and  Ebenezer  Ingram  were  innkeepers.  In  1807,  Earl 
25 


386  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Albee  kept  a  tavern,  probably  in  the  north  part  of  the  town.  In  1809, 
and  for  several  years  thereafter,  Samuel  I).  Ward  kept  a  tavern,  probably 
at  East  Amherst.  Sessions  of  the  probate  court  were  held  at  Ward's 
tavern  in  1809  and  1817.  In  1814,  Isaac  Goodale  kept  a  tavern,  probably 
at  the  south  part  of  the  town.  H.  Wright  Strong  was  a  licensed  innholder 
in  1824. 

As  the  hotels  of  the  present  day  depend  largely  upon  the  railway 
lines  to  furnish  them  with  patrons,  so  did  the  old-time  taverns  depend 
upon  the  stage  routes  to  provide  them  with  guests.  Amherst,  being  on  the 
direct  route  between  Boston  and  Albany,  enjoyed  early  in  the  century  the 
advantages  of  connection  by  stage  line  with  the  outer  world.  Amherst 
had  regular  communication  with  Boston  and  that  part  of  the  world,  as  well 
as  with  Lake  Champlain,  as  early  as  1759,  when  Christopher  Page  made 
regular  trips  between  Boston,  Amherst  and  Deerfield.  Beyond  Deerfield, 
the  service  was  by  military  couriers.  Page  carried  letters,  newspapers, 
small  packages,  and  did  all  sorts  of  errands.  In  1761,  Silent  Wilde  took 
the  route  and  served  until  1775,  or  later.  He  owned  a  farm  in  Shutesbury, 
and  was  so  well  liked  that,  when  Massachusetts  seized  the  crown  post- 
office  in  1775,  and  established  a  service  of  its  own,  it  did  not  disturb  the 
very  important  line  from  Boston,  via  Amherst  and  Deerfield,  to  Lake  Cham- 
plain.  No  passengers  were  carried  by  this  line.  One  of  the  first  stage 
routes  through  Amherst  followed  the  line  of  the  Bay  road.  "Fast  mail  " 
coaches  leaving  Boston  at  5  a.  m.  passed  Bartlett's  tavern  at  3  p.  m.  The 
coaches  always  stopped  at  this  tavern  to  allow  the  passengers  to  take  a 
"  warmer  "  or  a  "  cooler  "  as  the  season  demanded.  While  the  passengers 
were  entertained  at  Bartlett's,  the  coach-horses  were  allowed  a  drink  a 
little  further  along  the  road,  where  three  little  mountain  streams  come 
together  at  the  road  line  uniting  to  form  Plum  brook.  For  more  than  a 
century  this  has  been  a  favorite  watering-place  for  men  and  teams.  After 
the  surrender  of  Burgoyne,  a  large  body  of  the  captured  troops  marched 
over  the  Bay  road  to  Boston  and  stopped  at  this  place  to  fill  their  canteens. 
This  watering-place,  and  the  one  at  Bridgman's  tavern,  further  east,  have 
changed  but  little  in  the  past  century.  In  later  days  this  line  of  stages 
was  owned  by  the  Clapp  brothers  of  Belchertown  and  Pittsrield.  The 
regular  fare  from  Northampton  to  Boston  was  $4.  but  this  was  sometimes 
reduced  by  competition  to  $1  and  even  less. 

In  1830.  Amherst  was  situated  on  what  was  known  as  the  "  north 
route  "  between  Boston  and  Albany.  Stages  were  run  from  Boston  to 
Ware,  where  the  routes  separated,  one  passing  through  Palmer.  Framing- 
ham,  Springfield  and  Westlield.  while  the  other  continued  on  through  Bel- 
chertown, Amherst.  1  Pulley.  Northampton.  Worthington  and  the  hill  towns 
of    Hampshire  and  Berkshire  to  Pittstield.  where  the  two  routes  united  and 


STAGE    LINES.  387 

were  continued  as  one  line  to  Albany.  In  1830,  the  stage  for  Amherst 
left  Earle's  hotel,  36  Hanover  street,  Boston,  Tuesdays,  Thursdays,  and 
Saturdays  at  2  a.  m.;  returning-,  it  arrived  in  Boston  Mondays,  Wednesdays 
and  Fridays  at  7  p.  m.  In  September.  1S27,  Cotton  Smith  started  a  stage 
route,  from  Amherst  to  Boston.  Stages  left  Boltwood's  tavern  on  Mondays, 
Wednesdays  and  Fridays  at  1  P.  m.,  returning  Tuesday.  Thursday  and 
Saturday  afternoons.  Col.  Moses  Leonard  was  the  agent  of  the  line  at 
Amherst.  A  stage  route  from  Hartford,  Conn,  to  Brattleboro,  Vt.  passed 
through  Amherst.  It  was  owned  at  one  time  by  Chapin  &  Frink  and  after- 
wards by  Chapin  &  Damon. 

In  1S44,  Henry  S.  Bacon  of  Northampton  ran  an  "accommodation 
line"  of  stages  between  Northampton  and  the  railroad  at  West  Brookfield, 
via  Amherst.  Enfield  and  Ware,  "  making  the  cheapest  and  pleasantest 
route  to  Worcester  and  Boston.''  Stages  left  Northampton  every  clay, 
Sundays  excepted,  at  7-30  a.  m.,  and  "  intersected  "  at  Belchertown  with  the 
Belchertown  and  Palmer  route.  In  1S46,  John  F.  Albee  owned  a  stage 
route  from  Amherst  through  Leverett,  Shutesbury.  North  Prescott  and  New 
Salem  to  North  New  Salem.  Stages  left  Amherst  Tuesdays.  Thursdays  and 
Saturdays  at  S  a.  m.,  returning  the  same  day,  and  carried  the  mails.  The 
route  was  afterwards  extended  to  Orange.  The  business  has  changed 
hands  many  times  in  the  past  half-century,  but  the  line  is  still  in  operation. 
In  1849,  a  stage  left  Amherst  for  South  Deerfield  at  7  a.  m.,  "  intersecting  " 
at  South  Deerfield  with  the  first  train  from  Springfield ;  returning,  the 
stage  left  South  Deerfield  at  12-30  p.  m. 

In  1850,  stages  left  Amherst  for  South  Deerfield,  Montague  and  Brat- 
tleboro at  6-30  a.  M.;  for  Northampton,  at  7-45  a.  m.  and  3-45  p.  m.;  for 
Palmer,  at  8-45  a.  m.  In  185 1,  Smith  &:  Crosby  ran  a  stage  line  from 
Amherst  to  Palmer  Depot,  the  stage  leaving  Amherst  daily  at  9  a.  m.  and 
arriving  here  on  its  return  at  3  p.  m.  The  fare  to  Boston  via  Palmer  was 
$3.  In  1S62,  C.  P.  Aldrich  owned  a  stage  route  between  Amherst  and 
Northampton,  and  sold  tickets  from  Amherst  to  Springfield  for  $1.  Pas- 
sengers living  within  one  mile  of  the  Amherst  house  were  called  for 
free  of  charge.  Mr.  Aldrich  sold  the  route  to  J.  J.  Young ;  the  latter  sold 
to  Wm.  P.  Smith,  and  he,  in  turn,  was  bought  out  in  1S65  by  E.  F.  Cook, 
who  conducted  the  business  until  the  Central  Massachusetts  railroad  was 
opened  in  1SS7,  when  it  was  given  up. 

The  stage-driver  of  olden  times  was  a  personage  of  no  small  impor- 
tance. On  the  road,  his  powers  were  autocratic  ;  he  could  make  life  a 
pleasure  or  a  burden  for  his  passengers  at  will.  The  innkeepers  along  the 
route  deferred  to  his  wishes  and  treated  him  to  the  best  their  bars  held  in 
store.  His  was  the  sole  responsibility  for  coach  and  horses  and  passengers 
and    mail   and   merchandise   committed   to   his   charge.       The    duties    of 


388  HISTORY    OF     THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

engineer,  conductor,  mail  and  express  agent  of  the  modern  train,  rested  on 
him  alone.  He  knew  each  mile  of  his  route  as  the  modern  pilot  knows 
each  lock  and  shoal  and  current  of  the  harbor.  The  qualifications  neces- 
essary  to  make  a  good  driver  were  many  and  exacting.  He  must  be  an 
expert  reinsman,  capable  of  making  any  repairs  necessitated  by  accident 
to  coach  or  harness,  impervious  to  heat  or  cold,  rain-proof  and  wind-proof, 
a  cyclopedia  of  information  regarding  his  own  and  connecting  routes. 
The  men  who  combined  these  qualities  in  high  degree  were  rare,  and  gained 
more  than  local  reputation.  Such  men  were  Abijah  Shumway  of  Belcher- 
town  and  his  sons  Loren  and  "  Dan,"  Robert  Brown,  also  known  as 
"Steady"  Brown  of  Montague,  for  many  years  Chapin  &  Damon's  agent 
at  Amherst ;  Jonathan  Slate,  the  well-known  "Judge"  Slate  of  Amherst, 
"  Parson  "  Simmons,  George  Stocking,  Noah  Wright,  Charles  King  of 
Hubbardston  and  Benjamin  Allen  of  Amherst.  Many  anecdotes  of  their 
sayings  and  doings  might  be  related,  but  the  following  must  suffice.  A 
man  once  inquired  of  "Judge"  Slate  the  condition  of  the  roads  between 
Amherst  and  Northampton  ;  "Capital,"  replied  the  "Judge";  "there  are 
only  two  wet  spots  on  the  road."  The  man  drove  on,  and  soon  found  his 
wagon  surrounded  by  a  sea  of  mud  which  continued  all  the  way  into  North- 
ampton ;  meeting  Slate  soon  after,  he  angrily  enquired  what  he  meant  by 
saying  there  were  but  two  bad  places  on  the  road.  "  Why,"  said  Slate, 
"that's  all  there  are;   one  this  side  of  the  bridge,  and  one  the  other." 


CHAPTER   XLV. 


Liquor  Selling  and  Intemperance. — Drinking  Habits  in  Early 
Times. — First  Efforts  to  Check  the  Evil. — Temperance 
Association  at  South  Amherst. — Washington  Total  Absti- 
nence Society  at  East  Amherst. — Washington  Society  at 
North  Amherst. — West  Center  Society. —  Reform  Club. 
-W.  C  T.  U. — Good  Templars  Organizations. — Liquor 
Licenses. 

Mention  has  been  made  in  a  preceding  chapter  of  this  History  of 
the  drinking  habits  of  the  earlier  residents  in  Amherst.  In  these  habits 
they  were  not  peculiar,  simply  following  the  fashion  of  their  times.  It  is 
almost  impossible,  in  later  times  and  under  changed  conditions,  to  write  of 


THE    USE    OF    LIQUOR.  389 

the  liquor  problem  as  it  existed  in  the  closing  years  of  the  iSth  and  the 
opening  years  of  the  19th  centuries,  without  doing  something  of  injustice 
to  those  who  upheld  a  system  which  has  since  come  to  be  looked  upon  as 
pernicious  and  degrading.  The  part  that  liquor  then  bore  in  social, 
business  and  community  life  was  honored  if  not  honorable.  Total 
abstinence  from  liquor,  while  not  unknown,  was  looked  upon  as  an  eccen- 
tricity rather  than  a  virtue.  The  minister  drank  liquor  with  his  deacons, 
the  lawyer  with  his  clients,  the  doctor  with  his  patients.  A  "  raising  " 
without  the  presence  of  liquor  was  unknown :  ministers  drank  flip  at 
ecclesiastical  councils  and  ordinations  ;  hardly  a  trade  was  made  at  the  village 
store  without  "something  to  wash  it  down.-'  The  "merchants  generally 
kept  a  larger  stock  of  "  wet  goods  '*  than  dry  goods,  finding  for  the  former 
a  more  ready  market  returning  a  greater  profit  on  the  investment.  Xo 
stigma  attached  to  liquor-selling  ;  the  leaders  in  the  business  were  generally 
the  leaders  in  town  and  church  matters  as  well.  Drunkenness,  while  not 
encouraged,  was  tolerated,  carrying  with  it  no  special  disgrace. 

Just  how  early  in  the  present  century  systematic  efforts  were  first 
made  to  abate  the  evils  of  intemperance  in  Amherst,  cannot  be  stated 
with  absolute  certainty.  It  is  known  that  Rev.  Daniel  A.  Clark,  during 
his  pastorate  at  the  First  church,  which  lasted  from  1S20  to  1S24,  was  an 
ardent  advocate  of  temperance  doctrines,  so  ardent  that  many  of  his  parish- 
ioners took  frequent  occasion  to  expostulate  with  him  for  being  too  radical. 
Rev.  W.  W.  Hunt,  pastor  of  the  North  church  from  1827  to  1837,  was 
also  a  strong  opponent  of  the  liquor  evil.  The  first  temperance  society  in 
Amherst  of  which  there  is  record  was  organized  among  the  students  of 
Amherst  College  in  the  spring  term  of  1827;  it  numbered  97  members. 
During  that  term  there  had  been  a  powerful  revival  of  religious  interest  at 
the  college.  That  the  subject  of  intemperance  had  begun  to  attract  public 
attention  as  early  as  1827,  is  shown  by  an  advertisement  of  "  Dr.  Chamber's 
Remedy  for  Intemperance,*'  published  in  the  New  England  Inquirer under 
date  of  Sept.  7.  This  advertisement  stated  that,  "  The  astonishing  success 
which  this  remedy  has  obtained  in  restoring  habitual  inebriates  to  sobriety, 
has  established  its  virtues  beyond  all  contradiction,  and  supersedes  the 
necessity  of  any  further  comment.''  The  "Remedy"  was  put  up  in 
packages  "  sufficient  for  one  individual  cure."  and  was  sold  at  $5  per 
package.  Who  shall  say  that  this  "  Remedy  "  did  not  contain  the  germs 
of  some  of  the  many  later-day  "  liquor  cures?" 

The  Inquirer,  under  date  of  May  15,  1828,  stated:  "We  have  recently 
noticed  that  many  merchants  in  different  sections  of  the  country  have 
resolved  to  discontinue  the  practice  of  selling  ardent  spirits.  We  under- 
stand that  a  merchant  has  opened  a  store  in  this  village  in  which  no  intox- 
icating liquors  will  be   kept  for  sale.     A  public  house  also  has  just  been 


3QO  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

opened  in  which  it  is  designed  to  try  the  experiment  of  accommodating  the 
public  without  the  usual  arrangements  of  a  bar."  Here,  indeed,  were 
startling  innovations;  a  store  without  liquors,  a  tavern  without  a  bar! 
How  the  old  inhabitants  must  have  shaken  their  heads  in  disapproval  and 
predicted  the  speedy  failure  of  the  daring  spirit  that  had  thus  violated  all 
precedent!  In  June,  1828,  Rev.  Dr.  Woodbridge  of  Hadley  visited 
Amherst  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  societies  auxiliary  to  the  county 
society  for  the  promotion  of  temperance.  It  is  stated  that  he  met  with 
encouraging  success,  but  if  societies  were  organized  in  Amherst  at  that 
time  their  records  have  passed  from  existence.  Under  date  of  July  31, 
1S2S,  the  Inquirer  announced  : 

••  We  are  doing  something  here  in  opposition  to  the  cause  of  the  lovers  of 
Strong  Drink,  although  we  find  it  difficult  to  induce  all  the  temperate  men  among 
us  to  array  themselves  against  intemperance  and  drunkenness.  It  is  so  pleasant 
to  'wet  the  trade'  and  'take  a  little  stimulus  '  that  many  men — We  will  say  no 
more  except  that  an  interesting  and  appropriate  address  was  delivered  at  the 
Academy  on  the  28th  by  one  of  the  students  and  upwards  of  fifty  subscribed  the 
constitution  of  a  Society  designed  to  aid  in  freeing  our  land  from  the  pestilence 
that  walketh  in  darkness  &  the  destruction  that  wasteth  at  noon-day.'' 

In  August,  1S2S,  the  selectmen  of  Amherst  issued  a  notice  cautioning 
all  persons,  except  such  as  were  duly  licensed  therefor,  against  selling  any 
spirituous  liquors,  either  upon  the  common  or  in  any  held  in  the  town  of 
Amherst,  on  the  day  of  the  Amherst  College  commencement.  The 
Inquirer,  in  editorial  comment,  expressed  its  gratitude  to  the  selectmen 
"  for  their  willingness  to  make  a  stand  against  the  scandalous  practice  of 
erecting  tents,  etc.,  on  the  common,  on  the  highway,  and  even  on  the  side- 
walks, for  the  accommodation  of  revellers."  This  notice  and  comment 
would  serve  to  show  that  commencement-day  at  Amherst  College  in  the 
'20s  was  of  more  importance  as  a  public  occasion  and  was  observed  in 
different  fashion  than  in  later  years. 

From  memoranda  found  among  the  papers  belong  to  the  late  Samuel 
C.  Carter,  something  has  been  learned  of  the  quantity  of  spirits  consumed 
in  Amherst  in  the  early  part  of  the  century.  In  1828,  one  hundred  and 
fifty  hogsheads  of  rum,  gin  and  brandy  were  sold  in  the  town  at  an  average 
price  of  $100  per  hogshead,  making  some  $15,000  that  the  inhabitants 
paid  for  liquor,  an  amount  fully  equal  to  that  expended  for  flour  and  grain 
during  the  same  year.  Much  of  this  liquor  was  imported  by  the  merchants 
and  tavern-keepers,  but  Amherst  had  a  distillery  of  its  own,  where  over 
three  thousand  barrels  of  cider  were  distilled  every  year  into  cider  brandy. 
This  distillery  stood  in  the  rear  of  the  Merrill  lot,  on  the  east  side  of  the 
common,  and  refuse  matter  from  it  ran  down  through  the  ravine  in  the  rear 
of    the  High   school   building.      Early    in   the  '70s,  when  excavations  were 


THE    WASHINGTON    SOCIETIES.  39 1 

being  made  for  a  fish-pond  on  land  owned  by  the  late  Julius  H.  Seelye, 
the  aqueduct  of  logs  which  brought  water  into  the  distillery  was  discovered, 
in  a  perfect  state  of  preservation.  The  distillery  was  owned  in  the  early 
part  of  the  century  by  Sylvester  Cowls,  and  was  sold  by  him  in  1S27  to 
Harvey  Gilbert. 

A  temperance  society  was  in  existence  at  South  Amherst  as  early  as 
1835.  At  a  meeting  of  the  "  Temperance  Association  "  held  at  the  center 
school  house  in  that  part  of  the  town,  Dec.  2,  1S35,  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  draft  a  new  constitution  "  based  upon  the  principles  of  total 
abstinence  from  all  intoxicating  liquors.''  Under  the  constitution  prepared 
and  adopted,  the  organization  assumed  the  name  of  the  "Amherst  South 
Parish  Total  Abstinence  Society."  Feb.  2,  thirty  persons  who  had  sub- 
scribed to  the  society's  pledge,  met  and  organized  by  choice  of  the  follow- 
ing officers  :  President,  Timothy  Smith  ;  secretary,  Jacob  Stetson  ;  executive 
committee,  Dea.  Adams,  Jonathan  C.  Warner,  Joseph  Dana.  March  13, 
1S36,  the  society  voted  to  hold  meetings  as  often  as  once  a  month  ;  and  to 
secure,  if  possible,  the  services  of  some  person,  once  in  two  months,  to  give 
a  temperance  address.  Feb.  12,  1S40,  it  was  voted  to  resolve  the  society 
into  a  temperance  lyceum  for  the  term  of  eight  weeks. 

In  the  early  '40s,  the  Washingtonian  temperance  movement  assumed 
great  power  and  influence  throughout  New  England.  County  societies 
were  formed,  with  auxiliaries  in  the  several  towns,  and  a  vigorous  and 
systematic  campaign  was  inaugurated  against  the  liquor  evil.  March  16, 
1S42,  the  temperance  society  at  South  Amherst  was  reorganized,  assuming 
the  name  of  the  "  South  Amherst  Washington  Total  Abstinence  Society," 
auxiliary  to  the  Washington  Total  Abstinence  society  of  Hampshire 
county.  The  following  were  elected  officers :  President,  Zebadiah  W. 
Robins  ;  vice-presidents,  Salmon  Dickinson,  Benjamin  Andrews  ;  secretary 
and  treasurer,  Erastus  S.  Bridgman ;  executive  committee,  Lieut.  Enos 
Dickinson,  S.  M.  Wright,  Louis  McLoud,  Hosea  Goodale,  Alva  Robins. 
The  last  entry  in  the  society's  record  book  bears  date  Nov.  15,  1S43. 

At  a  meeting  held  March  9,  1S42,  a  temperance  society  was  organized 
at  East  Amherst.  Officers  were  elected  as  follows :  President,  Capt. 
Benoni  Rust;  vice-president,  Jonathan  Dickinson  ;  secretary,  Hiram  E. 
Fox.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  draft  a  constitution,  which  was 
adopted  at  a  meeting  held  March  t6.  The  preamble  to  this  constitution 
reads  as  follows  : 

"  Whereas  having  long  experienced  and  witnessed  the  evil  effects  of  the  use  of 
intoxicating  liquors,  and  fully  believing  that  a  longer  continuance  of  the  practice 
would  be  detrimental  to  our  religious,  society  and  moral  happiness,  we  have  asso- 
ciated together  for  the  purpose  of  suppressing  entirely  the  use  of  it  as  a  drink,  and 
to  use  our  endeavors  to  reclaim  the  unfortunate  anions  us  and  correct  the  habits  of 


392  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

those  who  are  indulging  in  practices  which  we  believe  are  leadingthem  to  ruin  and 
endangering  the  comfort  and  happiness  of  themselves,  their  families  and  those 
around  them.*' 

The  name  adopted  was  the  "  Washington  Total  Abstinence  Society  of 
Amherst  East  Street."  Anyone  might  become  a  member  by  signing  and 
keeping  the  Washington  pledge.  Meetings  were  to  be  held  at  such  times 
and  places  as  the  executive  committee  should  direct.  The  society  should 
not  be  political  or  sectarian  in  aims  or  practices.  The  pledge,  identical 
with  that  adopted  by  other  Wasingtonian  societies,  reads  as  follows  : 

"The  members  of  this  society  agree  that  they  will  never  again  drink  any 
intoxicating  liquors,  except  when  prescribed  by  a  medical  attendant,  or  in  case  of 
wine  at  communion,  and  that  they  will  not  provide  them  for  their  friends  or  for 
persons  in  their  employ,  and  that  they  will  in  all  suitable  ways  discountenance  the 
use  of  them  in  the  community,  and  above  all  that  they  will  use  their  utmost 
endeavor  to  reclaim  and  restore  to  temperance  those  who  are  unfortunately  addicted 
to  intemperance." 

This  pledge  was  signed  by  236  persons.  The  society  entered  at  once 
upon  the  work  of  abating  the  liquor  evil  in  the  community.  At  a  meeting 
held  July  9,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  wait  upon  Mr.  B ,  a  prom- 
inent innholder,  and  "  see  if  he  would  do  anything  that  would  be  satisfactory 
to  the  society."     This  committee  reported  at  a  meeting  held  Aug.  3.  that 

Mr.  B was   in  the   house   and  would  answer  for  himself.     Mr.  B — ; — 

arose  and  stated  that  he  was  willing  to  pledge  his  wrord  and  honor 
that  he  would  not  sell  or  give  away  any  liquor  for  the  year  to  come.  A 
motion  was  made  to  see  if  the  society  would  accept  the  proposals  of    Mr. 

B and  it  was  voted  that  they  would  not.     It  was  then  moved  that  the 

bond    be    presented  to    Mr.   B ,  but  he  declined  signing  it.      A  motion 

was  then  passed  that  the  president  take  Mr.  B by  the  arm  and  walk  up 

to  the  table  and  present  him  the  pledge  of  the  society,  but  he  replied  that 
he  wished  to  take  another  glass  before  he  signed  it.  It  was  then  voted 
that  the  society  wait  until  he  could  go  home  and  get  a  glass.  After  several 
other  attempts  had  been  made  to  bring  the  obdurate  brother  into  the 
temperance  fold,  it  was  voted  that  the  president  should  take  the  bond  and 

pledge  and  wait  upon  Mr.  B during  the  week  and  report  "  what  progress 

he  had  made."      At  a  meeting  held  some  weeks   later,  the  society  voted  to 

accept   the   promise   of  Mr.  B— that  he   would    not   sell   or  give  away 

liquor  to  the  townspeople  or  travelers  ;  "  the  society  not  thinking  they  had 
any  right  to  prevent  his  giving  liquor  to  his  hands,  did  not  push  the 
matter." 

At  a  meeting  held  Dec.  8,  1842,  "Mr.  Thomas  Goodell  being  present, 
stated  that  he  found  it  absolutely  necessary  to  use  spirits  inwardly  on 
account  of  his  rheumatic  complaints  and  that  he  should  continue  the  use  of 


SOCIETIES    AT    NORTH    AMHERST    AND    THE    CENTER.  393 

it.  and  requested  that  his  name  might  be  stricken  off  from  the  list  of 
members."  The  society  was  reorganized.  May  18,  1849,  when  a  new  con- 
stitution was  adopted.      Soon  after  this  date  the  organization  was  given  up. 

March  14.  1S42.  a  meeting  was  held  at  the  Congregational  church  at 
North  Amherst  of  persons  interested  in  forming  a  total  abstinence  society. 
An  organization  was  formed  and  the  following  officers  elected :  President, 
Chester  Dickinson:  vice-presidents,  Dr.  Silas  Ball,  Edward  C.  Weeks. 
Charles  Kellogg,  Esq.;  secretary.  Albert  W.  Ball ;  treasurer,  Baxter  Eastman. 
There  was  also  an  executive  committee  consisting  of  eight  members.  A 
committee  was  appointed  to  draft  a  constitution  ;  this  committee  reported 
at  a  meeting  held  March  21,  when  the  constitution  was  adopted,  the  soci- 
ety assuming  the  name  of  the  "  Washington  Total  Abstinence  Society  of 
North  Amherst,"  auxiliary  to  the  Washington  society  of  Hampshire  county. 
Feb.  20,  1S43,  the  society  voted  that  regular  meetings  should  be  held  on 
the  third  Monday  of  March,  Maw  July,  September,  November  and  January. 
April  3,  1S4S,  a  committee  appointed  to  "search  out  defected  spots  in  the 
society,"  reported  five  names,  which  were  dropped  from  the  roll,  but  were 
afterwards  restored  on  request  of  their  owners.  Now  12,  1S4S,  the  follow- 
ing vote  was  passed  :  "  Whereas  the  Hampshire  County  Total  Abstinence 
Society  has  been  merged  in  the  Hampshire  County  Temperance  Union. 
we  transfer  our  relations  to  that  society."  Meetings  were  held  by  the 
society  until  the  spring  of  1852. 

Jan.  5.  1S46.  a  meeting  was  held  at  Concert  hall  at  Amherst  Center, 
for  the  purpose  of  making  arrangements  for  advancing  the  cause  of  temper- 
ance in  the  town.  Cen.  David  Mack  served  as  chairman  of  the  meeting 
and  Lucius  Boltwood,  Esq.  as  secretary.  The  meeting  was  addressed 
by  President  Edward  Hitchcock,  Prof.  William  S.  Tyler,  Rev.  Aaron  M. 
Colton,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Coleman.  In  the  course  of  his  remarks,  President 
Hitchcock  stated  that  in  1830  he  had  written  an  essay  on  the  use  of  wine 
and  fermented  drinks,  in  which  he  advocated  total  abstinence  from  them 
as  the  only  true  temperance  principle.  This  essay,  printed  in  pamphlet 
form,  was  reviewed  and  severely  criticised  by  a  member  of  the  executive 
committee  of  the  American  Temperance  union,  its  author  being  denounced 
for  his  radicalism.  At  this  meeting  a  constitution  and  pledge  were  read 
and  adopted,  a  society  being  formed  under  the  name  of  the  "Amherst 
West  Center  Total  Abstinence  Society,"  auxiliary  to  the  Hampshire  county 
society.  A  committee  of  seven  was  appointed  to  circulate  the  pledge  in 
every  family  in  the  limits  of  the  parish  for  the  purpose  of  securing  signa- 
tures. At  an  adjourned  meeting  held  June  19,  this  committee  reported 
that  they  had  obtained  the  signatures  of  414  persons  residing  in  the  parish. 
The  society  then  elected  the  following  officers  :  President.  Hon.  David 
Mack;  vice-president,  David  Dexter,  Esq.  ;  secretary,  George  W.Sargent; 


394  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

treasurer,  Newton  Fitch  ;  executive  committee,  Simeon  Clark,  Charles 
Delano,  Joseph  R.  Payson,  Elihu  S.  Church,  Isaac  Hawley.  The  executive 
committee  was  authorized  to  secure  lecturers  to  address  the  society  on 
temperance  subjects,  and  also  to  make  investigation  as  to  whether  liquor 
was  sold  in  town  and  if  so  the  names  of  the  persons  selling  it,  that  legal 
measures  might  be   taken  to  put  a  stop  to  the  traffic. 

The  quarterly  meetings  of  the  Hampshire  county  society  were  from 
time  to  time  held  with  the  different  societies  in  Amherst,  the  occasions  being 
of  great  public  interest.  Apostles  of  temperance  visited  the  town  occasion- 
ally, as  witness  the  following  advertisement  quoted  from  the  Express, 
under  the  date  of  March  20,  1846  :  "  S.  M.  Hewlett,  '  the  little  Jersey  Gun,' 
will  talk  and  sing  to  the  friends  and  foes  of  temperance  at  North  Amherst, 
on  Monday  evening,  March  23d."  But  despite  the  efforts  of  the  friends  of 
temperance,  organized  or  unorganized,  the  liquor  dealers  continued  to  ply 
their  traffic,  under  the  shelter  of  a  public  opinion  more  or  less  favorable. 
It  was  not  until  the  spring  of  1850  that  a  determined  effort  was  made  to 
rid  the  town  of  its  saloons.  As  the  time  approached  for  the  annual  town 
meeting,  Rev  Aaron  M.  Colton,  at  that  time  pastor  of  the  First  Congrega- 
tional church,  drew  up  two  articles  for  insertion  in  the  town  warrant,  which 
were  signed  by  several  prominent  citizens.  The  object  of  the  first  was, 
to  see  if  it  be  the  wish  of  the  town  of  Amherst  that  places  be  here  kept 
open  for  the  sale  of  intoxicating  drinks,  in  violation  of  the  law  ;  of  the 
second,  to  see  if  the  town  would  authorize  and  instruct  its  selectmen  to 
close  such  places.  The  meeting  was  held  in  SweetseiAs  hall,  which  was 
crowded  to  the  doors.  Lieut.  Enos  Dickinson,  Judge  I.  Conkey,  Daniel 
Dickinson  and  Pres't  Fdward  Hitchcock  spoke  in  favor  of  abolishing  the 
saloons,  the  latter  making  a  most  impressive  appeal.  The  vote  in  favor  of 
putting  a  stop  to  the  traffic  was  almost  unanimous.  The  morning  follow- 
ing this  meeting  the  selectmen  went  to  the  saloons  and  closed  them. 

Of  the  organizations  formed  in  later  years  for  the  suppression  of 
intemperance,  the  most  noteworthy  has  been    the   Amherst   Reform   club. 

This  was  organized  July  17,  1S76,  as  an  outgrowth  of  a  series  of  tem- 
perance meetings  held  in  College  hall  by  Dr.  H.  A.  Reynolds,  a  reformed 
drunkard.  The  club  numbered  at  its  organization  35  members.  Its  first 
president  was  George  Graves.  The  members  who  formed  this  organiza- 
tion, having  seen  and  felt  the  evils  of  intemperance,  and  realizing  the  need 
of  an  honest  and  constant  service  in  the  welfare  of  the  unfortunate  victims 
to  the  drink  habit,  "Resolved,  that  for  their  own  good  and  the  good  of  the 
world  in  which  they  live,  they  do  hereby  promise  and  engage,  with  the 
help  of  Almighty  God,  to  abstain  from  buying,  selling  or  using  alcoholic  or 
malt  beverages,  wine  and  cider  included.  And  they  further  resolve  to 
organize  this  Club,  that  they  may  accomplish  the  greatest  possible  amount 


GOOD  TEMPLAR  ORGANIZATIONS.  395 

of  good  and  work  most  effectually  for  their  fallen  brothers."  Beginning 
in  July,  1876,  the  club  held  mid-week  business  and  social  meetings,  and 
every  Sunday  evening  a  Gospel  temperance  meeting,  for  a  period  of  over' 
16  years,  or  until  Nov.  28,  1892,  when  the  organization  was  disbanded,  its 
work  being  carried  on  by  the  lodge  of  Good  Templars,  organized  in  1890. 
During  its  existence  the  Reform  club  was  a  power  for  good  in  the  com- 
munity, many  victims  of  the  drink  habit  being  rescued  through  its  agency. 
The  Woman's  Christian  Temperance  Union  was  organized  as  an  auxil- 
iary to  the  Reform  club,  by  Mrs.  Merrill  of  Holyoke,  at  a  meeting  held 
July  25,  1S76.  It  numbered  at  the  first  28  members.  Its  first  officers 
were:  President.  Mrs.  P.  H.  White:  vice-president,  Mrs.  I).  S.  Coles; 
secretary.  Miss  Hattie  Kellogg;  treasurer.  Miss  Mina  Beaman.  This 
organization,  still  in  existence,  has  for  twenty  years  labored  faithfully  and 
efficiently  in  the  temperance  cause  in  Amherst,  accomplishing  much  good. 
A  Young  Woman's  Christian  Temperance  Union  was  organized  July  24, 
[895.  A  Loyal  Temperance  Legion  was  organized  in  1892.  A  Father 
Matthew  Temperance  society  was  organized  by  the  young  men  of  St. 
Bridget's  parish  in  1888. 

The  town  of  Amherst  has,  at  different  times,  numbered  among  its  society 
organizations  rive  lodges  of  the  order  of  Good  Templars.  The  names  of 
these  lodges,  the  dates  when  their  charters  were  granted  and  surrendered,, 
and  their  first  officers  are  as  follows  : 

Evening  Star,  chartered  June  1.  1866  ;  officers,  W.  C.  T..  John  W.  Lee  ; 
W.  V.  T.,  Julia  A.  Franklin:  \Y.  S.,  George  H.  Bell;  charter  surrendered 
in  1S6S. 

Hampshire  (East  Amherst),  instituted  March S,  1882;  officers,  W.  C.T., 
Rev.  G.  E.  Fisher:  W.  Y.  T.,  Mrs.  W.  F.  Purple:  W.  S.,  Alice  Y.  Purple, 
charter  surrendered  in  1S83. 

Enterprise  (North  Amherst),  instituted  June  16,  1866;  officers,  W.  C. 
T,  Charles  H.  Kellogg:  W.  A".  T.,  Adeline  Garland;  W.  S.,  Edmund  P. 
Cutter;  charter  surrendered  in  1866. 

Bowen,  instituted  Nov.  18,  1890  ;  officers,  W.  C.  T.,  George  T.  Slauter  ; 
W.  V.  T..  Mary  M.  Hamilton  ;   W.  S.,  Clarence  Hamilton. 

Zion  (Colored),  instituted  Sept.  12,  1S92  :  officers,  W.  C.  T.,  William 
Hawkins;   W.  Y.  T,  Julia  Newport:   W.  S.,  Minnie  Smith. 

Bowen  and  Zion  lodges  remain  in  active  and  prosperous  existence  do- 
ing a  good  work  in  the  community. 

A  political  prohibition  party  organization  has  been  maintained  in  Am- 
herst for  several  years,  and  in  1S92  furnished  to  the  prohibitionists  of 
Massachusetts  their  candidate  for  governor,  Wolcott  Hamlin.  Several 
residents  of  Amherst  are  also  members  of  the  "  Hampshire  County 
Prohibition  League." 


396  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

From  the  earliest  period  in  the  town's  history  up  to  1874,  licenses  for 
the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  were  granted  by  the  county  commissioners, 
on  approval  of  petitions  by  the  selectmen  of  the  town.  For  many  years 
no  liquor  licenses  were  granted  in  Amherst  for  any  purpose  whatever.  In 
1856,  the  town  received  for  liquor  licenses  $497.40  ;  in  1868,  $195.24:  in 
1S75,  $402.79;  in  1876,  $513.75;  in  1878,  $445.25;  in  1879,  $650.  In 
1874,  the  state  law  went  '  into  effect,  by  the  provisions  of  which  liquor 
licenses  are  granted  by  the  selectmen  of  towns,  when  a  majority  of  the 
citizens  of  the  town  vote  in  favor  of  license  at  their  annual  meetings.  The 
town  of  Amherst  has  voted  in  favor  of  license  but  once  since  1879,  the 
vote  in  1SS4  standing  150  for  license  and  142  opposed,  but  the  selectmen, 
believing  that  the  general  sentiment  of  the  town  is  strongly  opposed  to 
liquor  selling  within  its  limits,  refused  to  grant  any  applications  for  license. 
For  several  years  the  town  has  granted  licenses  to  druggists  to  sell  liquor 
for  medicinal  purposes. 


CHAPTER  XLVI. 


The  Care  of  the  Town's  Poor. — Early  Methods. — The  Poor  Farm 
and  Almshouse. — Expenses  at  the  Almshouse. — The  Night 
Police. — The  Lock-up. — The  Smith  Charities. 

Amherst  has  patterned  after  the  methods  employed  by  neighboring 
communities,  and  by  New  England  country  towns  in  general,  in  caring  for 
its  worthy  poor.  The  early  residents  in  New  England  regarded  pauper- 
ism as  closely  akin  to  crime.  They  had  little  sympathy  with  the  unfortu- 
nates whose  fault  or  misfortune  it  was  to  fall  from  the  ranks  of  busy  work- 
ers and  become  a  charge  upon  their  more  fortunate  or  energetic  fellows. 
They  knew  that  pauperism  is  the  legitimate  child  of  vice  and  crime,  and 
with  faces  sternly  set  against  its  progenitors  had  scarcely  toleration  for 
their  offspring.  They  did  not  realize  the  truth  disclosed  by  the  civiliza- 
tion of  later  years,  that  in  the  struggle  for  existence  some  must  be  forced 
to  the  wall  and,  in  spite  of  honest  endeavors,  be  compelled  to  rely  upon 
the  aid  of  others.  Not  that  our  forefathers  failed  to  provide  for  the 
necessities  of  the  poor  ;  they  did  their  duty  as  they  understood  it.  hut  it 
was  clone  as  a  duty  and  sympathy  and  kindness  entered  but    little    in    their 


THE    POOR    FARM.  397 

ministrations.  They  fed  and  clothed  and  housed  their  poor,  but  the  food 
was  coarse,  the  clothing  scanty  and  few  preferred  the  almshouse  to  the 
tomb. 

In  early  days  when  but  a  very  few  persons  looked  to  the  town  for 
their  support,  it  was  the  custom  to  place  them  in  private  families  where 
they  were  expected  to  perform  such  services  as  lay  in  their  power  as  a 
partial  return  for  the  expense  involved  in  their  support.  As  early  as 
November,  1778,  the  town  voted  that  the  selectmen  should  build  a  house 
for  the  town  poor,  at  such  place  and  of  such  size  as  they  saw  fit.  The 
following  March  it  was  voted  to  build  an  almshouse  near  Clark's  Mill ; 
this  was  located  in  Mill  Valley.  In  April,  1807,  two  of  the  town's  poor,, 
one  of  them  an  aged  negro  who  had  served  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution, 
were  struck  off  at  auction  for  their  board  and  keeping  for  the  ensuing  year. 
In  December,  18 17,  a  committee  appointed  at  the  May  meeting  to  make 
provision  for  the  poor  either  by  building  or  hiring  a  house,  reported  that 
they  had  hired  the  house  and  garden  of  Elijah  Mathers  for  one  year:  this 
house  was  located  at  North  Amherst.  In  April.  1828,  the  overseers  of  the 
poor  advertised  that  there  were  two  girls  between  the  ages  of  eight  and 
ten  years  whom  it  was  proposed  to  bind  out  until  they  reached  the 
age  of  eighteen  years.  The  overseers  were  also  ready  to  receive  proposals 
for  supporting  the  paupers  that  were  not  already  contracted  for,  for  the 
term  of  one  year. 

In  November,  1S37,  the  town  voted  to  commit  the  subject  of  a  poor 
farm  to  a  committee,  which  was  instructed  to  report  at  a  future  meeting 
on  the  cost  of  a  suitable  farm,  whether  such  could  be  obtained,  and 
whether  it  would  be  expedient  for  Amherst  to  unite  with  some  other  town 
in  the  purchase  and  management  of  such  a  farm.  This  committee  reported 
at  a  meeting  held  Feb.  29,  1S3S.  The  town  voted  not  to  accept  the  re- 
port, but  to  refer  the  matter  to  the  selectmen,  who  were  authorized  to  con- 
sider it  with  reference  to  the  Vinton  farm,  and  to  take  counsel  as  to  whether 
the  contract  made  by  the  committee  was  binding  upon  the  town.  March 
5,  the  town  voted  to  accept  the  farm  and  pay  for  it  according  to  the  vote 
of  the  committee.  April  19,  the  selectmen  were  authorized  to  pay  for  the 
farm  from  the  surplus  revenue,  and  to  support  the  poor  on  the  farm  sys- 
tem after  that  year.  June  1,  the  town  paid  Medad  Vinton  $3,636  for  his 
farm,  with  interest  added.  This  farm  is  situated  in  South  Amherst,  and  is 
still  in  use  by  the  town  for  the  purpose  for  which  it  was  purchased.  The 
"surplus  revenue."  from  which  the  payment  was  made,  was  a  part  of  the 
sum  received  by  Amherst,  in  common  with  other  towns,  from  the  state 
government.  The  United  States  government,  finding  in  the  '30s  that  it 
had  a  surplus  in  the  treasury,  instead  of  employing  it  for  national  purposes 
decided  to  divide  it  among  the  several  states,  the  terms  of  division  making 


398  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

it  in  the  form  of  a  demand  loan.  This  sum  was  used  by  the  state  govern- 
ments in  various  ways,  Massachusetts  dividing  it  among  the  towns  and 
cities.  March  4,  1839,  tne  selectmen  were  authorized  to  spend  a  sum  not 
exceeding  $1,200  to  place  the  buildings  on  the  town  farm  in  good  repair 
and  for  the  purchase  of  stock  and  farm  utensils.  This  sum  was  also  paid 
from  the  surplus  revenue. 

For  many  years  after  the  farm  was  purchased  the  wardens  were  en- 
gaged from  year  to  year,  much  after  the  fashion  by  which  the  collection  of 
taxes  was  made  over  to  the  lowest  bidder.  Thus,  in  March,  1S45,  trie 
overseers  of  the  poor  advertised  that  they  would  receive  proposals  for  a 
warden  to  take  charge  of  the  poor  farm  and  the  poor  thereon  for  the  en- 
suing year.  Any  person  wishing  the  contract  must  send  in  his  terms  im- 
mediately. During  the  year  1847,  the  number  of  persons  supported  or 
relieved  was  25  ;  the  total  expense  was  $1,174.59  ;  the  treasurer  received 
$502.73  as  the  proceeds  of  crops  sold  from  the  farm  ;  the  inventory  of 
property  at  the  farm  was  $720.19,  the  expense  of  the  paupers  above  re- 
ceipts of  the  farm  $747.84.  The  following  statistics  are  for  the  year 
ending  in  March,  1854:  Actual  cost  of  supporting  the  poor  for  one  year, 
$627.11  ;  number  of  persons  relieved  or  supported  during  the  year,  52  ; 
acres  of  land  attached  to  the  town  farm,  154;  estimated  value  of  alms- 
house establishment,  $5,600  ;  number  relieved  at  almshouse  during  the 
year.  1 5  ;  average  number  supported  at  the  almshouse,  eight  ;  average 
Aveekly  cost  of  supporting  each  pauper  at  the  almshouse,  75  cents:  num- 
ber supported  outside  of  almshouse,  35;  average  weekly  cost  of  supporting 
each  pauper  outside  the  almshouse,  $1.07  ;   warden's  salary,  S230. 

The  overseers'  report  for  the  year  ending  in  March,  1855,  gives  the 
number  of  persons  supported  as  38.  The  average  weekly  cost  of  persons 
supported  in  the  almshouse  was  $1.54,  of  those  supported  outside,  $1.63. 
The  net  expense  of  supporting  paupers,  including  interest  on  the  almshouse 
establishment,  was  $1,231.48.  During  the  year  $20  was  paid  for  "pastoral 
instruction"  and  $6.50  for  the  burial  expenses  of  ''Sambo  Coon.''  During 
the  year  1864,  the  expense  for  paupers  was  greater  than  for  any  preceding 
year,  on  account  of  the  support  of  25  persons  afflicted  with  small-pox, 
which  cost  the  town  $692.48.  At  a  town  meeting  held  in  1865,  the  select- 
men were  authorized  to  sell  the  town  farm  and  exchange  or  buy  a  smaller 
farm.  The  selectmen  examined  several  pieces  of  property,  but  failing  to 
receive  a  fair  offer  for  the  town's  farm  the  project  fell  through.  During  the 
year  1869.  live  persons  sick  with  small-pox  at  Springfield  and  Worcester 
were  supported  by  Amherst.  The  same  year  a  new  house  was  built  on  the 
farm  at  an  expense  of  Si, 734. 93.  In  the  town  report  for  187  1,  the  farm 
and  buildings  are  inventoried  at  ^6,500,  two  wood-lots  at  $300,  the  property 
on  the  farm  at    $2,329.50.      The   so-called  "  military  law."  passed    by   the 


THE    ALMSHOUSE.  399 

General  Court  in  1S70,  provides  that  any  person  having  served  on  a  town's 
quota  during  the  civil  war  thereby  acquired  a  residence  in  that  town,  and 
on  becoming  pauperized  the  town  is  liable  for  his  support  and  that  of  his 
family.  In  the  report  for  the  year  ending  March.  1873,  there  occurs  the 
item  of  $2.25,  expended  for  the  relief  of  15  persons  at  the  police  station  ; 
the  following  year,  $5  1.60  was  paid  for  "transient  paupers  at  the  police 
station." 

During  the  year  1880,  a  wing  was  built  on  the  north  side  of  the  alms- 
house, 40  x  24  feet,  containing  seven  rooms  with  basement  and  attic,  at  a 
cost  of  $648.45.  Jan.  1,  1SS2,  the  almshouse,  barn  and  other  buildings 
were  destroyed  by  fire.  The  inmates,  and  much  valuable  property  con- 
tained in  the  building,  were  saved.  The  hre  was  started  by  Ruth  Hall, 
one  of  the  inmates,  who  was  arrested  and  lodged  in  jail.  She  at  first 
confessed  the  crime,  but  afterwards  retracted  the  confession.  Being 
brought  to  trial,  she  was  convicted  and  sentenced  to  seven  years  imprison- 
ment. The  house  was  rebuilt  in  1882.  at  an  expense  of  S4.700,  the  barn 
costing  $1,765.  The  house  has  two  wings,  of  which  the  north  is  occupied 
by  the  women,  the  east  by  the  men.  Two  rooms  are  fitted  up  in  the  build- 
ing for  the  confinement  of  insane  paupers.  During  the  six  months  inter- 
vening between  the  fire  and  the  completion  of  the  new  building,  the  pau- 
pers were  housed  for  three  months  at  North  Amherst  and  for  three  months 
at  South  Amherst.  In  their  new  home  they  are  surrounded  by  many  com- 
forts and  conveniences,  and  under  the  watchful  care  of  a  kind  and  sym- 
pathetic warden  and  matron  are  provided  with  a  good  home  and  made  to 
realize  as  little  as  possible  their  state  of  dependence. 

The  following  statistics  are  taken  from  the  report  of  the  overseers  for 
the  year  ending  in  March.  1S96  :  The  total  expenses  for  the  year  were 
$4,556.18.  Of  this  amount  the  town  appropriated  $1,800;  $926.66  was 
received  from  the  sale  of  farm  produce,  and  considerable  sums  from  the 
guardians  of  persons  supported  in  whole  or  in  part.  To  the  lunatic 
hospital  in  Northampton  Si, 01 6. 7 6  was  paid  for  the  support  of  insane 
paupers,  to  the  hospital  at  Westboro  S255.3S,  to  the  school  for  feeble- 
minded $169.42.  The  warden's  salary  was  5400.  During  the  year  four 
persons  died  at  the  almshouse,  two  of  them  inmates  of  long  standing:  the 
present  number  of  inmates  is  six.  Fifty-three  persons  were  given  tempo- 
rary aid  outside  the  almshouse.  Seven  persons  are  now  cared  for  at  the 
lunatic  hospital  at  Northampton.  The  property  at  the  almshouse  is  inven- 
toried at  $2,518.70. 

In  the  overseers'  report  for  1873  and  for  several  years  thereafter  items 
of  expense  appear  for  the  relief  of  transient  paupers  housed  at  the  lock- 
up. The  lock-up  and  the  night  police  became  established  as  town  institu- 
tions in  1S72  and  1S73.      In  1872,  the  selectmen,  at  the  request  of    many 


400  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

citizens,  appointed  a  night  policeman  who  patroled  the  streets  from  9  p.  m. 
to  6  a.  M.  for  351  nights  of  the  year,  receiving  in  payment  $2  per  night. 
The  total  expense  of  the  service  was  $752.78,  of  which  the  town  paid 
$545.78  and  the  balance  was  subscribed  by  citizens.  The  first  officer 
appointed  was  Fiske  A.  Thayer;  Mr.  Thayer's  pay  in  1873  amounted  to 
$7 60.  In  1S74,  he  received  $100  as  keeper  of  the  lock-up  in  addition  to 
his  regular  salary.  For  several  years,  a  part  of  the  expenses  of  the  night 
police  were  paid  by  subscriptions  from  citizens.  The  policeman  was  also 
required  to  light  the  street  lamps,  care  for  them  and  put  them  out.  The 
inhabitants  of  the  outlying  districts  opposed  for  many  years  a  town  appro- 
priation for  the  night  police  service,  but  as  the  benefits  conferred  by  it 
upon  the  whole  town  became  more  apparent  the  opposition  gradually  died 
away.  The  service  has  proved  of  value  to  the  town  far  in  excess  of  its 
cost.  Many  fires  have  been  discovered  in  season  to  prevent  great  loss, 
disorderly  characters  have  been  arrested  and  the  tramp  evil  has  been  kept 
in  check. 

By  an  act  of  the  General  Court,  passed  in  1873,  towns  containing 
over  a  certain  number  of  inhabitants  are  required  to  provide  a  lock-up  and 
appoint  a  keeper  at  such  a  salary  as  the  selectmen  deem  proper.  As 
Amherst  comes  under  the  provisions  of  this  act,  the  selectmen  caused  a 
lock-up  to  be  built  in  the  rear  of  the  engine-house,  in  1S73.  The  structure 
is  of  brick,  22x30  feet  in  size,  two  stories  in  height,  with  a  room  in  the 
second  story  of  the  full  size  of  the  building.  On  the  first  floor  is  a  room 
for  the  use  of  the  keeper  and  four  compartments  or  cells,  each  containing 
two  iron  bedsteads.  The  entire  cost  of  the  building  was  $2,546.16. 
During  the  first  year  after  its  erection,  fourteen  prisoners  were  confined 
in  the  lock-up  and  296  tramps  lodged  and  fed  at  an  expense  of  Si 28.40. 
The  second  year  215  tramps  were  lodged  and  fed,  the  third  year  233. 
The  expense  of  feeding  tramps  was  charged  to  the  pauper  account,  but 
proving  burdensome,  and  of  doubtful  expediency,  the  practice  was  given 
up.  The  upper  story  of  the  building  was  used  for  school  purposes  several 
years;  it  was  also  used  for  holding  courts,  caucuses  and  various  public 
meetings.  When  the  new  town  hall  was  erected,  a  cell  was  built  in  the 
basement  story,  but  this  has  never  been  used. 

Amherst  has  benefited  largely  from  the  wisdom  and  liberality  of  the 
founder  of  the  Smith  Charities.  Designed,  not  as  an  aid  to  pauperism, 
but  as  a  stimulus  to  those  traits  of  human  character  which  make  for  the 
best  success  in  life,  it  has  been  a  potent  influence  for  good  in  the  commu- 
nity. As  one  of  the  towns  that  has  profited  greatly  from  the  provisions  of 
the  will  of  Oliver  Smith,  Amherst  has  an  honorable  place  in  its  History  for 
a  brief  sketch  of  this  famous  document.  Oliver  Smith  was  a  native  oi 
Hatfield  who  by  business  industry  and  native  shrewdness  acquired  a  fortune, 


THE    OLIVER    SMITH    WILL.  4OI 

which,  at  his  death  in  1S45,  was  estimated  at  from  5300,000  to  $400,000. 
His  will  was  made  July  15,  1844  and  a  codicil  added  Aug.  13,  1845.  By 
this  will,  $200,000  was  bequeathed  to  public  charities,  under  conditions 
substantially  as  follows  :  A  board  of  trustees  was  to  be  chosen  to  have 
charge  of  the  funds  left  in  trust.  For  this  purpose,  the  towns  of  North- 
ampton, Hadley,  Hatfield,  Amherst,  Williamsburg,  Deerfield,  Greenfield 
and  Whately  were  each  to  choose  annually,  at  a  legal  town-meeting  held 
in  March  or  April,  an  elector  under  the  terms  of  the  will.  These  electors 
were  to  meet  at  Northampton  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  May  and  choose 
three  persons  to  act  as  trustees  of  the  fund.  The  money  was  at  first  left 
in  trust  to  his  nephew,  Austin  Smith,  who  was  to  manage  it  until  the 
trustees  were  appointed  and  then  turn  it  over  to  them.  They  in  turn  were 
to  hold  it  as  an  accumulating  fund  until  it  amounted  to  $400,000.  When 
the  latter  time  had  arrived.  $30,000  of  the  fund  was  to  be  set  apart  for  the 
establishment  of  an  agricultural  school  at  Northampton,  but  this  fund  was 
to  be  allowed  to  accumulate  for  sixty  years  after  his  death  before  it  should 
become  available.  Ten  thousand  dollars  was  to  be  granted  to  the  American 
Colonization  society,  under  certain  conditions,  which  were  never  fulfilled. 
The  remaining  $360,000  was  to  be  used  as  a  miscellaneous  fund  for  the 
benefit  of  indigent  boys,  indigent  female  children,  indigent  young  women 
and  indigent  widows. 

One-half  the  income  of  the  fund  was  to  be  used  for  the  benefit  of 
indigent  boys..  The  trustees  were  to  select  from  families  of  fair  character, 
but  in  indigent  or  moderate  circumstances,  residing  in  the  eight  towns 
named,  a  suitable  number  of  boys  to  receive  the  benefits  of  this  fund. 
Preference  was  first  to  be  given  to  indigent  children  and  second  to  orphans. 
The  boys  so  selected  were  to  be  at  least  12  years  of  age,  of  sound  health 
and  intellect,  industrious  habits  and  good  moral  character.  These  boys 
were  to  be  bound  out  in  good  and  respectable  families,  where  they  should 
receive  a  good  common-school  education,  and  be  well  instructed  and 
brought  up  in  the  business  of  husbandry  or  such  mechanical  trade  or 
employment  as  the  trustees  might  consider  most  beneficial  or  useful. 
Each  boy  so  bound  out,  who  should  conduct  himself  faithfully  and  well 
during  his  apprenticeship,  and  should  within  six  years  after  arriving  at  the 
age  of  2 1  make  application  to  the  trustees,  should  receive  from  the  fund  a 
loan  of  not  more  than  $500,  for  a  term  of  not  over  five  years,  on  giving 
good  security  for  the  repayment  of  the  same  and  interest  thereon  annually. 
If  at  the  end  of  the  term,  the  interest  should  have  been  promptly  paid, 
and  the  conduct  of  the  borrower  such  as  to  satisfy  the  trustees  that  he 
would  in  the  future  make  good  use  of  the  money,  then  the  obligation  to 
pay  the  same  should  be  canceled. 
26 


402  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

One-fourth  the  income  of  the  fund  was  to  be  used  for  the  benefit  of 
indigent  young  girls.  The  girls  were  to  be  selected  in  the  same  manner, 
and  required  to  possess  much  the  same  qualifications,  as  were  demanded 
of  the  boys.  Girls  were  to  be  bound  out  in  the  families  of  good  and 
respectable  farmers  or  mechanics  until  they  arrived  at  the  age  of  18  years. 
Each  girl  who  should  conduct  herself  well  during  her  term  of  service,  and 
continue  to  sustain  a  good  moral  character  until  her  marriage,  should  be 
entitled  to  $300  as  a  marriage  portion.  Any  girl  so  indentured,  after  reaching 
the  age  of  18,  if  unmarried,  should,  in  case  of  sickness  or  mental  or  bodily 
infirmity,  be  entitled  to  relief  from  the  fund  up  to  the  amount  of  $300  ; 
should  she  afterwards  marry,  the  sum  should  be  deducted  from  her  marriage 
portion.  Any  girl  marrying  while  under  18  years  of  age  should  forfeit  all 
right  to  any  payment  from  the  fund.  Should  a  girl  so  indentured  marry 
a  man  whom  the  trustees  esteemed  of  bad  character,  then  she  should 
receive  no  marriage  portion,  but  in  such  instance,  in  case  of  sickness, 
bodily  infirmity  or  mental  derangement,  she  should  be  entitled  to  receive 
payments  from  the  fund  up  to  the  sum  of  $300. 

One-eighth  part  of  the  income  of  the  fund  was  to  be  used  for  the 
benefit  of  indigent  young  women.  The  trustees  might  pay  out  to  young 
women  in  indigent  or  moderate  circumstances  a  marriage  portion  not 
exceeding  $50,  to  be  expended  for  the  purchase  of  household  furniture. 
The  beneficiary  must  be  of  good  moral  character,  not  less  than  18  years  of 
age,  and  the  man  she  married  must  also  be  of  good  character,  sober  and 
industrious.  Applications  for  this  portion  should  be  made  either  before  or 
within  three  months  after  the  marriage.  The  remaining  one-eighth  of  the 
interest  from  the  fund  was  to  be  used  for  the  benefit  of  indigent  widows. 
The  trustees,  at  their  discretion,  should  pay  to  widows  in  indigent  or 
moderate  circumstances,  having  a  child  or  children  dependent  upon  them 
for  support,  who  should  make  application,  not  more  than  $50  in  any  one 
year.     The  applicant  should  be  of  good  moral  character. 

In  distributing  these  funds,  no  distinction  should  be  made  or  preference 
given  to  any  religious  sect  or  political  or  other  party  whatever.  The  will 
was  admitted  to  probate  after  a  long  and  expensive  contest  before  the 
courts.  The  leader  of  the  legal  forces  in  behalf  of  the  will  was  Hon. 
Osmyn  Baker,  who  had  recently  removed  his  residence  from  Amherst  to 
Northampton.  In  1849,  tne  following  persons  were  incorporated  as  the 
trustees  of  the  Smith  Charities:  Osmyn  liaker  of  Northampton,  John 
Dickinson,  Jr.  of  Amherst,  Austin  Smith  of  Hatfield.  The  first  president 
of  the  board  of  trustees  was  Osmyn  Baker.  Amherst  has  furnished  the 
following  members  of  the  board  of  trustees  since  1S49  :  John  Dickinson, 
Jr.,  A.  P.  Howe,  Simeon  Clark,  Ithamar  Conkey,  Ezra  Ingram,  Horace 
Ward,  D.  W.  Palmer,  H.  M.  McCloud.      Mr.  Palmer  served  as  president  of 


THE    OLD    CEMETERY.  403 

the  board  for  six  years.  During  the  year  ending  April  i,  1896,  the  follow- 
ing payments  were  made  to  beneficiaries  under  the  will,  residing  in  Amherst : 
To  indigent  boys.  $1,500;  indigent  girls.  S400  ;  indigent  widows,  $1,200; 
indigent  young  women,  $700  ;  total  $3,800.  During  the  same  year,  five 
boys  and  two  girls  residing  in  Amherst  were  apprenticed  under  the  terms 
of  the  will. 

The  will  of  Whiting  Street  of  Northampton  gave  to  the  town  of 
Amherst  $6,000  as  a  permanent  fund,  the  income  of  which  is  used  "  for 
the  relief  and  comfort  of  the  worthy  poor,  who  shall  not  be  in  the  alms- 
house, or  be  town  or  city  paupers." 


CHAPTER   XLVI 


Town  Cemeteries. — The  Old  West  Cemetery. — Cemeteries  at 
North  and  South  Amherst. — YYildwood  Cemetery. — Vil- 
lage Improvement. — The  Commons. — The  Ornamental  Tree 
Association. — Village  Improvement  Societies  at  the  Cen- 
ter, at  East  Amherst,  South  Amherst,  North  Amherst 
and  the  •'  City." 

The  ''burying  place,"  laid  out  in  1730  by  Hadley's  town  committee 
for  the  "east  inhabitants,"  is  still  in  use  as  a  burial-ground,  additions 
having  been  made  to  it  from  time  to  time.  There  is  interred  all  that  was 
mortal  of  many  of  the  earliest  settlers  and  their  descendants  through  five 
generations.  For  nearly  ninety  years  it  was  the  only  cemetery  in  the  town, 
and  for  160  years  the  only  one  located  near  the  town  center.  If  the 
progress  of  civilization  is  marked  by  veneration  paid  to  the  departed  and 
the  care  taken  of  their  last  resting-places,  the  earlier  inhabitants  of  New 
England  were  but  little  removed  from  primitive  barbarism.  They  buried 
their  dead  with  all  solemnity,  but  the  place  of  burial  was  regarded  with 
aversion  rather  than  with  reverence.  Little  pains  was  taken  in  the  selection 
of  the  burial-places ;  some  bleak  and  barren  hillside,  waste-land  that  could 
not  be  used  to  advantage  for  other  purposes,  these  were  the  plots  selected 
for  "  God's  acre."  Who  that  in  later  years  has  traveled  through  the  rural 
districts  of  New  England  has  not  chanced  upon  some  old-time  burying- 
ground,  neglected  and  forlorn,  with  the  weeds  growing  rank  and  hiding 
from  sight  the  dilapidated  tombstones  ?     It  was   not   until   well  along  into 


404  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

the  Nineteenth  century  that  any  systematic  effort  was  made  to  beautify  the 
resting-places  of  the  dead. 

In  the  care  of  its  burial-places  Amherst  was  no  better  and  no  worse 
than  its  neighboring  communities.  They  were  town  property,  and  any 
money  expended  upon  them  was  raised  by  the  town  and  expended  under  its 
supervision.  At  a  town-meeting  held  in  March,  1770,  the  selectmen  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  lay  out  and  fix  boundaries  to  the  burying-ground  ; 
these  bounds  were  fixed,  and  accepted  by  the  town  at  a  meeting  held  May 
24.  Dec.  8,  18 17,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  consider  and  report  on 
the  expediency  of  establishing  one  or  more  new  burying-grounds  in  the 
town,  and  enlarging  and  fencing  the  old  burying-ground.  The  report  of 
this  committee  was  presented  and  accepted  at  a  meeting  held  May  13, 
18 18.  The  committee  had  purchased  one  acre  of  land  of  David  Moody 
and  one  acre  of  Martin  Baker,  paying  $80  for  each,  and  reserving  to  each 
original  owner  and  his  heirs  the  right  of  pasturing  sheep  on  the  premises. 
These  lands  furnished  the  sites  for  the  North  and  South  burying-grounds. 
March  4,  1833,  the  town  appropriated  $770  to  purchase  land  to  add  to  the 
center  burying-ground  and  fence  the  same. 

March  2,  1846,  the  town  voted  to  raise  $200  to  pay  the  expense  of 
setting  out  shade  and  ornamental  trees  in  the  burying-grounds  at  the  center, 
at  North  and  South  Amherst.  This  work  was  left  in  the  hands  of  a 
committee  ;  in  the  Express  issued  May  6,  1846,  the  following  notice  appears  : 
"The  committee  appointed  to  put  out  trees  in  the  center  burying-ground  invite 
their  neighbors  and  all  who  feel  interested. to  turn  out  with  them  to  procure 
and  transplant  evergeen  trees  on  Friday  morning.  Suitable  pines  are  found 
in  abundance  near  Dickinson's  mills  in  Hadley,  and  Mr.  Cook  the  owner 
has  kindly  offered  us  gratuitously  as  many  as  we  desire."  In  1850,  the 
town  paid  Elijah  Boltwood  Si 8.23  for  setting  out  trees  in  the  West  cemetery. 
March  4,  1850,  the  town  instructed  its  selectmen  to  erect  a  receiving  tomb  of 
suitable  size  at  the  center  burying-ground  for  the  free  use  of  the  town  ; 
this  tomb  was  erected  in  1850,  and  the  North  burying-ground  was  fenced 
the  same  year. 

In  1852,  the  old-time  hearse  was  sold  for  $5,  being  put  up  at  auction 
at  the  same  time  the  grass  upon  the  common  was  sold.  In  December, 
1854,  the  selectmen  were  authorized  to  lay  out  a  road  in  the  center  burying- 
ground,  which  they  did  the  following  year.  In  1857,  $175  was  paid  for 
land  for  the  South  burying-ground,  $60  for  land  for  the  North  burying 
ground  and  $30  for  stone  used  on  the  grounds.  In  1858,  the  cost  to  the 
town  of  burying-grounds,  fences,  stone,  etc.  was  $228.70,  in  1859,  $237.05. 
In  1865,  the  town  paid  $4.38  for  cemetery  gates.  For  many  years  ahearse 
was  rented  at  an  annual  expense  of  $28,  but  in  1868  a  new  hearse  was 
purchased  costing  $320.      At  the  annual  town  meeting  in  March,  1869,  H. 


rOHlM 
SCOT" 


?* 


THE   OLDEST   STONE   IN    WEST    CEMETERY. 


CARE    OF    CEMETERIES.  405 

Cobb,  J.  R.  Cushman  and  W.  S.  Clark  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
consider  the  matter  of  securing  land  for  a  new  cemetery.  The  committee 
reported  at  a  special  meeting,  held  May  29.  that  the  farm  of  Joseph  Dick- 
inson could  be  bought  for  S9,ooo,  and  that  they  had  taken  a  bond  for  the 
same.  The  farm  contained  about  80  acres.  The  report  was  accepted, 
and  the  selectmen  were  authorized  to  buy  the  farm  on  the  terms  mentioned, 
provided  individuals  would  furnish  the  money,  or  give  a  bond  to  take  the 
land  without  expense  to  the  town,  the  town  to  have  any  portion  of  it  that 
it  might  need  for  a  cemetery  at  a  fair  valuation.  The  selectmen  were 
unable  to  complete  the  bargain,  as  Mrs.  Joseph  Dickinson  refused  to 
release  her  right  of  dower. 

In  1870,  the  old  or,  as  it  was  commonly  called,  the  West  cemetery 
was  enlarged  by  the  purchase  of  land  adjoining  ;  57  rods  of  roadway  were 
built  and  graveled  and  36  rods  of  drain-tile  laid  six  feet  below  the  surface. 
By  these  measures  many  new  lots  were  made  available.  A  new  fence  was 
built  about  the  cemetery  and  the  tool-house  removed  to  the  rear  of  the  lot. 
The  total  expense  was  $1,098.66.  In  1873.  the  North  cemetery  was 
enlarged  on  the  south  and  east  sides  and  a  well  dug.  The  South  cemetery 
was  supplied  with  30  hitching-posts.  The  selectmen  in  their  report  for 
1S74  recommended  that  steps  should  be  taken  at  once  to  provide  more 
land  for  burial  purposes  at  the  center.  In  1876,  over  $200  was  subscribed 
by  citizens  for  keeping  the  West  cemetery  in  repair  ;  the  sum  was  expended 
under  direction  of  a  committee  of  ladies,  with  satisfactory  results.  The 
selectmen  in  their  annual  report  for  the  year  ending  in  March,  1877,  urged 
all  persons  occupying  lots  in  the  cemeteries  to  pay  for  them  and  take  deeds 
of  the  same.  If  this  was  done,  there  would  be  no  need  of  a  town  appro- 
priation for  cemeteries  for  years  to  come.  As  town  property,  the  cemeteries 
were  used  for  burial  purposes  by  citizens  for  many  years  at  no  expense  to 
themselves.  It  was  not  until  sometime  in  the  '70s  that  the  practice  of 
buying  and  taking  deeds  of  particular  lots  came  into  general  use.  For 
many  years  the  sums  received  from  sales  of  lots  have  furnished  an  ample  fund 
for  defraying  the  expense  of  caring  for  the  cemeteries.  In  188 1,  a  new  tomb 
was  built  at  the  South  Amherst  cemetery  at  an  expense  of  nearly  $350. 
For  several  years,  two  superintendents  were  chosen  for  each  of  the  town 
cemeteries.  At  the  annual  March  meeting  in  1880,  the  town  appointed 
a  committee  to  select  a  site  for  a  new  cemetery.  This  committee  reported 
at  the  annual  meeting  in  1881  ;  their  report  was  not  accepted,  and  the 
selectmen  were  joined  with  them  as  a  committee,  to  select  such  grounds 
as  they  should  think  best  and  purchase  the  same.  No  money  was  appro- 
priated for  the  purchase,  and  the  committee,  having  examined  several 
locations,  decided  it  inadvisable  to  purchase. 


406  HISTORY    OF    THE     TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

April  20,  1887,  a  meeting  was  held  of  persons  desirous  of  establishing 
a  cemetery  on  the  estate  known  as  the  Joseph  Dickinson  farm.  At  an 
adjourned  meeting,  held  April  27,  Prof.  B.  K.  Emerson  reported  that  he 
had  examined  the  land,  and  found  about  20  acres  suitable  for  burial 
purposes,  while  the  remainder  could  be  utilized  for  landscape  gardening. 
April  29,  a  committee  appointed  to  draw  up  a  plan  of  organization  and  by- 
laws submitted  its  report,  and  the  following  officers  were  elected  :  President, 
H.  F.  Hills;' clerk  and  treasurer,  O.  D.  Hunt;  directors,  \V.  A.  Dickinson, 
B.  K.  Emerson,  J.  H.  Seelye,  H.  H.  Neill,  E.  D.  Marsh,  George  Cutler. 
The  clerk  and  treasurer  was  authorized  to  take  a  deed  of  the  farm  for  and 
in  the  name  of  the  association.  The  name  adopted  was  the  "  Wildwood 
Cemetery  Association." 

At  the  annual  town  meeting  in  March,  1887,  a  committee  of  three  had 
been  chosen  to  consider  the  matter  of  purchasing  land  for  a  new  cemetery. 
This  committee  submitted  its  report  at  the  annual  March  meeting  in  1888. 
The  lands  selected  by  the  committee  appointed  in  1880,  to  secure  lands  for 
cemetery  purposes,  had  been  sold  in  1887  to  persons  who  intended  to  cut 
off  the  wood  and  timber.  Desiring  to  secure  these  lands  and  preserve 
them  for  the  town's  use,  an  association  was  formed  and  the  property  pur- 
chased, the  price  paid  being  $5,400.  The  committee  accordingly  recom- 
mended that  the  town  purchase  the  property  from  the  association.  The 
town  voted  to  raise  and  appropriate  not  over  $6,000  to  secure  the  Dickin- 
son farm.  Two  of  the  selectmen,  not  members  of  the  cemetery  association, 
were  appointed  agents  of  the  town  to  negotiate  the  purchase  and  take  a 
deed  of  the  property.  A  committee  of  five  was  appointed  to  lay  out  the 
grounds  and  $2,000  was  appropriated  for  their  use.  The  farm  contained 
about  74  acres.     The  selectmen  took  a  deed  of  the  property  April  4. 

The  residents  of  the  town  were  far  from  unanimous  in  favor  of  making 
this  purchase.  The  actions  of  the  association,  the  cemetery  committee  and 
the  selectmen  were  subjected  to  severe  criticism,  and  public  sentiment  was 
aroused  to  such  a  pitch  that  a  special  town-meeting  was  held  April  17,  at 
which  it  was  voted  to  sell  the  Dickinson  farm  at  auction.  At  a  meeting 
held  May  19,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  examine  lands  for  a  new 
cemetery  near  the  center  of  the  town,  to  ascertain  prices  and  report  to  the 
town.  This  committee  reported  at  a  meeting  held  June  2.  Their  report 
favored  the  purchase  of  the  homestead  formerly  owned  by  the  late  Col.  W. 
S.  Clark,  at  a  cost  of  $15,000.  The  town  voted  down  this  proposition. 
Henry  F.  Hills  announced  that  he  had  purchased  the  Dickinson  farm  and 
it  was  not  for  sale.  The  town  then  voted  to  give  the  sum  of  $1,000  to  the 
cemetery  association.  Mr.  Hills  afterwards  reconveyed  the  property  to 
the  cemetery  association.  At  the  annual  meeting  in  March,  1889,  the 
town  voted  to  raise  and  appropriate  $1,000  to  be  used  by  the  selectmen  in 


THE    C<   MMON    BEFORE    1670. 


I  II I     COMMON    IN     [895. 


THE    VII. LACK    COMMONS.  407 

the  purchase  of  ground  of  the  cemetery  association,  or  to  arrange  other- 
wise with  the  association  for  such  burial  lots  on  its  ground  as  the  town  is 
by  law  obliged  to  provide.  For  the  past  eight  years  the  association  has 
expended  liberal  sums  of  money  in  the  care  and  beautifying  of  Wildwood 
cemetery.  Finely  located,  on  the  rise  of  land  which  was  christened  by 
President  Fdward  Hitchcock  "Mount  Pleasanter,"  affording  a  magnificent 
view  of  the  most  picturesque  section  of  the  Connecticut  Valley,  its  crest 
surmounted  by  a  heavy  growth  of  grand  old  forest  trees,  Nature  has  made 
of  Wildwood  cemetery  a  garden-spot  for  the  living,  a  noble  sepulcher  for 
the  dead.  The  best  that  man  can  do  is  to  preserve  therein  the  beauties  of 
Nature's  handiwork. 

VILLAGE    IMPROVEMENT. 

When,  in  1788,  the  town  of  Amherst  narrowed  its  highways  and  sold 
the  lands  thus  acquired  to  abutters,  the  committee  who  laid  out  the  new 
ways  reserved,  in  some  places,  the  whole  breadth  of  the  old  highways  for 
''  particular  or  public  use."  These  reservations  included  the  lands  now 
known  as  commons  at  the  center  village,  at  Fast  and  South  Amherst.  In 
the  early  years  of  the  Nineteenth  century,  the  village  common  south  of 
College  hill  was  used  as  a  military  parade  ground.  In  1840,  that  portion 
lying  west  of  the  college  lot  was  granted  by  the  town  to  Amherst  College, 
to  be  used  for  college  purposes  only ;  the  Lawrence  observatory  stands 
upon  this  land.  North  of  College  hill  the  common  was  used  as  pasture- 
land  and  there  was  a  frog-pond  near  the  center.  April  1,  1833,  the  town 
authorized  the  selectmen  to  enclose  the  common  north  of  College  hill,  and 
make  such  improvements  thereon  as  they  deemed  expedient. 

For  many  years  the  grass  grown  on  the  common  was  sold  at  auction 
and  the  proceeds  paid  into  the  treasury  of  the  fire  companies.  The 
amount  realized  was  from  S20  to  $30  per  annum.  The  common  was 
utilized  on  nearly  all  public  occasions.  After  the  founding  of  Amherst 
College,  commencement-day  became  the  great  day  of  the  year  in  town,  its 
glories  overshadowing  those  even  of  July  4th  and  "general  muster  "  day. 
On  commencement-day  the  common  was  the  general  place  of  assembly  for 
visitors  who  came  in  crowds  from  neighboring  towns.  Booths,  tents  and 
stands  were  erected  on  the  common,  and  pedlars,  auctioneers  and  "fakirs  " 
of  all  descriptions  made  it  their  headquarters.  For  several  years  liquor 
was  sold  without  license  or  interference,  but  the  rising  tide  of  temperance 
sentiment  put  an  end  to  the  practice,  the  selectmen  giving  warning  that 
those  who  sold  liquor  on  the  common  on  commencement-day  would  be 
prosecuted.  In  1856,  the  town  received  §30.75  for  rent  of  the  common 
on  commencement-day.  The  first  cattle-show  in  Amherst  was  held  on  the 
common  in  1846,  and  from  that  time  on  the  shows  were  held  there  annually 


408  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

until  1S59,  when  the  common  having  passed  out  of  the  control  of  the 
selectmen,  the  agricultural  society  was  forced  to  seek  new  grounds.  The 
highway  on  the  west  side  of  the  common  was  much  higher  than  the  common 
itself,  but  as  the  highway  was  cut  down  and  the  common  filled  in  the  grades 
were  equalized. 

Village  improvement  was  a  matter  which  engaged  but  little  the  attention 
of  the  earlier  inhabitants  of  the  town.  They  were  too  much  engrossed  in 
solving  the  sterner  problems  of  existence  to  devote  much  time  or  thought 
to  questions  of  gentler  import.  To  them  the  beauty  of  utility  appealed 
more  forcibly  than  the  utility  of  beauty.  Some  of  them  recognized  the 
fact  that  the  town  and  its  surroundings  possessed  great  natural  beauties, 
yet  they  took  little  pains  to  preserve  these  beauties  intact  or  to  add  to  them 
in  any  way.  The  General  Court  passed,  in  1853,  an  act  providing  that 
any  ten  or  more  persons  in  any  county,  town  or  city  within  the  state  who 
shall,  by  agreement  in  writing,  associate  for  the  purpose  of  encouraging 
agriculture,  horticulture,  or  improving  and  ornamenting  the  streets  and 
public  squares  of  any  town  or  city  by  planting  and  cultivating  ornamental 
trees  therein,  may  become  a  corporation  by  such  name  as  they  shall  assume 
therefor,  by  calling  their  first  meeting  and  being  organized  in  the  manner 
provided  in  the  41st  Chapter  of  the  Revised  Statutes.  Under  the  provisions 
of  this  act,  in  September,  1S57,  the  following  petition  was  addressed  to 
Edward  Dickinson,  Esq.,  a  justice  of  the  peace  in  and  for  the  county  of 
Hampshire  : 

"  We  the  undersigned  citizens  of  Amherst  in  said  county  being  desirous  of 
forming  an  association  for  the  purpose  of  ornamenting  and  beautifying  the  public 
grounds  of  this  town,  under  the  Statutes  of  this  Commonwealth,  Chapter  312, 
Acts  of  1S53,  respectfully  request  you  to  call  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of 
that  Statute  a  meeting  of  the  undersigned  for  the  purpose  of  organization  agreeable 
to  law." 

This  petition  bore  twenty-two  signatures,  headed  by  those  of  I.  F. 
Conkey,  James  W.  Boyden  and  E.  F.  Cook.  Justice  Dickinson  issued  his 
warrant,  dated  Sept.  8,  addressed  to  Mirick  N.  Spear,  directing  him  to 
summon  the  subscribers  to  meet  at  his  book-store,  Sept.  15.  The  meeting 
was  held  as  warned  and  H.  C.  Nash  was  elected  president  pro  tern,  and  W. 
A.  Dickinson  secretary  pro  tern.  At  an  adjourned  meeting  held  Sept.  16, 
a  committee  of  six  was  appointed  to  solicit  additional  names  for  member- 
ship. At  a  meeting  held  Sept.  S,  a  committee  of  three  was  appointed  to 
prepare  a  constitution  and  by-laws.  They  reported  at  a  meeting  held  Oct. 
5,  their  report  being  accepted  and  adopted.  The  first  article  in  the  consti- 
tution reads  as  follows  : 

•'  This  association  shall  be  called  The  Amherst  Ornamental  Tree  Association, 
the  object  of  which  shall  be  the  laying  out  and  ornamenting  the  public   common. 


ORNAMENTAL    TREE    ASSOCIATION.  409 

the  general  impiovement  and  adornment  of  the  various  public  walks  throughout 
the  village  by  grading,  graveling  and  lining  with  trees  where  there  are  any  deficien- 
cies, and  to  do  anything  which  may  render  the  public  grounds  and  ways  of  our 
village  more  attractive  and  beautiful." 

Any  person  might  become  a  member  of  the  association  on  payment 
of  53.  Officers  were  elected  as  follows:  President.  R.  B.  Hubbard  ;  vice- 
presidents,  I.  F.  Conkey,  W.  C.  Fowler,  H.  C.  Nash  ;  secretary,  O.  D. 
Hunt;  treasurer,  A.  R.  Henderson:  executive  committee,  E.  F.  Cook,  L. 
D.  Cowles.  M.  X.  Spear,  Henry  Holland.  W.  W.  Hunt.  W.  W.  Smith, 
W.  A.  Dickinson.  At  a  meeting  held  Oct.  12,  it  was  voted  to  obtain  per- 
mission of  the  selectmen  to  enclose  and  control  the  common.  The  town, 
at  a  special  meeting  held  Nov.  3,  1857,  voted  "  That  the  town  grant  to  the 
Amherst  Ornamental  Tree  Association  the  use  and  control  of  the  public 
common  in  the  center  of  the  town  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  selectmen 
of  the  town."'  March  12,  1858,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  see  if 
arrangements  could  be  made  for  a  fair  and  a  concert  by  local  talent,  for 
the  benefit  of  the  association.  The  executive  committee  was  authorized 
to  have  any  filling  done  about  the  pond  on  the  common  that  should  be 
deemed  necessary.  \\ 'hen  the  question  was  raised  as  to  how  the  necessary 
funds  should  be  secured,  H.  C.  Xash  proposed  that  the  members  of  the 
association  pay  the  bills  from  their  own  pockets:  a  collection  was  taken 
from  which  $40  was  realized.  At  a  meeting  held  March  29.  plans  were 
adopted  for  laying  out  the  common.  Considerable  work  in  the  line  of 
grading  and  filling  was  done  upon  the  common  in  the  summer  of  1858, 
under  the  supervision  of  William  W.  Smith.  At  a  meeting  held  Oct.  18, 
1858,  the  executive  committee  was  authorized  to  plant  such  a  number  of 
trees  and  on  such  places  in  the  common  as  they  should  deem  best. 

The  record  book  of  the  association  contains  no  minute  of  meetings 
between  the  dates  October,  1858  and  October,  1863,  and,  after  the  latter 
date,  there  is  no  further  entry  until  1867.  The  Express  makes  the  following 
announcement  under  date  of  Jan.  15,  1S64  :  "  B.  \V.  Allen  has  purchased 
fifty  nice  shade  trees  of  different  varieties,  and  engaged  a  man  to  set  them 
out  on  the  common  this  spring."  There  was  a  fountain  on  the  common 
in  1861.  Feb.  18,  1867,  it  was  voted  that  all  work  on  the  common  should 
be  left  in  the  hands  of  the  executive  committee.  April  26,  187 1,  a  com- 
mittee was  chosen  to  attend  to  all  repairs  and  sell  the  grass  upon  the 
common.  The  work  of  grading  and  filling  was  continued  in  the  summer 
of  1874,  and  at  a  meeting  held  Oct.  23,  the  committee  in  charge  of  the 
work  reported  that  the  improvements  so  far  made  had  cost  the  association 
$189.72.  The  most  comprehensive  and  successful  work  of  the  association 
was  carried  on  in  the  summer  and  fall  of  1S75.  At  a  meeting  held  March 
6,  a  plan  for  improving  the  common,  prepared   by  the  distinguished  land- 


4IO  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

scape  gardener,  Frederick  Law  Olmsted,  at  the  request  of  William  A. 
Dickinson,  was  submitted  to  the  association,  which  decided  to  proceed  with 
the  work  in  accordance  with  this  plan.  A  letter  was  read,  written  by  Mr. 
Olmsted,  and  giving  instructions  and  directions  concerning  the  setting  of 
trees  and  other  improvements.  It  was  voted  that  the  selectmen  be  requested 
to  place  the  money  raised  for  sidewalks  in  the  hands  of  the  association  ; 
voted,  also,  that  the  matter  of  grading  and  otherwise  improving  the  common 
remain  as  heretofore  under  the  supervision  of  R.  W.  Stratton  and  H.  D. 
Fearing. 

The  association  was  reorganized,  April  13,  1877,  under  the  name  of 
the  "Village  Improvement  Association."  April  23,  1S79,  it  was  voted  that 
the  by-laws  be  amended  or  altered  so  as  to  admit  ladies  to  membership, 
and  Nov.  5  of  the  same  year  five  lady  members  were  added  to  the  executive 
committee.  The  association,  in  addition  to  its  regular  work,  secured  the 
removal  of  telegraph  poles  and  hay-scales  from  the  common.  May  3, 
1879,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  solicit  funds  for  keeping  the  common 
in  order  and  for  grading  at  the  south  end.  Oct.  6  of  the  same  year,  the 
executive  committee  was  authorized  to  complete  the  grading  on  the  west 
side  of  the  common.  The  selectmen,  in  their  report  to  the  town  for  the 
year  ending  Feb.  15,  1883,  stated  that  the  association  had  expended  more 
than  $3,000  on  the  common,  over  $1,000  having  been  spent  in  the  past  two 
years.  This  money  was  nearly  all  the  voluntary  contribution  of  members. 
The  town  valuation  of  real  estate  fronting  on  the  common  in  1857,  when 
the  association  was  organized,  was  $69,925  ;  in  twenty-five  years  it  had 
risen  in  value  to  $238,785.  The  town  had  been  greatly  improved  by  the 
work  clone  without  expense  to  the  public.  At  the  annual  meeting  in  March, 
1883,  the  town  appropriated  $150  for  a  drinking  fountain,  with  the  under- 
standing that  it  was  to  be  located  at  the  center,  but  there  was  such  an 
urgent  demand  for  a  fountain  at  Fast  Amherst  the  selectmen  deemed  it 
advisable  to  erect  two,  the  one  at  the  East  village  for  watering  horses,  and 
a  more  ornamental  one  upon  the  common  at  the  center ;  the  Village 
Improvement  association  contributed  $55  toward  the  expense  of  the  latter. 
This  fountain,  while  tasteful  in  design,  proved  inconvenient  as  a  watering- 
place  for  horses,  so  it  was  taken  clown  and  an  iron  tank  erected  in  its 
place. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  association  held  April  9,  1883,  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  look  after  the  improvement  of  certain  streets.  This  action 
was  repeated  in  following  years  and  has  become  an  established  feature  of 
the  association's  work.  April  23,  1891,  it  was  voted  that  no  bulletin 
boards  be  allowed  upon  the  common  and  that  no  bills  shall  be  posted 
upon  the  trees.  April  19,  1892,  the  executive  committee  was  instructed  to 
confer  with  the  directors  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  to  secure  cooperation  on 


THE    COMMON    AT    EAST    AMHERST.  4 1  I 

matters  relating  to  the  improvement  of  the  village.  In  1S93,  settees  were 
placed  upon  the  common  and  since  then  have  been  allowed  to  remain 
there  during  the  summer  months.  The  beautiful  village  common  as  it 
appears  to-day  is  a  monument  to  the  wisdom,  good  taste  and  generosity 
of  the  founders  of  the  Amherst  Ornamental  Tree  association,  and  their 
worthy  successors  down  to  the  present  time. 

May  24,  1S64,  the  town  voted  to  authorize  the  citizens  of  East 
Amherst  to  fence  and  ornament  their  common.  In  the  early  '70's,  the 
town  voted  to  grant  to  the  East  parish  the  privilege  of  cutting  and  selling 
the  grass  on  the  common  at  East  Amherst.  This  common  was  at  the 
time,  and  for  many  years  thereafter,  a  strip  of  vacant  land  grown  up  to 
grass  and  weeds,  adding  nothing  to  the  beauty  of  the  village.  April  10, 
1882,  a  meeting  was  held  at  the  chapel  of  the  Second  Congregational 
church  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  an  association  for  village  improve- 
ment. Committees  were  appointed  to  prepare  a  constitution,  to  solicit 
names  for  membership  and  to  confer  with  residents  on  the  street  running 
north  and  south  as  to  whether  one  or  two  roads  should  be  laid  out  along 
the  common.  At  a  meeting  held  April  18,  a  constitution  was  reported 
and  adopted.  The  name  selected  was  "The  Village  Improvement  Society 
of  East  Amherst."  Its  object  was  "  to  improve  and  ornament  the  streets 
and  public  grounds  of  the  place,  by  planting  and  cultivating  trees,  clearing 
and  repairing  sidewalks  and  doing  such  other  things  as  shall  tend  to 
beautify  and  adorn  said  streets  and  grounds."  Any  person  over  16  years 
of  age  who  should  annually  plant  and  protect  a  tree  under  the  direction  of 
the  executive  committee,  or  should  pay  50  cents  annually  in  money  or 
labor,  might  become  a  member  of  the  association.  Any  person  under  16 
years  of  age  who  should  pay  25  cents  annually  in  money  or  labor  might 
become  a  junior  member.  The  annual  meeting  was  to  be  held  in  April, 
special  meetings  on  call  of  the  executive  committee.  Officers  were  elected 
as  follows:  President,  CO.  Parmenter;  vice-presidents,  L.  H.  Allen.  Mrs. 
G.  E.  Fisher ;  secretary,  G.  E.  Fisher  ;  treasurer,  O.  P.  Gaylord. 

At  a  meeting  held  May  8,  after  considering  various  plans  and  consulting 
with  abuttors  on  the  highway  running  north  and  south,  it  was  voted  to 
lay  out  two  highways,  one  on  either  side  of  the  common.  The  selectmen 
were  requested  to  make  the  necessary  changes,  but  found  they  had  no 
money  they  could  use  in  doing  the  work  proposed.  The  driveway  along 
the  west  side  of  the  common  was  discontinued  from  the  south  side  of  the 
school-house  lot  to  the  junction  with  the  road  leading  to  Belchertown,  and 
a  new  road  was  built  across  the  south  end  of  the  common.  The  drive- 
way discontinued  was  laid  in  1849  f°r  tne  benefit  of  Oliver  Watson,  who 
conducted  a  shoe-factory  at  East  Amherst,  and  was  laid  out  in  the  limits 
of  the  old  county  road.     After  it  was  discontinued,  the  abuttors  began  to 


412  HISTORY    OF    THE     TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

cut  the  grass  on  the  common  in  front  of  their  premises,  claiming  that  the 
land  had  reverted  to  them.  At  the  annual  town  meeting  held  in  March, 
1883,  the  town  voted  to  instruct  its  selectmen  to  petition  the  county  com- 
missioners to  establish  the  boundaries  of  the  East  Amherst  common.  An 
appropriation  of  $100  was  passed  to  be  used  in  constructing  a  road  at 
East  Amherst.  The  county  commissioners  established  the  boundaries  of 
the  common,  but  as  the  land  was  shown  to  be  a  part  of  the  county  road 
there  was  no  means  to  prevent  any  person  who  desired  from  driving  over 
it  in  any  direction,  thus  rendering  futile  any  attempt  to  beautify  it  and 
maintain  it  as  a  common  in  the  general  acceptance  of  the  term.  To 
obviate  this  difficulty,  special  legislation  was  necessary.  A  bill  was  drawn 
up,  presented  to  the  General  Court  and  passed,  giving  to  towns  the  right 
to  grant  vacant  lands  in  highways,  not  needed  for  travel  purposes,  to 
associations  organized  for  village  improvement.  In  1S83,  the  selectmen 
laid  out  two  travel-ways,  one  on  either  side  of  the  common. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  association  held  Aug.  17,  1883,  Prof.  H.  B. 
Adams  offered  a  prize  of  $10  to  the  person  who  made  the  greatest  improve- 
ment about  his  or  her  premises  previous  to  April,  1884.  At  a  meeting 
held  Nov.  12,  the  association  gratefully  acknowledged  a  gift  of  $25  received 
from  Charles  D.  Adams  of  New  York  city.  A  committee  was  appointed  to 
superintend  the  work  of  grading  at  the  lower  end  of  the  common.  At  a 
meeting  held  Dec.  5,  a  report  was  submitted  of  the  work  accomplished. 
The  officers  were  instructed  to  petition  the  selectmen  to  put  an  article  in 
the  warrant  for  the  annual  meeting  to  see  if  the  town  would  authorize  the 
society  to  make  proposed  improvements  on  the  common.  The  town,  at  its 
annual  meeting  in  March,  1884,  voted  to  "grant  the  use  and  control  of  the 
area  contained  within  the  newly  constructed  travel  tracks  at  East  Amherst 
to  the  Village  Improvement  association  of  that  place,  the  same  to  be  used 
and  set  apart  as  a  public  common,  subject  to  the  approval  and  supervision 
of  the  selectmen.''  The  town  also  voted  an  appropriation  of  $100  to 
complete  the  highways  at  East  Amherst,  a  measure  strongly  opposed  by 
some  residing  in  that  section,  who  claimed  rights  in  the  highways.  The 
student  of  history  will  readily  discern  in  this  controversy  an  echo  of  the 
Morton-Dickinson  contest  which  began  138  years  earlier.  The  work  of 
improvement  on  the  common  carried  on  during  the  year  1883  cost  the 
society  more  than  $100. 

In  April,  1S85,  the  society  was  reorganized  in  accordance  with  the 
provisions  of  Chapter  114  of  the  Public  Statutes.  Its  name  was  changed 
to  the  "  East  Amherst  Improvement  Society  ";  its  purpose,  "  improvement 
of  the  public  grounds  in  that  part  of  Amherst  known  as  East  Amherst." 
The  constitution  was  signed  by  16  persons.  At  a  meeting  held  April  28. 
officers  were  elected  as  follows  :     President.  C.   O.   Parmenter  :  vice-presi- 


THE    COMMON     AT    SOUTH    AMHERST.  413 

dents,  L.  H.  Allen,  Herbert  Sabin  ;  clerk,  G.  E.  Thayer  ;  treasurer,  L.  L. 
Ball.  A  number  of  trees  were  set  out  on  the  common  in  May,  1885.  A 
resident  at  East  Amherst  cut  down  three  of  these  trees,  for  which  offense 
he  was  summoned  before  the  superior  court.  After  many  postponements 
the  case  was  brought  to  trial,  the  judge  directing  the  jury  to  bring  in  a 
verdict  for  the  society.  Since  that  time  the  rights  of  the  society  in  the 
common  have  been  respected.  The  common  was  plowed  up  and  seeded 
to  grass  and  presents  a  greatly  improved  appearance,  although  there  is 
much  work  yet  to  be  done.  Sept.  25,  1894,  the  society's  constitution  was 
amended,  so  as  to  make  its  expressed  purpose  "  first,  to  improve  the  intel- 
lectual and  social  life  of  the  community."  Since  that  time  the  society  has 
assumed  more  of  a  literary  character. 

April  2,  1883,  the  "Village  Improvement  Society  of  South  Amherst, 
Mass."  was  organized  at  a  meeting  held  at  the  South  Congregational 
church.  A  constitution  was  adopted  ;  the  object  of  the  society  was 
declared  to  be,  "  to  promote  by  all  practical  measures  the  improvement  and 
beauty  of  public  and  private  property  in  South  Amherst."  Any  person 
might  become  a  member  by  signing  the  constitution  and  paying  25  cents 
into  the  treasury.  The  annual  meeting  was  to  be  held  the  first  Monday  in 
April.  The  following  officers  were  elected  :  President,  Parnell  Munson  ; 
vice-president,  J.  F.  Morell  ;  secretary  and  treasurer,  C.  S.  Walker;  exec- 
utive committee,  J.  F.  Morell,  James  Hunt,  H.  P.  Bridgman.  The  secretary 
was  instructed  to  inform  the  selectmen  of  the  organization  of  the  society 
and  obtain  from  them  the  use  and  control  of  the  common.  At  its  annual 
meeting  in  March,  1883,  the  town  had  voted  that  the  use  and  control  of 
the  South  Amherst  common  be  granted  to  a  village  improvement  association, 
subject  to  the  approval  of  the  selectmen,  as  soon  as  an  association  should 
be  formed  consisting  of  ten  members.  At  a  meeting  held  April  16,  the 
executive  committee  submitted  a  plan  for  ploughing  the  common,  planting  it 
with  potatoes,  laying  out  roads  and  walks  and  improving  the  grounds  in 
front  of  the  church.  At  the  annual  meeting  in  April,  1884,  the  executive 
committee  reported  that  but  little  work  had  been  done  during  the  year  on 
account  of  the  drouth  and  a  lack  of  funds.  Sept.  1,  the  committee  reported 
that  a  fair  crop  of  potatoes  had  been  raised  on  the  common  and  was  ready 
to  harvest.  The  committee  was  instructed  to  see  to  digging  and  marketing 
the  crop.  The  society  held  a  field-day,  Sept.  11,  grading  the  common, 
straightening  its  borders  and  laying  out  a  new  road  in  place  of  the  old  one 
in  front  of  the  church. 

The  society  was  reorganized  under  the  provisions  of  statute  law,  June 
10,  1885,  assuming  the  name  of  the  "  South  Amherst  Improvement 
Society."  The  following  officers  were  elected:  President,  Erastus  Coy; 
vice-president,  J.  W.  Dana;  secretary  and  treasurer,  C.   S.  Walker;  exec- 


414  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

utive  committee,  Parnell  Munson,  H.  P.  Bridgman,  Mrs.  J.  F.  Morell.  The 
constitution  was  signed  by  35  persons.  At  a  special  town  meeting  held  in 
June,  1885,  the  town  defined  the  boundaries  of  the  common  at  South 
Amherst  and  gave  the  use  and  control  of  the  land  within  the  prescribed 
limits  to  the  South  Amherst  Improvement  society.  In  September,  1886, 
members  of  the  society  and  others  graded  the  north  part  of  the  common 
and  seeded  it  down  to  grass.  At  a  meeting  held  Sept.  26,  1887,  the  society 
voted  to  purchase  and  erect  three  street  lights.  In  April,  18S9,  a  number 
of  trees  were  set  out  upon  the  common.  As  early  as  1890,  the  society 
began  to  agitate  the  question  of  cemetery  improvement,  and  committees 
were  appointed  from  year  to  year  to  have  charge  of  the  work.  At  a  meeting 
held  April  3,  1893,  the  society  voted  to  spend  $10  in  building  a  new  road 
in  the  cemetery.  It  was  voted  to  take  measures  to  keep  waste  paper  and 
rubbish  off  the  streets  and  to  request  the  selectmen  to  erect  guide-boards 
at  the  street  corners.  At  a  meeting  held  April  1,  1895,  it  was  voted  that 
ball-playing  upon  the  common  should  be  prohibited  except  on  July  4  and 
Labor-day. 

The  village  of  North  Amherst  has  no  common,  but  the  spirit  of 
village  improvement  was  early  developed  there,  manifesting  itself  in  the 
excellent  care  of  highways,  walks,  and  the  general  neat  appearance  of 
public  and  private  property.  The  "  North  Amherst  Village  Improvement 
Association  "  was  organized  Nov.  9,  188S.  Its  expressed  object  was  "to 
secure  the  improvement  in  appearance  of  our  public  grounds  including  the 
highways,  the  grounds  about  the  school-house  and  those  about  the  church, 
to  increase  so  far  as  possible  their  convenience  to  the  public,  and  in  gen- 
eral to  foster  and  promote  such  public  spirit  in  all  matters  pertaining  to 
neatness  about  our  homes  and  consideration  for  one  another's  welfare  as 
will  make  our  village  more  desirable  as  a  place  of  residence."  Any  male 
resident  of  North  Amherst  might  become  a  member  on  signing  the  consti- 
tution and  paying  into  the  treasury  the  sum  of  50  cents.  Any  woman 
might  become  a  member  by  signing  the  constitution.  The  officers  first 
elected  were  :  President,  Henry  \Y.  Haskins  ;  secretary,  P.  W.  Smith  ; 
treasurer,  O.  W.  Smith  ;  executive  committee,  G.  P.  Spear,  J.  P.  Brown,  F. 
N.  Dickinson,  F.  A.  Hobart.  A.  W.  Hall,  G.  E.  Atkins.  At  a  meeting 
held  Nov.  21,  188S,  the  executive  committee  was  instructed  to  purchase 
lamps,  locate  them  and  see  to  setting  them  up.  The  grounds  about  the 
new  library  building  were  graded  by  the  association  in  April,  1895.  In 
1890,  an  "Old  Man's  Tree  association"  was  organized.  Any  man  over  80 
years  of  age  may  set  out  a  tree,  which  will  be  cared  for  and  protected  by 
the  society.  On  Arbor-day,  1890,  trees  were  set  out  as  follows:  By 
Clinton  J.  Cowles,  aged  82,  near  the  reservoir;  by  Forester  Ainsworth, 
aged  83,  the  west  tree,  south  of  the  church  ;  by  Dea.  Lyman  Smith,  aged 


THE    COMMON    AT    THE    "CITY."  415 

89,  the  east  tree,  south  of  the  church.  The  society  has,  since  its  organi- 
zation, set  out  more  than  ioo  shade  and  ornamental  trees,  and  has  caused 
to  be  built  more  than  one  and  one-half  miles  of  sidewalk  and  kept  the 
same  in  good  repair.  The  town's  appropriation  for  street-lights  at  North 
Amherst  has  been  expended  under  the  society's  direction. 

A  meeting  was  held  at  North  Amherst  "City,'7  Nov.  12,  1889,  for  the 
purpose  of  establishing  a  society  for  village  improvement.  Officers  were 
elected  as  follows :  President,  Manning  Roberts ;  vice-president,  Mrs. 
Robert  Lawton  ;  secretary,  Charles  S.  Cushman;  treasurer,  Mrs.  Manning 
Roberts ;  executive  committee,  Robert  Lawton.  W.  L.  Roberts,  John 
Chandler,  Mrs.  C.  S.  Wilbur,  Miss  Ella  Roberts.  Committees  were 
appointed  to  prepare  a  constitution  and  by-laws,  to  solicit  funds,  and  to 
arrange  for  entertainments  for  the  benefit  of  the  association.  At  a  meet- 
ing held  Nov.  20,  a  constitution  and  by-laws  were  adopted.  The  name 
assumed  was  the  "  North  Amherst  City  Village  Improvement  Association." 
The  object,  as  expressed  in  the  constitution,  was,  "  to  secure  the  improve* 
ment  in  appearance  of  our  public  grounds,  including  highways  and  com- 
mon, the  grounds  about  the  school-house  and  those  about  the  church,  to 
foster  and  promote  such  public  spirit  as  will  make  our  village  more 
desirable  as  a  place  of  residence."  Any  resident  of  North  Amherst 
•'City  "  might  become  a  member  by  signing  the  constitution  and  paying 
25  cents  into  the  treasury.  The  annual  meeting  was  to  be  held  in  Novem- 
ber, special  meetings  on  call  of  the  president  or  secretary  and  a  majority 
of  the  executive  committee.  The  soliciting  committee  reported  receipts  of 
S49.25.  The  executive  committee  was  instructed  to  purchase  ten  street 
lamps  and  set  them  where  they  thought  best,  also  to  see  the  selectmen  about 
the  school-house  land.     The  society  was  organized  with  40  members. 

The  town,  at  its  annual  meeting  in  March,  1890,  voted  to  give  the  use 
of  a  part  of  the  school-lot  purchased  at  the  "  City  "  to  the  society.  During 
the  year  1S90,  the  town  paid  $50  for  street-lamps  at  the  "  City."  At  a 
meeting  held  Feb.  18,  1890,  it  was  voted  to  buy  five  lamps.  A  committee 
was  appointed  to  solicit  money  for  concrete  walks.  April  9,  1890,  the 
executive  committee  was  instructed  to  build  a  sidewalk  "from  the  railroad 
crossing  north  to  the  north  line  of  Mr.  Chandler's  land."  Nov.  11,  1S90, 
it  was  voted  to  use  the  money  received  from  sale  of  grass  on  the  school- 
house  grounds  to  fit  up  the  grounds.  Voted,  also,  to  continue  the  side- 
walk south  from  the  railroad  crossing.  During  the  year  the  society  spent 
$82.94  for  street  lamps  and  $116.86  for  sidewalks.  The  town,  at  its 
annual  meeting  in  March,  1895,  voted  to  give  the  use  of  the  common  at 
the  "  City  "  to  the  society  ;  the  society  voted  to  accept  the  trust  under  the 
conditions  imposed.  The  society  has  continued,  from  year  to  year,  the 
building  of  sidewalks  as  its  funds  permitted. 


41 6  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


CHAPTER  XLVIII. 


Public  Improvements. — Street  Lighting. — The  Introduction  of 
Gas. — The  Amherst  Gas  Co. — Electric  Lighting. — Con- 
crete Walks. — Water  Supply. — The  First  Survey. — The 
Amherst  Water  Co. — Spring  Water  Co. — Sewers. 

In  glancing  backward,  it  is  interesting  to  note  how  short  is  the  period 
of  time  covering  the  introduction  into  Amherst  of  a  series  of  public  improve- 
ments and  conveniences  which,  unknown  till  recent  date,  are  now  accounted 
indispensable  to  the  welfare  of  the  town  and  its  inhabitants.  Street-lights, 
concrete  walks,  running  water,  sewers,  a  town  hall,  street-sprinkling,  all 
these  are,  in  Amherst,  the  products  of  the  last  quarter  century. 

Up  to  the  year  1873,  Amherst  had  no  system  of  public  street-lighting. 
A  few  public-spirited  individuals  maintained  at  their  own  expense  oil-lamps 
in  front  of  their  residences,  which  served  but  to  accentuate  the  surround- 
ing gloom.  As  the  Amherst  Gas  company  has  been  a  prominent  factor  in 
solving  the  problem  of  street-lighting,  it  seems  advisable  to  give  a  brief 
sketch  of  that  organization  in  connection  with  this  subject.  The  Amherst 
Record,  under  date  of  Aug.  6,  1868,  announced  that  some  months  since  a 
number  of  citizens  had  met  and  talked  over  the  subject  of  introducing  gas 
in  the  village.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  see  if  the  trustees  of  the 
two  colleges  would  introduce  gas  in  the  college  buildings.  At  a  meeting 
held  Sept.  4,  1868,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  canvass  the  village  and 
ascertain  how  many  lights  would  be  taken.  The  business  was  placed  in 
charge  of  C.  L.  Storrs.  March  3,  1870,  the  Record  announced  that  move- 
ments were  in  process  to  secure  from  the  Legislature  authority  for  forming 
a  gas  company  in  the  village.  March  23,  of  the  same  year,  the  General 
Court  passed  an  act  incorporating  Edward  Dickinson,  W.  S.  Clark,  H.  F. 
Hills  and  others  as  the  Amherst  Gas  Light  company.  So  far  as  can  be 
ascertained  there  was  no  organization  effected  under  the  charter. 

At  a  special  town-meeting,  held  Sept.  13,  1873,  the  town  instructed  its 
selectmen  to  purchase  lamps  and  lamp-posts,  to  be  erected  at  their  discre- 
tion in  the  center  village,  at  a  cost  not  exceeding  $200.  The  selectmen 
announced,  in  their  report  for  the  year  ending  March  1,  1874,  that  they 
had  put  in  ten  lamp-posts  and  lamps.  The  latter  were  kept  lighted  every 
night  except  when  the  moon  was  bright.     To  quote  from  the  report:   "We 


AMHERST    GAS    COMPANY.  417 

find  they  are  a  great  comfort  to  our  policemen  in  their  perambulations,  and 
a  convenience  to  the  citizens  outside,  as  well  as  to  those  living  in  the  imme- 
diate center."  The  expense  of  the  ten  lights  was  $2 06.46  ;  the  selectmen 
recommended  that  six  more  be  put  in.  Oil  and  gasoline  were  burned  in 
these  lamps.  The  next  year,  and  for  several  years  thereafter,  the  appro- 
priation for  street  lights  was  joined  with  that  for  night  police,  and  a  part 
of  the  policeman's  duties  was  to  light,  care  for  and  put  out  the  lamps. 

Aug.  19,  1875,  a  meeting  was  held  at  theofficeof  W.  A.  Dickinson  to 
consider  the  matter  of  introducing  gas  in  town.  Several  thousand  dollars 
were  subscribed  and  a  committee  was  chosen  to  circulate  subscription 
papers.  It  was  proposed  to  organize  a  company  with  a  capital  stock  of 
$15,000.  The  necessary  capital  could  not  be  secured  and  the  project  was 
given  up  for  the  time.  Aug.  20,  1S77,  a  memorandum  of  agreement  was 
drawn  up  and  signed  by  14  persons,  who  proposed  to  form  a  corporation 
under  the  name  of  the  Amherst  Gas  company,  for  the  manufacture  and 
sale  of  gas.  The  capital  stock  was  placed  at  55.000,  divided  into  50  shares 
of  Si  00  each;  the  number  of  subscribers  to  this  stock  was  17.  An  organ- 
ization was  effected  Sept.  24,  when  the  following  officers  were  elected  : 
Directors,  H.  F.  Hills,  L.  D.  Hills,  J.  H.  Seelye,  D.  W.  Palmer,  W.  A. 
Dickinson;  clerk  and  treasurer,  C.  H.  Mann.  The  directors  met  the  same 
clay  and  elected  H.  F.  Hills  president  of  the  company.  By-laws  were 
adopted,  and  it  was  voted  to  buy  of  H.  F.  Hills  land  on  College  street  for 
a  station.  At  a  meeting  held  Oct.  1,  it  was  voted  to  employ  N.  H.  Lee  as 
superintendent.  Work  on  the  mains  was  begun  immediately.  The  direc- 
tors having  carefully  considered  the  matter,  decided  to  use  oil  instead  of 
coal  as  gas-producing  material.  The  main  pipe  first  laid  was  a  little  more 
than  one  mile  in  length.  The  gas  was  let  into  the  main  for  the  first  time 
Nov.  1,  1877,  and  that  evening  there  was  a  grand  illumination  of  the  straw 
hat  factories.  The  works  cost  about  $2,500,  the  mains  about  as  much, 
more.  The  oil-tank  held  30  barrels  of  naphtha,  the  gasometer  had  a 
capacity  of  32,000  gallons.  In  August,  1879,  the  company  voted  to 
extend  its  mains  to  College  hall.  July  12,  1880,  it  was  voted  to  increase 
the  capital  stock  $5,000,  subscriptions  to  the  increase  being  open  only  to 
those  who  were  then  stockholders.  In  September,  1881,  it  was  voted  to 
extend  the  mains  north  on  Pleasant  street. 

Feb.  27,  1882,  the  company  voted  to  authorize  its  president  and  treas- 
urer to  make  a  contract  with  the  town  to  furnish  gas  for  street-lamps  on 
such  terms  as  they  deemed  advisable.  The  town,  at  its  annual  meeting  in 
March,  1SS3,  voted  to  authorize  the  selectmen  to  contract  with  the  Amherst 
Gas  company  for  gas  for  street  lamps  at  a  cost  not  exceeding  $8  per  post 
per  year,  the  town  to  pay  the  expense  of  making  connection  with  the  gas- 
27 


4l  8  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

mains.  During  the  year  next  succeeding,  thirteen  oil-lights  were  changed 
to  gas  and  five  new  lights  put  in  at  an  expense  to  the  town  of  $106.36  for 
making  connections.  The  selectmen  adopted  the  policy  of  making  con- 
nections wherever  petitioned  for  when  the  lamp-post  was  furnished  at 
expense  of  the  petitioner,  if  the  public  convenience  would  be  promoted 
thereby.  The  town  paid  to  the  Amherst  Gas  company,  for  street  lights, 
in  1S.84,  $216.15;  in  1885,  $241.71;  in  1886,  $254.34;  in  1S87,  $302.38; 
in  1888,  $419.70.  At  a  special  meeting  held  April  17,  1888,  the  town 
voted  to  put  in  ten  additional  street  lights,  appropriating  $100  to  defray 
the  expense.  The  selectmen,  in  their  report  for  the  year  ending  Feb.  15, 
1889,  stated  that  there  were  at  that  time  42  gas  street-lamps,  and  that  by 
agreement  among  themselves  $16,  the  price  of  two  gas-lights,  had  been 
allowed  to  North  Amherst,  and  the  Village  Improvement  society  had  main- 
tained 20  street-lamps  at  that  place. 

At  a  meeting  held  Nov.  10,  18S4,  the  Amherst  Gas  company  voted  to 
increase  its  capital  stock  60  per  cent.;  this  vote  was  rescinded  at  a  meet- 
ing held  Nov.  9,  1885,  and  again  passed,  Nov.  14,  18S7.  A  meeting  of 
the  directors  was  held  Nov.  19,  1S88,  to  discuss  the  matter  of  engaging 
in  the  electric  light  business.  This  was  followed,  Dec.  10,  by  a  stock- 
holders' meeting,  when  it  was  voted  that  the  company  would  engage  in  the 
business  of  generating  electricity  for  light  and  power  if  authority  for  so 
doing  be  granted,  and  the  clerk  was  directed  to  petition  the  gas  commis- 
sioners for  that  authority.  In  December,  1888,  the  selectmen  granted 
permission  to  the  Thomson-Houston  company  to  erect  poles  and  string 
wires  in  the  town  streets  and  ways,  on  condition  that  they  should  maintain, 
free  of  expense  to  the  town,  one  arc-light  of  1200-candle-power,  to  be 
located  by  the  selectmen.  The  plant  was  put  in  in  the  spring  of  18S9, 
and  the  electric  current  was  turned  on  for  the  first  time  April  13.  The 
company  furnished  for  several  months  four  arc-lights  without  expense  to 
the  town.  In  January,  1889,  the  Amherst  Gas  company  petitioned  the  gas 
commissioners  for  permission  to  engage  in  the  business  of  electric  lighting. 
The  petition  being  granted,  the  company  applied  to  the  selectmen  for  a 
street  franchise  to  erect  poles  and  string  wires.  A  similar  petition  was 
presented  by  the  Weston  Electric  Light  company.  After  exhaustive  hear- 
ings the  selectmen  decided  in  May  to  grant  both  franchises. 

The  Amherst  Gas  company  voted,  Feb.  9,  1889,  to  reduce  its  capital 
stock  to  $10,000.  May  17,  18S9,  the  treasurer  was  directed  to  arrange  for 
an  agent  of  the  Westinghouse  Electric  company  to  come  to  Amherst  and 
give  estimates  on  the  cost  of  putting  in  a  lighting  plant  under  that  system. 
May  25,  the  company  voted  to  buy  the  property  of  the  Thomson-Houston 
Electric  company  if  a  price  could  be  agreed  upon,  or  to  sell  its  own  prop- 
erty to  the  latter  company   at  an   agreed   price.     June   11,  1889,  the  Gas 


ELECTRIC    LIGHTING.  419 

company  appointed  D.  W.  Palmer,  H.  F.  Hills  and  E.  D.  Bangs  a  com- 
mittee, with  power  to  buy  the  property  of  the  Thomson-Houston  company, 
or  to  contract  with  the  Westinghouse  Electric  company  and  the  Otto  Engine 
company  for  an  electric  plant  and  power,  also  to  contract  for  buildings  for 
the  same.  At  a  stockholders'  meeting  held  Aug.  5,  the  president  was 
authorized  in  the  name  of  the  company  to  make  a  contract  for  an  electric 
lighting  plant  of  a  capacity  of  not  less  than  300  lights  of  16-candle-power 
each,  at  a  cost  not  exceeding  $8, 000,  and  to  lease  land  for  a  building  near 
the  gas-works. 

Sept.  2,  1SS9,  at  a  stockholders'  meeting,  the  Gas  company  voted  to 
buy  the  plant  of  the  Thomson-Houston  company  for  $17,000.  The  plant 
as  bargained  for  did  not  include  the  boiler,  engine  or  arc-light  dynamo. 
Sept.  4,  it  was  voted  to  issue  Si 5,000  in  bonds,  secured  by  mortgage  on  all 
the  company's  property.  Sept.  16,  at  a  stockholders'  meeting,  it  was 
voted  to  increase  the  capital  stock  to  $25,000,  the  150  shares  of  new  stock 
to  be  sold  at  auction  and  the  proceeds  used  in  paying  for  the  electric  light 
plant.  The  directors  were  authorized  to  issue  bonds  of  the  company  to 
an  amount  not  exceeding  the  capital  stock,  the  proceeds  to  be  used  in  the 
extension  and  improvement  of  the  company's  works  and  in  paying  the 
funded  debt.  Oct.  7,  the  new  stock  was  sold  at  auction,  at  $100  per  share, 
the  par  value.  Oct.  S,  the  Gas  company  voted  to  offer  the  town  a  system 
of  incandescent  lights  of  25-candle-power,  to  burn,  except  on  moonlight 
evenings,  until  n  p.  m.,  for  $12  per  light  per  year.  Oct.  22,  this  proposi- 
tion was  again  voted,  with  the  added  specification  that  50  lights  be  taken, 
that  if  used  until  morning  the  price  should  be  $16  per  year,  and  that  the 
company  should  give  the  town  free  of  expense  ten  per  cent,  of  the  lights 
contracted  for. 

Oct.  26,  the  company  authorized  its  president  to  build  and  fully  equip 
a  central  station  for  electric  lighting,  having  a  capacity  for  a  1500-light 
apparatus.  It  was  also  voted  to  offer  the  town  five  25-candle-power  incan- 
descent lights  in  place  of  the  one  arc-light,  which  the  Thomson- Houston 
company  guaranteed  to  maintain  in  return  for  its  street  franchise.  The 
selectmen  made  the  counter-proposition  that  the  company  should  furnish 
seven  32-candle-power  lights  in  place  of  the  one  arc-light;  this  was  accepted 
by  the  company,  Dec.  13.  Sept.  29,  1893,  the  company  authorized  its 
president  to  make  a  contract  for  the  rental  of  an  arc-light  apparatus.  This 
apparatus  was  secured  and  put  in,  and  shortly  afterward  the  company 
made  a  proposition  to  the  town  to  furnish  nine  arc-lights,  to  be  located  at 
different  points  in  the  center  village,  to  burn  from  sunset  until  midnight, 
for  six  months,  dating  from  Dec.  1,  for  $475.  The  selectmen  accepted 
the  proposition,  the  new  lights  enabling  them  to  dispense  with  14  gas-lights. 
During  the  year  1893,  the  town  expended  the  following  sums  for  street- 


420  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

lighting:  At  the  center,  including  arc-lights  for  six  months.  Si, 012  ;  at 
North  Amherst,  $200  ;  at  North  Amherst  "  City,"  $100  ;  at  South  Amherst, 
$30  ;  at  East  Amherst,  $60  ;  at  Mill  Valley  $60.  At  a  special  town-meet- 
ing held  April  21,  1S94,  the  town  authorized  its  selectmen  to  make  a  five- 
years'  contract  on  behalf  of  the  town,  with  the  Amherst  Gas  company,  for 
lighting  the  principal  streets.  The  selectmen  signed  a  written  contract 
providing  for  21  arc-lights  at  $90  each  per  year;  they  also  made  a  verbal 
contract  for  22  incandescent  lights,  for  $450  per  year,  the  latter  to  take  the 
place  of  the  gas-lights.  The  new  incandescent  lights  were  put  in  in  June, 
1894.  During  the  year  1S95,  the  town  expended  $2,807.96  for  street 
lighting,  of  which  sum  $2,530.30  was  paid  to  the  Amherst  Gas  company. 
At  the  annual  meeting  in  March,  1896,  the  town  appropriated  $2,900  for 
street  lights,  and  a  special  appropriation  of  $400,  or  so  much  as  might  be 
needed,  for  putting  in  arc-lights  on  High,  Gray  and  Pleasant  streets.  The 
Gas  company's  office,  which  was  located  for  many  year  in  the  Savings  bank 
building,  was  removed  in  March,  1896,  to  convenient  and  commodious 
quarters  in  Hunt's  block. 

CONCRETE  WALKS. 

While  the  matter  of  highways  was  one  of  the  first  to  engage  the 
attention  of  the  settlers  in  Hadley  Third  Precinct,  neither  they  nor  their 
descendants  for  several  generations  gave  time  or  labor  to  the  construction 
or  repair  of  sidewalks.  Highways  were  a  necessity,  sidewalks  a  conven- 
ience. Doubtless  there  were  individuals  who,  even  in  the  earlier  years  of 
the  settlement,  built  and  maintained  good  sidewalks  in  front  of  their 
residences,  but  the  town,  as  a  town,  gave  them  no  assistance.  There  is 
no  mention  of  public  sidewalks  in  the  town  records  until  1869  ;  the  town, 
at  its  annual  meeting  in  March  of  that  year,  appropriated  $500  for  side- 
walks, of  which  sum  only  about  $70  was  expended  during  the  year.  The 
following  year  $500  was  appropriated  and  $511.28  expended.  In  1S71, 
the  appropriation  for  sidewalks  was  $300,  the  money  being  spent  in  con- 
nection with  the  work  upon  the  highways.  During  the  year  187 1,  over 
$1,100  was  spent  by  the  town  upon  its  sidewalks;  the  amount  expended 
during  the  year  ending  March  1,  1S74,  was  about  $300. 

The  first  public  concrete  walks  in  Amherst  were  laid  in  1876.  The 
selectmen,  in  their  report  to  the  town  for  the  year  ending  March  1,  state 
that  some  enterprising,  public-spirited  person  had  offered  to  donate  $500 
for  concrete  walks  if  the  town  would  raise  and  appropriate  a  like  amount. 
The  sum  of  $1,000  thus  secured  was  to  be  used  in  paying  one-half  the 
expense  of  concrete  walks,  the  other  half  to  be  paid  by  owners  of  property 
abutting  on  the  walks  where  laid.      The  citizen  to  whom  Amherst  is  indebted 


CONCRETE    WALKS.  42  I 

for  the  foundation  of  its  present  very  excellent  system  of  concrete  walks 
was  Julius  H.  Seelye.  The  selectmen  were  overwhelmed  with  petitions 
from  persons  who  readily  agreed  to  pay  one-half  the  expense  of  construct- 
ing sidewalks  in  front  of  their  property.  As  these  petitions  called  for 
more  walks  than  money  had  been  raised  to  build,  the  selectmen  used 
their  discretion  in  granting  them,  laying  the  walks  in  different  parts  of  the 
town  where  it  was  thought  the  public  convenience  would  best  be  served. 
During  the  year  over  3,000  yards  of  walks  were  laid,  besides  a  walk  across 
the  common  from  the  post-office  to  Spring  street,  which  was  paid  for  by 
private  subscription.  The  work  was  clone  by  C.  W.  Lyman  &  Co.  of 
Brookline.  During  the  year  ending  March  1,  1878,  2,400  yards  of  con- 
crete walk  were  laid.  The  town  laid  a  walk  on  Main  street  from  the  First 
National  Bank  building  to  the  residence  of  Mrs.  Stevens,  which  was  con- 
tinued by  private  enterprise  to  the  Second  Congregational  church.  A 
walk  was  laid  by  individuals  from  W.  W.  Hunt's  store  to  College  hall. 
During  the  year  next  following,  over  3,000  yards  of  walks  were  laid,  on 
Pleasant,  Amity,  Main  and  Northampton  streets.  Several  street  cross- 
walks were  laid,  including  one  at  North  Amherst.  The  work  for  the  year 
was  done  by  J.  M.  Harris,  a  local  contractor.  In  1879,  walks  were  con- 
structed on  Pleasant,  Amity  and  College  streets. 

The  town,  in  1880,  appropriated  $1,000  for  concrete  walks.  During 
the  year  over  4,000  yards  of  new  walks  were  laid  at  the  center  village, 
600  yards  at  North  Amherst  and  700  yards  at  East  Amherst.  The  share 
of  the  appropriation  intended  for  use  at  South  Amherst  was  not  expended 
as  no  petitions  were  received  for  walks  in  that  section.  Of  the  walks  laid 
at  the  center,  individuals  paid  three-fourths  of  the  expense.  The  town 
accepted  the  sidewalk  law  passed  by  the  General  Court  in  1874,  confer- 
ring upon  the  town  the  privilege  to  assess  upon  abuttors  a  percentage  of 
the  cost  of  wralks.  Under  this  act  the  adjoining  real  estate  may  be  held 
for  the  payment  of  a  sidewalk  assessment  if  the  latter  does  not  exceed  one 
per  cent,  of  the  property's  valuation.  In  1881,  the  sidewalk  appropriation 
was  but  $500,  so  less  work  was  accomplished  than  during  the  preceding 
year.  In  1882,  the  appropriation  was  $500,  of  which  sum  Sioo  was  spent 
at  North  Amherst  and  $67  at  East  Amherst,  the  remainder  at  the  center. 
A  walk  was  built  in  front  of  the  Amity-street  school-house  lot.  In  1887, 
the  town  appropriated  Si 00  for  concrete  walks  at  South  Amherst.  In 
1888,  the  greater  part  of  the  appropriation  was  spent  in  repairs,  many  of 
the  walks  having  been  badly  injured  by  frost.  In  1S89,  extensive  repairs 
were  made  on  old  walks,  and  new  ones  were  laid  on  Amity,  McClellan, 
Orchard,  Triangle  and  South  Pleasant  streets  at  the  center,  and  at  North 
Amherst.  In  1S92,  several  new  walks  were  laid.  At  the  annual  meeting 
in  March,  1896,  the  town  appropriated  $1,000  for  concrete  walks.     A  town 


422  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

by-law  was  passed   in    1SS1,  compelling   abutters  to  remove  ice  and  snow 
from  the  concrete  walks  in  front  of  their  property. 

WATER    SUPPLY. 

The  matter  of  procuring  for  the  town  a  supply  of  running  water,  to 
be  used  for  domestic  purposes  and  for  extinguishing  fires,  was  first  brought 
before  the  town  in  1870.  At  a  special  meeting  held  Sept.  6,  a  committee 
of  six  was  appointed  to  consider  the  matter  of  providing  suitable  apparatus  for 
extinguishing  fires  for  all  parts  of  the  town  ;  also  to  consider  the  feasibility 
of  bringing  water  into  the  town  by  aqueduct,  for  the  use  of  a  fire  depart- 
ment and  other  purposes.  The  members  of  this  committee  were  Ransom 
Cowles,  E.  F.  Cook,  O.  S.  Longley,  William  Conkey,  Prof.  J.  H.  Seelye, 
Prof.  S.  F.  Miller.  The  Amherst  Record,  under  date  of  Jan.  25,  187 1, 
contains  an  abstract  of  this  committee's  report,  prepared  by  Prof.  Miller. 
Four  plans  were  submitted  for  introducing  running  water  in  town.  The 
first  was  that  water  should  be  obtained  from  a  spring  in  Pelham;  the 
second,  to  force  water  from  the  river  at  Mill  Valley  by  means  of  a  hydraulic 
ram  ;  the  third,  to  force  water  from  the  river  near  Burnham's  mill  at  East 
Amherst ;  the  fourth,  to  put  in  an  artesian  well.  The  expense  of  either  one  of 
the  first  three  plans  was  estimated  at  from  $20,000  to  $25,000.  The  committee 
presented  their  report  to  the  town  at  its  annual  meeting  in  March,  1S71. 
Of  the  four  plans  suggested  they  favored  that  of  procuring  water  from 
certain  springs  in  Pelham.  These  were  three  and  one-third  miles  from 
the  Amherst  house,  afforded  a  supply  of  80  gallons  per  minute,  and  were 
situated  at  a  sufficient  height  to  carry  water  15  feet  above  the  top  of  the 
Amherst  College  chapel  tower.  A  reservoir  could  be  built  for  $5,000,  and 
the  expense  of  bringing  the  water  into  town  would  be  from  $20,000  to 
$30,000.  After  this  report  had  been  considered  and  discussed,  a  motion 
was  made  that  the  General  Court  be  petitioned  for  authority  to  purchase 
the  water  privilege  in  Pelham  and  introduce  the  water  in  Amherst,  but  it 
was  voted  down. 

It  was  not  until  the  great  fire  of  1879  had  demonstrated  how  power- 
less the  village  was  to  protect  itself  against  conflagrations  that  the  project 
of  introducing  running  water  into  town  was  revived.  The  fire  occurred 
the  morning  of  July  4;  on  the  evening  of  July  15  a  mass-meeting  of  citi- 
zens was  held  in  Palmer's  hall  to  consider  the  water  question.  The 
principal  address  at  the  meeting  was  delivered  by  Julius  H.  Seelye.  He 
presented  a  statement  of  the  results  of  the  investigation  undertaken  by  the 
committee  appointed  by  the  town  in  1870.  He  was  satisfied  that  an 
abundant  water  supply  could  be  obtained  in  Pelham.  Since  the  fire  he  had 
written  to  Messrs.  Goodhue  &  Birnie  of  Springfield,  who  made  a  business 
of  constructing  water-works.     They  had  visited  Amherst  and  made  a  survey 


(    II  AM     s    I'.l.l  il   K. 


(     VSH     ROW 


AMHERST    WATER    CONPANY.  423 

along  the  route  suggested  by  the  committee  in  1870.  As  a  result  of  this 
survey  they  had  made  a  proposition  to  build  a  reservoir,  put  in  a  12-inch 
main  from  the  latter  to  Palmer's  block,  lay  other  mains  as  per  schedule, 
complete  the  plant  and  keep  it  in  repair  for  three  years  at  their  expense, 
at  a  total  cost  of  $40,000.  Four  plans  were  suggested  to  bring  the  water 
into  town,  first,  that  the  town  should  do  the  work  ;  second,  to  form  a  fire 
district;  third,  to  form  a  stock  company;  fourth,  to  let  outside  parties  put 
in  the  work  on  their  own  responsibility.  President  Seelye  considered  the 
plan  of  forming  a  stock  company  the  most  desirable.  After  considerable 
discussion  subscriptions  were  called  for  and  over  $10,000  was  subscribed. 
A  committee  of  ten  was  appointed  to  investigate  the  whole  matter  of 
water  supply. 

As  a  result  of  this  meeting  a  water  company  was  organized  in  July, 
1879,  with  a  capital  of  $40,000.  Goodhue  <$;  Birnie  agreed  to  take  any 
amount  of  the  capital  stock  from  $100  to  $30,000,  or  would  assume  the 
whole  expense  conditionally  and  own  the  entire  plant  when  completed. 
A  little  over  $16,000  was  subscribed  to  the  stock  by  Amherst  parties, 
leaving  the  controlling  interest  in  the  hands  of  the  contractors.  It  was 
decided  to  build  the  dam  for  the  reservoir  on  land  owned  by  W.  A.  Magill, 
about  one-half  mile  from  the  Orient  house.  The  pipe  to  be  used  was  a 
combination  of  iron  and  cement,  which  had  been  tried  in  other  places  with 
results  that  were  considered  highly  satisfactory.  It  consisted  of  a  thick 
sheet-iron  plate,  with  cement  upon"  both  sides.  Preparations  were  made  in 
August  for. manufacturing  this  pipe  in  Amherst.  A  building  60  x  25  feet 
was  erected  south  of  the  Amherst  Gas  company's  plant  and  machinery 
put  in  for  shaping  the  iron  plates.  The  inner  coating  of  cement  was 
applied  near  the  mill  of  Albert  Clark  at  East  Amherst.  The  work  on  dig- 
ging the  trenches  for  the  mains  began  Sept.  2  ;  the  work  on  laying  the 
pipe  began  Sept.  10.  During  the  month  of  September  over  100  persons 
were  engaged  in  the  various  departments  of  the  work. 

At  a  special  town-meeting  held  Nov.  13,  1879,  the  water  company 
submitted  a  proposition  that  the  town  should  put  in  hydrants  at  its 
own  expense,  the  estimated  cost  being  $50  each,  and  that  it  should  pay 
the  company  $1,500  per  year  for  use  of  water.  A  committee  of  25  was 
appointed  to  examine  into  the  matter  and  report  at  an  adjourned  meeting. 
This  committee  reported  at  a  meeting  held  Nov.  20;  it  recommended  that 
the  town  should  pay  $1,000  for  hydrants  if  $700  was  raised  from  other 
sources,  and  should  also  pay  the  company  $1,000  per  year  for  ten  years  for 
the  use  of  water  for  fire  and  other  public  purposes.  The  report  was  not 
adopted  ;  in  its  stead  a  vote  was  passed  authorizing  the  selectmen  to  nego- 
tiate with  the  Water  company  for  the  use  of  34  hydrants,  paying  $600  a 
year  for  ten  years  for  water  for  fire  purposes.     May   1,   1880,  the   12-inch 


424  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

main  from  the  reservoir  to  the  corner  by  the  Amherst  house  was  completed. 
At  a  special  meeting  held  May  i,  1880,  the  town  authorized  its  selectmen 
to  contract  with  the  Amherst  Water  company,  when  organized,  to  furnish  the 
town  with  water  for  ten  years,  the  price  to  be  $1,000  per  year.  It  was 
also  voted  to  appropriate  $750  for  hydrants  when  a  like  sum  had  been 
secured  from  other  sources. 

The  Amherst  Water  company  secured  its  charter  in  April,  1880.  The 
officers  elected  at  its  first  meeting  were  :  President,  W.  S.  Clark  ;  secretary 
and  treasurer,  E.  D.  Bangs;  directors,  W.  S.  Clark,  William  Birnie,  W.  A. 
Dickinson,  E.  F.  Cook,  J.  H.  Seelye,  L.  D.  Hills,  D.  W.  Palmer.  During 
the  year  1880,  the  town  purchased  and  put  in  four  hydrants  for  the  protec- 
tion of  town  property,  one  located  near  the  high  school-house,  one  near 
the  Amity-street  school-house,  one  near  the  lock-up  and  one  at  East 
Amherst.  Nearly  $900  was  raised  by  individuals  to  pay  for  hydrants,  and 
30  were  purchased  and  located  in  different  parts  of  the  town.  Since  that 
year,  new  hydrants  have  been  purchased  and  set  in  many  places  along  the 
line  of  the  water  mains.  The  cement  pipe  used  in  the  construction  of 
these  mains  proved  too  weak  to  stand  the  tremendous  pressure  at  East 
Amherst,  and  as  a  consequence  many  breaks  in  the  pipes  have  occurred. 
It  is  probable  that  in  a  few  years  the  company  will  substitute  iron  for  the 
combination  pipe  in  sections  where  the  pressure  is  most  severe.  On  the  night 
of  Aug.  23,1883,  during  a  severe  thunderstorm,  lightning  struck  the  main  at 
West  Pelham  and  badly  damaged  the  pipes  for  the  distance  of  nearly  a  mile. 
The  town  was  deprived  of  its  water  supply  for  nearly  two  months,  while 
repairs  were  being  made.  The  severe  and  protracted  drouth  during  the 
summers  of  1S92  and  1S93  caused  the  managers  of  the  company  to  take 
measures  for  increasing  the  water  supply.  It  was  determined  to  build  a 
storage  reservoir  further  up  on  the  south  branch  of  the  stream  which 
supplies  the  main  reservoir.  Work  on  the  dam  for  the  new  reservoir  was 
completed  in  May,  1894  and  the  pond  was  allowed  to  fill.  During  the 
drouth  that  prevailed  in  August,  water  from  the  new  reservoir  was  let  into 
the  mains,  but  being  drawn  from  the  bottom  of  the  pond  and  containing 
vegetable  organic  matter  it  smelled  and  tasted  badly  and  could  not  be  used 
for  drinking  purposes.  Subsequently  the  water  was  drawn  out  of  both  the 
reservoirs  and  their  beds  were  thoroughly  cleaned.  In  the  fall  of  1893, 
when  the  drouth  was  very  severe,  a  pumping  station  was  established  on 
Fort  river  at  East  Amherst,  but  the  completion  of  the  new  reservoir  caused 
it  to  be  discontinued. 

The  Amherst  Spring  Water  company  was  organized  Nov.  3,  1S83. 
Its  owners  and  stockholders  were  William  W.  Hunt,  Flavel  Gaylord  and 
George  Cutler.  They  laid  over  three  miles  of  iron  pipe  from  a  reservoir 
which  they  built  a  little  to  the  east  of  the  house  formerly  owned   by   Rev. 


THE    SEWER    SYSTEMS.  425 

John  Jones,  in  Pelham,  and  supplied  through  their  pipes  over  one  hundred 
families  in  Amherst  with  water.  The  property  was  sold  to  the  Amherst 
Water  company  in  188S,  and  is  now  a  part  of  the  latter  company's  system. 
Pelham  water  is  exceptionally  pure  and  pleasing  to  the  taste  and  is  in 
general  use  throughout  the  village.  For  several  years  past  the  town  has 
paid  the  Amherst  Water  company  Si. 250  per  year  for  water  for  fire 
purposes. 

SEWER    SYSTEMS. 

With  the  introduction  of  running  water  in  1SS0,  came  the  necessity 
of  providing  for  a  system  of  public  sewers.  At  a  special  meeting  held 
May  1,  18S0,  the  town  voted  to  appoint  a  committee  of  three  to  investigate 
the  matter  of  sewers,  to  survey  the  district  where  drainage  was  required 
and  devise  a  system  to  be  followed  in  the  future,  the  expense  to  be  borne 
by  abuttors  ;  S200  was  appropriated  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  survey. 
The  survey  was  made  by  F.ngineer  E.  A.  Davis,  and  covered  a  mile  from 
the  center  in  either  direction.  The  district  contained  three  little  brooks  or 
ditches  that  marked  the  natural  drainage  or  the  lowest  levels.  At  a  special 
meeting  held  Aug.  20,  the  town  voted  not  to  accept  the  provisions  of  the 
public  statutes  relating  to  sewers,  but  to  leave  the  matter  in  the  hands  of 
the  selectmen.  At  a  special  meeting  held  Sept.  7,  the  following  vote  was 
passed:  "  That  the  town  hereby  accepts  the  plan  for  the  laying  out  of 
sewers  presented  by  the  selectmen,  and  authorizes  their  construction  ;  but 
the  entire  expense  of  building,  including  land  damages,  and  keeping  the 
same  in  repair,  and  preventing  them  from  becoming  a  public  nuisance, 
shall  be  paid  by  the  persons  who  enter  them  with  private  drains  or  are 
benefited  thereby,  as  provided  in  Section  4,  Chapter  48  of  the  General 
Statutes  and  in  Chapter  232  of  the  Acts  of  1878."  The  layout  was  as 
follows  :  The  main  sewer  extended  from  a  point  near  the  Baptist  church 
across  the  common  and  Maple  avenue  between  the  house  of  Rev.  J.  H. 
M.  Leland  and  the  Merrill  place,  thence  east  on  the  north  side  of  the 
ravine  which  it  crossed  near  H.  D.  Fearing  &  Go's  factory,  continuing 
under  the  railroad  bridge  across  land  owned  by  H.  F.  Hills  and  Mrs. 
Lucius  Boltwood  to  land  of  John  C.  White.  There  were  two  branches, 
one  extending  down  College  street  to  join  the  main  sewer  nearthe  railroad 
bridge,  the  other  from  the  American  house  block  through  Main  street  and 
down  Church  street  to  join  the  main  sewer  near  the  horse-sheds  of  the 
First  Congregational  church. 

The  selectmen,  in  their  report  to  the  town  for  the  year  ending  Feb. 
15,  1 88 1,  state  that  the  sewers  had  been  built  as  laid  out  and  the  expense 
assessed  on  owners  of  land  who  would  be.  benefited  thereby,  the  total 
expense  being  a  little  over  $2,800.     Nearly  7.000  feet  of  sewers  had  been 


426  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

laid.  But  one  person  objected  to  paying  his  assessment.  In  their  report 
for  the  year  ending  Feb.  15,  1883,  the  selectmen  state  that  all  sewer  assess- 
ments had  been  paid  and  a  surplus  of  $134.44  remained  in  the  hands  of 
the  treasurer.  Residents  on  Amity  street  had  procured  a  survey  for  a 
sewer,  the  layout  of  which  was  reported  by  the  selectmen  and  accepted  by 
the  town  at  its  annual  meeting  in  March,  1883  ;  the  Amity-street  sewer 
was  put  in  in  1883,  and  also  a  system  of  surface  drainage  on  North  Pleas- 
ant street. 

The  Tan  Brook  sewer  was  laid  out  in  June,  1884,  being  accepted  by 
the  town  at  a  special  meeting  held  June  t6.  It  began  on  Pleasant  street 
near  the  house  of  Frank  P.  Wood,  extending  north  to  Hallock  street ; 
beginning  also  on  North  Prospect  street  near  the  house  of  B.  H.  Williams, 
it  extended  north  to  Hallock  street,  east  on  Hallock  to  Pleasant  street, 
thence  on  Pleasant  to  McClellan  street  and  on  the  latter  street  to  Tan 
Brook,  thence  across  private  lands  to  an  outlet  on  land  of  E.  J.  Baker. 
The  entire  expense,  $2,418.78,  was  paid  by  abuttors.  A  branch  to  the 
first,  or  Fearing  Brook  system,  was  built  in  1SS5,  from  near  the  residence 
of  Edwin  Nelson  on  Gray  street  and  of  J.  Howard  Sweetser  on  Lessey 
street  to  a  point  near  H.  D.  Fearing  &  Go's  factory  ;  the  expense  of  con- 
struction was  $1,103.05.  A  sewer  was  built  in  1S86  from  near  the  school- 
house  on  Amity  street  to  Lincoln  avenue,  south  on  Lincoln  avenue  to  North- 
ampton street,  thence  across  private  lands  to  an  outlet  on  the  farm  of 
Israel  Billings.  Branches  to  this  sewer  were  constructed  through  Wood- 
side  avenue  and  Parsons  street,  in  the  rear  of  dwellings  on  South  Pros- 
pect street  and  in  rear  of  dwellings  on  South  Pleasant  street  from  the 
grounds  owned  by  Amherst  College  to  the  residence  of  Rev.  Matthew 
Kingman.  The  entire  cost  of  the  system,  $3,356.87,  was  paid  by  abuttors  ; 
it  is  known  as  the  Snell  Brook  system. 

With  the  increase  in  the  number  of  sewers,  and  a  corresponding 
increase  in  the  number  of  houses  and  other  buildings  connected  with  them, 
there  arose  frequent  complaints  from  persons  living  or  owning  property 
near  their  outlets.  The  sewers  were  declared  by  some  to  be  a  nuisance 
and  threats  were  made  to  bring  suit  against  the  town.  Thus  was  forced  into 
prominence  the  question  as  to  who  owned  the  sewers.  The  town  had 
invested  no  money  in  them  and  claimed  no  proprietary  rights,  but  the 
selectmen  had  made  the  layouts  and  the  town  had  accepted  them  ;  they 
had  been  constructed  under  the  town's  supervision,  and  the  money  for  the 
assessments  had  been  paid  into  the  town  treasury  from  which  also  the  bills 
for  construction  were  paid.  At  a  special  meeting  held  Nov.  8,  1890,  the 
town  appointed  a  committee  of  three  to  examine  into  the  sewer  problem. 
This  committee,  having  made  a  careful  study  of  the  sewer  systems  with 
regard    to  the   present   and    prospective    needs   of  the  town,  submitted  its 


EXTENDING    SEWER    SYSTEMS.  427 

report  at  the  annual  meeting  in  March,  1S91.  This  report  recommended 
the  extension  of  the  Fearing  Brook  sewer  from  its  original  outlet  on  land 
of  John  C.  White,  southerly  on  private  lands,  to  land  of  Patrick  Donahue 
near  Fort  river;  also,  the  extension  of  Snell  Brook  sewer  easterly,  to  land 
of  Salmon  Wakefield  near  Fort  river.  It  was  further  recommended  that 
settling-tanks  be  built  along  the  route  for  the  reception  and  retention  of 
the  solid  matter  in  the  sewage,  while  the  liquid  matter  should  be  allowed 
to  spread  over  the  soil  and  become  purified  before  entering  the  river.  The 
town  voted  to  accept  the  report  and  authorized  the  selectmen  to  expend 
any  funds  in  the  treasury  belonging  to  the  sewer  account  for  earning  out 
the  proposed  extensions.  The  selectmen,  having  carefully  considered  the 
matter  and  examined  the  proposed  route,  were  satisfied  that  a  better  solu- 
tion of  the  problem  would  be  found  in  uniting  the  two  systems  and  con- 
ducting them  to  a  common  outlet  on  land  remote  from  any  dwelling-house. 
A  survey  was  made  by  E.  A.  Davis  on  lines  suggested  by  the  selectmen  ;  it 
provided  for  the  union  of  the  Fearing  Brook  and  Snell  Brook  systems  and 
their  discharge  on  land  of  Edmund  Hastings  near  Fort  river,  a  large  set- 
tling-tank to  be  built  near  the  river.  At  a  special  town  meeting  held  Aug. 
8,  an  article  to  see  whether  the  town  would  accept  of  this  new  layout  was 
dismissed.  At  a  special  meeting  held  Aug.  29,  the  town  voted  to  accept 
the  layout  and  appropriated  $1,000  toward  payingthe expense  of  construc- 
tion. The  work  was  completed  in  1S91,  at  a  cost  of  $2,903.34,  the  balance 
above  the  appropriation  being  paid  from  the  accumulated  sewer  fund  in  the 
treasury. 

At  the  annual  meeting  in  March,  1S94,  the  selectmen  reported  favor- 
ably a  sewer  system  for  Pleasant  street.  At  a  special  meeting  held  June 
23,  it  was  voted  to  authorize  the  selectmen  to  extend  the  Tan  Brook 
sewer  from  its  present  outlet  across  the  Hadley  road  to  land  of  E.  J. 
Baker.  The  layout  of  a  sewer  on  Sunset  avenue  was  accepted.  The 
town  also  voted  to  accept  the  layout  of  a  sewer  system  on  Taylor,  High 
and  Whitney  streets,  on  Main  street  from  the  house  of  James  Harrington 
to  South  East  street,  and  along  the  latter  street  to  the  house  of  P.  D. 
Spaulding,  where  a  junction  should  be  effected  with  the  Fearing  Brook 
sewer.  The  estimated  cost  of  the  East  street  sewer  was  $3,000  ;  the  select- 
men were  authorized  to  borrow  money  for  its  construction,  the  town  to  pay 
twenty  per  cent,  of  the  expense  and  the  remaining  eighty  per  cent,  to  be 
assessed  on  abuttors.  The  selectmen,  in  their  annual  report  for  the  year 
ending  Feb.  15,  1S95,  state  that  18,000  feet  of  sewers  had  been  constructed 
during  the  year  at  a  cost  of  $3,500  ;  6,500  feet  were  built  by  individuals 
and  11,500  feet  by  the  town.  The  cost  of  the  East  street  sewer  was 
$2,104.51,  of  the  sewer  on  Pleasant  street  $225.74.  During  the  year 
ending  Feb.  15,  1896,  over  4,700  feet  of  new  sewers  were   laid  ;   one  from 


428  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

the  Tan  Brook  sewer  at  the  corner  of  West  Pleasant  and  McClellan 
streets,  east  to  Triangle  street  and  easterly  on  that  street  to  land  of  J.  P. 
Smith  ;  one  north  from  Triangle  street  on  Cottage  to  High  street ;  one 
from  Tan  Brook  north  on  East  Pleasant  street  to  land  of  Rev.  Milton 
Waldo.  The  expense  of  these  nerw  sewers,  $900.70,  was  paid  by  abutters. 
The  Tan  Brook  sewer  at  its  outlet  was  extended  600  feet  at  a  cost  of 
$194.96,  which  was  paid  by  the  town. 


CHAPTER  XLIX. 


Highways  and  Bridges.     The  Northampton  Bridge.     Street  Sprink- 
ling.    Triangle  Street  Fight.     The  Town  Hall. 

The  history  of  Amherst  highways  is  largely  contained  in  the  reports 
of  town  meetings  recorded  in  Part  II.  of  this  volume.  Other  items  of 
interest  concerning  them  are  gathered  from  the  town  reports.  From  its 
early  settlement  Amherst  has  made  very  liberal  appropriations  for  the 
construction  and  maintenance  of  its  highways  and  bridges,  the  results  not 
always  being  in  fair  proportion  to  the  outlay.  Many  controversies  and 
suits  at  law  have  had  their  origin  in  questions  connected  with  the  highways. 
The  matter  of  highway  repair  has  been  from  the  earliest  times  entrusted 
to  the  selectmen,  they  in  turn  selecting  suitable  persons  to  superintend  the 
work.  At  times  the  town  has  been  divided  into  districts,  and  a  certain 
proportion  of  the  annual  appropriation  been  set  aside  to  be  expended  in 
each  district.  In  184S,  M.  F.  Dickinson  and  Eleazer  Kellogg  were  paid 
$50  "by  contract  for  repairs  on  the  highway  near  Ingram's  factory."  In 
1859,  there  were  205  bridges  and  culverts  in  the  town,  25  of  them  from 
10  to  60  feet  in  length;  of  these  72  were  built  of  stone  and  133  of  wood. 
In  i860,  the  highways  were  repaired  under  the  "old  system,"  with  survey- 
ors in  each  district,  the  town  appropriation,  $1,200  payable  in  labor,  was 
divided  among  the  districts.  During  the  year  $42.48  was  expended  for 
stone  and  labor  to  protect  the  highway  in  Mill  Valley  from  encroachments 
by  the  river.  In  1863,  four  large  bridges  owned  by  the  town  were  carried 
away  by  a  freshet.  In  1866,  the  town  adopted  a  new  system  for  repairing 
the  highways.  The  selectmen  appointed  a  highway  superintendent  and 
two  assistants,  the  latter  to  care  for  the  roads  in  the  north  and  south  parts 
of  the  town.      At  that  time  there  were  about  60  miles  of  highways  in  town. 


REPAIRS    ON    HIGHWAYS.  429 

In  1869,  four  persons  were  employed  "in  the  extreme  parts  of  the  town,"  to 
look  after  the  roads  in  their  respective  districts.  A  freshet  in  October  of 
that  year  caused  extensive  damages  to  the  highways.  The  selectmen  for 
many  years  made  it  a  practice  to  buy  a  yoke  of  oxen  in  the  spring,  use 
them  in  highway  work  in  summer  and  sell  them  in  the  fall. 

The  county  commissioners  in  1S70  ordered  that  the  grade  of  the 
highway  over  College  hill  be  lowered.  The  town  voted  at  a  meeting  held 
Sept.  6  to  comply  with  this  order.  The  work  was  done  under  supervision 
of  the  selectmen,  the  cost,  including  the  lowering  of  the  sidewalk  on  the 
west  side  of  the  way,  being  $4,751.63.  The  selectmen,  in  their  report  for 
the  year  ending  March  1,  1S73,  recommended  that  the  town  should  there- 
after erect  iron  bridges,  as  they  were  the  best  for  cheapness,  strength  and 
durability.  In  1S78,  there  were  about  75  miles  of  highway  in  the  town. 
After  the  disastrous  fire  in  July,  1879,  the  town  undertook  the  work  of 
grading"  down  what  was  known  as  the  •'  Amherst  house  hill,"  which  was 
accomplished  at  an  expense  of  $500,  money  well  invested.  In  1881,  the 
selectmen  purchased  one-half  an  acre  of  gravel  for  use  on  the  roads  in  the 
south  part  of  the  town.  The  same  year  an  iron  bridge  was  erected  across 
Fort  river  near  the  house  of  Salmon  Wakefield,  the  bridge  costing  $950 
and  the  stonework  $45°-  At  the  annual  meeting  in  March,  1882,  the 
town  instructed  its  selectmen  to  lay  one  good  piece  of  road.  In  com- 
pliance with  this  vote,  a  section  of  Main  street  was  worked  twenty  inches 
deep,  the  road-bed  partly  removed  and  filled  with  stones  and  gravel.  A 
road-machine  was  bought  at  an  expense  of  S150.  In  answer  to  apetition 
by  the  town,  the  county  commissioners,  in  the  years  1883  and  1884, 
established  the  bounds  of  a  large  percentage  of  the  highways  in  town.  It 
was  found  that  in  many  instances  abuttors  had  fenced  in  land  belonging 
to  the  highways.  In  18S3,  extensive  repairs  were  made  on  Pleasant 
street,  including  the  putting  in  of  a  concrete  gutter,  the  expense  amount- 
ing   to    about  $1,000. 

For  a  number  of  years  the  town  was  put  to  considerable  expense  by 
damage  to  the  highways  caused  by  the  breaking  of  the  mains  of  the 
Amherst  Water  company.  In  1SS4,  the  underpaving  of  Main  street  was 
completed  as  far  as  the  railway  tracks,  the  entire  expense  being  about 
$1,200.  In  1885,  the  care  of  the  highways  was  entrusted  to  four  persons 
appointed  by  the  selectmen'.  A  new  and  improved  road  machine  was  pur- 
chased. In  1887,  severe  storms  in  July  and  August  caused  extensive 
damages  to  the  highways.  In  1888,  the  town  was  obliged  to  spend  nearly 
Si, 000  in  clearing  the  roads  after  the  blizzard  in  March.  In  1889,  the 
General  Court  passed  an  act  compelling  the  selectmen  of  towns  to  appoint 
a  superintendent  of  highways.  The  selectmen  of  Amherst  appointed  F. 
L.  Stone  to  this  office.      During   the  year   the   south   slope  of  College  hill 


430  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

was  underpaved  at  an  expense  of  $300.  The  town  accepted  Lessey  street 
as  a  highway  in  1890  ;  suits  for  damages  were  entered  against  the  town  by 
J.  Howard  Sweetser  and  the  Delta  Kappa  'Epsilon  fraternity.  Mr. 
Sweetser's  suit  was  settled  by  the  payment  of  $1,125,  that  of  the  fraternity 
was  brought  to  trial  and  a  verdict  returned  in  favor  of  the  town. 

For  more  than  twenty  years  Amherst  has  borne  a  part  of  the  expense 
of  maintaining  the  travel-bridge  across  the  Connecticut  river  between 
Hadley  and  Northampton.  A  bridge  has  been  maintained  at  this  point  on 
the  river  for  nearly  a  century.  In  1803,  the  Northampton  Bridge  company 
was  granted  a  charter  to  maintain  a  bridge  for  70  years;  this  was  a  private 
corporation.  The  bridge,  a  covered  wooden  structure,  was  built  in  1807 
at  cost  of  $14,294.  The  funds  were  probably  raised  by  subscription; 
other  methods  were  sometimes  resorted  to,  as  in  the  case  of  building  the 
bridge  across  the  river  at  Hatfield.  Among  the  special  laws  passed  by  the 
General  Court  in  1806,  was  one  giving  permission  to  raise  $10,000  by 
lottery  for  the  completion  of  the  bridge  across  the  Connecticut  river  at 
Hatfield.  Samuel  Porter,  Elijah  Dickinson,  Isaac  Abercrombie  and  Sam- 
uel F.  Dickinson,  Esquires,  and  Dr.  John  Hastings  were  appointed  managers 
of  the  enterprise,  to  make  and  publish  a  scheme  of  the  lottery,  draw  it 
and  attend  to  all  other  business.  The  Northampton  bridge  was  rebuilt  in 
1 S 1 7,  at  an  expense  of  $15,000,  and  again  in  1826,  at  an  expense  of 
$32,439.  In  1S40,  repairs  upon  the  structure  cost  $6,600;  in  1848,  it 
was  again  repaired  at  an  expense  of  $3,400.  In  1S59,  the  Hadley  end  of 
the  bridge  was  carried  away  by  a  disastrous  flood  and  it  was  rebuilt  at  a 
cost  of  $20,000.  In  iS7i,the  company  petitioned  for  an  extension  of 
their  charter  for  twenty  years ;  the  petition  was  opposed  by  citizens  of 
Hadley,  who  desired  that  it  be  made  a  free  bridge.  At  that  time  the 
average  annual  receipts  for  tolls  were  $4,500,  the  average  expense  of  main- 
tenance $900,  and  the  estimated  value  of  the  property  was  $28,400.  The 
property  was  bought  by  Hampshire  county  in  April,  1S75,  for  $37,000  ;  of 
this  sum  Amherst  paid  ^,  Hadley  ^*5-,  Northampton  ^'-~  and  the  other 
towns  in  the  county  the  remainder.  The  bridge  was  torn  from  the  piers 
June  14,  1S79,  by  a  cyclone;  of  the  expense  incurred  by  rebuilding 
Amherst  paid  $4,021.75.  When  the  Sunderland  bridge  was  made  free  in 
1875,  an  unsuccessful  effort  was  made  to  have  Amherst  bear  a  part  of  the 
expense. 

Of  interest  in  connection  with  Amherst  highways  is  the  work  of 
street-sprinkling.  Soon  after  the  introduction  of  Pelham  water,  the  mer- 
chants doing  business  at  the  center  of  the  town  subscribed  small  sums 
annually  for  sprinkling  the  streets  during  the  summer  months.  The  first 
attempt  at  forming  an  organization  for  carrying  on  this  work  was  made  at 
a   meeting   held    April  30,  189 1,  when   it    was  voted  to  form  the  Amherst 


THE    TRIANGLE    STREET    FIGHT.  43 1 

Street  Sprinkling  association.     Officers  were  elected  as  follows  :  President, 

E.  D.  Marsh  ;  secretary,  H.  B.  Edwards  ;'  treasurer,  B.  H.  Williams.  An 
executive  committee  of  six  was  appointed  and  authorized  to  solicit  names 
for  membership  ;  the  membership  fee  was  placed  at  Si.  At  a  meeting 
held  May  7,  the  committee  reported  that   3S   members  had  been  secured. 

F.  A.  Cadwell  had  proposed  to  furnish  a  cart  and  sprinkle  the  streets  for 
$4  per  clay  of  ten  hours.  The  executive  committee  was  authorized  to 
raise  money  to  buy  a  cart.  At  a  meeting  held  April  15,  1S92.  a  motion 
was  adopted  that  property-owners  and  others  who  had  the  streets  sprinkled 
in  front  of  their  residences  should  be  solicited  for  such  sums  as  they  were 
willing  to  pay  weekly.  At  a  meeting  held  April  24,  1893,  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  confer  with  the  officers  of  the  Village  Improvement 
society  and  see  if  the  latter  organization  would  take  charge  of  the  street- 
sprinkling,  but  the  society  refused.  At  a  special  town  meeting  held  April 
27,  1S95,  it  was  voted  to  accept  the  provisions  of  the  act  passed  by  the 
General  Court  in  1895,  concerning  street  sprinkling,  whereby  the  expense 
incurred  in  the  work  may  be  assessed  upon  persons  owning  property  along 
the  line  of  the  streets  sprinkled. 

Any  historical  sketch  of  Amherst  highways  would  be  sadly  incomplete 
without  reference  to  the  "  Triangle-street  fight,'*  one  of  the  most  notable 
neighborhood  feuds  in  the  town's  annals.  In  the  early  part  of  the  century 
the  struggle  for  supremacy  between  the  East  and  West  villages  was  strong 
to  bitterness.  The  ecclesiastical  quarrel  which  resulted  in  the  organization 
of  the  Second  parish  was  supplemented  by  business  rivalry.  Prior  to  the 
organization  of  Amherst  College  the  inhabitants  of  East  Amherst  would 
seem  to  have  controlled  the  situation.  While  the  controversy  was  at  its 
height  the  village  at  the  East  street  was  christened  "Sodom  "  and  that  at 
the  West  street  "  Mt.  Zion."  There  were,  in  1820,  two  principal  taverns 
in  the  town,  the  Boltwood  tavern  at  the  West  street  and  Baggs'  tavern  at 
the  East  street.  Most  of  the  travel  from  the  towns  in  the  western  part  of 
Franklin  county  crossed  the  Connecticut  river  at  Sunderland,  passing 
thence  through  Amherst  to  Belchertown.  Passing  over  this  route,  the 
Boltwood  tavern  was  first  reached  and  this  house  secured  the  best  of  the 
transient  custom.  In  order  that  a  part  of  this  trade  might  come  to  East 
Amherst  without  passing  through  the  West  street,  and  also  that  persons 
living  in  North  Amherst  and  worshiping  at  the  Second  church  might  pass 
over  a  more  direct  route,  the  town  was  petitioned  to  lay  out  a  highway 
from  the  street  near  the  south  end  of  Mount  Pleasant  to  Main  street  near 
where  the  building  owned  by  the  First  National  bank  now  stands.  The 
road  was  laid  out,  and  accepted  by  the  town  at  a  meeting  held  Dec.  4, 
1820.     At  a  meeting  held  Dec.  14,  it  was  voted  to  discontinue  the  road. 


432  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

But  the  highway  having  been  laid  out,  the  residents  at  East  Amherst 
were  determined  it  should  be  built.  If  the  town  would  not  do  the  work 
they  would  do  it  themselves.  On  an  appointed  day  they  assembled  at  the 
east  end  of  the  proposed  route  and  with  men  and  teams  worked  hard  all 
through  the  day.  When  they  returned  the  following  clay  to  resume  their 
labors,  what  was  their  wrath  and  chagrin  to  see  that  the  residents  of  the 
West  street  had  undone  in  a  night  all  that  they  had  accomplished  through 
the  day.  Again  they  labored  hard  through  the  day,  and  again  at  night  the 
West  street  men  destroyed  the  work  they  had  done.  The  road-makers, 
losing  patience,  stationed  guards  the  whole  length  of  the  road  during  the 
night.  Then  there  came  a  series  of  nightly  struggles,  the  story  of  which 
was  noised  abroad  and  visitors  came  from  neighboring  towns  to  watch  the 
sport.  While  both  parties  were  very  much  in  earnest  there  was  no  serious 
breach  of  the  peace,  and  no  broken  heads.  One  party  would  strive  to 
remove  the  timbers  of  a  bridge  while  another  party  sought  to  keep  them  in 
place  ;  one  squad  filled  ditches  while  another  cleared  them  oiit  ;  two  men 
would  have  hold  of  a  plank  pulling  in  one  direction,  while  at  the  opposite 
end  two  other  men  would  be  hauling  another  way.  One  memorable  nightthe 
East  street  forces  under  the  command  of  Dr.  John  Hubbard  struggled  from 
9  o'clock  until  sunrise  with  the  West  street  men  led  by  Charles  Kellogg. 
The  West  street  men  had  during  the  day  built  a  fence  across  the  new  road 
and  as  fast  as  the  East-street  men  could  tear  it  down  it  was  rebuilt.  The 
building  of  the  fence  was  held  to  be  illegal,  and  Mr.  Kellogg  was  summoned 
before  the  court  in  Northampton  and  fined. 

The  East  street  men  determined  that  the  road  should  be  opened  to 
travel  and  that  the  fact  it  was  so  open  must  be  demonstrated.  Rallying 
all  their  forces  they  in  one  day  put  the  road  in  running  order,  stationing 
men  all  along  the  route  to  guard  it.  Near  the  close  of  the  day  they  sent 
a  man  out  on  the  road  leading  to  Sunderland  to  secure  travel.  He  inter- 
cepted a  loaded  team  and  persuaded  the  teamster  to  cross  the  new  road, 
with  the  assurance  that  the  road  was  in  good  order  and  that  a  guard  would 
accompany  him.  The  West  street  men  were  on  hand  and  ready  to  take 
part  in  the  proceedings.  The  procession  started,  the  West  street  men  going 
ahead  to  build  fences  and  take  up  bridges  and  the  East  street  men  follow- 
ing close  behind  and  making  the  necessary  repairs.  Every  rod  of  ground 
was  contested,  but  Main  street  was  reached  in  safety.  While  the  East 
street  men  were  shouting  aloud  in  their  triumph,  the  teamster  arose, 
removed  a  mask  from  his  face  and  disclosed  himself  to  the  crowd,  a  genuine 
•■  West-streeter."  At  a  meeting  held  May  17,  182 1.  the  town  directed  the 
selectmen  to  clear  the  encumbrances  from  the  road  and  keep  it  clear. 
The  excitement  attendant  on  the  building  of  the  road  soon  died  away,  but 
for  many  years  the  residents  on  the  West  street  would  go  a  long  distance 


M.  A.  C.  FARM  HOUSE  AND  OLD  P.AK.V 


TOWN  HALL. 


THE    TOWN    HALL.  433 

out  of  their  way  to  avoid  passing  over  Triangle  street.  As  a  measure  of 
retaliation  on  some  of  the  residents  at  North  Amherst  who  had  been  fore- 
most in  promoting  the  building  of  Triangle  street,  a  new  highway  was 
soon  afterwards  opened  from  North  Amherst  to  the  "  Plumtrees." 

TOWN  BUILDINGS. 

With  the  exception  of  its  school-houses  and  almshouse  the  town  of 
Amherst  owned  no  public  building  until  the  engine-house  was  erected  in 
i860.  Town  meetings  were  held  at  first  in  the  meeting-houses  of  the 
First  and  Second  parishes,  and  afterwards  in  Sweetser's  hall,  Agricultural 
hall,  Palmer's  hall  and  Village  hall.  The  need  of  a  public  building,  if 
recognized  by  the  inhabitants,  found  no  expression  at  town  meeting  until 
1851.  At  the  annual  meeting  in  March.  1851,  a  committee  appointed  to 
consider  the  matter  of  building  a  new  town  hall  submitted  its  report ;  this 
report  the  town  voted  to  place  on  file.  At  a  meeting  held  Dec.  4,  1854, 
the  town  expressed  itself  in  favor  of  building  a  town  hall,  and  appointed 
a  committee  of  five  to  secure  plans  and  estimates.  This  committee  reported 
at  a  meeting  held  Jan.  1,  1S55,  when  the  town  voted,  130  to  120,  to  dis- 
miss the  whole  matter.  At  a  meeting  held  Feb.  23,  1855,  it  was  voted  to 
postpone  indefinitely  the  subject  of  building  a  town  hall. 

The  burning  of  Palmer's  hall  in  1888  impressed  upon  the  town  the 
necessity  of  providing  a  place  for  holding  its  public  meetings.  At  a 
special  meeting  held  April  17,  1888,  E.  F.  Cook,  A.  R.  Cushman  and 
Flavel  Gaylord  were  appointed  a  committee  to  look  for  a  site  for  a  town- 
house,  with  instructions  to  report  to  the  town  at  a  future  meeting. 
The  committee  inspected  several  pieces  of  land  and  after  a  careful  consid- 
eration of  the  matter  purchased  the  "  Cooper  lot,"  adjoining  the  rectory 
of  Grace  church,  for  $3,500.  At  a  special  meeting  held  Aug.  25,  the 
town  instructed  its  committee  to  take  a  deed  of  the  property  in  the  name 
of  the  town,  the  necessary  funds  being  appropriated  from  money  in  the 
treasury  received  from  the  sale  of  a  portion  of  the  town's  stock  in  the 
Massachusetts  Central  railroad  company.  The  committee  was  continued, 
authority  being  given  to  procure  plans  for  a  building,  the  same  to  be  sub- 
mitted at  a  future  meeting.  At  a  special  meeting  held  Feb.  9,  1889,  plans 
were  submitted  but  no  action  was  taken  concerning  them. 

At  an  adjourned  meeting  held  March  5,  1889,  Levi  Stockbridge,  E. 
F.  Cook,  A.  R.  Cushman.  Flavel  Gaylord,  L.  D.  Hills,  E.  T.  Sabin,  J.  W. 
Howland,  D.  W.  Palmer  and  W.  W.  Hunt  were  appointed  a  committee, 
with  power  to  contract  for  building  a  town  hall,  to  adopt  such  plans  as  in 
their  judgment  should  seem  best  for  the  needs  of  the  town,  the  building, 
including  heating,  lighting  and  furniture  all  complete  and  ready  for  occu- 
28 


434  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

pancy  to  cost  not  exceeding  $40,000.  At  a  special  meeting  held  March 
30,  the  town  voted  to  purchase  the  "  Palmer  lot,"  adjoining  the  "  Cooper 
lot,"  at  a  cost  of  $5,000.  Thus  for  the  very  reasonable  sum  of  $8,500  the 
town  secured  one  of  the  best  and  most  suitable  building  sites  in  the  center 
of  the  village.  Plans  for  a  building,  drawn  by  Architect  H.  S.  McKay  of 
Boston,  were  accepted  by  the  committee.  They  provided  for  a  building 
123  feet  long  with  an  extreme  depth  of  76  feet.  On  the  northwest  corner 
was  to  be  a  large  tower,  on  the  northeast  corner  a  tower  somewhat  smaller. 
The  main  entrance  on  Maple  avenue  would  open  into  a  vestibule  16  feet 
square,  leading  to  a  corridor  to  traverse  the  building  north  and  south. 
The  rooms  on  the  west  side  of  the  building  were  designed  for  the  use  of 
the  town  officials  and  for  rental,  those  on  the  east  side  for  the  public 
library  and  a  police  court-room.  The  main  body  of  the  hall  was  to  be 
68  x  56  feet,  the  stage  36  x  20  feet.  Seats  were  to  be  placed  for  the 
accommodation  of  675  persons  on  the  floor  and  196  in  the  gallery.  The 
building  was  to  be  of  brick,  with  pink  granite  trimmings,  the  interior  to  be 
finished  throughout  in  hard  wood.  Such,  in  brief,  were  the  plans  accepted 
for  Amherst's  first  town  hall. 

At  a  special  meeting  held  June  17,  18S9,  it  was  voted  as  the  sense  of 
the  meeting  that  the  town  endorse  the  action  of  the  building  committee  in 
making  a  contract  with  Mead,  Mason  &  Co.  of  Boston  to  complete  the 
town  hall  for  $44,500,  according  to  plans  and  specifications.  At  a  meeting 
held  Nov.  11,  it  was  voted  that  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  town  hall  the 
selectmen  be  authorized  to  contract  a  loan  not  exceeding  $50,000.  The 
work  of  construction  began  in  July,  1889.  The  first  payments  were  made 
from  money  in  the  treasury.  In  order  to  meet  current  expenses,  the  select- 
men obtained  $15,000  from  the  First  National  bank  on  their  personal 
notes  ;  they  afterwards  borrowed  $20,000  from  the  state  treasury  at  3^  per 
cent,  interest  to  take  up  these  obligations.  Later  on,  four  per  cent,  bonds 
were  issued  to  the  amount  of  $50,000  and  placed  on  the  market.  They 
were  sold  at  a  sufficient  premium  to  reduce  the  interest  rate  to  3^  per 
cent.     They  bear  date  of  Jan.  1,  1890,  and  are  payable  in  ten  years. 

The  building  was  completed  in  accordance  with  the  contract  and 
accepted  by  the  committee  Oct.  24,  1890.  At  a  special  meeting  held  Nov. 
8,  1890,  the  building  committee  submitted  their  report  to  the  town.  Their 
expenditures  were  as  follows  :  Mead,  Mason  &  Co.,  on  contract,  $46,500  ; 
W.  W.  Hunt,  heating  apparatus,  $2,562.59  ;  Harwood  Manufacturing- 
company  and  Andrews  Manufacturing  company,  seats,  $1,644.12  ;  George 
Graves,  stage  curtains,  fixtures,  scenery, etc.,  $655  ;  architect,  $1,505  ;  paint- 
ing walls  and  ceiling,  $500;  apparatus  for  lighting  hall  by  electricity, 
$304.87;  superintendence,  $1,166.10;  total  direct  expense,  $54,837.67; 
additional  expenses,   $1,368.34  ;   total,   including  land.   $64,323.39.      The 


CRIMES    AND    ACCIDENTS.  435 

town  voted  to  accept  the  report  of  its  building  committee  and  also  to 
accept  the  building.  It  was  voted,  also,  to  pay  to  the  committee  $4,600 
from  unappropriated  money  in  the  treasury  to  reimburse  them  for  money 
raised  on  their  personal  notes  to  complete  the  payments  on  the  building 
and  to  extend  to  the  committee  the  thanks  of  the  town  for  the  care  and 
fidelity  they  had  shown  in  carrying  the  enterprise  to  a  successful  conclu- 
sion. The  care  of  the  building  was  left  in  the  hands  of  the  selectmen. 
The  hall  was  formally  opened  to  the  public  Nov.  19,  at  a  ball  given  by 
Company  K,  2d  Reg  t  M.  V.  M. 


CHAPTER   L. 


Crimes,  Accidents,  Epidemics. — Fatal  Accidents. — Murders. — Birdie 
Danahey. — Small-Pox  in  Amherst. 

Amherst  has  been  exceptionally  free  from  the  commission  of  serious 
crimes  against  either  property  or  person.  Three  murders  have  been 
committed  in  the  township  limits,  all  of  comparatively  recent  date.  One 
was  the  deed  of  a  tramp,  the  motive  robbery;  one  by  a  half-witted  young 
man,  the  motive  jealousy ;  one  by  an  Italian  laborer,  the  motive,  probably, 
self-defence.  Not  one  of  the  murderers  was  a  native  of  Amherst  or  had 
residence  here  when  the  crime  was  committed.  The  court  records  of 
Amherst  are  free  from  cases  of  criminal  assault.  Buildings  have  been 
destroyed  by  incendiary  fires,  but  the  perpetrators  of  these  crimes  have 
escaped  detection.  Robberies  and  burglaries  have  been  committed,  but 
seldom  has  the  crime  been  accompanied  by  violence  or  the  property  stolen 
been  of  any  considerable  value.  Of  suicides  and  accidents  attended  by 
fatal  results  the  town  has  had  its  share.  A  complete  list  of  these  from  the 
settlement  of  the  town  would  be  difficult  to  compile,  but  a  fairly  accurate 
record  of  events  of  this  character  has  been  made  for  the  last  fifty  years. 
One  of  the  most  peculiar  suicides  of  earlier  years  was  that  of  Dr.  Samuel 
Gamwell,  an  esteemed  resident  of  the  town,  who  killed  himself  May  22. 
1814,  by  fixing  a  sword  against  the  wall  of  a  room  in  his  residence  at  East 
Amherst,  and  pressing  his  body  against  it  until  the  blade  had  penetrated 
his  vitals.  Aug.  22,  1842,  Wells  YVoodbridge,  son  of  Ezra  Ingram,  aged 
10,  was  killed  by  the  kick  of  a  horse.  A  marble  tablet  by  the  side  of  the 
highway  leading  from  East  Amherst  to  the  "  City"  marks  the  spot  where 
the  accident  occurred. 


43^  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Of  deaths  by  accident,  the  larger  number  have  been  caused  by  drown- 
ing. May  21,  1S48,  Orry  Dodge,  a  young  man  whose  parents  lived  in 
Pelham,  was  drowned  in  a  small  pond  situated  on  land  belonging  to  Lucius 
Dickinson  at  South  Amherst.  The  accident  occurred  on  Sunday  morning; 
while  bathing  in  the  pond  with  a  number  of  companions  he  was  seized  with 
a  cramp  and  sank  for  the  last  time  before  aid  could  reach  him.  Nov. 
25,  1S61,  Elisha  Crossman,  a  boy,  while  crossing  a  stream  at  North 
Amherst  fell  from  the  bridge  and  was  drowned.  April  26,  1862,  Dexter 
Kellogg,  a  resident  of  Amherst,  was  drowned  in  Miller's  river.  Aug.  11, 
1863,  three  women  were  drowned  at  "  Factory  Hollow  "  in  North  Amherst; 
a  fuller  account  of  this  tragedy  is  given  in  a  later  chapter  of  this  work. 
Dec.  26,  1873,  W.  H.  and  S.  T.  Read,  sons  of  H.  L.  Read,  were  drowned 
in  Adams'  pond.  They  were  skating  on  the  pond,  and  had  gone  to  the 
assistance  of  another  boy  who  had  broken  through  the  ice.  Sept.  2,  1880, 
Charles  B.  Parsons,  a  boy,  was  drowned  while  bathing  in  L.  E.  Dickinson's 
mill-pond  at  North  Amherst.  Aug.  17,  1886,  Charles  G.  Bowers  and  Miss 
Ida  May  Walker  were  drowned  in  Spofford  lake  at  Chesterfield,  N.  H. 
A  party  of  eleven  persons  had  left  Amherst  the  day  before  for  a  week's 
outing  at  the  lake.  The  party  were  sailing  on  a  catamaran  when  the 
accident  occurred  and  all  were  thrown  into  the  water,  but  only  two  were 
drowned.  Mr.  Bowers  was  struck  by  the  boom  of  the  boat  and  rendered 
insensible,  while  Miss  Walker  was  caught  in  the  rigging.  July  3,  1887, 
Antonio  Perletto,  an  Italian  laborer  employed  in  grading  on  the  Mass. 
Central  railway  route,  was  drowned  while  bathing  in  Fort  river.  Aug. 
25,  1896,  Harold,  son  of  Prof.  Anson  D.  Morse,  was  drowned  in  Fort 
river  at  South  Amherst.  With  three  companions  he  was  bathing  in  the 
river,  when  a  raft  on  which  they  were  playing  was  overturned  and  he,  being 
unable  to  swim,  was  drowned. 

Many  fatalities  have  resulted  from  the  accidental  discharge  of  fire- 
arms. Oct.  5,  1S50,  Frederick  Goodale,  aged  17,  shot  and  killed  himself 
in  the  store  of  George  Burnham  at  East  Amherst.  He  had  been  hunting 
and  was  handling  his  gun  in  a  careless  fashion  when  it  was  discharged. 
Aug.  25,  1882,  Merlon  J.  Redding,  a  young  man,  was  instantly  killed  by 
the  discharge  of  a  gun  which  he  was  holding  while  riding  in  a  carriage. 
Sept.  17,  1892,  John  S.  Davis,  aged  13,  son  of  James  W.  T.  Davis,  was 
killed  by  the  accidental  discharge  of  a  rifle,  while  hunting  with  two  of  his 
boy  companions  in  a  lot  to  the  north  of  Wildwood  cemetery.  He  was 
alone  at  the  time  the  accident  occurred.  Aug.  5,  1896,  Henry  D.  Holt, 
aged  19,  was  killed  by  the  discharge  of  a  gun  which  he  was  placing  in  a 
boat,  on  the  pond  at  North  Hadley.  The  hammer  caught  and  the  charge 
of  shot  entered  his  breast. 


DEATHS    BY    ACCIDENT.  437 

Several  persons  have  been  fatally  injured  in  railway  accidents.  July 
8,  1862,  Thomas  Darrigan,  a  fireman  on  the  Amherst,  Belchertown  and 
Palmer  railway,  was  killed  at  the  Amherst  depot  while  coupling  cars. 
June  4,  1870,  James  Hardaker,  while  walking  on  the  railway  track  near 
North  Amherst  "City,"  was  struck  by  a  freight  train  and  had  both  feet 
cut  off  above  the  ankles.  He  died  from  his  injuries,  his  body  being  found 
the  following  morning.  Aug.  10,  1882,  Rev.  Henry  B.  Smith  died  as  the 
result  of  injuries  received  some  weeks  previous  while  attempting  to  board 
a  moving  train.  April  20,  1887,  William  Haley  was  struck  by  a  train  on 
the  Connecticut  River  railroad,  near  Holyoke,  and  killed.  Sept.  17,  1887, 
Nathan  Olney  was  run  over  by  a  freight  train  near  the  New  London 
Northern  depot  and  killed.  The  freight  train  was  standing  still  as  Olney 
crawled  beneath  it,  to  escape  from  a  passenger  train  approaching  on  the 
track  on  which  he  had  stood,  but  started  on  the  moment  and  he  was  crushed 
beneath  the  wheels.  Dec.  24,  18S9,  John  Diggan  was  run  over  by  a  freight 
train  on  the  Central  Massachusetts  railway,  receivng  injuries  which  resulted 
in  his  death  the  following  day.  Jan.  3,  1S91,  a  party  of  young  people 
residing  in  Florence  visited  Amherst  on  a  sleighride  excursion.  On  their 
return  trip,  while  crossing  the  tracks  of  the  Central  Massachusetts  railway 
near  "  Sand-hill,"  the  sleigh  was  struck  by  a  locomotive  and  two  of  the 
excursionists  were  killed,  Henry  B.  Learned,  a  freshman  at  the  Agricultu- 
ral College  and  Miss  Mabel  R.  Hinckley. 

Many  persons  have  died  of  injuries  received  from  falls.  Feb.  2,  1848, 
Catherine  W.  Baker  died  as  Ithe  result  of  a  fall.  July  2,  1856,  Oliver 
Nash  of  South  Amherst,  aged  70,  fell  from  a  load  of  hay,  striking  on  his 
temple,  dying  almost  instantly.  Jan.  5,  1861,  Hannah  Dickinson  died  as 
the  result  of  a  fall.  Dec.  30,  1861,  Benjamin  W.  Allen,  while  threshing 
grain  in  his  barn  at  East  Amherst,  fell  from  a  scaffolding,  striking  on  his 
head,  causing  instant  death.  Mr.  Allen  was  75  years  of  age.  Feb.  21, 
1862,  John  Williamson  died  from  injuries  received  a  few  days  previous,  by 
falling  on  a  stairway.  March  4,  1S65,  James  Dexter  was  killed  by  an 
accidental  fall.  June  19,  1890,  Parnell  Munson  fell  from  the  tracks  of 
the  New  London  Northern  railway,  at  the  bridge  crossing  College  street, 
and  died  from  the  effects  of  the  shock  sustained.  He  was  a  passenger  on 
the  night  freight  train  from  New  London,  having  with  him  a  span  of 
horses  which  he  had  bought  in  New  York.  The  night  was  very  dark, 
and  it  was  supposed  that  Mr.  Munson  when  he  stepped  from  the  train 
believed  that  it  had  reached  the  station.  Mr.  Munson  had  served  the 
town  as  selectman  and  was  a  prominent  man  in  the  South  parish.  Nov. 
4)  XS93,  John  Primrose,  a  carpenter,  died  from  the  effects  of  a  fall  while 
engaged  at  work  upon  the  large  barn  on  the  Agricultural  College  grounds. 


438  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Jan.  9,  1866,  Mrs.  Lyman  Moody  died  from  injuries  received  by  being 
thrown  from  a  wagon.  June  23,  1867,  Henry  Flanders  died  at  North 
Amherst  from  injuries  received  in  being  kicked  by  a  horse,  six  days 
previous.  Aug.  28,  1867,  Patrick  Stack  was  thrown  from  a  wagon  near 
the  house  of  Horace  Henderson  ;  the  wheels  passed  over  his  neck,  break- 
ing it  and  causing  instant  death.  June  14,  1878,  George  E.  Lamb,  a 
resident  of  North  Amherst,  was  kicked  in  the  head  and  body  by  his  horse, 
which  he  was  holding  at  a  railway  crossing  near  Windsor  Locks,  Conn., 
receiving  fatal  injuries.  Sept.  19,  1883,  Francis  F.  Munson  was  thrown 
from  a  carriage  and  killed.  June  20,  1892,  Timothy  Deady  was  thrown 
from  a  wagon  while  driving  from  Northampton  to  Amherst ;  striking  on  his 
head,  his  neck  was  broken,  causing  instant  death. 

Feb.  7,  1846,  Aaron  Howard  was  killed  by  a  falling  tree  while  chopping 
wood  on  Kellogg's  hill  in  Sunderland.  He  was  alone  at  the  time  the 
accident  occurred  and  the  body  was  discovered  by  his  son.  It  is  supposed 
that  the  branch  of  a  falling  tree  struck  him  on  the  head,  causing  instant 
death.  Nov.  2,  1872,  Charles  E.  Thayer  was  killed  by  a  falling  tree  at 
South  Amherst.  He  was  hunting  squirrels,  with  a  party  of  friends. 
They  cut  clown  a  tree  which  contained  a  squirrel's  nest,  and  this  in  falling 
struck  a  dead  tree  which  also  fell,  and  striking  Mr.  Thayer  caused  fatal 
injuries.  Dec.  14,  1S68,  Charles  F.  Hayward  died  from  the  results  of  an 
accident  sustained  two  clays  before.  He  was  working  at  a  circular  saw, 
when  a  board  sprang  back,  striking  him  in  the  abdomen  and  inflicting 
fatal  injuries.  April  28,  1873,  John  D.  Parsons,  while  at  work  in  the 
paper  mill  of  J.  R.  Cushman  &  Son  at  North  Amherst,  was  caught  in  the 
shafting  and  killed.  He  was  alone  in  the  mill  at  the  time  the  accident 
occurred.  Mr.  Parsons  was  a  veteran  of  the  civil  war,  having  served  in  the 
27th  Mass.  regiment. 

March  20,  1876,  Solon  H.  Bridgman  died  at  his  home  in  South 
Amherst  from  hydrophobia.  He  was  one  of  three  persons  who  had  been 
bitten  several  weeks  before  by  a  rabid  dog ;  the  others  escaped  serious 
illness.  March  20,  1891,  Addison  Carpenter  died  at  the  Mass.  General 
Hospital  in  Boston  from  hydrophobia,  contracted  six  weeks  previous  by 
the  bite  of  a  pet  dog.  Jan.  27,  1870,  Mrs.  Lucius  Yale  died  at  her  home 
in  South  Amherst  from  injuries  received  by  burns,  her  apron  catching  fire 
as  she  was  lifting  a  kettle  from  the  stove.  Aug.  6,  1881,  Patrick  Danahey 
died  from  sunstroke.  March  20,  1891,  John  Begley  died  from  exposure  to 
the  cold,  his  body  being  found  in  a  piece  of  woodland  owned  by  W.  A. 
Magill. 

Nine  persons  have  committed  suicide  in  Amherst  in  the  past  fifty 
years.  Of  these  five  chose  hanging  as  a  means  of  self-destruction.  July 
1,  1844,  Martha  Strong  committed  suicide  by  drowning.     Sept.    17,   i860, 


SUICIDES    AND    MURDERS.  439 

Addison  Lovett  of  South  Amherst  hanged  himself  on  account  of  domestic 
troubles.  Dec.  31,  1873,  Albert  McElwain  shot  himself  with  a  pistol 
inflicting  a  mortal  wound.  March  21,  1882,  Timothy  Cribbin,  an  employee 
in  one  of  the  hat  factories,  who  had  resided  in  this  country  about  seven 
years,  committed  suicide  by  shooting  himself  with  a  revolver.  June  3, 
1883,  Mrs.  Josephine  E.  Pickering  committed  suicide  by  cutting  her  throat 
with  a  knife.  In  the  year  1S84,  there  were  three  suicides  by  hanging. 
May  17,  Edward  P.  Pomeroy,  a  well-known  resident  of  South  Amherst  and 
selectman  at  the  time,  hanged  himself  in  his  bedroom  while  suffering  from 
temporary  insanity.  July  30.  Edwin  P.  Church  committed  suicide  by 
hanging.  He  had  been  blind  from  infancy  and  had  but  recently  been 
taken  to  the  almshouse.  Oct.  13,  Alanson  Chapin  hanged  himself  at  East 
Amherst.  He  was  86  years  old,  and  his  mind  had  been  affected  by  the 
death  of  his  sister,  which  occurred  the  weekbefore.  Aug.  15,  1893,  Mary 
E.  Danahey  committed  suicide  by  hanging.  She  had  been  despondent  for 
some  time  and  was  probably  insane. 

The  first  murder  committed  in  the  town  of  Amherst  was  that  of 
Moses  B.  Dickinson,  a  prosperous  farmer  who  resided  on  Northampton 
street  in  a  house  situated  near  the  site  of  the  residence  now  occupied  by 
Horace  D.  Dana.  Mr.  Dickinson's  dead  body  was  discovered  in  his  house 
on  the  evening  of  Nov.  27,  1S75,  with  his  head  frightfully  mangled.  Some 
three  weeks  previous  to  the  commission  of  the  crime  Mr.  Dickinson's  wife 
had  left  him,  owing  to  domestic  troubles,  and  had  gone  to  live  with  their 
oldest  son,  Lucius  M.  Dickinson,  her  husband  being  left  alone  in  the 
house.  Soon  after  her  departure  the  neighbors  noticed,  at  work  about  the 
place,  a  stranger  whom  Mr.  Dickinson  called  "John."  Nov.  17,  W.  W. 
Smith  and  a  Mr.  Rogers,  the  latter  a  tobacco-buyer,  called  upon  Mr.  Dick- 
inson and  bought  some  tobacco  which  the  latter  delivered  at  the  depot  the 
following  clay.  "  John  "  was  present  at  the  time,  and  while  at  the  depot 
persuaded  Mr.  Dickinson,  as  it  appeared  against  his  will,  to  sell  to  the 
buyer  another  crop  of  tobacco.  The  money  for  the  two  crops,  about 
Si  25,  was  paid  to  Mr.  Dickinson  in  "John's  "  presence.  On  the  night  of 
Nov.  25,  L.  M.  Dickinson  and  a  younger  brother  went  to  their  father's 
home  to  invite  him  to  come  and  take  supper  with  them.  They  were  unable 
to  gain  admission  to  the  house,  but  supposing  that  he  had  gone  out  they 
made  no  effort  to  force  an  entrance.  Two  days  afterwards  the  neighbors 
began  to  suspect  that  something  was  wrong  at  the  Dickinson  house.  They 
notified  L.  M.  Dickinson,  and  the  latter  accompanied  by  James  Graves 
visited  the  premises  and  broke  open  the  door  of  the  house.  They  found 
Mr.  Dickinson's  body  lying  on  a  lounge,  with  the  head  badly  mutila- 
ted. His  pocket-book  was  missing  and  nothing  was  to  be  found  of 
"  John."     The  selectmen  at  once  offered  a  reward  of  $500  for  the  appre- 


44°  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

hension  of  the  murderer,  the  amount  being  afterwards  increased  to  $1,000. 

In  January,  1SS5,  parties  in  Tennessee  wrote  to  the  postmaster  at 
Amherst,  inquiring  if  a  crime  similar  to  one  described  had  been  com- 
mitted in  Amherst ;  if  so,  whether  a  reward  was  offered  for  the  arrest  of 
the  murderer.  Correspondence  elicited  the  fact  that  a  tramp  under  arrest 
at  Tazewell,  Tenn.  had  confessed  the  commission  of  such  a  crime ;  he 
gave  the  name  of  Allen  J.  Adams.  The  evidence  was  submitted  to  District 
Attorney  Bond,  and  Sheriff  Clark  and  Detective  Munyan  went  to  Tazewell 
where  they  secured  Adams  and  brought  him  back  with  them.  To  these 
officers  Adams  made  a  full  confession.  He  stated  that  he  killed  Mr.  Dick- 
inson with  an  axe,  stole  his  pocket-book  and  walked  to  Northampton. 
Adams  was  arraigned  before  the  district  court,  March  n,  1885,  and  on 
advice  of  his  counsel  pleaded  not  guilty.  The  counsel  assigned  him  by 
the  court  were  W.  G.  Bassett  and  J.  B.  O'Donnell.  He  was  held  for  the 
grand  jury,  who  brought  in  an  indictment  against  him  at  the  June  term. 
The  case  was  tried  before  the  supreme  court  at  Northampton,  beginning 
Dec.  7.  The  defence  offered  was  insanity.  The  jury  brought  in  their 
verdict,  Dec.  9,  as  guilty  of  murder  in  the  first  degree.  Adams  was  sen- 
tenced to  be  hung  in  March,  but  on  March  9  attempted  to  commit  suicide 
by  cutting  himself  with  a  pocket-knife.  A  reprieve  was  granted  until  April 
16,  when  he  was  hanged  at  the  jail  in  Northampton.  The  last  previous 
execution  in  Hampshire  county  occurred  in  18 13,  when  a  negro  was  hung 
for  rape. 

On  Sunday,  July  3,  1887,  a  party  of  Italians,  engaged  in  grading  on 
the  line  of  the  Massachusetts  Central  railway  and  living  in  a  shanty  stand- 
ing on  land  owned  by  Salmon  Wakefield,  engaged  in  a  fight,  in  course  of 
which  Guiseppe  Falbe  shot  and  killed  Leonard  Turzo  and  wounded  the 
latter's  brother  Pasquale.  From  the  testimony  elicited  from  witnesses  of 
the  deed  it  seemed  probable  that  it  was  committed  in  self-defence  and 
Falbe  made  his  escape. 

The  third  murder  committed  in  Amherst  was  the  deed  of  a  half-witted 
young  man  whose  motive  was  jealousy.  Sept.  19,  1890,  a  social  dance 
was  held  at  the  house  of  Eugene  Joslyn  at  North  Amherst "  City."  Among 
those  in  attendance  were  John  B.  Davis  of  Ware,  Eva  May  Holden,  16 
years  of  age,  and  her  escort  James  Hardaker.  Miss  Holden  had  formerly 
lived  in  Ware,  and  Davis  had  paid  her  many  attentions  which  she  had  dis- 
couraged. During  the  evening  he  several  times  requested  her  to  dance 
with  him,  but  she  refused.  Davis  left  the  house  where  the  dance  was  held 
about  3-30  o'clock  a.  m.,  Hardaker  and  Miss  Holden  remaining  about  a 
half  hour  longer.  As  the  two  latter  were  riding  homeward  in  a  top-buggy, 
when  on  Pine  street  near  the  house  of  Edward  Atkins  they  were  accosted 
by  Davis,  who  stepped  from  the  bushes  by  the  roadside  and  fired  four  shots 


SMALL-POX    IN    AMHERST.  441 

from  a  revolver.  The  first  shot  struck  Miss  Holden  in  the  left  breast  just 
below  the  heart,  inflicting  a  wound  from  which  she  died  almost  instantly. 
One  of  the  shots  struck  Mr.  Hardaker  in  the  abdomen.  The  following 
morning  Deputy  Sheriff  William  W.  Smith  and  his  son  William  H.  arrested 
Davis  at  his  work,  he  being  employed  at  the  time  as  a  wood-chopper  by  a 
firm  of  local  lumbermen.  At  the  supreme  court  held  in  Northampton  in 
April,  189 1,  he  plead  guilty  to  murder  in  the  second  degree  and  was  sen- 
tenced to  imprisonment  for  life. 

Friday  morning,  April  6,  1887.  Birdie  Danahey,  a  bright  little  girl, 
six  years  old,  living  with  her  grandfather  Patrick  Danahey  in  the  eastern 
part  of  the  town,  started  for  the  school  which  she  attended  at  East  Amherst. 
She  was  seen  at  1 1  a.  m.  in  company  with  another  young  girl,  Eva  Train, 
near  the  house  of  Edmund  Hastings,  and  again  at  11-30  near  the  house  of 
George  C.  Fitch.  She  did  not  return  to  her  home  in  the  afternoon,  and 
her  relatives  becoming  alarmed  started  a  course  of  inquiries.  The  Train 
girl  told  many  contradictory  stories,  among  others  one  to  the  effect  that  a 
man  and  a  woman  had  threatened  to  carry  Birdie  away.  All  day  Saturday 
and  Sunday  a  general  search  for  her  was  carried  on,  the  students  from  the 
two  colleges  joining  with  the  townspeople  in  their  efforts  to  unravel  the 
mystery  of  her  disappearance.  There  was  a  general  belief  that  she  had 
fallen  or  been  pushed  into  Fort  river,  which  was  swollen  by  recent  heavy 
rains,  but  although  the  river-banks  were  carefully  searched  for  many  miles 
no  trace  of  the  missing  girl  was  found.  Other  persons  have  disappeared 
from  Amherst  in  ways  which  at  the  time  appeared  mysterious,  but  investi- 
gation has  generally  shown  that  there  was  good  and  sufficient  reason  for 
their  departure.     The  mystery  of  Birdie  Danahey  remains  unsolved. 

Amherst  has  suffered  but  little  from  epidemics  of  disease.  The 
favored  location  of  the  town,  its  healthful  climate  and  the  lack  of  a  tene- 
ment-house population  have  proved  unfavorable  to  the  spread  of  contagious 
disease.  The  town  has  twice  been  visited  by  small-pox,  but  in  both 
instances  it  was  confined  to  narrow  limits  and  the  resulting  fatalities  were 
few.  In  November,  1831,  three  cases  of  small-pox  and  from  16  to  20 
cases  of  varioloid  occurred  among  the  students  at  the  Mount  Pleasant 
.Institute.  A  daughter  of  Mrs.  Holbrook,  the  nurse  in  attendance,  visited 
her  mother  in  the  sick  room  and  contracted  the  disease  in  a  mild  form. 
Two  colored  women  who  were  accidentally  exposed  to  the  disease  at 
Mount  Pleasant,  had  it  in  confluent  form  with  fatal  results.  In  the  latter 
part  of  March  and  the  first  part  of  April,  1864,  small-pox  made  its  appear- 
ance among  the  colored  residents  in  the  "  Bee  Hive  "  which  stood  on  the  site 
now  occupied  by  S.A.Phillips'  store.  The  selectmen  promptly  took  the  matter 
in  hand,  fitted  up  a  barn  on  land  owned  by  A.  P.  Howe,  near  the  Hadley 
line,  for  a  pest-house,  and  removed  the  whole  "  swarm  of  bees  "  to  these 


442  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

new  quarters.  There  were  many  cases  of  the  disease  among  the  colored 
people,  but  only  two  proved  fatal,  two  young  girls  dying  in  April.  May  6, 
a  resident  of  North  Amherst  was  taken  ill  with  the  disease  and  removed 
to  the  pest-house.  May  13,  there  was  but  one  patient  under  treatment. 
In  January,  1882,  a  student  at  Amherst  College  was  attacked  by  varioloid  ; 
there  was  considerable  excitement  among  the  students  and  townspeople, 
and  local  physicians  were  overwhelmed  by  persons  desirous  of  being  vacci-. 
nated,  but  no  cases  of  small-pox  resulted  and  the  excitement  gradually 
died  away.  In  the  spring  of  1890,  the  residents  of  Amherst  suffered 
severely  from  the  "grippe"  epidemic,  which  caused  the  death  of  many 
aged  persons. 


CHAPTER  LI, 


Schemes  for  Acquiring  Wealth. — The  Mulberry  Craze. — Mining 
Stock  Investments. — Assessment  Insurance. — Old  Business 
Firms. 

The  residents  of  Amherst,  while  possessed  of  their  fair  share  of  New 
England  shrewdness  and  business  tact,  have  from  time  to  time  been  victim- 
ized by  schemes  for  gaining  great  wealth  in  ways  apart  from  the  ordinary. 
The  amount  of  good  money  that  has  been  permanently  invested  in  enter- 
prises the  sole  return  from  which  has  been  experience  would  make  a 
welcome  addition  to  the  town's  valuation  list  to-day.  Among  the  crazes 
that  have  from  time  to  time  prevailed  in  the  town,  the  greatest  prominence 
must  be  given  to  the  culture  of  mulberry  trees  and  the  raising  of  silk- 
worms in  the  '30s,  and  the  investments  in  mining  stocks,  and  certificates 
in  assessment  insurance  companies,  in  the  '80s. 

About  the  year  1830,  Timothy  Smith,  a  farmer  residing  in  South 
Amherst,  began  the  business  of  raising  white  mulberry  trees,  hatching  and 
feeding  silk-worms,  and  selling  the  silk  reeled  from  cocoons  to  silk  manu- 
facturers. For  a  few  years  he  followed  the  business  in  a  small  way  with 
satisfactory  results.  Other  persons  in  the  town  became  interested  in  the 
business,  and  in  a  short  time  the  "mulberry  craze  "  took  possession  of  the 
town  and  forced  its  way  into  neighboring  communities.  The  farmers  were 
the  first  to  engage  in  the  new  enterprise,  but  business  and  professional 
men  were  soon  attracted  by  the  opportunities  which  it  seemed  to  afford  for 


SILK    CULTURE.  443 

the  rapid  acquirement  of  wealth.  All  classes  in  the  community  become 
interested,  and  for  many  months  mulberry  trees  and  silk  culture  were  the 
absorbing  topics  of  conversation.  In  1S35,  Nathan  Adams  of  Leverett 
began  to  raise  at  West  Hartford,  Conn.,  a  new  variety  of  mulberry  tree, 
very  rapid  in  growth,  called  the  morns  multicaulis.  Oliver  M.  Clapp  of  East 
Amherst  became  interested  in  the  business,  and  on  the  death  of  Mr. 
Adams  he  purchased  for  $450  some  1300  trees  and  brought  them  from 
West  Hartford  to  Amherst. 

In  1836,  the  Second  parish  being  badly  in  need  of  a  new  church 
building,  it  was  decided  by  some  of  the  more  influential  of  the  church- 
members  that  the  necessary  funds  could  be  most  readily  secured  if  the 
parish  should  go  into  the  business  of  raising  mulberry  trees.  Mr.  Clapp 
sold  his  trees  to  the  parish,  land  was  hired  and  a  committee  of  three,  con- 
sisting of  O.  M.  Clapp,  Judge  Ithamar  Conkey  and  Major  Ebenezer 
Mattoon,  was  appointed  to  manage  the  business  for  the  parish.  From 
these  trees  cuttings  were  sold,  consisting  of  twigs  three  inches  long,  on 
each  of  which  were  two  buds,  the  price  being  two  cents  a  twig  or  one  cent 
a  bud.  The  prospect  of  securing  funds  for  the  new  church  seemed  so 
bright  that  one  good  old  deacon  remarked  at  a  weekly  prayer-meeting  that 
the  Lord  had  seen  their  great  need  of  a  church  and  had  kindly  prepared 
a  way  for  them  to  get  it.  In  1837,  the  firm  of  Clapp  &  Rust  was  formed, 
for  the  raising  of  mulberry  trees,  the  propagation  of  silk-worms  and  the 
production  of  raw  silk.  Silk-worm  eggs  were  in  great  demand,  the  price 
being  from  ten  to  twelve  cents  per  hundred,  while  mulberry  seed  sold  for 
515  per  ounce.  Much  worthless  seed  was  sold  to  the  farmers,  who  neg- 
lected their  regular  farm  crops  that  they  might  devote  their  time  to  silk 
culture.  There  was  profit  in  the  business  for  some  who  engaged  in  it.  It 
is  recorded  that  a  quarter  of  an  acre  of  land,  near  the  house  where  Noah 
Dickinson  now  lives,  was  set  with  cuttings  in  the  spring,  and  in  the  fall 
the  owner  sold  about  one-half  the  trees  raised  for  $1070,  while  the  pur- 
chaser, a  Northampton  man,  resold  the  trees  at  once  and  doubled  his 
money.  In  those  days  a  man  could  start  out  in  the  morning  with  a  little 
bundle  of  cuttings  under  his  arm  and  return  to  his  home  in  time  for  dinner 
with  $100  to  S200  in  cash  in  his  pocket  as  the  result  of  his  sales.  Clapp 
&  Rust  produced  a  considerable  quantity  of  raw  silk,  which  was  pro- 
nounced as  good  as  the  imported  article  and  was  sold  to  manufacturers  in 
Northampton.  Two  kinds  of  worms  were  reared,  the  "  four  weeks  "  and 
the  "  six  weeks,"  these  names  being  given  to  signify  the  time  required 
for  the  worms  to  come  to  maturity  and  spin  their  cocoons  after  hatching. 
From  the  files  of  the  Hampshire  Gazette  are  gathered  the  following 
statistics  concerning  the  silk  culture  in  Amherst.  The  Hampshire,  Frank- 
lin  and   Hampden    Agricultural   society  in  1834    awarded    to    Theodore 


444  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Lyman  of  Amherst  a  premium  of  $4  for  the  greatest  length  of  white 
mulberry  hedge  set  for  a  division  fence.  Timothy  Smith  presented  the 
following  application  for  premiums  on  exhibits  at  the  agricultural  fair  held 
in  Northampton  in  the  fall  of   1S3S  : 

"  The  undersigned  offers  for  premium  and  examination  the  following,  viz. 

1 — 156  lbs.  of  cocoons  reeled  the  past  season. 

2 — 16,000  mulberry  trees  raised  on  i£  acres  of  land,  from  foliage  of  which  was 
fed  about  60,000  worms. 

3 — S,ooo  Canton  and  Manilla  Multicaulis  trees  from  roots,  cuttings  and  layers, 
which  afforded  550  pounds  of  foliage  sufficient  for  15,000  worms  and  from  which 
was  raised  38  pounds  of  cocoons. 

4 — 30,000  mulberry  trees  from  seed,  had  of  Dr.  Stebbins,  which  is  supposed  to 
have  grown  on  the  highlands  of  China.  These  trees,  I  think,  will  exceed  the 
Morus  or  Manilla  Multicaulis  in  resisting  the  cold,  and  equal  it  in  weight  of  foliage. 

Timothy  Smith."' 

The  Gazette,  having  printed  this  application,  adds  the  following  com- 
ment :  "  Mr.  Smith  has  ascertained  that  raw  silk  can  be  produced  at  from 
$1.50  to  $2.50  per  pound,  while  manufacturers  have  paid  from  $5  to  $6 
per  pound  for  raw  silk.  Mr.  Smith  has  received  a  bounty  from  the  state 
of  $45.60  for  156  pounds  of  cocoons,  23  pounds  of  reeled  and  37  pounds 
of  thrown  silk."  The  Amherst  Silk  association  was  incorporated  in  1S39. 
Concerning  this  organization  the  Gazette  says  :  "  The  friends  of  the  silk 
culture  in  Amherst  have  formed  themselves  into  a  society,  with  a  view  of 
collecting  and  diffusing  information  upon  the  whole  subject  of  the  silk 
culture.  Timothy  Smith,  one  of  the  best  practical  silk  culturists  in  the 
state,  is  president,  Nelson  Rust  vice-president,  William  P.  Thornton  sec- 
retary, William  Barnard  treasurer,  Matthew  Porter,  Levi  Lincoln,  Merrick 
Houghton,  Oliver  M.  Clapp  and  Jacob  Stetson  executive  committee."  At 
the  cattle  show  of  the  Hampshire,  Franklin  and  Hampden  agricultural 
society  held  in  1840,  Timothy  Smith  received  premiums  as  follows  :  $5  on 
the  largest  number  of  mulberry  trees  of  any  kind,  401,150;  $5  for  the 
greatest  number  of  Canton  trees,  394,000;  $2,  fourth  prize,  on  greatest 
number  of  Asiatic  trees;  $3  on  case  of  silk.  At  the  annual  meeting  of 
the  society  in  March,  1841,  Mr.  Smith  claimed  and  received  premiums  as 
follows:  On  14  pounds  raw  silk  grown  and  reeled  in  1840,  on.  6  pounds 
silk  manufactured  into  sewings,  and  53^  yards  of  broad  gros  de  nap  and 
vestings,  light  color. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  '30s  the  tide  of  speculation  reached  its  turn- 
ing point  and  began  to  recede.  The  difficulties  and  risks  attendant  upon 
silk  culture  in  New  England  became  more  thoroughly  understood,  and 
those  who  had  been  most  eager  to  engage  in  the  enterprise  lost  no  time  in 
abandoning  it.  There  was  a  heavy  fall  in  the  prices  of  mulberry  seed,  cut- 
tings and  silk-worm  eggs,  and  although  some  who  had  faith  in  the  future  of  the 


MINING    INVESTMENTS.  445 

business  retained  their  stock  in  hope  of  better  times  it  was  soon  apparent 
that  the  silk  industry,  so  far  as  Amherst  was  concerned,  was  a  thing  of  the 
past.  The  Second  parish  raised  some  trees  and  sold  them,  but  the  funds 
for  their  new  church  had  to  be  raised  by  old  time  methods.  When  the 
crash  came  Clapp  &  Rust  had  over  $13,000  worth  of  trees  on  hand,  at  the 
ruling  prices,  but  these  assets  proved  of  little  value.  To-day  all  that 
remains  to  remind  one  of  the  silk  craze  in  Amherst  is  an  occasional  mul- 
berry tree,  here  and  there  about  the  town,  its  berries  furnishing  food  to  the 
robins  and  its  foliage  a  prey  to  other  worms  than  those  which  commanded, 
so  high  a  price  sixty  years  ago. 

Some  forty  years  after  the  "  mulberry  era,*'  Amherst  people  began  to 
invest  money  liberally  in  the  stocks  of  gold  and  silver  mines  located  in  the 
far  West.  In  the  fall  of  1S80,  the  stock  of  the  Starr-Grove  silver  mining 
company  was  placed  on  sale  in  Amherst,  the  price  being  fixed  at  $2  per 
share.  The  mine  was  situated  in  Nevada  and  was  said  to  be  very  rich  in 
mineral.  Soon  after  the  first  shares  were  disposed  of  the  company  began 
paying  monthly  dividends  of  ten  cents  per  share,  the  same  being  con- 
tinued for  a  period  of  eight  months.  The  prospects  of  a  dividend  of 
Si. 20  per  annum  on  shares  of  stock  purchased  for  $2  naturally  caused  the 
latter  to  be  in  great  demand.  The  price  was  soon  advanced  and  there 
was  a  great  rush  of  investors  who  were  determined  to  have  the  stock  at 
any  price.  The  affairs  of  the  Starr-Grove  company  were  managed  by  a 
firm  of  New  York  brokers,  one  of  the  partners  being  Col.  W.  S.  Clark,  a 
former  president  of  the  Agricultural  College  and  highly  esteemed  in  this 
town  where  he  had  resided  for  many  years.  This  firm  also  controlled  the 
stocks  in  many  other  gold  and  silver  mines,  and  shares  of  the  latter  were 
offered  for  sale  in  Amherst  and  found  ready  purchasers.  Among  the 
favorite  stocks  for  investment  were  those  of  the  Stormont  and  the  Hite 
mining  companies.  The  mining  craze,  like  the  mulberry  craze,  affected 
all  classes  in  the  community.  Business  men,  professional  men,  farmers, 
mechanics,  laborers,  all  found  money  to  invest  in  mining  stocks,  some  of 
them  borrowing  the  funds  and  mortgaging  lands  and  buildings  that  they 
might  buy  tickets  in  the  lottery  for  wealth.  It  has  been  estimated  that  as 
much  as  a  quarter  of  a  million  dollars  was,  in  less  than  one  year,  invested 
in  mining  stocks  by  residents  of  Amherst.  In  June,  1 88 1,  the  Starr-Grove 
company  ceased  to  pay  dividends,  the  reason  offered  being  that  a  new 
stamp  mill  was  to  be  erected  and  a  railway  built  to  carry  ore  from  the 
mines  to  the  mill.  This  stoppage  of  dividends  caused  a  sharp  decline  in 
the  selling  price  of  mining  stocks  in  Amherst,  and  investors  hastened  to- 
dispose  of  their  certificates  at  the  best  price  they  could  secure,  many  of 
them  finding  their  shares  unsalable  at  any  price. 


446  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

It  was  not  until  the  spring  of  1887  that  the  craze  for  endowment  or 
assessment  insurance  made  itself  felt  in  Amherst.  It  had  existed  in  neigh- 
boring communities,  notably  in  Florence,  for  some  years  previous,  but  it 
was  some  time  before  the  promoters  of  the  schemes  to  manifold  wealth  by 
extraordinary  methods  discovered  how  gullible  the  public  is,  and  how  ready 
it  is  to  welcome  the  most  extravagant  schemes  for  gaining  riches  at  the 
expense  of  others.  The  time  has  not  yet  come  for  writing  the  history  of 
assessment  insurance  in  Massachusetts.  Its  victims  are  too  many,  and 
they  hold  as  yet  too  lively  a  recollection  of  their  own  folly  and  the  duplic- 
ity of  the  promoters  of  these  enterprises  to  consider  them  in  an  impartial 
manner.  Amherst  suffered  less  from  this  craze  than  did  many  of  the 
neighboring  communities,  but  large  sums,  how  large  it  is  difficult  to  estimate, 
were  invested  in  the  "  certificates  "  of  the  all  but  numberless  associations 
that  sprang  up  like  mushrooms  in  all  parts  of  the  state.  A  branch  of  the 
"  Iron  Hall  "  was  instituted  in  Amherst,  May  3,  1887.  This  order  or 
association  issued  certificates  to  its  members,  agreeing  to  pay  them  at  the 
end  of  seven  years  $600,  $800  or  $1000,  as  the  certificate  might  read.  In 
the  event  of  sickness  during  this  term  they  were  entitled  to  a  weekly  pay- 
ment of  "  sick  benefits  "  up  to  a  certain  amount,  and  in  case  of  death  a 
proportionate  sum  would  be  paid  to  the  heirs,  or  the  latter  could  continue 
the  payments  on  certificates  up  to  the  time  of  their  maturity  and  receive 
the  full  amount.  An  initiation  fee  was  charged  and  quarterly  dues.  In 
addition  to  these  fixed  expenses,  certificate-holders  were  liable  to  assess- 
ments of  certain  sums,  graduated  in  amount  by  the  amount  of  their  cer- 
tificates, and  payable  at  such  times  as  might  be  decided  on  by  the 
"  supreme"  officials  of  the  order.  On  certificates  for  $1,000  each  assess- 
ment was  for  $2.50,  and  they  were  called  once  or  twice  in  each  month. 
The  promoters  of  the  order  estimated  that  each  certificate-holder  would 
pay  in  during  the  term  of  seven  years  not  more  than  one-third  the  amount 
of  his  certificate.  The  order  had  been  in  operation  in  Massachusetts  for 
a  number  of  years  and  its  business  had  been  conducted  in  such  a  satisfac- 
tory manner  that  men  of  all  classes  became  interested  in  it.  The  Amherst 
branch  of  the  order  gained  rapidly  in  membership,  both  in  this  and  sur- 
rounding towns.  Considerable  sums  were  paid  to  members  from  time  to 
time  in  the  way  of  "sick  benefits."  Persons  belonging  to  the  order 
possessed  the  utmost  faith  in  the  financial  theories  it  embodied,  and  when 
in  1891  other  organizations  founded  on  the  system  of  assessment  insurance 
became  insolvent  there  was  but  a  slight  falling  off  in  membership.  The 
order  continued  to  do  business  until  the  summer  of  1892,  when  legal 
proceedings  were  instituted  against  the  supreme  officers  and  it  was  forced  to 
suspend.  In  course  of  time  a  receiver  was  appointed,  and  the  certificate- 
holders  who   continued   their   payments  up  to  the  time  that  an  injunction 


PHOENIX    ROW — 1840. 


PHCENIX    ROW    BEFORE    18S0. 


OLD    BUSINESS    FIRMS.  447 

against  the  order  was  issued  by  the  courts,  received  about  35   per  cent,  of 
the  amount  they  had  paid  in. 

A  branch  of  the  "  Mutual  One  Year  Benefit  "  order  was  organized  in 
Amherst,  Oct.  24,  1890.  It  had  a  large  membership  at  the  first  but  in 
company  with  many  other  of  the  mushroom  "  orders  '"  it  was  forced  to 
retire  from  business  in  189 1  and  few  of  the  certificate-holders  received  any 
return  for  the  money  they  had  paid  in.  Nov.  12,  1890,  a  conclave  of  the 
"Commercial  Endowment  "  association  was  organized  in  Amherst.  The 
headquarters  of  this  order  were  at  Northampton,  and  as  prominent  business 
men  were  connected  with  it,  it  readily  gained  the  confidence  of  the  more 
conservative  people  who  had  refused  to  have  anything  to  do  with  the 
earlier  organizations.  That  this  confidence  was  not  misplaced  is  proven 
by  the  fact  that  the  association,  although  forced  to  give  up  business  in  the 
fall  of  1892,  returned  to  its  certificate-holders  nearly  dollar  for  dollar  of 
the  amounts  they  had  paid  in.  These  were  the  only  assessment  insurance 
companies  to  organize  branches  in  Amherst,  but  many  residents  of  the 
town  took  out  certificates  in  from  one  to  a  dozen  of  the  almost  numberless 
"  fraternal  "  and  "  benevolent"  and  "  protective  "  swindles  which  flourished 
for  a  time  and  then  went  into  bankruptcy,  with  no  available  assets. 
Other  forms  of  permanent  investment  have  appealed  to  Amherst  residents 
from  time  to  time,  the  most  recent  being  the  lottery  of  mortgage  loans  on 
Western  real  estate,  which  has  resulted  in  the  acquirement  by  Amherst 
parties  of  several  more  or  less  valuable  tracts  of  land  in  the  Middle- 
Western  states. 

OLD    BUSINESS    FIRMS. 

On  page  140  of  this  volume  reference  is  made  to  some  of  the  firms 
and  individuals  who  were  engaged  in  business  in  Amherst  in  1S15.  It 
would  be  interesting,  did  space  permit,  to  trace  from  the  beginning  the 
development  of  different  lines  of  mercantile  business  in  the  town,  but  a 
brief  review  must  suffice.  The  first  business  directory  of  Amherst  was 
published  in  1S69  :  f°r  an}'  record  of  business  enterprises  established 
before  that  date  dependence  must  be  placed  upon  the  memory  of  the  older 
residents  of  the  town  and  advertisements  printed  in  the  publications  of 
the  time.  Cotton  Smith  &  Co.  were  in  business  as  early  as  1810,  near  the 
meeting-house  at  East  Amherst.  They  kept  a  general  store,  dealing  in 
crockery,  glassware,  groceries,  liquors,  dye-stuffs,  etc.  The  firm  was  dis- 
solved in  June,  181 1,  and  was  succeeded  by  Smith  &  Porter ;  in  May, 
181 2,  the  latter  firm  was  dissolved,  Cotton  Smith  continuing  the  business 
at  the  old  stand.  C.  &  J.  U.  Hamilton  were  in  business  in  18 10.  In  the 
Hampshire  Gazette,  under  date  of  July  25,  1S10,  appears  the  following 
notice  :     "  Solomon  Dewey,  one  of  the  firm  of  Hamilton,  Dewey   &   Co., 


448  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

having  absconded — the  firm  therefore  is  this  day  dissolved — this  is  to  forbid 
all  persons  paying  anything  to  anyone  except — Calvin  U.  Hamilton.''" 
Rufus  Cowls  was  also  in  business  in  1810.  His  store,  a  small  wooden 
building,  fronted  on  Pleasant  street  at  the  corner  of  Cowles  lane.  He 
dealt  in  hardware,  groceries,  liquors,  drugs  and  medicines. 

Leonard  Dwight  and  H.  Wright  Strong  conducted  a  general  store  in 
Amherst  prior  to  1S12;  in  April  of  that  year,  the  partnership  was  dissolved 
and  a  new  one  formed  by  Strong  and  Elijah  Dwight.  H.  Wright  Strong 
was  in  business  in  iS  1 5  ;  his  store  stood  on  the  site  now  occupied  by 
Adams'  drug-store.  In  1824,  Luke  Sweetser,  who  had  been  for  three 
years  in  Mr.  Strong's  employ,  bought  out  the  business,  continuing  it  under 
his  own  name  until  March,  1830,  when  his  brother,  J.  A.  Sweetser,  became 
associated  with  him  under  the  firm  name  of  L.  &  J.  A.  Sweetser.  A  few 
years  later,  J.  A.  Sweetser  severed  his  connection  with  the  firm  and  William 
Cutler  and  Luke  Sweetser  formed  a  partnership  under  the  firm  name  of 
Sweetser  &  Cutler.  In  1848,  George  Cutler  became,  a  member  of  the 
concern,  the  name  being  changed  to  Sweetser,  Cutler  &  Co.  Mr.  Sweetser 
retired  from  the  business  in  1857,  and  the  Cutler  brothers  continued  it 
under  the  firm  name  of  W.  &  G.  Cutler.  The  firm  of  Geo.  Cutler  &  Co. 
was  formed  in  1870  and  continued  in  business  until  1S84,  when  it  was 
succeeded  by  the  present  firm  of  Jackson  &  Cutler. 

Nathaniel  Jacobs  and  Samuel  Perrin  were  in  business  in  Amherst  in 
18 1 4,  the  firm  being  dissolved  in  November  of  that  year  and  Samuel 
Perrin  continuing  the  business  at  the  old  stand.  In  March,  1S15,  Thomas 
Dyer,  better  known  as  "  Capt."  Dyer,  formed  a  partnership  with  Timothy 
S.  Goodman,  the  firm  doing  business  at  East  Amherst.  Joseph  and  Asahel 
Thayer  were  in  business  in  18 iC,  the  partnership  being  dissolved  in  Feb- 
ruary of  that  year,  the  business  being  continued  by  Joseph  Thayer.  In 
1820,  Azell  Dunbar  was  a  manufacturer  of  and  dealer  in  looking-glasses 
at  East  Amherst. 

In  1826,  the  leading  store-keepers  in  Amherst  were  Luke  Sweetser 
and  Graves  &  Field.  They  dealt  in  cloths,  dry  goods  of  all  kinds,  crockery 
and  glass,  groceries,  wines,  spirits,  etc.  Asahel  Thayer  conducted  a 
general  store,  probably  at  the  center,  while  Philip  L.  Goss  <Sc  Co.  kept  a 
general  store  at  South  Amherst.  The  Amherst  book-store  was  conducted 
by  Mark  H.  Newman.  Jacob  Edson  was  a  dealer  in  cabinet  furniture  at 
the  center  and  Caleb  W.  Newell  &  Co.  manufactured  and  sold  furniture  at 
East  Amherst.  Lucius  Boltwood  was  agent  for  the  Springfield  fire  insu- 
rance company,  and  Edward  Dickinson  agent  of  the  /Etna  insurance 
company.  Harvey  Worthington  and  Ebenezer  Fisk  conducted  a  hat-store 
at  the  Center.  Lewis  Hills  kept  a  meat-market  in  the  basement  of  Bolt- 
wood's  tavern.     Lyman  Knowles  manufactured   coaches   and   wagons  at 


OLD    BUSINESS    FIRMS.  449 

South  Amherst  near  the  meeting-house.     Ebenezer  Eames,  Jr.,  conducted  a 
blacksmith  shop. 

In  1828,  the  firm  of  Graves  &  Field  was  succeeded  by  that  of  Field 
&  Dickinson,  the  latter  continuing  in  business  only  about  a  year  when  it 
was  dissolved.  Leander  Merrick  was  a  draper  and  tailor,  continuing  in 
business  until  after  1850.  E.  W.  Storrs  conducted  a  general  store  for 
many  years,  starting  business  in  1828.  C.  Stratton  was  a  "surgeon 
dentist"  in  Amherst  for  a  great  many  years.  In  1835,  M.  G.  Forgate  and 
Jonas  Houghton  conducted  the  Amherst  furniture  warerooms,  the  firm 
being  dissolved  in  October  of  that  year  and  a  new  partnership  formed 
under  the  name  of  Jones  &  Houghton.  Solomon  Pitkin  conducted  the 
"brick  store,"  selling  a  general  assortment  of  goods;  he  was  succeeded 
by  Pitkin  &  Kellogg. 

The  Amherst  cabinet  warerooms  were  conducted  in  May,  1835,  by 
YYilliam  F.  Bangs.  During  the  year  the  firm  name  became  McKinney  &: 
Bangs.  This  business  was  purchased  by  Hiram  Fox  in  1843,  and  two 
years  later  was  sold  to  Merrick  M.  Marsh.  In  i860,  the  firm  name  was 
changed  to  Marsh  &  Young,  in  1S67  to  Marsh  &  Son,  in  1875  to  E.  D. 
Marsh  &  Young,  and  in  1883  the  business  was  purchased  by  E.  D.  Marsh 
who  now  conducts  it.  When  J.  S.  &  C.  Adams  engaged  in  the  business 
of  printing  and  publishing  in  1824,  they  established  a  book-store  in  con- 
nection with  their  business,  which  has  been  carried  on  up  to  the  present 
time  ;  it  is  at  present  conducted  by  Edwin  Nelson,  who  bought  it  from 
Charles  Adams  in   187 1. 

In  1S44,  D.  Mack,  Jr.  &  Son  conducted  a  general  store  at  Amherst 
center.  L.  M.  Hills  owned  a  dry-goods  and  grocery  store  at  East 
Amherst  and  William  Dickinson  &  Co.  a  general  store  at  South  Amherst. 
Abel  A.  Butler  and  C.  Kellogg  were  dealers  in  boots  and  shoes.  S.  Har- 
rington dealt  in  watches,  clocks  and  jewelry.  Willam  Kellogg,  Jr.  con- 
ducted the  Amherst  furnishing  store.  J.  &  S.  Colton  were  tailors,  S.  D. 
Learned  a  book-binder  and  Newton  Fitch  a  druggist.  John  Slattery 
cleaned  and  colored  clothes.  Seneca  Holland  sold  dry-goods,  paints  and 
oils  as  early  as  1832  ;  about  1859  he  tookhis  son  Henry  in  partnership  with 
him  under  the  firm  name  of  S.  Holland  &  Son.  Henry  Holland  carried  on 
the  business  from  1883  until  his  death  in  1888,  when  he  was  succeeded 
by  the  present  firm  of  Holland  &  Gallond.  In  1840,  Joseph  Blynn  con- 
ducted a  stove-store  and  tin-shop  at  Amherst  center ;  he  was  succeeded  by 
a  Mr.  Montague  and  he  by  Charles  E.  Morse,  the  latter  selling  out  in 
1S55  to  W.  W.   Hnnt,  who  still  carries  on  the  business. 

Mirick  N.  Spear  has  conducted  a  news  and  stationery  store  at  Amherst 
center   since    1850.     E.  G.  Shumway  opened  a   photographer's  establish- 
29 


450  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

ment  in  Amherst  in  1850,  and  in  1856  sold  out  to  J.  L.  Lovell  who  has  since 
carried  on  the  business.  .  C.  E.  Hutchinson  opened  a  harness  and  trunk 
store  in  Amherst  in  1853,  and  has  continued  the  business  up  to  the  present 
time,  occupying  his  present  business  quarters  in  the  American  house  block 
since  1856.  In  1850,  E.  S.  &  F.  A.  Pierce  were  extensive  dealers  in 
groceries  and  general  merchandise,  and  Strickland  &:  Dickinson  were 
manufacturers  of  and  dealers  in  furniture.  In  1S55,  R.  Chauncey  Russell 
conducted  a  merchants'  tailoring  business.  Field  &  Strickland  had 
succeeded  Strickland  &  Dickinson  in  the  furniture  business.  Henry  C. 
Kellogg  was  a  dealer  in  boots  and  shoes.  George  Graves  was  engaged  in 
the  business  of  sign  and  ornamental  painting.  D.  J.  Bartlett  was  a  dealer 
in  millinery  goods.  In  i860,  Parks  Bros.,  W.  Barrows  &:  Co.  and  M.  A. 
&  B.  W.  Allen  were  leading  merchants  at  the  center.  The  above  is,  of 
course,  a  very  incomplete  list  of  the  persons  doing  business  in  Amherst 
during  the  present  century.  It  will  serve,  however,  to  pleasantly  recall  to 
many  of  the  readers  of  this  volume  the  names  and  personalities  of  many 
who  have  been  prominently  connected  with  the  business  interests  of  the 
town. 


CHAPTER   LII. 


Old  Houses. — Town  Politics. — Amusements  and  Celebrations. — 
Amherst's  Centennial. — Weather  Phenomena. — Storm  and 
Flood. — The  "  Blizzard." 

Much  of  interest  might  be  recorded  concerning  the  old  houses  in  the 
town,  but  the  subject  is  too  broad  to  admit  of  comprehensive  treatment  in 
such  a  work  as  this.  Reference  has  been  made  to  some  of  the  older 
dwellings  at  the  center,  the  Strong,  the  Boltwood,  the  Dickinson  and  the 
Merrill  houses.  There  is  a  very  old  house  on  the  Bay  road  at  South 
Amherst,  now  occupied  by  F.  S.  Jewett.  It  was  an  old  house,  known  as 
the  "  Smith  place,"  when  bought  in  1803  by  Jonathan  Thayer,  grandfather 
of  Dwight  Thayer.  The  house  on  the  West  street  at  South  Amherst  now 
occupied  by  Walter  Hayward  is  one  of  the  oldest  in  that  neighborhood, 
and  with  its  projecting  second  story  belongs  to  one  of  the  oldest  types  of 
architecture  in  New  England.  The  houses  at  Mill  Valley  occupied  by  Flavel 
Gaylordand  E.  W.  Clark,builtin  1782, are  in  excellent  preservation,  affording 


1 1   I  >  c ,  1 .    |oll\    DICKINSONS    HOUSE. 


THE   DELANO    HOUSE.   BURNED    IN    1876. 


TOWN    POLITICS.  451 

good  types  of  the  capacious  gambrel-roofed  dwellings  that  were  in  such 
high  favor  with  an  earlier  generation.  There  are  many  ancient  dwellings 
at  East  Amherst  and  North  Amherst,  some  of  them  "  houses  with  a 
history"  which  there  is  not  space  here  to  record.  The  house  at  the  center 
now  occupied  by  the  Misses  Cowles  was  standing  in  1S21,  when  it  was 
occupied  by  Dr.  Rufus  Cowles.  The  house  now  occupied  by  the  PsiUpsi- 
lon  fraternity  was  the  "  president's  house  "  of  Amherst  College.  The 
Amherst  house  "  Annex,"  known  for  many  years  as  ''Gunn's  hotel,"  is  one 
of  the  older  buildings  at  the  center.  The  house  now  occupied  by  Rev. 
Nelson  Scott  was  for  many  years  used  as  a  tavern.  The  old  Henderson 
house,  which  stood  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  the  botanic  Museum  of 
the  Agricultural  College,  was  torn  down  in  October,  1865.  The  "  Bee 
Hive."  formerly  a  part  of  the  Mt.  Pleasant  Institute  buildings,  was  torn 
down  in  July.  1S65.  Other  old  houses  standing  at  the  center  are  those 
now  occupied  by  John  C.  White,  by  Prof.  G.  F.  Mills,  by  the  Alpha  Delta  Phi 
fraternity  and  built  by  Dr.  Sellon.and  the  old  Montague  house  on  Main  street. 
Sweetser's  hall,  also  known  as  "  Concert  "  hall,  was  in  the  upper  part  of  the 
block  occupied  by  Sweetser's  store  on  Merchants'  Row.  Phoenix  hall  was  in 
the  upper  part  of  the  Phoenix  block,  which  occupied  the  site  where  Cook's 
block  now  stands.  These,  with  the  exception  of  (i  Agricultural  hall,"  were 
the  only  public  halls  at  the  center  until  Palmer's  block  waserectedin  1868. 

TOWN    POLITICS. 

Since  the  earlier  days  the  residents  of  Amherst  have  taken  an  active 
and  intelligent  interest  in  politics  and  elections.  Up  to  the  year  1872,  the 
claims  of  party  fealty  were  held  in  high  esteem  by  Amherst  voters,  but 
since  that  day  there  has  frequently  been  shown  an  independence  in  politi- 
cal action  that  is  well  worthy  of  record.  When  the  Federalists  controlled 
the  state,  Amherst  gave  that  party  loyal  support.  When  the  struggle 
came  between  the  Whigs  and  Democracy,  Amherst  was  found  ranged  with 
the  Whigs.  .Since  the  birth  of  the  Republican  party.  Amherst  has  given 
strong  support  to  its  candidates,  with  one  or  two  exceptions.  Amherst 
recorded  its  desire  for  a  state  constitution  in  1778  and  again  in  1779. 
The  first  election  was  held  under  this  constitution  Sept.  4.  1780,  when 
Amherst  gave  John  Hancock  43  votes  for  governor  and  eight  to  James 
Bowdoin.  In  178S,  Amherst  sent  Daniel  Cooley  as  its  representative  to 
the  state  convention  which  passed  upon  the  question  of  adopting  the  con- 
stitution of  the  United  States.  Mr.  Cooley  represented  the  wishes  of  his 
constituents,  and  general  public  sentiment  in  this  part  of  the  state,  by 
voting  against  the  constitution.  There  is  no  record  of  Amherst's  vote  for 
presidential  electors  in  17S9,  but  in  1792  votes  were  cast  for  sixteen  persons 
for  electors,  the  number  of  ballots  for  each  varying  from  one   to  24.      In 


452  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

1796,  Amherst  voted  for  but  one  presidential  elector,  Ebenezer  Mattoon 
receiving  51  votes.  In  1804,  the  electoral  ticket  bearing  the  names  of 
nineteen  persons,  including  that  of  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  received  123  votes, 
while  the  opposition  ticket  had  but  20.  This  was  the  year  when  Massa- 
chusetts gave  her  electoral  vote  to  Jefferson  for  president.  In  1820,  the 
residents  of  Amherst  had  the  privilege  of  voting  for  two  electors  at  large 
and  one  for  the  Northern  Hampshire  district ;  no  votes  were  cast  for 
electors  at  large. 

When  the  republican  party  was  first  organized  it  received  a  strong 
support  in  Amherst.  At  the  presidential  election  in  1856,  Amherst  cast 
41 S  votes  for  Fremont,  4S  for  Buchanan  and  28  for  Fillmore,  the 
"  American  "  party  candidate.  The  same  year  the  town  gave  the  following 
votes  for  representative  :  Enos  D.  Williams,  republican,  24S  ;  Noah  Dick- 
inson, "American,"  222;  M.  A.  Allen,  democrat.  37.  At  the  presidential 
election  in  i860,  Amherst  cast  407  votes  for  Lincoln,  26  for  Bell,  40  for 
Douglass  and  40  for  Breckenridge.  At  that  time  Amherst  had  no 
telegraph  connection  with  the  outside  world,  and  the  telegraphic  and  news- 
gathering  systems  of  the  country  were  not  sufficiently  complete  to  afford 
an  accurate  estimate  of  the  result  of  a  presidential  election  until  at  least 
24  hours  after  the  polls  had  closed.  On  Wednesday,  the  day  following 
election-day,  a  party  of  Amherst  citizens  drove  to  Northampton  to  get  the 
election  returns  as  early  as  possible.  It  was  notuntil  an  early  hour  Thurs- 
day morning  that  they  learned  the  news  of  Lincoln's  election  ;  returning 
to  Amherst,  they  awakened  people  living  along  the  route  to  tell  them  the  good 
news.  When  Amherst  was  reached  the  town  was  quickly  aroused,  bells 
were  rung,  cannon  fired,  and  the  day  was  ushered  in  with  general  jubilation. 
When  Lincoln  was  re-elected  in  1864,  Amherst  gave  him  512  votes  and 
but  47  to  McClellan. 

At  the  presidential  election  in  1868,  Amherst  gave  Grant  554  votes 
and  Seymour  86  ;  four  years  later,  when  Horace  Greeley,  the  "farmers' 
friend,"  was  the  Democratic  and  Liberal  candidate,  Amherst  gave  Greeley 
179  votes  to  389  for  Grant.  In  1S74,  Charles  A.  Stevens  of  Ware  was 
nominated  for  Congress  by  the  republicans  of  the  Tenth  Massachusetts 
district.  There  was  little  personal  opposition  to  Mr.  Stevens  within  the 
party,  but  the  charge  was  made  that  his  nomination  was  the  act  of  apolit- 
cal  "  ring,"  that  had  long  exercised  its  power  in  district  politics.  It  was 
also  charged  that  money  had  been  used  by  his  friends  in  securing  his 
nomination.  Under  these  circumstances,  the  friends  of  Julius  H.  Seelye, 
at  that  time  a  professor  in  Amherst  College,  requested  that  he  permit  them  to 
place  him  in  nomination  as  an  independent  candidate  for  Congress.  Pro- 
fessor Seelye  gave  his  consent,  and  it  is  recorded  that  the  only  money 
expended  by  him  during  the  campaign  was  for  the   postage-stamp  that   he 


SUITS    AT    LAW.  453 

placed  on  his  letter  of  acceptance.  The  campaign  was  sharply  fought  on 
either  side,  and  Prof.  Seelye  was  elected,  his  majority  in  the  district  being 
294  in  a  total  vote  of  over  15,000.  Amherst  gave  Seelye  452  votes, 
Stevens  62. 

In  1S84,  Amherst  gave  Blaine  374  votes  and  Cleveland  224.  In 
1888,  Amherst  gave  Harrison  452  and  Cleveland  224.  In  1S92,  Harri- 
son's vote  was  507  and  Cleveland's  263.  The  voters  of  Amherst  have 
taken  part  in  many  interesting  struggles  over  the  nomination  and  election 
of  congressmen,  state  senators,  representatives  and  county  officials,  which, 
although  exciting  and  interesting  at  the  time,  were  of  little  historic  impor- 
tance. Members  of  the  U.  S.  Congress  residing  in  Amherst  at  the  time  of 
their  election,  were  as  follows  :  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.,  1  So  1-03  ;  Osmyn 
Baker,  1839-45  ;  Edward  Dickinson,  1S53-55  ;  Julius  H.  Seelye,  1S74-76. 
Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.  served  as  presidential  elector  in  1792,  1796,  1S20 
and  1828.  Edward  Dickinson  was  a  member  of  the  Governor's  Council 
in  1846-47,  as  was  Timothy  J.  Gridley  in  1849-50.  The  following  members 
of  the  state  Senate  were  residents  of  Amherst  when  elected  :  Simeon 
Strong,  1792-93  ;  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.,  1795-96  ;  John  Leland,  1833-34; 
Edward  Dickinson,  1S42-43  ;  James  W.  Boyden,  1858  ;  Lucius  M.  Bolt- 
wood,  i860.  Prior  to  1857,  each  town  in  the  state  was  entitled  to  send  a 
representative  to  the  General  Court;  in  1857,  representative  districts  were 
formed.  From  1S57  to  1866,  inclusive,  Amherst  was  in  the  Fifth  Hamp- 
shire district,  with  Granby  and  Pelham  ;  from  1S67  to  1876,  inclusive,  in 
the  Fourth  Hampshire  district,  with  South  Hadley;  from  1S77  to  1885, 
inclusive,  in  the  Fourth  Hampshire  district,  with  Pelham,  Prescott  and 
South  Hadley;  since  1886,  in  the  Fourth  Hampshire  district,  with  Belcher- 
town  and  Granby.  These  districts  have,  with  rare  exceptions,  sent  republi- 
cans as  representatives  to  the  General  Court. 

TOWN    LAWSUITS. 

The  Hadley  Third  Precinct  received  as  a  part  of  its  inheritance  from 
the  parent  town  the  suit  against  John  Morton  and  Xathan  Dickinson  for 
encroachments  on  the  highways.  The  prosecution  of  this  suit  may  have 
been  responsible  in  part  for  the  taste  for  litigation  developed  among  the 
descendants  of  the  "  East  Inhabitants.'-  Certain  it  is  that  the  town  of 
Amherst  has  been  involved  in  many  lawsuits,  sometimes  as  plaintiff,  oftener 
as  defendant,  and  that  considerable  sums  of  money  have  been  paid  from 
the  town  treasury  for  legal  expenses.  A  majority  of  these  suits  have  had 
to  do  with  matters  relating  to  the  highways  and  pauper  settlements. 
Without  attempting  a  complete  record  of  these  cases,  brief  reference  may 
be  made  to  some  few  which  have  attracted,  special  interest  within  the  past 
fifty  years. 


454  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

In  1858,  the  town  of  Amherst  brought  suit  against  the  town  of  Shel- 
burne,  to  decide  the  rightful  place  of  settlement  of  Norman  Smith,  an 
insane  pauper.  The  case  was  partially  tried  in  February,  185S,  and  was 
taken  to  the  Supreme  Court  on  law  exceptions  which  were  decided  in 
Amherst's  favor.  It  was  again  tried  before  the  superior  court  at  North- 
ampton, in  February,  1859,  and  the  decision  was  given  against  Amherst. 
The  legal  expenses  of  the  suit  to  the  town  were  $1,859.78 ;  it  was  also 
compelled  to  pay  $1,332.38  to  hospitals  for  Smith's  support  in  previous 
years.  In  1859,  George  W.  Lawton  sued  the  town  for  $10,000  damages, 
for  injuries  sustained  by  his  wife  in  being  thrown  from  a  wagon  over  an 
embankment,  25  feet  in  height,  Jan.  21,  1858.  The  suit  was  brought 
before  a  referee,  who  returned  a  verdict  against  the  town  in  the  sum  of 
$2,000  and  costs,  amounting  in  all  to  $2,978.85.  Sept.  15,  1S69,  as  Francis 
A.  Lyman,  a  pedlar  of  tinware,  was  driving  along  the  mountain  road  from 
Amherst  to  Granby  his  horse  fell  down  the  bank  by  the  roadside.  He 
brought  suit  against  the  town  and  a  jury  rendered  a  verdict  in  his  favor  in 
the  sum  of  $4,000.  The  case  was  carried  to  the  supreme  court  on  excep- 
tions, which  were  over-ruled,  and  the  amount  of  the  verdict  and  $366.90 
for  expenses  was  paid  by  the  town  in  1872. 

In  1872,  Mrs.  D.  S.  Cowles  sued  the  town  for  damages  for  injuries 
sustained  upon  the  highway.  The  case  was  not  settled  until  1874,  when 
the  town  paid  Mrs.  Cowles,  $1,250,  and  expenses  of  the  suit  amounting  to 
$306.74.  In  1885,  Giles  G.  Pratt  brought  suit  against  the  town  for  dam- 
ages sustained  by  driving  against  a  railing  by  the  side  of  the  highway  at 
East  Amherst.  The  suit  was  decided  in  his  favor,  the  total  expense  to 
the  town  being  $426.48.  During  the  same  year,  Olney  P.  Gaylord  brought 
suit  against  E.  A.  King  who,  while  engaged  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties 
as  selectman,  cut  down  trees  in  the  highway  limits  at  East  Amherst,  the  land 
on  which  they  stood  fronting  on  Gaylord' s  premises  and  being  claimed  by 
him  as  his  own.  The  town  defended  the  suit,  which  was  decided  in  its 
favor,  the  expense  being  a  little  more  than  $400.  Suits  brought  against 
the  town  in  1886,  by  Giles  G.  Pratt  and  Emory  Squires,  for  damages  sus- 
tained upon  the  highways,  were  decided  in  the  town's  favor.  In  189 1,  J. 
H.  Sweetser  and  the  Delta  Kappa  Epsilon  fraternity  brought  suit  against 
the  town  for  damages  to  property  caused  by  the  extension  of  Lessey  street. 
The  town  settled  with  Mr.  Sweetser,  paying  him  $1,125;  tne  smt  brought 
by  the  fraternity  was  decided  in  favor  of  the  town. 

AMUSEMENTS    AND    CELEBRATIONS. 

The  earlier  inhabitants  of  Amherst  found  little  time  Jto  devote  to  recre- 
ation and  amusement.  Life  to  them  was  a  serious  matter  and  time  too 
precious   to  be   wasted.     They  celebrated   the  two  great  holidays  of  the 


AMUSEMENTS.  455 

year,  Thanksgiving-day  and  July  4th,  and  made  a  half-way  holiday  of 
"  general  muster "  day  in  May.  Neighborhood  and  society  picnics  were 
indulged  in  on  rare  occasions.  In  winter  the  singing-school  and  lyceum 
afforded  recreation  of  a  certain  sort,  and  quilting-bees,  husking-bees  and 
apple-parings  broke  the  monotony  of  every-day  existence.  The  traveling 
circus  and  menagerie,  though  frowned  upon  by  the  older  element  in  the 
community,  found  a  generous  patronage  among  the  young.  Theatricals 
were  regarded  as  devices  of  the  evil  one,  not  to  be  tolerated  in  any  law- 
abiding  community.  As  evidence  of  this  sentiment,  note  the  following 
extract  from  the  New  England  Inquirer,  under  date  of  Sept.  n,  182S  : 

•■  We  learn  from  the  Ifampshire  Gazette  that  a  strolling  company  of  players 
has  been  performing  at  Northampton.  We  are  really  surprised  that  the  select- 
men of  the  shire  town  should  have  given  license  to  what  every  moral  man  is  bound 
to  regard  as  an  outrageous  nuisance." 

In  1845,  the  selectmen  licensed  a  circus  to  give  a  performance  in 
Amherst  Saturday  afternoon  ;  the  proprietors  were  very  anxious  to  give 
an  evening  performance  as  well,  but  public  sentiment  upon  the  subject 
was  highly  wrought  up  and  the  selectmen  refused  permission,  on  account 
of  the  following  day  being  the  Sabbath.  Van  Amburgh  exhibited  his 
trained  animals  in  Amherst  in  1846.  Amherst  people  were  also  permitted, 
for  a  consideration,  to  gaze  upon  that  petrified  humbug,  the  "  Cardiff 
giant."  Mrs.  Scott  Siddons  gave  readings  here  while  at  the  height  of  her 
popularity.  There  was  a  great  demand  for  tickets  and  the  hall  was 
crowded.  For  many  years  after  the  organization  of  Amherst  College  the 
annual  commencement-day  was  recognized  as  a  general  holiday  by  the 
town.  Cattle-show  day  was  honored  in  similar  fashion  for  many  years. 
July  4,  1S47,  tne  operatives  of  the  Amherst  Manufacturing  company  held 
a  grand  celebration  at  "  Factory  Village."  About  160  persons  sat  down 
to  dinner  which  was  provided  by  the  ladies  living  in  the  vicinity.  The 
votes  passed  by  the  town  during  the  period  of  the  Revolutionary  war  were 
read  and  patriotic  addresses  were  delivered  by  Samuel  C.  Carter,  Rev. 
George  Cooke  and  I.  F.  Conkey,  Esq.  Many  toasts  were  proposed  and 
responded  to.  Oct.  12,  1847,  members  of  the  Cataract  and  Deluge  Engine 
companies  and  their  invited  guests  held  a  grand  banquet  at  the  Amherst 
house.  July  4,  i860,  a  large  party  went  from  Amherst  to  Westfield  to 
witness  a  game  of  base-ball  played  by  Amherst  and  Williams  College  stu- 
dents. Thirteen  men  played  on  each  side  for  31  innings,  the  final  score 
being  70-41  in  Amherst's  favor.  At  the  same  time  and  place,  Williams 
won  from  Amherst  at  chess. 

Amherst,  as  a  town,  has  held  but  one  public  celebration.  At  a 
meeting  of  citizens  held  at  the  police  court-room  June  12,  1S76,  it  was 
voted  to  celebrate  in  a  fitting  manner,  on  July  4th,  the  one  hundredth 


456  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

anniversary  of  the  town's  organization.  At  a  meeting  held  June  14,  it  was 
voted  that  Levi  Stockbridge  serve  as  chairman  of  the  day,  with  J.  L. 
Skinner  as  chief-marshal  and  Henry  M.  McCloud  secretary  and  treasurer. 
Nine  committees  were  appointed  to  have  charge  of  special  features  of  the 
occasion.  It  was  also  voted  to  invite  M.  F.  Dickinson,  Jr.,  of  Boston,  to 
deliver  the  historical  address.  At  a  special  town-meeting  held  June  22,  it 
was  voted  to  appropriate  $250  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  celebration, 
also  $100  for  the  publication  of  the  town  history.  The  appointed  day  was 
ushered  in  by  the  firing  of  a  salute  of  38  guns  at  sunrise  and  the  ringing 
of  church-bells.  An  enjoyable  feature  of  the  occasion,  although  not  on  the 
regular  program,  was  a  procession  of  "  antiques  and  horribles,"  at  6  a.  m. 
The  regular  procession  for  the  day  formed  on  the  village  common  at  9-30 
a.  m.  It  was  headed  by  the  Amherst  Cornet  band,  which  was  followed  by 
scholars  of  all  the  Sunday-schools  in  town,  citizens  on  foot  and  a  long  line 
of  carriages.  The  procession  marched  to  the  College  grove,  formerly 
known  as  Baker's  grove,  where  the  exercises  of  the  day  were  held.  The 
program  included  music  by  the  Amherst  Cornet  band,  prayer  by  Rev.  D. 
W.  Marsh,  an  address  by  Levi  Stockbridge,  an  historical  address  by  M.  F. 
Dickinson,  Jr.,  and  reading  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  by  Rev. 
Henry  F.  Allen.     In  the  evening  there  was  a  fine  display  of  fireworks. 

WEATHER    PHENOMENA. 

As  early  as  1835,  Prof.  E.  S.  Snell  began  the  collection  of  meteoro- 
logical statistics  in  connection  with  his  duties  at  Amherst  College.  This 
work  has  been  continued  since  the  death  of  Professor  Snell  by  his  daugh- 
ters, the  Misses  Mary  L.  and  Sabra  C.  Snell.  The  results  of  these  obser- 
vations are  recorded  in  the  "Meteorological  Journal  of  Amherst  College." 
Since  the  establishment  of  the  Hatch  Experiment  Station  on  the  grounds 
of  the  Massachusetts  Agricultural  College,  very  complete  and  accurate 
records  have  been  compiled  by  the  meteorological  department  of  the  sta- 
tion. These  records  are  of  interest  and  value,  and  it  is  to  be  regretted 
that  they  do  not  extend  back  to  an  earlier  period  in  the  town's  history. 
Residents  of  Amherst  have  witnessed  many  interesting  weather  phenom- 
ena. Few  if  any  now  living  can  remember  the  famous  "  dark  days  "  of 
18 16  and  18 19,  but  many  bear  in  recollection  stories  told  concerning  them 
by  parents  and  grandparents. 

Situated  upon  a  broad  plateau,  Amherst  has  been  remarkably  free 
from  those  periodical  inundations  that  visit  the  lowlands  of  the  Connecti- 
cut Valley,  yet  the  town  has  suffered  not  a  little  from  storm  and  flood.  In 
the  early  part  of  September,  1828,  there  was  a  very  heavy  freshet  in  the 
Valley,  the  Connecticut  river  rising  higher  than  before  in  twenty  years. 
Rain  began  falling  Mondav  evening  and  continued  without  cessation  until 


STORM    AND    FLOOD.  457 

Friday  noon.  The  damage  to  roads  and  bridges  in  Amherst  was  estimated 
at  over  $2,000.  Aug.  11,  1863.  the  hardest  thunder-shower  known  for 
many  years  passed  over  the  town.  The  rain  fell  in  torrents  filling  the 
streams  to  overflowing.  The  greatest  destruction  caused  in  Amherst  was 
at  "Factory  Hollow."  There  were,  at  that  point,  two  dams  upon  the 
Mill  river.  Crossing  the  stream  directly  above  the  lower  clam  was  a  foot- 
bridge. After  the  storm  had  subsided,  three  women  and  a  man  stood  upon 
this  bridge,  watching  the  angry  waters.  Three  of  them  resided  at  North 
Amherst.  Mrs.  Mar}'  YVheelock.  her  daughter  Miss  Wealthy,  and  Charles 
Turner ;  the  fourth  was  Mrs.  Rachel  Barrett,  who  resided  in  Connecticut, 
but  was  visiting  friends  in  Amherst  at  the  time.  Suddenly  and  without 
warning  the  upper  dam  gave  way,  and  the  descending  flood  carried  away 
the  bridge.  The  three  women  were  drowned  but  Mr.  Turner  was  rescued. 
The  waters  wrecked  the  bleach-house  of  L.  M.  Hills,  containing  a  large 
amount  of  valuable  property,  and  other  buildings  in  the  near  vicinity  were 
badly  damaged. 

Oct.  3  and  4,  1869,  Amherst  was  visited  by  another  disastrous  freshet. 
The  rain  fell  continuously  for  36  hours,  the  total  precipitation  amounting 
to  six  inches,  as  recorded  by  Professor  Snell,  the  heaviest  he  had  ever 
known.  Fort  river  rose  rapidly  and  covered  much  of  the  lowlands  at  East 
Amherst.  Porter  Dickinson's  machine-shop  was  flooded  and  a  new 
channel  cut  through  the  bank  above  the  entrance  to  the  canal.  The  dams 
at  the  head  of  canals  leading  to  the  mills  of  E.  B.  Fitts  were  carried  away, 
while  the  canal  leading  to  Kellogg's  tool-shop  was  washed  away  in  many 
places.  The  brick-yard  of  Roswell  Howard  was  flooded  to  a  depth  of 
several  feet.  Considerable  damage  was  done  at  North  Amherst.  John 
R.  Cushman's  loss  was  nearly  $10,000.  The  rightwingof  the  dam  leading 
to  his  leather-mill  was  torn  away  and  the  mill  badly  damaged.  The  dams 
at  Cushman's  upper  paper-mill  and  the  Roberts  mill  were  carried  away. 
Considerable  damage  was  clone  along  the  line  of  the  railroad.  No  trains 
passed  over  the  tracks  at  Amherst  from  Monday  morning  until  Thursday 
noon.  The  damage  to  roads  and  bridges  in  the  town  was  estimated  at 
over  $3,100. 

June  14,  1877,  two  storm-clouds  came  together  above  the  town  of 
Northampton,  the  result  being  a  tornado  which  caused  great  damage  within 
a  limited  area.  The  old  covered  bridge  crossing  the  Connecticut  river 
between  Northampton  and  Hadley  was  torn  from  its  piers  and  completely 
wrecked.  Eleven  people  and  six  teams  went  down  with  the  bridge,  one 
woman  being  fatally  crushed  by  the  falling  timbers.  Three  residents  of 
Amherst  were  upon  the  bridge  at  the  time,  W.  W.  Smith,  L.  A.  Williams 
and  J.  C.  Haskins.  Mr.  Haskins  felt  the  bridge  giving  way  and  ran  his 
horse  at  full  speed  ;  this  probably  saved  his  life  as  the  falling  timbers  struck 


458  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

the  rear  wheels  of  his  wagon.  Mr.  Smith  went  down  with  his  team,  but 
escaped  serious  injury.  July  16,  1879,  a  disastrous  tornado  swept  across 
the  state  from  west  to  east.  The  towns  in  the  Connecticut  Valley  suffered 
severely.  The  weather  for  many  days  had  been  intensely  hot  and  atmos- 
pheric conditions  were  similar  to  those  which  cause  cyclones  in  the  West. 
The  storm  was  at  its  worst  in  Northampton,  where  many  of  the  largest  of 
its  famous  elm-trees  were  uprooted.  In  Amherst,  also,  the  storm  was 
severe.  A  heavy  fall  of  hail  destroyed  crops  and  broke  many  hundred 
panes  of  glass.  The  Durfee  Plant-house  on  the  Agricultural  College 
grounds  was  wrecked.  Lightning  struck  many  buildings,  including 
the  almshouse  at  South  Amherst.  As  witnessed  from  Amherst,  the  storm 
presented  a  most  imposing  and  awesome  appearance. 

Sept.  6,  1881,  is  known  in  New  England  annals  as  the  "yellow  day." 
During  the  early  hours  of  the  morning  an  intense  darkness  prevailed, 
lightening  at  sunrise.  About  9  a.  m.  darkness  began  to  settle  down  over 
the  earth,  the  sun  being  completely  veiled  from  sight.  The  air  was  thick, 
a  sickly  yellow  vapor  seeming  to  rise  from  the  ground,  and  giving  out  a 
very  pungent  odor.  Gas  was  lighted  in  the  stores  at  an  early  hour  in  the  fore- 
noon, the  scholars  in  the  public  schools  were  dismissed  and  fowls  sought 
their  roost  as  in  the  "  dark  days  "  earlier  in  the  century.  The  darkness 
continued  to  increase  until  noon,  but  about  2  p.  m.  the  sun  began  to  show 
a  little  through  the  clouds  and  by  sunset  the  air  was  fairly  clear.  Acurious 
coincidence  in  connection  with  this  phenomenon  was  the  fact  that  the 
following  day,  Sept.  7,  had  been  fixed  upon  by  a  certain  sect  as  the  date 
when  the  world  should  end,  and  some,  even  of  the  skeptical,  were  not  a 
little  alarmed  at  the  "yellow  day,"  which  might  well  have  ushered  in  some 
extraordinary  event.  The  cause  of  this  phenomenon  has  never  been  fully 
ascertained,  but  is  generally  supposed  to  have  resulted  from  great  forest 
fires  in  Canada. 

New  England's  great  and  only  blizzard  began  on  March  n,  1888  and 
continued  through  two  nights  and  one  day.  In  Amherst,  snow  began  to 
fall  lightly  on  Sunday  evening,  continuing  through  the  night  and  Monday 
morning  with  increasing  vigor.  By  Monday  noon  the  wind  was  blowing  a 
gale  and  the  air  was  filled  with  sharp  ice-crystals  that  cut  into  the  flesh  of 
those  who  were  exposed  to  the  fury  of  the  storm.  As  night  drew  on  the 
storm  increased  in  violence  and  nearly  every  road  in  town  was  rendered 
impassible  for  teams.  The  mingled  snow  and  ice  was  piled  by  the  wind 
in  drifts  reaching  in  many  cases  to  the  second-story  windows  of  dwelling- 
houses.  During  the  night,  while  the  storm  yet  raged,  an  alarm  of  fire  was 
given  and  in  less  than  an  hour  Palmer's  block  and  the  "  Cooper  house  " 
were  in  ashes.  Snow  was  banked  about  the  engine-house  so  that  it  was 
impossible  to  open  the  doors,  but  the  hose  was  dragged  out  through  the 


AMHERST    IKil   si:. 


WAKM'.K     HOUSF 


I  m 


ALMER  S    I'.I.i  ii   K. 


MAPLE    AVEXUE,    BEFORE    [868. 


THE    "  ELIZZARD."  459 

windows  and  an  attempt  made  to  stay  the  flames,  but  this  was  impossible. 
The  storm  continued  through  the  night  and,  the  following  morning,  resi- 
dents of  Amherst  "  looked  upon  a  world  unknown."  The  whole  outline 
of  the  landscape  had  been  changed  in  a  day  and  night.  Teams  were  at 
once  set  at  work  breaking  out  the  highways  but  full  communication  was  not 
established  between  the  center  village  and  the  outlying  districts  until  late 
on  Wednesday  afternoon.  Some  drifts  at  East  Amherst  measured  over 
twenty  feet  in  depth.  Travel  on  both  railway  lines  passing  through 
Amherst  was  suspended  from  Monday  noon  until  Wednesday  night.  A 
passenger  train  on  the  New  London  Northern  road  was  stalled  near  the 
Amherst  depot,  while  on  the  Massachusetts  Central  road  an  engine  was 
wrecked  while  trying  to  force  its  way  through  the  snowdrifts  in  the  "  cut  " 
to  the  west  of  the  station.  No  mails  and  no  daily  papers  were  received  in 
Amherst  for  two  days.  Telegraph  wires  were  down,  and  news  of  the  fire 
in  Palmer's  block  reached  the  New  York  papers  by  way  of  long-distance 
telephone  from  Northampton  to  Boston,  and  then  by  cable  via  London, 
England,  to  New  York.  Milkmen  were  unable  to  cover  their  routes,  and 
the  supply  of  fresh  meat  in  town  was  nearly  exhausted  ere  the  blockade 
was  broken.  The  expense  of  opening  the  highways  for  travel  was  more 
than  $1,000.  Many  persons  attempting  to  reach  their  homes  from  their 
places  of  business  Monday  evening,  had  narrow  escapes  from  death  by 
exposure  or  exhaustion.  There  were  no  fatal  accidents  caused  in  the  town 
by  the  blizzard,  but  many  persons  were  rendered  ill  by  exposure. 

Sept.  n,  1895,  a  tornado  passed  over  the  town.  Lasting  but  half  an 
hour,  it  did  great  damage  to  property  in  a  limited  area.  At  the  height  of 
the  storm  the  wind-gauge  at  the  Hatch  Experiment  station  indicated  a 
velocity  of  92  miles  an  hour.  Rain  fell  in  torrents,  and  was  succeeded  by 
a  fall  of  hail  the  like  of  which  had  never  before  been  noted  in  this  lati- 
tude. Trees  were  blown  down,  chimneys  demolished,  houses  unroofed 
and  thousands  of  panes  of  glass  broken.  Telegraph  and  telephone  wires 
were  broken  and  tangled.  The  fruit  crop  was  badly  damaged.  In  less 
than  a  half-hour  after  the  storm  began  the  sun  was  shining  brightly. 


460  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


CHAPTER  L1II. 


The  Old  Cannon. — Slavery  and  the  Abolition  Movement. — Authors. 
— Scientists. — Natural  Features. — Locality  Names. — Pub- 
lic Conveniences. — Societies. 

The  struggle  in  regard  to  the  opening  of  Triangle  street  was  but  an 
incident  in  the  contest,  long  continued,  for  supremacy  between  the  settle- 
ments at  the  East  and  West  streets.  Another  feature  of  this  contest,  and 
a  most  interesting  one,  is  found  in  the  efforts  made  by  the  younger  element 
in  either  community  to  secure  and  retain  possession  of  the  "old  cannon." 
After  the  surrender  of  Gen.  Burgoyne,  the  American  army  was  well  sup- 
plied with  new  and  improved  brass  and  bronze  field-pieces  captured  from 
the  enemy.  Some  of  the  old  iron  cannon,  which  had  previously  been 
in  use  by  the  American  troops,  were  presented  by  the  government  to  officers 
who  had  served  with  distinction  in  the  campaign.  Among  the  officers  thus 
honored  was  Lieut.  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  who  was  given  charge  of  two  iron 
field-pieces,  six-pounders,  with  carriages  and  all  appurtenances.  The  guns 
were  forwarded  to  Hatfield,  whence  they  were  brought  to  Amherst  by 
Oliver  Clapp  and  Joseph  Blair.  One  of  these  guns  was  loaned  to  go  to 
New  Salem,  where  it  stood  for  some  years  on  the  common,  being  used  in 
firing  salutes  on  July  4th  and  other  public  occasions.  It  was  stolen  by 
boys  and  hidden  for  several  years,  but  was  found  in  the  early  '60s  and 
restored  to  its  place  on  the  common.  Soon  afterwards  a  foot  or  two  of 
the  muzzle  was  blown  away  owing  to  overloading.  After  this  accident 
the  gun  disappeared  in  a  mysterious  manner  for  the  second  time  and  has 
never  been  recovered. 

Not  less  eventful,  and  even  more  exciting,  was  the  history  of  the  gun 
that  remained  in  Amherst.  Lieutenant,  afterwards  General  Mattoon, 
willingly  loaned  it  for  use  in  patriotic  celebrations,  and  it  was  in  general 
demand  on  July  4th  and  similar  occasions.  Gen.  Mattoon  lived  at  East 
Amherst,  but  this  did  not  prevent  the  West  street  "  boys  "  from  frequently 
gaining  possession  of  the  gun.  Time  and  again  it  was  hidden  away,  in 
anticipation  of  future  use,  by  one  faction,  only  to  be  discovered  and  stolen 
by  the  other.  It  is  related  that  one  Fourth  of  July,  when  the  gun  chanced 
to  be  in  possession  of  the  West-street  faction,  the  young  men  at  East  street 
organized  themselves  into  a  regular  artillery  company,  and  having  procured 
a  cannon  from  Belchertown  marched  with  it  to  the  West  street  at  midnight 
on  July  3d  and  fired  a  salute,  hoping  that  the  West-street  faction  would 
bring  out  their  gun,  when  it  was  proposed   to    have   a  pitched    battle   for 


THE    OLD    CANNON.  46 1 

supremacy.     Fortunately,  in  the  interests  of  peace,  the  challenge  was  not 
accepted. 

The  old  gun  was  brought  forth  to  do  duty  on  the  night  when  the  news 
was  received  in  Amherst  that  the  General  Court  had  granted  a  charter  to 
Amherst  College.  After  firing  several  rounds,  the  friends  of  the  college 
adjourned  to  the  Amherst  house,  where  they  indulged  in  a  general  celebra- 
tion. The  next  day  it  was  noticed  that  one  of  the  celebrators  had  an  eye 
in  mourning,  and  on  being  questioned  as  to  how  he  had  received  the 
injury  replied  that  he  had  '-run  agin  the  charter."  With  the  establish- 
ment of  the  college,  a  new  factor  entered  into  the  struggle  for  the  posses- 
sion of  the  gun  ;  the  students  espoused  the  cause  of  the  faction  at  West 
street  and  also  found  the  gun  of  great  assistance  in  college  celebrations. 
General  Mattoon,  then  well  advanced  in  years,  became  heartily  sick  of  the 
controversy.  After  a  particularly  sharp  contest  between  the  East  street 
and  West  street  factions,  the  gun  mysteriously  disappeared,  in  the  summer 
of  1 83 1.  An  extended  search  was  made  for  it  at  the  time,  and  was 
renewed  at  intervals  for  many  years  thereafter,  but  without  avail.  Many 
stories  were  told  in  regard  to  its  disappearance  and  its  probable  hiding- 
place.  Some  said  that  the  young  men  at  East  street  had  carried  it  away 
and  placed  it  beyond  the  reach  of  their  West  street  antagonists ;  others, 
that  the  latter  had  hidden  it  away  and  would  produce  it  at  some  fitting 
time;  others  still,  that  the  students  were  responsible  for  its  disappearance. 
It  was  said  it  had  been  placed  in  an  old  well,  that  it  had  been  sunk  in  Fort 
river,  that  it  had  been  buried  in  any  one  of  a  score  of  places.  As  time 
passed  on,  and  the  antagonism  between  the  East  and  the  West  villages 
died  away,  the  old  gun  and  its  stirring  history  passed  into  the  realms  of 
tradition.  In  1893,  Dr.  D.  B.  X.  Fish,  who  had  made  a  study  of  thehistory 
of  the  gun,  made  a  determined  effort  to  discover  its  hiding-place.  He 
communicated  with  most  of  the  living  members  of  the  classes  who  were  in 
Amherst  College  at  the  time  of  the  gun's  disappearance,  and  with  many 
former  residents  of  the  town  who  might  be  supposed  to  know  something 
in  regard  to  it.  He  succeeded  in  collecting  considerable  information  in 
regard  to  the  gun,  but  was  unable  to  discover  where  it  was  buried.  In  the 
spring  of  1S96,  parties  in  Amherst  were  notified  that  a  letter  was  in  exist- 
ence which  would  reveal  the  resting-place  of  the  old  gun.  Negotiations 
were  entered  into  with  the  parties  having  this  letter  in  their  possession, 
with  the  result  that  it  is  here  presented,  with  a  few  unimportant  omissions, 
giving  for  the  first  time  in  print  a  complete  and  probably  accurate  account 
of  the  burial  of  the  gun.  The  letter  was  written  in  185S  by  Robert  Wilson, 
a  member  of  the  class  of  '32  at  Amherst  College,  to  his  fellow  classmate,. 
Zebina  C.  Montague  of  Amherst. 


462  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Keene,  May  30TH,  1858. 

Dear  Bixa  : 

Your  short  and  sweet  epistle  came  yesterday  and  brought  to 
mind  your  request  conveyed  in  the  former  letter.  I  confess  to  a  neglect  in  replying 
sooner,  but  time  passed  and  I  kept  on  delaying  and  so  on,  just  as  lazy,  or  busy 
men  will  do  the  world  over.  Well  to  begin  at  the  beginning— Kaigar  rode  the  gun 
on  the  evening  of  July  4th,  1830,  and  you  "■fellers"''  were  full  of  your  exploits  con- 
cerning your  prowess  in  Oct.  of  that  year  when  one  Bob  Wilson  first  came  to 
Amherst  to  dabble  his  confounded  fingers  in  the  mess  also,  and  cause  the  faculty 
sleepless  nights  not  a  few.  I  "  arriv  "  in  season  to  take  part  in  the  scrimmage,  we 
the  Juniors  had  with  the  Sophs,  who  presumed  to  leave  the  chapel  before  our  high 
mightiness  etc.  etc.  When  Old  Prex  called  upon  Hitchings  to " desist "  while 
handling  John  Burnham  at  the  head  of  the  stairs.  During  the  last  of  June  A.  D. 
1831,  One  Caleb  Lyman  proposed  to  renew  the  previous  year's  celebration  and  as 
it  was  considered  rather  unsafe  for  the  Students  to  meddle  that  year,  Cale  and 
Bill  Cutler  obtained  the  Gun  of  Genl.  Mattoon,  and  the  students  subscribed  the 
money  for  powder  etc.  Several  of  us  assisted  in  the  firing  before  daylight,  in  dis- 
guise, and  we  made  preparations  to  give  the  faculty  "  especial  Hell "  on  the  evening 
of  the  fourth  but  desisted  at  the  earnest  entreaty  of  some  of  the  citizens  on 
account  of  a  young  lady  who  was  sick.  But  Cale  and  Cutler  had  especial  cJiarge 
to  keep  the  gun  hot  as  long  as  the  powder  lasted,  and  if  Kaigar  saw  fit  to  ride  it 
again,  to  put  in  an  extra  charge,  in  order  to  make  his  seat  as  easy  as  possible.  Well 
July  1831  passed  pretty  quietly  upon  the  whole.  In  the  early  part  of  June  1S32 
the  East  Street  boys,  who  had  been  somewhat  disappointed  the  year  previous  in 
not  obtaining  the  gun  of  the  old  Genl.  began  to  plot  about  stealing  it,  and  as  some- 
thing of  a  feud  had  grown  out  of  the  matter,  I  waited  on  the  Genl.  and  stated  what 
had  been  whispered  abroad.  He  was  willing  we  should  have  it,  but  did  not  quite 
wish  to  disoblige  his  neighbors.  I  finally  enquired  if  he  would  feel  very  angry  at 
us,  if  we  u  stole  the  gun  "  before  the  east  street  boys  got  hands  on  it?  The  idea 
seemed  to  please  him  much,  as  the  gun  would  then  go  where  he  desired  it,  and 
save  him  scatheless.  It  was  then  in  the  east  end  of  his  barn  floor,  and  over  it 
about  two  or  three  tons  of  straw  and  litter.  On  or  near  the  15th  of  June, — Cale 
Lyman, — Cutler — myself  and  some  of  the  boys,  went  to  the  barn,  opened  the  East 
Doors  from  the  inside,  and  drew  the  gun  from  under  the  straw,  closed  the  doors 
and  left  everything  apparently  as  it  was  before.  We  took  it  to  a  barn  near  the 
Mount  Pleasant  Institute,  disjointed,  and  hid  the  several  parts  in  a  Hay  Mow. 
About  the  1st  of  July  the  East  Streeters  visited  the  General's  Barn  one  night  and 
pitched  off  carefully  all  the  straw  to  the  last  forkfull,  and  behold  the  Gun  had 
vamosed!  Genl.  M.  was  well  aware  of  all  the  proceedings,  and  was  in  perfect 
extasces  at  the  fun  of  the  thing. 

There  was  quite  a  row  among  the  horses  while  this  was  being  done,  and  the 
servant  girl  came  to  the  Genl.  and  complained  about  the  noise,  but  he  quieted  her 
by  saying  there  was  nothing  the  matter  etc.  The  secret  of  all  that,  is  this.  The 
Genl's  Son  (who  lived  at  home  then)  sided  with  the  East  Streeters,  and  the  Genl. 
with  us;  We  got  the  Gun  when  the  Son  was  away  from  home.  And  the  Son  left 
home  purposely  on  the  night  that  the  East  Streeters  went  for  it,  so  as  not  to  be 
privy  to  the  stealing,  or  hinder  them  from  it.  The  Genl.  notified  Cale  when  his 
■son  was  to  be  absent,  and  was  privy  to  our  whole  movements.  He  also  knew  that 
it  was  arranged  between  his  son  and  the  East  Streeters  for  them  to  get  possession 
of  the  gun.     The  next  morning  there  was  a  general  row  in  East  Street,  and  no  one 


BURYING    THE    CANNON.  463 

so  mad  as  Mattoon's  Son.     The  Genl.  was  perfectly  calm  and  reconciled  to  the 
fate  of  the  poor  Gun,  as  nobody  could  eat.  or  pocket  it!     Thayer's  carriage  hands 
sent  to  Belchertown,  got  a  Gun  and  came  up  to  the  corner  near  Pitkin's  Store  on 
morning  of  the  4th  with  their  Gun  and  about  sixty  men  armed  with  bludgeons  lest  they 
might  be  attacked,  fired  twice  and  retreated  as  fast  as  they  could  run  to  East  Street 
again.  This  was  about  15  minutes  before  12  on  the  morning  of  the4th  whilea  detach- 
ment of  our  men  had  gone  for  our  Gun.     It  soon  came  upon  the  ground,  and  played 
merrily  until  daylight.  An  attempt  was  made  by  an  East  Streeter  to  spike  it  during  the 
day,  but  it  was  soon  got  in  good  condition  again  and  did  good  service  in  the  even- 
ing.    During  the  day  of  the  4th,  1832,  threats  were   made  by  the  East  Streeters 
that  they  would  take  the  Gun  that  night  and  uput  it  in  where  the  College  Boys 
should  never  see  it  again.'"     Between  10  and  12  of  that  night  the  hole  in  Gilbert's 
cellar  where  he  used  to  keep  the  Ale  Barrel  under  the  floor,  was  dug  deeper  and 
the  Gun  consigned  to  mother  earth,  with  about  five  feet  of  good  clean  gravel  a-top 
of  it:  We  then  supposed  it  had  found   a  quiet  resting  place  until  the   next  4th 
should  require  celebrating  etc.  but— alas— the  instability  of  all  sublunary  things  !    In 
less  than  two  weeks  from  that  time,  one  of  the  Academy   Students  heard   Cutler 
say  to  some  crony  of  his,  "  that  he  knew  where  the  "  thing  "  was  pointing  signifi- 
cantly with  his  finger  downwards.     This  conversation  was  reported  to  a  certain 
person  whose  name  came  near  the  last  on  the  catalogue  of  the  Seniors  for  1S32  and 
the  conclusion  arrived  at,  was,  that  there  ought  to  be  a  resurrection  of  the  "  76-er  " 
before  morning.     Accordingly  another  member  whose  name  began  with  A  of  that 
same  class  of  Scape  Goats,  was  called  from  his  warm  bed.  and  76  was  resurrected 
in  about  two  hours.     The  fore  wheels  of  one  of  Bissell's  wagons  were  borrowed 
and  the  funeral  procession  consisting  of  the  aforementioned  two  scape  Goats  and 
76,  started  for  East  Street  on  the  northern-most  of  those  two  roads,  proceeded  as 
far  as  Esq.  Dickinson's  then  turned  west  on  what  is   now  the   .Main  Street  from 
Bina's  to  Dickinson's.     Do  you  remember  two  large,  old  Willow  Trees  standing 
one  on  the  south  and  the  other  on  the  north  side  of  what  is  now  the  street  between 
you  and  Dickinson's?     The  south  one  stood  in  the  field,  the  north  one  then  stood 
nearly  in  a  line  with  the  fence  on  the  north  side  of  the  road. — The  Gun  finally  was 
deposited  about  forty  or  fifty  feet  to  the  west  of  the  northernmost  Willow  Tree, 
and  about  10  feet  south.  I  think  a  north  and  south  line  drawn  about  45  feet  west  of 
where  that  Tree  was,  and  an  east  and  west  one  ten  feet  south  of  it  (the  tree)  will 
at  the  intersection  of  the  two  lines  nearly  cover  the  Gun.     It  was  not  buried  more 
than  two  and  one-half  feet  deep  as  the  ground  was  hard  clay  and  daylight  was  fast 
approaching.     When  at  Amherst,  5  years  since  I  pointed  out  to  Kellogg  the  Mer- 
chant, as  near  as  possible  the  location.     It  might  be  easily  found  if  desired  either 
by  trenching,  or  by  probing  the  ground  at  regular  distances  with  a  sharp  steel  rod. 
I  am  surprised  that  it  has  not  been  uncovered  already  as  the  ground  had  been 
lowered  somewhat  from  its  former  heighth  when  I  saw  it  last.     Genl.  M.  was  privy 
to.  and  not  averse  to  its  being  buried  as  it  had  been  a  source  of  annoyance  to  him 
for  some  years  previously.     I  do  not  think  he  had  an  idea  it  would  remain  buried 
for  a  long  period,  but  seemed  pleased  to  have  the  annoyance  removed  for  a  time, 
and  when  talking  the  matter  over,  "chuckled"  most  heartily  at  the  chagrin   of  his 
son  and  the  "  East  Streeters  "  in  losing  it. 

Truly  your  friend, 

B.  Wilson. 
P.  S.     Bill  Adams  and  I  did  that  job.  and  worked  well  too.     I  cut  a  pair  of 
new  Boots  clean  through  the  Soles  in  digging  the  holes. 


464  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

THE    ABOLITION    MOVEMENT. 

Slaves  were  owned  in  Amherst  as  late  as  1770.  There  was  little 
active  opposition  to  the  institution  of  slavery  in  this  section  until  after 
1830,  although  few  persons  were  held  in  bondage  in  Western  Massachu- 
setts after  the  beginning  of  the  Nineteenth  Century.  As  early  as  1833, 
an  anti-slavery  society  was  organized  among  the  students  of  Amherst 
College  ;  it  met  with  strong  opposition  from  many  of  the  students  and 
from  members  of  the  faculty,  who  believed  that  it  interfered  with  the  use- 
fulness of  the  institution  ;  it  was  given  up  by  command  of  the  faculty,  but 
was  revived  in  1836,  with  the  faculty's  consent  and  approbation.  In 
1838,  the  First  parish  dismissed  an  article  contained  in  the  warrant  for  a 
parish  meeting,  in  relation  to  granting  the  use  of  the  meeting-house  for 
lectures  on  the  subject  of  slavery.  The  "Amherst  Anti-Slavery  Society" 
was  organized  sometime  in  the  later  '30s.  Its  constitution  is  still  in 
existence,  the  preamble  reading  as  follows  : 

"  The  Census  of  the  United  States  presents  us  with  the  fact  that  one-sixth 
part  of  this  nation  are  held  in  bondage  by  their  fellow  citizens.  We  believe  that 
Slavery  in  its  laws  and  usages  is  a  violation  of  the  law  of  God  and  of  the  funda- 
mental principles  of  our  national  government.  We  beiieve  that  a  public  senti- 
ment may  be  created  throughout  the  country  which  shall  be  so  averse  to  Slavery 
as  to  effect  its  speedy  Abolition,  and  thus  restore  the  Slave  to  his  rights,  appease 
the  anger  of  the  Righteous  and  Supreme  Judge  of  all  men  and  prevent  a  general 
convulsion.  And  we  believe  that  it  is  our  duty  to  do  all  that  we  can  lawfully  in 
such  an  enterprise.  We  do  therefore  agree  to  form  ourselves  into  a  Society 
under  the  following  Constitution.'' 

The  expressed  object  of  the  society  was: 

•'To  collect  and  diffuse  information  on  the  subject  of  Slavery,  to  convince 
our  fellow  citizens  of  its  impolicy,  injustice  and  criminality,  and  consequently  the 
expediency,  safety  and  duty  of  abolishing  it ;  to  use  all  lawful,  moral,  and  religious 
measures  to  effect  its  total  and  immediate  abolition  throughout  the  United  States;. 
to  improve  the  condition  of  people  of  color,  remove  the  prejudice  of  public  opinion 
against  them  and  advance  their  intellectual,  moral  and  religious  improvement." 

Any  person  might  become  a  member  of  the  society  by  signing  the 
constitution.  The  signatures  of  245  persons  were  attached  to  this  docu- 
ment, the  first  in  the  list  being  that  of  Rev.  W.  W.  Hunt.  Among  these 
names  was  that  of  Frederic  D.  Huntington,  at  that  time  a  student  in 
Amherst  College,  and  those  of  many  other  students  in  the  classes  of  '37, 
'38  and  '39. 

July  19,  1837,  a  meeting  was  held  in  the  hall  of  the  school-house  at 
South  Amherst  for  the  purpose  of  forming  an  anti-slavery  society.  A 
constitution  was  adopted,  the  preamble  reading  as  follows  : 

"  Whereas  the  Most  High  God  hath  made  of  one  blood  all  nations  of  men  to 
dwell  on  the  face  of  the  Earth,  and  hath  commanded  them  to  love  their  neighbors 


ABOLITION    SOCIETIES.  465 

as  themselves,  and  whereas  our  national  existence  is  based  upon  the  principle  that 
all  mankind  are  created  equal  and  are  endowed  by  their  Creator  with  certain 
inalienable  rights  among  which  are  life,  liberty  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness;  and 
whereas  Slavery  is  contrary  to  the  principles  of  natural  justice  and  of  the  Chris- 
tian Religion,  and  we  believe  it  the  duty  and  interest  of  the  Masters  immediately 
to  emancipate  the  Slaves,  and  whereas  we  believe  we  owe  it  to  the  oppressed,  to 
our  fellow  citizens  who  hold  slaves,  to  our  country,  to  posterity  and  to  God  to  do 
all  that  is  lawfully  in  our  power  to  bring  about  the  extinction  of  Slavery,  we  do 
hereby  agree  with  a  prayerful  reliance  on  Divine  aid  to  form  ourselves  into  a 
society  to  be  governed  by  the  following  Constitution.'' 

The  name  adopted  was  the  "Anti-Slavery  Society  of  the  South  Parish 
in  Amherst."  Its  object  was  "the  entire  abolition  of  slavery  in  the 
United  States,"  which  it  was  proposed  to  promote  by  circulating  informa- 
tion in  regard  to  slavery  and  by  other  suitable  means.  Any  person  might 
become  a  member  by  signing  the  constitution.  There  were  57  signatures 
to  the  document.  Officers  were  elected  as  follows:  President,  Timothy 
Smith ;  secretary  and  treasurer,  Thomas  Read ;  executive  committee, 
Erastus  S.  Bridgman,  Joseph  Dana  and  Jacob  Stetson,  Jr.  At  a  meeting 
of  the  society  held  Oct.  29,  1839,  tne  following  resolutions  were  adopted  : 

••  That  we  believe  the  most  efficient  measures  which  we  can  use  for  bringing 
the  public  mind  in  this  place  to  a  correct  view  of  Slavery  will  be  the  circulation  of 
anti-slavery  publications.  That  it  is  our  duty  as  Abolitionists  to  exert  our  influ- 
ence to  secure  the  election  of  representatives  to  Congress  who  will  on  all  occa- 
sions raise  their  voices  in  the  defence  of  the  right  of  petition,  and  use  their 
utmost  endeavors  for  the  abolition  of  Slavery  in  the  District  of  Columbia  and  also 
in  the  territories  of  the  United  States." 

Feb.  17,  1840,  the  society  voted  to  become  auxiliary  to  the  Hamp- 
shire County  Abolition  society.  Feb.  19,  1840,  the  executive  committee 
was  instructed  to  select  and  purchase  books  for  an  anti-slavery  library. 
The  last  entry  in  the  society  records  bears  date  Jan.  11,  1S42. 

The  "North  Amherst  Abolition  Society,"  auxiliary  to  the  Hampshire 
County  Anti-Slavery  society,  was  organized  at  North  Amherst,  Sept.  30, 
1839,  with  1 10  members.  Its  officers  were  :  President,  Ferdinand  Robinson  ; 
vice-president,  Ephraim  Roberts,  Jr. ;  corresponding  secretary,  Charles  Rob- 
erts; recording  secretary,  Ransom  Cowles  ;  treasurer,  Samuel  Robbins.  How 
long  these  society  organizations  were  continued,  and  whether  they  exerted 
any  great  influence  upon  public  sentiment  cannot  be  stated  with  certainty,  but 
the  anti-slavery  agitation  was  carried  on  in  Amherst  as  in  other  New  England 
communities  up  to  the  time  when  the  arguments  of  writing  and  oratory 
gave  place  to  the  more  convincing,  if  not  more  logical  arguments  of 
musket  and  sabre.  June  10,  1S48,  Rev.  Joshua  Leavitt  delivered  a  lec- 
ture in  Sweetser's  hall  on  "  Slavery,  and  the  position  that  the  people  of 
the  North  sustain  to  that  institution."  During  the  presidential  campaign 
3° 


466  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

of  1848,  the  "  Free  Soil "  movement,  though  opposed  by  the  Express  on 
the  ground  that  it  weakened  the  Whig  party,  had  many  and  warm  friends 
in  Amherst.  Sept.  1,  1848,  a  meeting  of  the  "Free  Soil"  advocates  was 
held  at  the  Amherst  house  to  choose  delegates  to  the  state  convention  at 
Boston.  At  the  same  time  and  place  a  meeting  of  the  "  Liberty  Men  " 
was  held.  Many  members  of  the  college  faculty,  as  well  as  pastors  of 
the  local  churches,  were  ardent  advocates  of  the  abolition  movement. 

AUTHORS    AND    SCIENTISTS. 

Amherst  has  given  birth  to  no  great  artist,  musician,  inventor  or  scien- 
tist. The  few  great  names  in  her  history  are  those  of  lawyers,  physicians, 
ministers  of  the  Gospel,  educators,  men  of  affairs.  The  literature  of  Amer- 
ica and  of  the  world  has  been  enriched  by  many  contributions  from 
Amherst  writers,  but  few  of  these  authors  have  attained  great  eminence  in 
the  literary  world.  The  presidents  of  Amherst  College  have  devoted 
much  of  their  time  and  effort  to  literary  work,  from  which  the  public  has 
benefited  greatly.  President  Humphrey  had  several  volumes  printed,  of 
which  the  one  having  the  largest  circulation  was  that  which  described  his 
"Tour  in  France,  Great  Britain  and  Belgium."  President  Hitchcock  was 
a  voluminous  writer,  his  printed  works  comprising  24  bound  volumes,  35 
pamphlets,  94  papers  in  periodicals  and  80  newspaper  articles.  His  best 
known  works  were  "  Reminiscences  of  Amherst  College,"  "Religion  of 
Geology,"  "Elementary  Geology"  and  "Phenomena  of  the  Seasons." 
President  Seelye  revised  and  edited  Hickok's  "  Mental  Science "  and 
"Moral  Science,"  was  author  of  "The  Way,  the  Truth  and  the  Life," 
"Citizenship"  and  other  volumes.  Many  valuable  text-books  in  science 
and  literature  have  been  written  by  professors  at  the  college  and  have 
been  adopted  for  use  in  educational  institutions  throughout  the  country. 
Professor  W.  S.  Tyler  wrote  and  published  his  very  interesting  and  valu- 
able "  History  of  Amherst  College,"  while  engaged  in  his  duties  as  a 
member  of  the  college  faculty.  Noah  Webster  was  a  resident  of  Amherst 
while  engaged  in  the  compilation  of  his  famous  dictionary,  which  has  well 
been  ranked  with  the  Bible  and  with  Shakespeare's  works  as  one  of  the 
three  most  valuable  publications  in  the  English  language. 

The  most  noted  writer  of  fiction  that  Amherst  can  claim  by  right  of 
birth  was  undoubtedly  Helen  M.  Fiske,  better  known  to  the  world  of 
literature  as  "H.  H."  The  daughter  of  Prof.  Nathan  W.  Fiske  of 
Amherst  College,  she  was  born  at  Amherst,  Oct.  iS,  183 1.  She  was  edu- 
cated at  Ipswich  female  seminary  and  at  the  private  school  of  Rev.  J.  S. 
C.  Abbott  in  New  York  City.  At  the  age  of  2 1  she  was  married  to 
Edward  B.  Hunt,  a  captain  in  the  United  States  army,  by  whom  she  had 
two  children,  one  of  whom  died   in  infancy,   the  other  while  but  a  child. 


HELEN    HUNT.  467 

Eleven  years  after  their  marriage  her  husband  was  killed  by  the  explosion 
of  a  sub-marine  battery  at  Fortress  Monroe.  Helen  Hunt  began  her 
literary  career  in  1S66,  as  a  contributor  of  short  poems  to  the  columns  of 
the  Nation  and  the  Independent.  In  1870,  she  printed  at  her  own  expense 
a  volume  of  poems  entitled  "Verses  by  H.  H."  This  won  at  once  a  gen- 
erous recognition  in  the  literary  world,  and  thereafter  her  writings  were  in 
great  demand  by  publishers.  She  was  the  author  of  two  volumes  pub- 
lished by  Roberts  Bros,  in  their  "No  Name''  series,  in  1876  and  1877, 
"Mercy  Philbrick's  Choice"  and  "Hetty's  Strange  History;"  these 
added  greatly  to  her  reputation.  It  is  generally  believed,  although  she 
would  never  admit  it,  that  she  was  the  author  of  the  "  Saxe  Holm  "  stories, 
printed  in  Seribner  s  Monthly  in  1873  and  1878.  In  1S75,  she  removed  to 
Colorado,  where  she  was  married  the  same  year  to  William  S.  Jackson. 
In  her  Western  home  she  first  became  impressed  with  the  injustice  which 
had  been  shown  by  the  United  States  government  in  dealing  with  the 
Indian  tribes.  The  result  of  these  impressions  is  shown  in  "A  Century 
of  Dishonor,"  published  in  18S1,  and  in  "  Ramona,"  her  latest  and  by 
many  esteemed  her  greatest  work  which  was  published  in  1SS4.  She 
died  in  Colorado.  Aug.  12,  1885.  By  common  consent  she  is  accorded  a 
very  high  rank  among  the  female  authors  of  America. 

Eugene  Field,  the  well-known  author,  was  born  in  St.  Louis,  Mo., 
but  came  to  Amherst  at  an  early  age  and  remained  here  several  years, 
attending  at  one  time  the  Misses  Howland's  and  Rev.  R.  B.  Hubbard's 
schools.  He  ever  retained  an  interest  in  the  town  in  which  he  spent  his 
boyhood  days.  Emily  Dickinson,  daughter  of  Hon.  Edward  Dickinson, 
was  born  in  Amherst  and  was  educated  at  Mt.  Holyoke  seminary.  She 
did  not  write  for  publication,  but  after  her  death  three  volumes,  two  of 
letters  and  the  other  of  poems  from  her  pen,  were  edited  by  Mrs.  Mabel 
Loomis  Todd  and  published,  commanding  a  large  sale.  '  They  gave 
evidence  of  uncommon  literary  talent  and  were  warmly  welcomed  by  the 
public.  Emeline  Walker,  grand-daughter  of  Peter  Ingram,  gained  literary 
distinction  under  the  name  of  "Lisle  Lester." 

Of  the  scientists  who  have  made  their  home  in  Amherst  perhaps  the 
most  noted  was  Edward  Hitchcock.  He  was  appointed  state  geologist  of 
Massachusetts  in  1830,  and  geologist  of  the  First  District  of  New  York  in 
1836.  He  made  the  first  geological  survey  of  this  section  of  the  Connec- 
ticut Valley,  beginning  the  work  while  pastor  of  a  church  in  Conway.  •  It 
was  largely  through  his  influence  that  the  geological  survey  of  the  state 
was  undertaken.  In  1857,  he  was  called  on  to  complete  the  geological 
survey  of  Vermont.  He  was  the  discoverer  of  the  famous  "  bird  tracks  "  in 
the  Connecticut  Valley,  and  his  collection  of  these  fossil  footprints,  the 
finest  in   the  world,   is  now  on  exhibition   in  the  museum  of  Amherst  Col- 


468  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

lege.  Charles  U.  Shepard,  the  noted  mineralogist,  was  at  one  time  a 
member  of  the  Amherst  College  faculty,  and  the  college  was  fortunate 
enough  to  secure  his  very  extensive  and  valuable  collection  of  minerals 
for  its  cabinets.  Edward  Tuckerman  became  connected  with  the  college 
in  1854,  and  in  185S  was  appointed  professor  of  botany,  a  position  which 
he  held  until  his  death  in  1886.  Having  made  a  special  study  of  lichens 
he  became  known  as  the  best  American  authority  upon  this  subject  and 
was  elected  a  member  of  several  of  the  most  noted  American  and  foreign 
scientific  societies.  A  pioneer  in  the  study  of  the  flora  of  the  White 
Mountains,  his  name  is  borne  by  one  of  the  most  famous  ravines  in  that 
region. 

TOPOGRAPHY    AND    LOCALITY    NAMES. 

The  scope  of  this  work  does  not  admit  of  any  extended  consideration 
of  the  topography  of  the  town.  President  Hitchcock,  in  his  "  Reminis- 
cences," has  given  in  broad  outline  a  map  of  the  physical  features  of  the 
landscape  in  and  about  Amherst.  The  town  is  situated  on  a  broad  plateau, 
sloping  gradually  on  the  west  down  to  the  Hadley  meadows  and  with  a 
sharper  declination  on  the  east  to  the  lowlands  at  the  foot  of  the  Pelham 
hills.  The  division  line  with  Granby  and  South  Hadley  to  the  south 
extends  along  the  summit  of  the  picturesque  Holyoke  mountain  range. 
To  the  northwest  the  land  slopes  down  to  Sunderland  meadows,  and  to  the 
northeast  rises  to  the  "  Flat  hills  "  and  the  Leverett  and  Shutesbury  divis- 
ion lines.  Twin  hills,  christened  by  President  Hitchcock  "  Castor  "  and 
"  Pollux,"  are  located  in  the  south  part  of  the  town,  while  to  the  north  are 
Mt.  Pleasant  and  the  companion  eminence  from  which  arises  the  marble 
shafts  of  Wildwood  cemetery.  A  little  to  the  south  and  west  of  the  center 
is  the  sightly  highland  of  Mt.  Doma.  Near  to  the  northwest  boundary 
line  is  the  "  Great  swamp  "  often  referred  to  in  old  Hadley  records,  and 
near  the  railway  at  South  Amherst  the  "Lawrence  swamp."  Nearly  all 
the  territory  comprised  in  the  township  was  formerly  covered  by  a  heavy 
forest  growth,  but  little  of  which  is  now  standing.  Two  rivers  pass  through 
the  town,  each  having  its  source  in  Shutesbury.  One,  known  as  Mill  river, 
takes  a  westerly  course  through  the  north  part  of  the  town  and  passing 
through  North  Hadley  empties  into  the  Connecticut  river.  The  other, 
known  as  "  Fort "  or  "  Freshman  "  river,  takes  a  southerly  course  through 
the  town  and  empties  into  the  Connecticut  at  Hockanum. 

The  most  noted  landmark  in  the  early  period  of  the  town's  history 
was  the  "  Hartling  stake,"  which  stood  near  the  junction  of  Main  and 
West  streets,  or  near  the  northeast  corner  of  the  Amherst  house. 
The  origin  of  the  name  is  unknown.  Many  locality  names  have  been 
applied  to  certain  sections  in  the  town,  some  of  which  have  fallen 
into  disuse  while  others  are  yet  retained.  The  northeast  section  is  still  known 


LOCAL    NAMES.  469 

as  the  ''Flat  Hills,"  as  it  was  in  173S.  "Broad  Gutter."  as  a  local  name 
in  the  northern  part  of  the  town,  has  been  forgotten.  The  common  at 
South  Amherst  was  known  for  many  years  as  "  Fiddler's  Green,"  but 
neither  memory  nor  tradition  gives  significance  to  the  term.  When  in  the 
early  years  of  this  century  the  East  and  West  villages  were  contending  for 
supremacy  the  local  name  for  the  East  street  was  "  Sodom  "  while  the  West 
street  rejoiced  in  the  name  of  "  Mt.  Zion."  The  section  now  known  as 
"Mill  Valley  "  was  formerly  called  "  Clark's  Mills  "'  and  at  a  later  date 
"  Mill  Hollow."  The  name  of  •'  Factory  Hollow  "  at  North  Amherst  is 
self  explanatory  and  is  of  early  origin.  The  Nutting  family  living  in  the 
southeast  part  of  the  town  gave  to  that  section  the  name  of  "  Nuttingville." 
"  Hawley  Swamp  "  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  town  derives  its  name  from 
the  Hawley  family.  Kellogg's  tool-factory  gave  the  name  of  '•  Kellogg- 
ville  "  to  the  thriving  settlement  about  it.  The  woodland  near  the  Hadley 
line  has  long  been  known  as  the  •' West  woods."  "Pine  Hill"  is  on  the 
Bay  road  near  Hadley  line.  "'Yale  Hollow"  and  •' Bartlett's  Hollow"  are 
well  known  to  those  who  have  hunted  squirrels  on  the  south  mountain.  The 
"  1  Jevil's  Garden  "  on  the  mountain  road  to  South  Hadley  must  be  seen  if 
the  significance  of  the  term  would  be  fully  appreciated.  "  Irish  Hill."  the 
"Patch,"  the  '•Curry"  and  "Blackbird's  Island"  are  terms  that  have  a 
local  significance. 

PUBLIC    SERVICE. 

In  matters  pertaining  to  the  public  convenience  Amherst  has  fared 
full  as  well  as  other  communities  of  relative  size  and  importance.  Tele- 
graph communication  with  the  outside  world  was  established  in  1861.  the 
first  message  from  Amherst  being  sent  Dec.  9  of  that  year.  The  town  has 
now  the  service  of  two  companies,  the  Western  Union  and  the  Postal.  In 
the  fall  of  1S95,  a  local  telephone  exchange  was  established  in  Amherst, 
with  some  forty  subscribers.  As  early  as  the  days  of  stage-coaching  the 
town  was  supplied  with  an  express  service  ;  the  character  of  this  service 
was  changed  when  the  first  railway  line  was  completed  through  the  town, 
but  has  been  continued,  by  different  companies,  up  to  the  present  time. 
A  passenger  transfer  service  between  the  depots  and  the  Amherst  house 
has  been  in  operation  for  many  years.  The  first  public  laundry  was 
established  in  Amherst  in  the  '70s  by  G.  W.  Arms. 

SOCIETY    ORGANIZATIONS. 

Amherst  has  had  an  abundant  quota  of  society  organizations,  many 
of  which  have  already  been  considered  in  this  volume  under  special  chapter 
headings.  Two  physicians,  resident  in  Amherst,  Drs.  Isaac  G.  Cutler  and 
Rufus  Cowles,  took  a  prominent  part  in  the  organization  of  the  Hampshire 


470  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

District  Medical  society  in  1833.  Other  Amherst  physicians  have  been 
admitted  to  this  organization  as  follows:  In  1840,  Gardner  Dorrance ; 
1841,  S.  E.  Strong;  1843,  Seth  Fish,  then  of  North  Hadley,  and  Israel 
H.  Taylor,  then  of  Pelham;  1852,  Benjamin  F.  Smith;  1861,  Lorin  H. 
Pease;  1866,  D.  B.  N.  Fish  and  O.  F.  Bigelow;  1867,  John  Dole  and 
Edward  R.  Lewis;  1874,  William  Dwight :  1S78,  Charles  W.  Cooper; 
1884,  H.  H.  Seelye;  1891,  H.  B.  Perry;  1895,  J.  Stowell,  Jr.;  1896,  G. 
W.  Rawson  and  C.  F.  Branch.  The  following  Amherst  physicians  have 
been  fellows  of  the  Massachusetts  Medical  society  :  Robert  Cutler,  Isaac 
G.  Cutler,  Rufus  Cowles,  Seth  Fish,  Benjamin  F.  Smith,  Edward  Hitch- 
cock, Edward  Hitchcock,  Jr.,  D.  B.  N.  Fish. 

The  Knox  Branch  of  the  Washington  Benevolent  society  was  in 
existence  in  Amherst  in  18 1 5  and  1816.  Ithamar  Conkey,  Lucius  Bolt- 
wood  and  Austin  Dickinson  served  as  secretaries  of  the  society  in  these 
years.  Meetings  were  held  at  Boltwood's  tavern.  This  society,  while 
professedly  instituted  for  benevolent  objects,  was  in  reality  a  secret  political 
organization,  designed  to  further  the  interests  of  the  Federal  party. 
There  were  county  organizations  to  which  the  branches  in  the  towns  were 
auxiliary.  The  organization  was  a  popular  one  in  the  New  England 
states. 

Pacific  Lodge  F.  and  A.  M.  was  chartered  June  8,  1801,  by  the  grand 
lodge  of  Massachusetts.  The  petition  for  a  charter  was  signed  by  Phineas 
Hubbard,  Roswell  Field,  Edward  Ruggles,  Samuel  Church,  Joseph  Willard, 
Caleb  Hubbard,  Friend  Smith,  Rufus  Field,  David  Stockbridge,  Cornelius 
Wells,  John  Prentiss,  William  Mather  and  Elijah  Allis.  Some  of  these 
parties  resided  in  Amherst,  others  in  Leverett,  Hadley  and  Sunderland.  The 
charter  gave  the  lodge  permission  to  hold  its  meetings  in  Sunderland,  and 
the  first  place  of  meeting  was  at  the  hotel  of  Major  Caleb  Hubbard  at  the 
"  Plum  Trees."  The  first  officers  installed  were  :  W.  M.,  Phineas  Hub- 
bard ;  S.  W.,  Roswell  Field  ;  J.  W.,  Samuel  Church,  Jr.;  treasurer,  Caleb 
Hubbard;  secretary,  David  D.  Gray;  S.  D.,  Rufus  Field;  J.  D.,  Beal 
Crocker  ;  S.  S.,  Joseph  Watson;  J.  S.,  Friend  Smith ;  tyler,  Ezra  Winslow. 
Dec.  13,  1802,  leave  was  granted  for  the  lodge  to  remove  from  Sunderland 
to  Amherst ;  the  first  meeting-place  in  Amherst  was  at  the  house  of  Calvin 
Merrill.  Although  chartered  in  1801,  and  working  regularly  from  that 
time,  the  lodge  was  not  regularly  constituted  until  1804;  Sept.  5  of  that 
year,  its  officers  were  installed  in  public  by  Solomon  Vose,  D.  D.  G.  M. 
Upon  the  return  made  to  the  grand  lodge  in  1S05  is  this  endorsement : 

•;  The  Lodge  meets  at  Bro.  Calvin  Merrill's  hall.  Fifty  members  :  3  Physicians, 
2  Gentlemen  of  Public  Education,  2  Merchants,  4  Inn  Keepers.  3  Majors,  4  Cap- 
tains, 2  Lieutenants,  2  Selectmen,  2  Joiners,  2  Hatters.  2  Saddlers,  1  Goldsmith,  2 
Shoemakers,  1  Clothier,  1  Cooper,  1  Papermaker,  20  Farmers,  1  Coroner." 


PACIFIC    LODGE.  47  I 

June  S,  1S07,  leave  was  granted  for  the  lodge  to  remove  from  Amherst 
to  Leverett,  where  meetings  were  held  at  Lucius  Field's  hotel ;  the  lodge 
remained  in  Leverett  but  three  months,  returning  to  Amherst  in  the  fall  of 
1S07.  On  its  return,  meetings  were  first  held  at  Baggs'  tavern  at  East 
Amherst,  then  at  Rufus  Kellogg's  tavern  at  the  "City,"  and,  later,  at 
Boltwood's  tavern  at  the  center  village.  The  lodge  prospered  until  1827, 
when,  like  nearly  all  lodges  in  Massachusetts,  it  succumbed  to  the  Morgan 
excitement  and  suspended  work,  its  charter  being  returned  to  the  grand 
lodge. 

In  1S60,  a  few  Masons  desirous  of  reopening  the  lodge  applied  to  the 
grand  lodge  for  a  dispensation,  two  of  their  number,  Dr.  Seth  Fish  and 
Riley  Jilson,  had  been  members  of  the  original  lodge.  The  dispensation 
being  granted,  the  lodge  was  opened.  Some  of  the  furniture  of  the  old 
lodge,  that  had  been  carefully  stored  away  by  Elijah  Boltwood,  was  found 
by  Calvin  Merrill,  secretary  of  the  organization  when  the  charter  was  sur- 
rendered in  1S27,  and  by  him  presented  to  the  new  lodge.  These  relics 
were  repaired  and  placed  in  the  new  hall,  where  they  were  used  in  the 
work  for  which  they  were  originally  designed.  The  lodge  having  worked 
for  one  year  under  a  dispensation,  the  grand  lodge  was  pleased  to  grant 
them  the  old  charter,  and  Sept.  24,  1S61,  Pacific  Lodge  was  again  consti- 
tuted, its  hall  dedicated  and  officers  installed.  Since  that  date  the  lodge 
has  occupied  quarters  in  the  upper  story  of  Phoenix  Row,  the  lodge-rooms 
having  been  seriously  damaged  by  fire  on  two  occasions. 

Among  the  earlier  members  of  the  lodge  the  following  names  are 
found  :  Major  Melzar  Hunt,  Capt.  Roswell  Field,  Dr.  Samuel  Gamwell, 
John  Dickinson,  William  Delano,  David  Stockbridge,  Zebina  Dickinson, 
Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Jr.,  Calvin  Merrill,  Chester  Dickinson,  Dr.  William  F. 
Sellon,  Dr.  Silas  Ball,  Noah  D.  Mattoon,  Rufus  Dickinson.  Capt.  Roswell 
Dickinson,  Capt.  Eli  Parker,  Ithamar  Conkey,  Justus  Williams,  Rufus 
Kellogg,  Cummings  Fish,  Elijah  Boltwood. 

Wells  Lodge  No.  140,  I.  O.  O.  F.  was  instituted  at  Amherst,  March 
27,  1S51,  continuing  in  existence  until  1S5S,  when  its  charter  was  surren- 
dered. The  officers  elected  and  installed  for  the  term  beginning  July  1, 
iS5i,were:  Noble  Grand,  Joseph  Colton  ;  Vice  Grand.  Josiah  Ayres  ; 
secretary,  Newton  Fitch;  treasurer,  Samuel  Harrington.  At  the  meeting 
of  the  grand  lodge  held  in  Boston,  Aug.  7,  1S51,  Ithamar  F.  Conkey  was 
present  as  the  representative  of  Wells  Lodge. 

Amherst  Grange  No.  16,  Patrons  of  Husbandry,  was  organized  Nov. 
26,  1873,  at  Grand  Army  hall  in  Amherst.  It  was  chartered  by  both  the 
State  Grange  and  the  National  Grange.  The  number  of  charter  members 
was  20.  The  following  officers  were  elected  Jan.  1,  1874:  Master,  J.  A. 
Baker;  secretary,  C.  S.  Smith:  treasurer,  G.  S.  Hawley;  overseer,  E.  N. 


472  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Dickinson  ;  lecturer,  Levi  Stockbridge  ;  steward,  E.  B.  Fitts,  Jr. ;  chaplain, 
P.  D.  Spaulding ;  gate-keeper,  W.  S.  Hawley ;  Ceres,  Mrs.  A.  J.  Spear ; 
Pomona,  Mrs.  H.  D.  Dana;  Flora,  Mrs.  C.  S.  Smith;  stewardess,  Miss 
Anna  Stockbridge.  After  the  burning  of  Grand  Army  hall  in  1879,  tne 
Grange  met  at  Harvey  White's  hall  for  two  years,  then  at  homes  of  the 
members  until  1886,  since  which  time  the  meetings  have  been  held  in 
Grange  hall.  The  local  Grange  became  connected  with  the  Connecticut 
Valley  District  Grange  about  1886,  with  the  Hampshire  County  Pomona 
Grange  in  1894.  The  present  number  of  members  is  126.  For  the  first 
year  after  organization  meetings  were  held  weekly ;  they  are  how  held  on 
the  first  and  third  Friday  evenings  of  each  month. 

The  Amherst  Club  was  organized  at  a  meeting  held  in  the  district 
court-room,  Jan.  13,  189 1,  when  a  constitution  and  by-laws  were  adopted. 
The  club  is  a  social  organization,  a  majority  of  its  membership  being  made 
up  of  young  men  engaged  in  business  in  the  village.  The  club  had  51 
members  on  organization.  The  following  officers  were  the  first  to  serve  : 
President,  H.  T.  Cowles  ;  vice-presidents,  E.  M.  Spear  and  L.  W.  Cornish  ; 
secretary,  C.  F.  Morehouse;  treasurer,  E.  D.  Marsh;  executive  committee, 
E.  W.  Smith,  P.  H.  Williams,  E.  B.  Dickinson,  F.  E.  Paige,  George  Cutler, 
Jr.;  finance  committee,  G.  S.  Kendrick,  W.  A.  Hunt,  W.  G.  Towne ;  mem- 
bership committee,  J.  B.  Paige,  Edward  Dickinson,  E.  W.  Carpenter. 
Rooms  were  engaged  in  Williams'  block  and  fitted  up  at  an  expense  of 
some  $2,000.  The  club  now  occupies  five  rooms,  handsomely  furnished. 
It  is  a  regularly  chartered  institution  and  its  present  membership  is  74. 

At  a  meeting  of  some  200  women  held  in  the  district  court-room,  Oct. 
4,  1893,  it  was  decided  to  organize  a  woman's  club  and  a  form  of  associ- 
ation was  agreed  upon.  The  organization  was  completed  at  a  meeting 
held  Oct.  ti,  when  it  was  voted  to  call  the  new  club  the  "  Ramona."  The 
officers  elected  were  :  President,  Mrs.  J.  E.  Tuttle ;  vice-presidents,  Mrs. 
M.  L.  Todd,  Mrs.  S.  T.  Maynard ;  secretary,  Mrs.  E.  C.  Field  ;  treasurer, 
Mrs.  W.  W.  Hunt ;  auditor,  Mrs.  Levi  Stockbridge.  Each  member  joined 
one  or  more  of  the  several  committees  into  which  the  club  is  divided,  each 
meeting  of  the  club  being  in  charge  of  some  one  committee.  A  short  time 
after  organization,  it  was  voted  to  change  the  name  from  the  "  Ramona  "  to 
the  "  Amherst  Woman's  Club."  Meetings  were  held  for  a  time  in  the 
Baptist  church  vestry,  but  now  in  the  district  court-room  the  first  and 
third  Monday  afternoons  in  each  month.  The  present  membership  of  the 
club  is  about  165. 

At  a  meeting  held  Feb.  19,  1S90,  Eagle  Lodge  of  the  New  England 
Order  of  Protection  was  organized  in  Amherst.  The  officers  chosen  were: 
Warden,  Charles  E.  Wilson  ;  past-warden,  F.  D.  Cook  ;  vice-warden,  H. 
L.  Ufford ;  secretary,   Howard   Merritt ;  treasurer,  Quartus  Leach  ;  chap- 


BOARD    OF    TRADE.  473 

lain,  H.  L.  Macomber;  guide,  J.  E  Bement :  financial  secretary.  M.  A. 
Dickinson  ;  trustees,  F.  D.  Cook.  J.  F.  Gilbert,  Charles  Parents.  The 
organization  has  prospered  from  the  beginning ;  its  meetings  are  held  in 
Grange  hall  the  second  and  fourth  Wednesday  evenings  of  each  month. 

The  Amherst  Board  of  Trade  was  organized  at  a  meeting  held  at  the 
district  court-room,  Jan.  29,  1891.  Fifty-nine  persons  signed  the  articles 
of  association  and  a  constitution  and  by-laws  were  adopted.  The  officers 
elected  were  :  President,  F.  E.  Whitman  ;  vice-president.  George  Cutler. 
Jr.;  secretary,  C.  F.  Morehouse;  treasurer,  Henry  Adams:  auditor.  H.  T. 
Cowles  :  directors,  C.  S.  Smith,  John  Mullen,  E.  D.  Marsh.  E.  M.  Spear, 
H.  M.  McCloud.  In  the  spring  of  1S92,  the  Board  had  printed  and  dis- 
tributed a  large  edition  of  a  finely-illustrated  pamphlet,  calling  attention  to 
the  many  attractions  of  Amherst  as  a  place  either  for  summer  resort  or  for 
permanent  residence.  An  unsuccessful  attempt  was  made  to  secure  the 
establishment  in  the  town  of  some  new  manufacturing  enterprises.  Since 
1892,  money  has  been  spent  by  the  organization  in  advertising  the  town's 
attractions  in  the  newspapers,  and,  during  the  past  year,  in  determining 
the  numbers  of  houses  in  the  free  postal  delivery  district  and  in  carrying  on 
the  work  preliminary  to  the  organization  of  the  Amherst  &  Sunderland 
street  railway  company.  The  Board  of  Trade  has,  however,  ceased  to  be 
an  active  factor  in  the  town's  affairs. 

The  Rod  and  Gun  club  was  organized  March  13,  18SS,  with  42  mem- 
bers. The  officers  first  elected  were  :  President,  H.  E.  Wheeler  ;  secre- 
tary and  treasurer,  Henry  Adams;  executive  committee,  John  C.  White, 
J.  W  Howl  and.  C.  M.  Osgood. 

The  Nonotuck  Cycle  club  was  organized  May  16,  1895.  Its  officers 
first  elected  were:  President,  M.  E.  Hurley;  vice-president.  A.  F.  Mitten: 
secretary  and  treasurer,  G.  O.  Pierce  ;  executive  committee,  H.  D.  Hol- 
land, A.  F.  Mitten.  G.  O.  Pierce.  M.  E.  Hurley:  captain.  Edward  Fisher. 
The  club  occupies  neatly  furnished  rooms  in  Kellogg's  block. 

The  Amherst  Indian  Association  was  organized  Dec.  1,  1890. 


474  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


CHAPTER    LIV. 


Amherst  in  the  Civil  War. — Action  Taken  by  the  State  Govern- 
ment.—  The  Raising  of  Troops.- — Regiments  in  which 
Amherst  Men  Served. — Mass  Meetings  and  Flag-Raisings 
in  Amherst. — Raising  Men  and  Money. — Death  of  Adju- 
tant Stearns. — Amherst  Men  Killed  and  Wounded  in 
the  Early  Battles  of  the  War. 

Every  citizen  of  Amherst  may  take  just  pride  in  the  part  borne  by  the 
town  in  the  war  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union.  From  that  day  of 
national  sorrow  when  the  first  rebel  gun  was  fired  upon  Fort  Sumter 
until  that  greater  day  of  national  rejoicing  which  gave  to  the  name  Apo- 
mattox  a  proud  place  in  histoiy,  the  town  of  Amherst  responded  loyally, 
willingly,  gladfully  to  every  demand  upon  its  resources  of  men  and  money 
and  supplies,  to  aid  in  crushing  out  the  great  rebellion.  The  descendants 
of  men  who  had  fought  in  the  old  French  and  Indian  wars,  and  of  others 
who  had  served  under  Putnam  and  Greene  and  Gates  and  Schuyler, 
shouldered  their  muskets  and  did  valiant  service  in  preserving  the  nation 
which  their  ancestors  had  founded.  As  between  the  war  of  the  Revolution 
and  the  civil  war  there  was  this  important  point  of  difference:  In  the 
earlier  contest,  the  patriots  were  assailed  by  enemies  at  home  as  well  as  in 
hostile  armies  ;  in  the  later,  the  loyalty  and  devotion  of  those  who  marched 
and  bivouacked  and  fought  in  the  Union  armies  was  but  the  fruitage  of  a 
patriotism  that  pervaded  the  community;  Amherst  had  no  "  Tories  "  in 
1 86 1  and  the  years  that  followed.  In  the  succeeding  pages  an  attempt  is 
made  to  record  the  doings  of  those  men  who  served  for  Amherst  in  the 
Union  armies,  and  of  the  town  they  represented.  To  make  this  record 
complete  and  intelligible,  it  is  necessary  to  refer  in  a  general  way  to  action 
taken  by  the  state  at  various  times  during  the  war. 

April  15,  1S61,  Gov.  John  A.  Andrew  received  a  telegram  from  Wash- 
ington, calling  upon  Massachusetts  to  furnish  20  companies  of  men  to 
serve  for  three  months  in  the  Union  army.  He  at  once  ordered  the  com- 
manders of  the  3d,  4th,  6th  and  8th  regiments  of  state  militia  to  muster 
their  troops  and  report  at  Boston.  These  regiments  were  made  up  of 
companies  located  in  towns  and  cities  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  state  ; 
Western  Massachusetts  was  not  called  upon  to  play  a  part  in  the  opening 
act  of  the  great  war  drama.  The  first  troops  to  reach  Boston  in  answer  to 
this  summons  were  three  companies  of  the  8th  regiment  from  Marblehead, 


MASSACHUSETTS    REGIMENTS.  475 

which  arrived  on  the  morning  of  the  1 6th.  The  same  day  came  an  order 
from  the  war  department  at  Washington  for  Massachusetts  to  furnish  four 
regiments  of  infantry,  to  serve  three  months.  The  first  to  leave  the  state 
was  the  3d  regiment,  which  embarked  from  Central  Wharf  in  Boston  on 
the  17th  and  sailed  to  Fortress  Monroe.  The  same  day  the  4th  regiment 
sailed  from  Boston,  and  was  the  first  loyal  regiment  in  the  war  to  land  on 
the  soil  of  Virginia.  The  6th  and  8th  regiments  left  Boston  by  rail,  the 
first  on  the  17th,  the  second  on  the  following  day.  The  6th  was  attacked 
by  a  mob  in  Baltimore  and  had  to  fight  its  way  through  the  city,  three  of 
its  men  being  killed,  the  first  lives  sacrificed  in  defence  of  the  national 
capital.  The  5th  regiment,  three-months  troops,  left  Boston  by  rail  April 
2  1,  arriving  at  Annapolis  on  the  24th  and  taking  part  in  the  first  battle  of 
Bull  Run,  July  21. 

Early  in  May  the  authorities  at  Washington  reached  the  conclusion 
that  the  rebellion  could  not  be  suppressed  in  three  months,  and  decided  to 
enlist  no  more  men  for  short  terms  of  service.  The  next  call  for  troops 
specified  that  they  should  serve  for  three  years  or  during  the  war.  Under 
date  of  May  15,  Simon  Cameron,  secretary  of  war,  addressed  a  letter  to 
Gov.  Andrew,  notifying  him  that  Massachusetts'  quota  of  three-years' 
troops  would  be  six  regiments  of  infantry.  Acting  under  these  instructions, 
the  1st,  2d,  7th,  9th  10th  and  1  ith  regiments  were  promptly  recruited, 
mustered  in  and  forwarded  to  the  front.  Four  of  these  regiments 
contained  men  who  served  on  Amherst's  quota,  the  2d,  9th.  iothand  nth. 
The  2d  regiment,  recruited  at  West  Roxbury,  left  Boston  July  S.  The  9th 
regiment,  composed  of  men  of  Irish  birth  and  their  immediate  descendants, 
was  recruited  on  Long  Island  in  Boston  Harbor  and  left  Boston  June  24. 
The  10th  regiment  was  recruited  at  Springfield,  the  only  regiment  raised 
in  Western  Massachusetts  under  this  call,  and  left  Boston  by  boat,  July 
25.  The  1  ith  regiment  was  recruited  at  Fort  Warren  in  Boston  Harbor 
and  left  for  Washington  June  24. 

June  1 7,  a  letter  was  addressed  to  Gov.  Andrew,  under  direction  of  the 
war  department,  giving  him  authority  to  forward  ten  more  regiments  of 
three-years'  men.  In  accordance  with  these  instructions,  eighteen  regiments 
of  infantry,  numbered  consecutively  from  12  to  29  inclusive,  together  with 
one  regiment  of  cavalry,  were  organized  and  forwarded  to  Washington  in 
1S61  and  the  opening  months  of  1S62.  Of  these  regiments  the  following 
contained  men  who  served  on  Amherst's  quota:  14th,  15th,  iSth,  19th, 
20th,  21st,  22d,  27th,  28th  and  the  1st  cavalry.  The  14th  regiment  was 
recruited  at  Fort  Warren  and  left  Boston  for  Washington  Aug.  7.  It  was 
afterwards  changed  to  an  artillery  regiment,  being  known  during  the  war 
as  the  1st  regiment  Massachusetts  heavy  artillery.  The  15th  regiment  was 
recruited  in  Worcester  county  and  left  for  Washington  Aug.  S.     It  bore  a 


476  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

prominent  part  in  the  battle  of  Ball's  Bluff.  The  18  th  regiment  was  recruited 
at  Camp  Readville,  near  Boston,  and  leftfor  Washington  Aug.  24.  The  19th 
regiment  was  recruited  in  Essex  county,  leavingfor  Washington  Aug.  28.  The 
20th  regiment,  recruited  at  Camp  Readville,  left  for  Washington  Sept.  4  and 
took  part  in  the  battle  of  Ball's  Bluff.  The  21st  regiment  was  recruited  at 
Camp  Lincoln  in  Worcester,  being  one  of  five  regiments  recruited  for 
special  service  ;  it  left  the  state  Aug.  22.  The  2 2d  regiment,  recruited  at 
Lynnfield,  left  the  state  Oct.  8.  The  27th  regiment,  composed  of  troops 
from  the  four  western  counties,  was  recruited  at  Springfield  and  left  the 
state  Nov.  2d.  The  28th  regiment  was  recruited  at  Cambridge  and  did 
not  leave  the  state  until  January,  1862.  Its  officers  and  men  were  chiefly 
of  Irish  birth  and  descent.  The  1st  cavalry  was  recruited  at  Readville 
and  left  for  Annapolis,  in  December,  186 1.  Of  the  upwards  of  30.000 
troops  which  Massachusetts  gave  to  the  Union  armies  in  1861,  85  were 
residents  of  Amherst  or  credited  on  her  quota.  Of  these,  one  was  enlisted 
in  the  2d  regiment,  11  in  the  10th,  2  in  the  15th,  1  in  the  18th,  2  in  the 
20th,  14  in  the  21st.  49  in  the  27th,  1  in  the  28th,  3  in  the  31st  and  1  in 
the  1  st  cavalary. 

When,  on  April  17,  1861,  news  was  received  in  Amherst  that  the 
rebels  had  fired  upon  Fort  Sumter,  the  students  of  Amherst  College  were 
the  leaders  in  a  patriotic  demonstration.  A  meeting  was  held  at  the 
college  chapel  in  the  afternoon,  which  was  opened  with  prayer  by  President 
Stearns.  The  Declaration  of  Independence  was  read  by  Prof.  William  S. 
Clark  and  the  congregation  united  in  singing  the  hymn  "America."  At 
the  close  of  the  exercises  the  stars  and  stripes  were  raised  above  the 
chapel  tower.  April  22,  a  citizens'  mass  meeting  was  held  at  Agricultural 
hall,  at  which  I.  F.  Conkey,  Esq.  presided.  A  committee  of  five,  consist- 
ing of  George  Cutler,  Austin  Eastman,  Henry  F.  Hills,  Capt.  Simeon  Clark 
and  Harlan  Pomeroy  was  appointed  to  report  business  for  the  meeting. 
They  prepared  and  presented  the  following  resolutions  : 

"Resolved,  As  the  sense  of  this  meeting,  That  it  is  the  duty  and  privilege  of 
the  citizens  of  this  Town  in  the  present  dangerous  condition  of  our  National 
affairs  to  make  immediate  suitable  provisions  for  the  organization  and  outfit  of  a 
Military  Company  for  the  protection  of  our  Government. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  that  a  legal  meeting  of  the  town  be  immediately 
called  to  take  action  on  this  subject. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  chosen  to  make  immediate  arrangements  for 
the  enlistment  of  a  Company  of  Volunteers."' 

Having  passed  these  resolutions  by  unanimous  vote,  the  following 
were  appointed  members  of  a  committee  to  arrange  for  securing  volunteers  : 
Dr.  H.  A.  Howe,  A.  R.  Cushman,  John  H.  Haskins,  E.  B.  Lovett,  J.  E. 
Merrick.      The  meeting  was  addressed  by   Rev.   George  Cooke   and   Hon. 


TOWN     MEETINGS.  47  7 

Edward  Dickinson.  April  20,  Porter  Dickinson  raised  a  flag  above  his 
machine-shop  at  East  Amherst,  in  presence  of  some  75  people,  and  also 
fired  a  salute  of  34  guns.  April  22,  a  beautiful  American  flag  was  raised 
over  L.  M.  Hills  &  Son's  hood-shop,  in  presence  of  fully  1,000  spectators. 
The  Declaration  of  Independence  was  read  by  Hon.  I.  F.  Conkey  and 
prayer  was  offered  by  President  Stearns  and  Prof.  W.  S.  Tyler.  The 
exercises  were  followed  by  a  parade  of  the  young  women  employed  in  the 
shop,  carrying  small  flags,  through  the  village  streets.  April  22,  Prof.  W. 
S.  Clark  went  to  Boston,  to  see  what  arrangements  could  be  made  to  equip 
a  company  of  volunteers  if  one  should  be  raised  at  the  college.  April  23, 
there  was  a  flag-raising  at  Cooke's  female  school,  the  flag  having  been  made 
by  the  pupils.  College  students  were  present  and  took  part  in  the  exercises, 
which  included  singing  and  the  firing  of  a  salute.  The  committee  appointed 
to  raise  a  volunteer  company  met  April  23  and  chose  H.  A.  Howe  chair- 
man. Posters  calling  for  volunteers  were  printed  and  freely  distributed. 
The  committee  made  its  headquarters  at  the  Amherst  house.  Fourteen 
persons  enlisted  the  first  day. 

A  special  town-meeting  was  held  May  1,  at  which  the  selectmen  were 
authorized  to  borrow  $5,000  for  military  purposes,  as  recorded  on  page 
247  of  the  Town  Meeting  Records  printed  in  this  volume.  April  27, 
there  was  a  flag-raising  at  North  Amherst,  a  handsome  banner  being 
raised  on  a  new  staff  100  feet  in  height,  in  presence  of  a  large  and  enthu- 
siastic gathering.  The  buildings  in  the  village  were  handsomely  decorated 
in  honor  of  the  occasion,  and  patriotic  addresses  were  delivered  by  Hon. 
Charles  Delano,  Rev.  D.  H.  Rogan,  Rev.  George  Cooke,  Rev.  J.  O. 
Peck  and  others.  The  assessors  in  186 1  returned  on  the  militia  roll  of 
the  town  363  able-bodied  men,  between  18  and  45  years  of  age,  and  before 
the  close  of  the  year  nearly  25  per  cent,  of  this  number  had  enlisted  in  the 
service.  No  bounties  were  paid  by  the  town  in  1S61,  but  in  July  of  that 
year  Rev.  J.  L.  Merrick  of  the  South  parish  offered  S5  to  every  single  man 
and  Sio  to  every  married  man  who  enlisted  from  his  parish.  Mr.  Merrick 
paid  out  in  the  course  of  the  year  Si 45,  others  in  the  South  parish  S75, 
and  subscriptions  in  other  parts  of  the  town  brought  the  amount  up  to 
5566.50.  out  of  which  55  was  paid  to  every  Amherst  member  of  Co.  D, 
27th  regiment.  The  earlier  volunteers  were  unwilling  to  wait  until  a 
regiment  should  be  formed  in  this  section.  The  first  Amherst  man 
to  be  mustered  into  service  was  Charles  F.  Kellogg,  who  joined  the  2d 
regiment,  and  was  mustered  in  May  25.  In  June,  eleven  Amherst  men 
were  mustered  into  the  10th  regiment,  the  first  recruited  in  Western  Mas- 
sachusetts ;  most  of  these  were  attached  to  Co.  C,  the  Northampton 
company.  In  July,  two  Amherst  men  were  mustered  into  the  1 5th  regiment. 
In  August,  15  Amherst  men  were  mustered,  one  in  the  18th  and  14  in  the 


478  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

21st.  In  September,  37  men  were  mustered,  and  in  October  16,  49  of 
whom  became  members  of  the  27th  regiment,  two  of  the  20th,  one  of  the 
28th  and  one  of  the  1st  cavalry.  In  December,  three  Amherst  men  were 
mustered  into  the  31st  regiment.  In  October,  occurred  the  battle  of  Ball's 
Bluff,  in  which  Francis  H.  Dickinson  of  the  15th  regiment  was  killed,  the 
first  man  on  Amherst's  quota  to  give  up  his  life  for  his  country.  Sept. 
20,  the  members  of  Co.  D,  27th  regiment,  recruited  in  Amherst  and  neigh- 
boring towns,  assembled  at  noon  in  Agricultural  hall.  Forming  in  line 
they  marched  to  the  Amherst  house,  where  dinner  was  served.  From  the 
Amherst  house  they  were  escorted  to  the  New  London  Northern  depot  by 
the  Amherst  College  class  of  '63.  An  immense  crowd  was  in  waiting  to 
see  them  depart.  Addresses  were  delivered  by  Hon.  Edward  Dickinson 
and  Rev.  C.  L.  Woodworth  and  prayer  was  offered  by  President  Stearns. 
During  the  month  of  September,  the  ladies  of  the  South  and  West  parishes 
sent  a  large  quantity  of  clothing  and  supplies  to  the  Sanitary  Commission 
at  Washington,  D.  C,  the  first  of  many  generous  contributions  which  were 
continued  all  through  the  period  of  the  war. 

The  31st  regiment,  which  contained  four  Amherst  men.  was  recruited 
at  Pittsfield  and  started  for  the  front  Feb.  21,  1S62.  It  was  one  of  two 
regiments  recruited  for  special  service  by  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  under  orders 
of  the  war  department,  and  was  known  at  first  as  the  Western  Bay  State 
regiment.  In  the  spring  of  1S62,  the  Massachusetts  regiments  containing 
Amherst  men  were  stationed  as  follows  :  The  2d  regiment  with  the  Army 
of  Virginia,  at  the  headwaters  of  the  Potomac;  the  9th,  10th,  nth,  15th, 
18th,  19th,  20th,  22d  regiments,  with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac;  the  21st 
and  27th  regiments,  with  General  Burnside's  army  in  North  Carolina;  the 
31st  regiment,  in  the  Department  of  the  Gulf  in  Louisiana  ;  the  28th  reg- 
iment and  the  1st  cavalry,  in  the  Army  of  the  South  in  South  Carolina; 
the  1st  artillery,  in  forts  near  Washington.  July  4,  1862,  President  Lincoln 
issued  a  call  for  300,000  men  to  serve  for  three  years  or  during  the  war. 
The  quota  allotted  to  Massachusetts  was  15,000  men,  to  form  new  regi- 
ments and  fill  the  ranks  of  those  already  in  the  field.  In  accordance 
with  this  demand,  ten  new  regiments  were  promptly  raised  and  forwarded 
to  the  front,  numbered  consecutively  from  32  to  41,  inclusive.  Amherst 
men  were  enlisted  in  the  32d,  34th,  36th  and  37th  regiments.  The  32c! 
regiment  was  recruited  at  Fort  Warren  in  Boston  Harbor  and  was  known 
at  first  as  the  Fort  Warren  battalion  ;  it  left  the  state  May  26.  The  34th 
regiment,  recruited  at  Worcester,  left  for  Washington  Aug.  15.  The  36th 
regiment  left  the  state  Aug.  31.  The  37th  regiment  was  recruited  at 
"'Camp  Briggs  "  in  Pittsfield,  and  started  for  the  front  Sept.  7.  Aug.  4,  a 
call  was  issued  by  President  Lincoln  for  300,000  men  to  serve  nine  months, 
Massachusetts'  quota  being  fixed  at  19,090.     These  men  were  to  be  raised 


DEATH    OF    FRAZER    A.    STEARNS.  479 

by  draft.  Massachusetts  furnished  her  contingent  by  voluntary  enlistment 
within  a  reasonable  time  and  the  draft  was  avoided.  The  new  regiments 
recruited  and  sent  into  the  field  under  the  call  for  nine-months'  men  were 
numbered  from  42  to  53  inclusive,  while  the  3d,  4th,  5th,  6th  and  Sth 
regiments  of  three-months  men  were  recruited  to  the  full  number  and 
enlisted  for  nine  months  service.  Amherst  had  men  enlisted  in  the  43d, 
46th,  5 2d  and  53d  regiments.  The  42 d  regiment  was  recruited  at  Read- 
ville  and  left  the  state  Nov.  19,  being  assigned  to  the  Department  of  the 
Gulf.  The  46th  regiment  was  recruited  at  "  Camp  Banks  "  near  Spring- 
field and  sailed  from  Boston  Oct.  24  for  Xew  Berne,  N.  C.  The  52d 
regiment  was  recruited  at  "  Camp  Miller,"  Greenfield,  leaving  that  town 
Nov.  20  for  New  York,  where  it  embarked  Nov.  25  and  went  to  join  the 
Department  of  the  Gulf.  The  53d  regiment  was  recruited  at  Groton,  and 
left  Boston  Nov.  iS  by  boat,  under  orders  to  report  to  Gen.  Banks  at  New 
Orleans.  A  part  of  the  43d  regiment  reached  Galveston,  being  the  first 
detachment  of  the  loyal  army  to  land  in  Texas  during  the  war. 

During  the  year  1S62,  the  battles  of  Roanoke  Island.  New  Berne, 
Fair  Oaks.  Malvern  Hill,  Chantilly,  2d  Manassas.  South  Mountain.  Antie- 
tam  and  Fredericksburg  were  fought,  as  well  as  many  lesser  engagements, 
in  all  of  which  Amherst  troops  took  part.  When  in  February,  news  was 
received  of  the  capture  of  Fort  Donelson,  the  first  great  Union  victory  of 
the  war,  the  church  bells  were  rung  and  there  was  general  celebration  of 
the  event.  The  battle  of  Roanoke  Island  was  fought  Feb.  8.  and  that  of 
New  Berne  March  14,  the  Amherst  troops  in  the  21st  and  27th  regiments 
doing  gallant  service  in  both  actions.  At  the  battle  of  Roanoke  Island, 
one  Amherst  man  was  wounded  ;  at  the  battle  of  New  Berne,  one  Amherst 
man  was  killed,  and  seven  wounded,  two  mortally.  It  was  at  the  battle  of 
New  Berne  that  Lieut.  Frazar  A.  Stearns,  serving  as  adjutant,  was  killed 
while  rallying  his  men  to  charge.  Lieut.  Stearns  was  son  of  President 
Stearns  of  Amherst  College,  and  was  a  student  at  the  college  in  the  class 
of  '63,  when  the  war  broke  out.  He  enlisted  in  the  21st  Mass.  regiment, 
was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Roanoke  Island,  and  his  death  at  the  battle 
of  New  Berne  was  deeply  lamented  by  his  comrades  in  the  service  and  by 
all  who  knew  him.  The  historian  of  the  21st  speaks  of  Adjutant  Stearns 
as  "the  ideal  soldier  of  the  regiment,  handsome  in  face  and  person,  true  in 
his  friendship,  and  enthusiastic  in  his  devoted  courage."  Gen.  Jesse  L. 
Reno,  in  whose  division  he  served,  refers  to  him  as  "one  of  the  most 
accomplished  and  gallant  officers  in  the  army."  His  remains  were  sent 
to  Amherst  in  care  of  Lieut.  Fred.  Sanderson.  Funeral  services  for  Adju- 
tant Stearns  were  held  at  the  Village  Congregational  church  March  22,  the 
church  being  filled  to  overflowing.  The  students  of  Amherst  College 
formed   in    procession   and   marched    to  the   church,  the   members  of  the 


480  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

junior  class  wearing  badges  of  mourning.  The  pall-bearers  were  members 
of  the  class  of  '61.  An  eloquent  funeral  discourse  was  delivered  by  Prof. 
W.  S.  Tyler.  March  25,  occurred  the  public  presentation  of  a  sword  and 
belt  to  Lieut.  Sanderson.  Gen.  Burnside,  commanding  the  Department  of 
North  Carolina,  issued  under  date  of  March  16  a  special  order,  directing 
"  that  the  six-pounder  brass  gun,  taken  in  the  battery  where  Adjutant 
Stearns,  of  the  21st  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  met  his  death  while  gal- 
lantly fighting  at  the  battle  of  New  Berne,  be  presented  to  his  regiment  as 
a  monument  to  the  memory  of  a  brave  man."  The  regiment  voted  to 
present  the  gun  to  Amherst  College,  for  safe  keeping  and  having  been 
appropriately  inscribed  the  gun  was  forwarded  to  the  college,  the  presenta- 
tion ceremonies  taking  place  April  14,  in  front  of  the  college  chapel,  in 
presence  of  a  large  audience.  Hon.  Edward  Dickinson  presided  at  the 
meeting.  Capt.  J.  D.  Frazier  of  Co.  H  made  the  speech  of  presentation 
in  behalf  of  the  regiment,  and  the  gun  was  accepted  by  Rev.  Joseph  Vaill, 
D.  D.,  on  behalf  of  the  college  trustees.  Prof.  Julius  H.  Seelye  spoke  a 
few  words  on  behalf  of  the  college  faculty.  This  gun  is  now  in  Williston 
Hall. 

In  the  battle  of  New  Berne,  Austin  Barton  of  the  21st  regiment  and 
Charles  K.  Baker  of  the  27th  were  mortally  wounded.  Others  wounded, 
but  not  mortally,  were  George  W.  Newell  of  the  2 1st  and  Charles  H. 
Barton,  James  Bowman,  John  E.  Cushman  and  Solomon  H.  Williams  of 
the  27th.  In  April,  at  a  skirmish  at  Wise  Forks,  N.  C.  Edmund  Boltwood 
and  Charles  B.  Spaulding  of  the  27th  were  wounded.  In  the  battle  of 
Kinston,  John  Shoals  of  the  27th  regiment  was  wounded.  In  the  battle 
of  Fair  Oaks,  in  May,  George  L.  Putnam  of  the  10th  regiment  was  killed 
and  Ebenezer  M.  Johnson  of  the  same  regiment  wounded.  At  the  battle 
of  Chantilly  in  September,  George  W.  Scott  was  killed  and  Henry  F. 
Douglass  wounded,  both  members  of  the  2 1st.  At  the  battle  of  Fredericks- 
burg in  December,  Josiah  Thayer  of  the  10th  regiment  was  mortally 
wounded,  while  Nelson  O.  Ball  of  the  10th,  AlonzoW.  Latham  of  the  iSth 
and  Lewis  R.  Haskell  of  the  21st  were  wounded,  but  not  mortally. 

April  16,  the  parishioners  and  friends  of  Rev.  C.  L.  Woodworth,  who 
had  accepted  an  appointment  as  chaplain  of  the  27th  regiment,  paid  him 
a  surprise  visit  and  presented  him  a  revolver  and  a  sum  of  money  to  pay 
for  his  outfit.  June  27,  a  strawberry  festival  was  held  for  the  benefit  of 
wounded  soldiers.  July  12,  a  mass  meeting  of  citizens  was  held  at  Agri- 
cultural hall  to  consider  what  could  he  done  to  promote  enlistments.  On 
motion  of  W.  A.  Dickinson,  it  was  voted  the  sense  of  the  meeting  that  the 
town  should  pay  each  volunteer  $100  bounty,  in  addition  to  the  United 
States  and  state  bounties,  and  that  the  selectmen  be  requested  to  call  a 
town-meeting  at  an  early  clay  to  take  action  on  the  matter.      Several  prom- 


AMHERST    AND    THE    DRAFT.  45 1 

inent  citizens  guaranteed  that  the  $100  bounty  should  be  paid,  in  case  the 
town  did  not  make  the  appropriation.  William  F.  Stearns,  son  of  President 
Stearns,  offered  to  give  $25  to  each  soldier  who  should  enlist  from 
Amherst,  the  number  not  to  exceed  36.  At  a  special  meeting  held  July 
21,  the  town  voted  to  give  the  Si 00  bounty. 

When  in  August  came  the  call  for  300,000  men  to  serve  for  nine 
months,  with  instructions  that  the  same  be  raised  by  draft,  there  was  great 
excitement  in  Massachusetts.  A  new  enrollment  of  persons  liable  for  mil- 
itary duty  was  ordered  throughout  the  state.  The  roll  in  Amherst  showed 
403  men  subject  to  the  call.  A  mass-meeting  was  held  in  Agricultural 
hall,  Aug.  20,  to  see  if  citizens  would  anticipate  action  by  the  town,  and 
guarantee  specific  sums  as  bounties  for  men  enlisting  to  serve  for  nine 
months.  The  attendance  was  very  large.  Hon.  Edward  Dickinson  served 
as  chairman  of  the  meeting  and  H.  A.  Marsh  as  secretary.  On  motion,  it 
was  voted  as  the  sense  of  the  meeting  that  the  town  should  offer  a  bounty 
of  Si 00  to  each  man  who  should  volunteer,  to  avoid  a  draft  upon  the  citi- 
zens under  the  call.  A  guarantee  fund  was  raised  for  use  until  the  town 
should  assume  the  payment  of  bounties.  At  a  special  meeting  held  Aug. 
25,  the  town  voted  to  pay  a  bounty  of  Si 00  to  each  man  who  should  enlist 
until  the  town's  quota  was  filled.  The  quota  of  Amherst  was  48  men  ;  as 
over  50  men  enlisted  in  two  days  the  draft  was  avoided.  Sept.  5,  the 
Express  printed  an  interesting  obituary  notice  of  Col.  William  S.  Clark, 
who  was,  wrongfully,  reported  killed  at  the  battle  of  2d  Manassas.  Sept. 
30,  the  men  enlisted  for  service  in  the  5 2d  regiment  left  Amherst  for 
Greenfield.  Oct.  7  and  8,  an  "  old  folks  concert,"  given  for  the  benefit 
of  wounded  soldiers,  met  with  great  success.  Dec.  3,  a  meeting  was  held 
in  Amherst  of  delegates  from  several  towns  in  the  vicinity,  to  devise  plans 
for  the  relief  of  soldiers  in  the  Union  armies.  Dec.  12,  Rev.  George 
Cooke  left  Amherst  for  Washington,  with  several  boxes  of  clothing  for  the 
37  th  regiment.  During  the  year  some  of  the  Amherst  soldiers  returned 
home  on  furloughs  and  were  warmly  welcomed.  Letters  from  men  who 
were  serving  in  the  armies  were  given  a  prominent  place  in  the  columns  of 
the  Express.  In  the  fall  of  1S62  and  spring  of  1863,  Amherst  narrowly 
escaped  a  draft,  owing  to  the  fact  that  men  serving  for  the  town  had  not 
all  been  credited  on  its  quota,  at  state  headquarters.  In  February,  1863, 
Col.  Conkey  went  to  Boston  and  saw  that  the  town  was  given  its  proper 
credits. 

During  the  year  1862,  102    Amherst  men  were   enlisted  in  the  Union 

armies.      In  February,    eight   men   were   enlisted,   six  to   serve   in  the  1st 

regiment  of  heavy   artillery,  one  in  the  15th  regiment  and  one  in  the  31st. 

In  March,  two  men  were  enlisted,  one  to  serve  in  the  1st  heavy  artillery,  and 

31 


482  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

one  in  the  27th  regiment.  In  June,  there  were  three  enlistments,  two  in 
the  27th  regiment  and  one  in  the  34th.  In  July,  six  men  enlisted,  all  to 
serve  in  the  27th.  In  August,  there  were  63  enlistments,  three  in  the  27  th 
regiment,  23  in  the  37th,  34  in  the  52d  and  three  in  the  1st  cavalry.  There 
were  13  enlistments  in  September,  one  in  the  27th,  two  in  the  37th,  nine 
in  the  52d  and  one  in  the  46th.  In  October  there  were  seven  enlistments, 
one  each  in  the  42d  and  52d  regiments,  three  in  the  46th  and  two  in 
the  53d.  During  the  year  William  F.  Stearns,  Esq.  paid  bounties  of 
$25  each  to  35  men  who  enlisted  from  Amherst,  amounting  to  $875. 


CHAPTER   LV. 


Hard  Times  in  1863. — The  Conscription  Act. — Amherst's  Enroll- 
ment. — The  Draft  at  Greenfield. — Substitutes  and  Com- 
mutation.— Battles  in  1863.— Measures  to  Avoid  the 
Draft. — Return  of  the  27TH. — Amherst  Men  Killed  and 
Wounded  in  1864. — The  Roll  of  Honor. — Losses  in  Bat- 
tle,— Service  by  Regiments. — Muster  by  Months. — War 
Expenses  of  the  Town. 

The  year  1863  was  a  hard  and  trying  one  to  the  patriotic  citizens  of 
Amherst,  as  to  those  in  all  loyal  communities  throughout  the  Union.  The 
excitement  and  enthusiasm  incident  to  the  outbreak  of  the  war  and  the 
first  call  to  arms  had  abated.  A  large  percentage  of  the  young  and  able- 
bodied  men  had  enlisted  and  were  fighting  in  the  Union  armies.  The  Army 
of  the  Potomac,  containing  the  greater  number  of  Amherst  volunteers, 
had  met  with  repeated  reverses,  each  battle  bringing  with  it  a  long  list  of 
killed  and  wounded  and  missing.  There  were  no  signs  of  an  ending  to 
the  terrible  struggle,  little  but  faith  to  warrant  a  belief  that  the  Union 
arms  would  gain  ultimate  success.  But  the  year  brought  with  it  increasing 
demands  upon  the  blood  and  treasure  of  the  people.  The  depleted  ranks 
of  the  armies  in  the  field  called  for  constant  reinforcements,  and  a  threat- 
ened invasion  of  the  North  by  rebel  armies  necessitated  the  raising  of 
new  armies  of  defence.  The  limit  of  volunteering  had  been  reached,  and 
even  the  payment  of  generous  bounties  failed  to  secure  the  men  needed 
for  the   service.     Under  these   circumstances   there  was   need   of  heroic 


amherst's  enrollment.  483 

measures,  and  early  in  the  year  Congress  passed  the  so-called  "  conscrip- 
tion bill." 

This  measure  provided  for  the  enrollment  of  all  able-bodied  citizens  of 
the  United  States,  between  the  ages  of  22  and  45,  including  persons  of 
foreign  birth  who  had  declared  their  intention  of  becoming  citizens. 
Certain  classes  were  declared  exempt,  including  those  physically  disabled 
and  those  having  others  solely  dependent  on  them  for  support.  Persons 
subject  to  the  draft  were  divided  in  two  classes  ;  the  first  class  embraced  all 
unmarried  men  between  the  ages  of  20  and  45  and  married  men  between  the 
ages  of  20  and  3  5, the  second  class  all  married  men  between  the  ages  of  35  and 
45.  Each  congressional  district  was  constituted  an  enrollment  district.  All 
enrolled  persons  were  to  remain  for  two  years  subject  to  a  call  into  military 
service  and  when  so  called  to  continue  in  the  service  for  three  years  or 
during  the  war.  The  president  of  the  United  States  was  authorized  to 
assign  the  number  of  men  to  be  drafted  from  each  district.  In  fixing  the 
quota,  the  number  of  volunteers  already  furnished  by  each  district  was  to 
be  considered.  Drafted  men  might  furnish  substitutes,  or,  in  lieu  of  per- 
forming military  service,  might  pay  S300.  Persons  failing  to  report  to  the 
military  authorities  after  due  notice  were  to  be  treated  as  deserters.  The 
president  was  given  full  power  under  the  act  to  call  out  the  national  forces 
at  any  time  until  the  rebellion  had  been  suppressed. 

Under  the  provisions  of  this  act  Henry  A.  Marsh,  editor  of  the  Express, 
was  appointed  in  June,  1863,  enrolling  officer  for  Amherst.  He  completed 
his  enrollment  lists  June  26.  He  found  the  whole  number  of  males  in 
Amherst  between  the  ages  of  20  and  45  to  be  567  ;  of  these,  392  were  in 
the  first  class  and  175  in  the  second.  Of  those  in  the  first  class,  48  were 
of  foreign  birth  and  eight  were  colored.  Of  the  second  class,  iS  were  of 
foreign  birth  and  five  colored.  Of  the  first  class,  143  were  already  in  the 
United  States  service,  of  the  second  class  13.  But  191  of  the  first  class 
were  subject  to  draft.  Early  in  July,  President  Lincoln  issued  a  call  for 
600,000  men,  to  be  raised  by  draft.  Amherst's  quota  under  the  call  was 
88  men,  including  50  per  cent,  extra  for  probable  exemptions.  July  14, 
the  draft  for  the  Ninth  congressional  district,  of  which  Amherst  formed  a 
part,  began  at  Greenfield.  The  drawing  was  held  at  the  provost  marshal's 
office  in  Armory  hall,  in  presence  of  three  commissioners  who  were  seated 
on  the  platform.  The  names  of  the  men  of  the  first  class  were  placed  in 
a  wheel,  from  which  they  were  drawn  by  a  man  blindfolded.  Amherst 
was  the  first  town  drawn,  and  the  first  Amherst  man  drafted  was  Amariah 
L.  Brown,  keeper  of  a  billiard-saloon.  Many  prominent  men  of  the  town 
were  drawn,  including  four  professors  at  Amherst  College  and  leading 
business  men.  While  the  draft  was  going  on  there  was  considerable  dis- 
turbance in  Greenfield  by  rebel  sympathizers. 


484  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Aug.  i,  the  men  drafted  from  Amherst  appeared  at  Greenfield  and 
took  the  prescribed  physical  examination.  Several  did  not  take  the  exam- 
ination but  furnished  substitutes.  Of  the  68  examined,  30  were  accepted. 
Greenfield  correspondence  of  the  Express  stated  under  date  of  Aug.  11 
that  of  the  number  accepted  from  Amherst  not  one  had  entered  the  service 
in  person  ;  all  had  furnished  substitutes  or  paid  S300  each  to  obtain  them. 
The  same  correspondent  wrote  to  the  Express  under  date  of  Aug.  14,  that 
it  was  surprising  to  learn  the  amount  of  sickness  and  debility  existing 
among  men  between  the  ages  of  20  and  45.  The  draft  was  based  on  the 
supposition  that  50  per  cent,  would  cover  the  exemption,  but  the  result 
showed  a  great  mistake  in  calculation.  Only  about  20  per  cent,  of  the  per- 
sons examined  were  accepted.  From  Amherst,  a  little  more  than  half  the 
required  number  was  accepted  out  of  the  first  quota.  From  some  towns 
fully  95  per  cent,  of  the  men  drafted  had  been  exempted.  At  first,  substi- 
tutes had  commanded  from  S3 2 5  to  $350,  but  the  price  had  fallen  to  $300 
and  there  was  no  difficulty  in  obtaining  them  at  that  figure.  Up  to  Aug. 
11,  197  substitutes  had  been  accepted,  clothed  and  sent  to  the  rendezvous 
on  Long  Island.  Many  of  the  substitutes  were  deserters,  if  not  from  the 
service  from  other  stations.  Another  large  class  consisted  of  thieves, 
pickpockets  and  rioters  from  New  York  city.  They  were  brought  to 
Greenfield  by  agents  and  intended  to  desert  as  soon  as  they  had  secured 
their  pay.  Several  made  the  attempt  but  few  succeeded,  as  they  were 
kept  at  the  station  but  one  clay  and  during  that  time  were  strictly  guarded. 
The  previous  week  an  attempt  had  been  made  by  substitutes  to  fire  the 
barracks  and  thus  effect  an  escape. 

Under  date  of  Aug.  26.  the  Greenfield  correspondent  wrote  that  the 
drafted  men  were  beginning  to  come  in.  The  first  to  appear  from  Amherst 
was  Spencer  Church,  Jr.,  "  who  has  concluded  that  he  can  afford  to  do  his 
own  fighting,  without  the  aid  of  a  substitute."  About  2>2>  Per  cent,  of  the 
men  drafted  had  been  accepted.  Another  draft  would  probably  be  neces- 
sary to  fill  the  quota.  Under  date  of  Sept.  2,  the  correspondent  wrote 
that  the  board  of  examiners  had  begun  their  labors  July  23,  continuing 
them  to  date.  The  whole  number  examined  was  3,035.  Of  these,  7S8 
men  had  been  accepted  and  331  substitutes  had  been  furnished.  Only  41 
drafted  men  had  responded  in  person.  Many  persons  drafted  were  not  to 
be  found  ;  some  had  been  drafted  from  two  places  while  others  were  non- 
residents. The  whole  number  obtained  by  the  draft  would  not  exceed  85 o, 
leaving  a  deficiency  to  be  supplied  by  supplementary  draft.  Of  the  num- 
ber drafted  from  Amherst,  20  had  furnished  substitutes,  seven  paid  com- 
mutation, one  had  two  members  of  his  family  already  engaged  in  military 
service,  two  enlisted  before  the  draft,  nine  were  aliens,  two  non-residents, 


CASUALTIES    IX    1863.  485 

two  over  35  and  married,  one  under  20.  one  supposed  to  be  dead,  one 
non-resident,  38  excused  for  physical  disability  ;  total  exemptions,  S4. 

Aug.  3,  the  Amherst  members  of  the  53d  regiment  of  nine-months 
men  having  completed  their  term  of  service  returned  to  their  homes  in 
Amherst.  They  were  warmly  welcomed  but  there  was  no  public  reception. 
The  Union  victories  at  Vicksburg  and  Gettysburg  in  July  caused  Presi- 
dent Lincoln  to  appoint  Aug.  6  as  a  day  of  public  thanksgiving.  The  day 
was  recognized  in  Amherst  by  a  general  suspension  of  business.  A  union 
service  of  the  churches  was  held  at  the  First  Congregational  church,  a 
sermon  being  delivered  by  Rev.  H.  L.  Hubbell.  In  October,  a  call  was 
issued  for  300,000  volunteers.  Amherst's  quota  under  the  call  was  44 
men.  Henry  A.  Marsh  was  appointed  recruiting  agent  to  see  that  the 
quota  was  secured.  Dec.  28,  a  meeting  was  held  by  citizens  interested  in 
filling  the  town's  quota.  Addresses  were  made  by  Samuel  C.  Carter  and 
Hon.  Edward  Dickinson.  A  committee  was  appointed,  consisting  of  one 
member  from  each  school  district,  to  canvass  and  assist  in  securing  volun- 
teers. By  strenuous  exertions  on  the  part  of  the  citizens  the  town's  quota 
was  filled  Jan.  4,  1S64.  The  event  was  celebrated  Jan.  6,  by  a  supper  at 
the  Amherst  house,  at  which  the  volunteers  from  the  town  were  invited 
guests. 

During  the  year  1863  occurred  the  battles  of  Chancellorsville,  Marye's 
Heights,  Salem  Church,  Rappahannock  Station,  Gettysburg  and  Port  Hud- 
son, and  many  minor  engagements  in  which  Amherst  troops  took  part.  At 
the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  Henry  C.  Ball  of  the  15th  regiment  was  killed, 
Edward  W.  Prouty  of  the  15th  mortally  wounded  and  Marcus  T.  C.  Miles 
of  the  20th  wounded,  but  not  mortally.  At  the  assault  on  Port  Hudson, 
Martin  S.  Johnson  of  the  53d  regiment  was  killed  and  George  P.  Spear  of 
the  53d  wounded.  In  the  fight  at  Irish  Bend.  La.,  John  White  of  the  53d 
was  wounded.  In  the  fighting  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  Charles  V. 
Smith  of  the  2Sth  regiment  was  wounded.  In  the  battle  of  Chickamaugua, 
George  B.  Cooley,  a  native  of  Amherst,  of  the  44th  111.  was  wounded. 
During  the  year  there  were  24  enlistments  from  Amherst,  not  including 
re-enlistments  or  the  men  who  went  as  substitutes  for  others  who  had  been 
drafted.  In  January,  one  man  enlisted  in  the  27th  regiment.  In  March 
there  were  four  enlistments,  all  in  the  54th  regiment,  the  first  regiment  of 
colored  men  raised  in  Massachusetts.  There  were  six  enlistments  in  July, 
one  in  the  9th  regiment,  two  in  the  20th,  one  in  the  32d,  two  in  the  54th. 
In  August  there  were  four  enlistments,  one  each  in  the  9th.  15th.  19th 
and  22d  regiments.  Four  men  enlisted  in  November,  two  in  the  ist  heavy 
artillery,  one  each  in  the  37th  and  54th  regiments.  In  December  there 
were  five  enlistments,  one  in  the  21st  and  four  in  the  27th  regiment.     The 


486  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

military  record  of  the  town,  compiled  by  the  town  clerk,  Samuel  C.  Carter, 
shows  in  but  few  instances  the  regiments  in  which  the  substitutes  served. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  year  1S94,  the  Massachusetts  regiments  in 
which  Amherst  men  were  serving  were  distributed  as  follows  :  The  9th, 
10th,  nth,  15th,  iSth,  19th,  20th,  23d,  28th,  32d  and  37th  regiments  of 
infantry  and  the  1st  cavalry  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac;  the  2d,  21st, 
and  36th  regiments  in  the  Department  of  the  Ohio  ;  the  27th  infantry  and 
the  2d  heavy  artillery  in  the  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina; 
the  54th  regiment  in  the  Department  of  the  South,  the  31st  regiment  in 
the  Department  of  the  Gulf;  the  34th  infantry,  2d  cavalry  and  1st  heavy 
artillery  in  the  Department  of  Washington.  Early  in  the  year,  the  third 
battalion  of  the  1st  cavalry  was  permanently  detached  from  that  regiment, 
and  a  new  battalion  was  recruited  in  the  state,  attached  to  it  and  made 
the  4th  regiment  of  cavalry.  The  5th  (colored)  cavalry  regiment  was 
organized  in  the  spring  of  1S64  and  left  for  Washington  in  May.  The  3d 
heavy  artillery  regiment  was  organized  in  the  spring  and  went  to  the  front 
in  May.  In  March,  1S64,  President  Lincoln  issued  a  call  for  200,000 
men  ;  Amherst's  quota  was  23.  The  draft  began  at  Greenfield,  May  13. 
A  club  was  formed  at  North  Amherst  for  mutual  protection  against  the 
draft.  When  one  of  its  members  was  drafted,  the  members  subscribed  a 
sufficient  amount  each  to  make  up  the  sum  of  $300.  Under  date  of  April 
15,  the  Express  printed  the  following  paragraph  : 

"  Rev.  George  Cooke,  agent  of  the  America  Life  Insurance,  presents  to  our 
people  a  novel  way  of  avoiding  the  draft.  He  insures  their  lives  for  $1000,  and 
guarantees  $300  in  case  of  their  being  drafted,  upon  payment  of  $100,  in  addition 
to  the  usual  fee  for  insurance." 

During  the  summer  the  enrolled  militia  of  the  town  raised  money 
among  the  members  by  subscription,  and  appointed  an  agent  to  act  for 
them  in  connection  with  the  selectmen  in  procuring  volunteers  to  be  cred- 
ited to  the  town  in  anticipation  of  another  call  for  troops.  July  4,  the 
women  of  the  town  held  a  very  successful  fair  in  Agricultural  hall,  in  aid 
of  the  Christian  Commission.  Early  in  July  came  another  call  for  500,000 
men.  Amherst's  quota  was  50.  C.  E.  Hutchinson  was  appointed  recruit- 
ing agent  and  the  list  was  made  up  without  a  draft.  The  personal  exer- 
tions of  the  selectmen  were  largely  instrumental  in  effecting  this  result. 
Without  a  dollar  in  the  treasury,  they  became  individually  responsible  for 
over  $3,000,  and  also  obtained  $12,000,  by  loans  on  short  time,  from 
between  50  and  60  individuals.  Between  June  1  and  Sept.  16,  the  town 
enlisted  51  men,  paying  $10,300  for  the  services  of  34  men  for  three 
years,  $963  for  the  services  of  four  men  for  two  years,  $1,341  for  the 
services  of  1  t.  men  for  one  vear. 


RETURN    OF    THE    TWENTY-SEVENTH.  487 

Sept.  27;  the  members  of  the  27th  regiment  belonging  in  Amherst 
reached  their  homes.  They  were  met  at  the  depot  by  a  large  concourse 
of  people.  On  the  arrival  of  the  train  a  salute  was  fired,  then  a  procession 
was  formed,  headed  by  the  Belchertown  band  ;  following  the  band  came 
the  college  students  and  then  a  long  line  of  citizens  bearing  banners  and 
mottoes.  The  procession  marched  from  the  depot  to  the  West  village, 
thence  to  the  East  Congregational  church  where  services  were  held. 
Prayer  was  offered  by  President  Stearns,  followed  by  an  address  of  wel- 
come by  Col.  W.  S.  Clark,  and  brief  addresses  by  Prof.  Vose,  Capt.  T.  W. 
Sloan  and  others.  The  band  played  a  dirge  in  honor  of  the  dead,  after 
which  the  soldiers  and  their  friends  repaired  to  the  chapel,  where  a  colla- 
tion was  served.  Many  dwellings  along  the  route  were  handsomely  illum- 
inated.    Twenty-one  members  of  the  regiment  were  present. 

Announcement  was  made  Sept.  30  that  there  could  be  no  draft  in  the 
district,  the  quota  of  every  town  being  filled.  In  October,  a  society  was 
formed,  numbering  130  members,  for  the  relief  of  the  soldiers  suffering 
in  the  hospitals.  Nov.  1,  the  "Unconditional  Union''  men  held  a  public 
demonstration.  Most  of  the  dwellings,  stores  and  public  halls  were  illum- 
inated. The  students  formed  a  procession  on  the  college  grounds,  and 
marshaled  by  Col.  W.  S.  Clark  marched  to  the  square  in  front  of  the  post- 
office,  where  they  were  joined  by  a  procession  from  East  Amherst,  mar- 
shaled by  S.  W.  Whitney  and  headed  by  a  military  band.  The  line  of 
march  was  through  the  principal  streets  to  the  First  Congregational 
church,  where  exercises  were  held.  The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by 
Henry  F.  Hills,  chairman  of  the  town  committee.  Addresses  were  deliv- 
ered by  Rev.  C.  L.  Woodworth,  Rev.  Dr.  Seelye  of  Easthampton  and 
Prof.  J.  H.  Seelye.  At  the  election  held  Nov.  8,  Amherst  gave  Abraham 
Lincoln  512  votes  for  president  and  George  B.  McClellan  47.  At  a 
meeting  of  enrolled  men,  held  Dec.  12,  H.  C.  Howard  and  W.  YV.  Smith 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  solicit  subscriptions  of  Sio  each  from  men 
liable  to  draft  and  from  other  persons  who  might  be  disposed  to  contribute. 
Dec.  23,  a  call  was  issued  for  300,000  troops  to  be  furnished  within  60 
clays  ;  Amherst's  quota  was  filled  without  a  draft.  In  the  winter  of  1864, 
the  state  was  divided  into  military  company  districts,  Amherst  and  Hadley 
forming  one  district.  At  a  meeting  held  at  Agricultural  hall,  Jan.  9, 
Sylvester  L.  Stockbridge  of  Hadley  was  chosen  captain  of  the  military 
company  raised  in  the  two  towns. 

During  the  year  1864  occurred  the  battles  of  the  Wilderness,  Spottsyl- 
vania.  Cold  Harbor,  Olustee,  Arrowfield  Church,  Drury's  Bluff,  Charles- 
town,  \\ 'inchester.  the  assault  on  Petersburg,  and  many  other  bloody  engage- 
ments in  which  Amherst  troops  did  valiant  service.  The  battle  of  the 
Wilderness,    May   6.    was  the   most   disastrous  to  Amherst  troops  of  any 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

during  the  war.  Five  men  were  mortally  wounded,  Charles  V.  Smith  and 
Michael  Doyle  of  the  28th  regiment,  Henry  E.  Boynton  and  David  L. 
Dickinson  of  the  1st  heavy  artillery  and  James  K.  Sanderson  of  the  37th 
regiment.  Others  wounded  were,  Charles  F.  Kellogg  of  the  2d  regiment, 
Henry  Coy  of  the  9th,  Charles  H.  Barton  of  the  27th,  Rufus  P.  Lincoln, 
Frederick  R.  Bell,  Charles  F.  Turner  and  William  J.  Smith,  all  of  the  37th. 
Before  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  had  recovered  from  the  effects  of  the 
battle  of  the  Wilderness  it  was  called  upon  to  engage  in  another  bloody 
contest  with  armed  rebellion  at  Spottsylvania.  In  this  battle  the  37th 
regiment  was  conspicuous  for  its  gallantry  and  suffered  severely.  Of  the 
Amherst  members  of  the  regiment,  George  E.  Cooke  was  mortally  wounded  ; 
others  wounded  were  Rufus  P.  Lincoln.  William  Fahay  and  John  A. 
Glazier.  Nelson  O.  Ball  of  the  10th  regiment  was  wounded,  and  Samuel 
White,  an  Amherst  man  but  serving  in  the  5th  Wisconsin,  was  killed. 
Less  than  three  weeks  after  the  battle  of  Spottsylvania  came  the  assault 
on  Cold  Harbor,  one  of  the  bravest  attacks  and  bloodiest  repulses  known 
in  the  history  of  modern  warfare.  Of  the  Amherst  troops  engaged  in  this 
action,  those  connected  with  the  27th  regiment  suffered  most  severely. 
Of  their  number,  Levi  Edson  and  Charles  D.  Mullett  were  killed,  Ptolemy 
P.  Cutter  mortally  wounded,  and  E.  Baxter  Dickinson,  Simeon  E.  Preston, 
Chester  Dickinson,  Jr.,  Medad  Vinton,  Henry  E.  Hawley,  Cornelius  O'Con- 
nor, Jacob  L.  Rust  and  Henry  B.  Sears  wounded.  From  Cold  Harbor, 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac  followed  the  rebel  army  to  the  intrenchments 
before  Petersburg,  where  for  ten  months  the  hostile  forces  faced  each  other, 
engaging  in  countless  skirmishes  and  more  than  one  severe  engagement. 
In  the  operations  about  Petersburg,  the  27th  regiment  suffered  severely; 
of  the  Amherst  men  in  this  regiment,  Levi  M.  Bolio  and  William  W. 
Latham  were  killed,  George  A.  Draper  mortally  wounded  and  James  A. 
Preston  wounded.  Richard  B.  LDomis  of  the  21st  regiment  and  Frederick 
R.  Bell  of  the  37th  were  wounded.  At  the  battle  of  Olustee,  Jason  Champ- 
lin  was  killed  and  Charles  A.  Finnemore  wounded  ;  both  were  members  of 
the  54th  regiment.  In  the  engagement  at  Arrowfield  Church,  Eugene  P. 
Hervey  of  the  27th  regiment  was  mortally  wounded,  and  John  Shoals  and 
William  J.  Hopkins  of  the  same  regiment  wounded.  At  the  battle  of 
Drury's  Bluff,  James  W.  Spear  of  the  27th  regiment  was  mortally  wounded 
and  Charles  B.  Spaulding  of  the  same  regiment  wounded.  In  the  skirmish 
at  Charlestown,  Joseph  K.  Taylor  of  the  37th  regiment  was  mortally 
wounded  and  Patrick  Beston  of  the  same  regiment  wounded.  At  the 
battle  of  Winchester,  Mason  W.  Tyler,  John  A.  Leggett  and  Timothy 
Spellman,  all  of  the  37th  regiment,  were  wounded.  In  the  fight  at  City 
Point,  Henry  Bowman  of  the  20th  regiment  was  mortally  wounded.  In 
the  battle  of  Boynton  Plank   Road,  James   A.   Pierce    of  the    1st  heavy 


ENLISTMENTS    IN     1864.  489 

artillery  was  wounded.  In  the  assault  on  Fort  Stevens,  John  Sandling  of 
the  37  th  regiment  was  wounded. 

During  the  year  1S64,  there  were  61  enlistments  from  Amherst,  not 
counting  re-enlistments.  In  January.  15  men  enlisted,  four  in  the  27  th 
regiment,  and  11  in  the  5th  cavalry.  In  February,  one  man  enlisted  in 
the  28th  regiment.  In  May,  there  were  three  enlistments,  two  in  the  19th 
regiment  and  one  in  the  3d  heavy  artillery.  In  June,  one  man  enlisted  in 
the  22d  regiment.  In  July,  there  were  13  enlistments,  two  in  the  37th 
regiment,  one  in  the  13th  battery  of  light  artillery,  two  in  the  2d  heavy 
artillery,  three  in  the  4th  cavalry,  five  in  the  36th  regiment  and  one  in  the 
Veteran  Reserve  Corps.  In  August,  there  were  three  enlistments,  two  in 
the  2d  heavy  artillery  and  one  in  the  60th  regiment.  In  September.  15 
men  enlisted,  two  in  the  2d  heavy  artillery,  one  in  the  29th  unattached 
company  of  heavy  artillery,  one  in  the  2d  cavalry,  one  in  the  4th  cavalry, 
three  in  the  5th  cavalry,  one  in  the  nth  regiment,  one  in  the  1st  heavy 
artillery,  five  in  the  Veteran  Reserve  Corps.  In  December,  there  were  10 
enlistments,  one  in  the  13th  battery  of  light  artillery,  four  in  the  first 
cavalry,  one  in  the  4th  cavalry,  two  in  the  19th  regiment,  one  in  the  20th 
regiment,  one  in  the  Veteran  Reserve  Corps.  There  was  but  one  enlist- 
ment from  Amherst  in  1865,  and  that  in  the  1st  battalion  of  frontier 
cavalry. 

In  the  spring  of  1865,  Amherst  troops  were  engaged  in  the  assault  on 
Petersburg,  the  battle  of  Fort  Fisher  and  the  battle  of  Sailors'  Creek,  the 
last  great  battle  of  the  rebellion.  In  the  battle  of  Sailors'  Creek  William 
F.  Leggett  of  the  37th  regiment  was  killed.  In  the  assault  on  Fort  Fisher. 
Mason  W.  Tyler  of  the  37th  regiment  was  wounded. 

When  news  was  received  in  Amherst.  April  3d,  of  the  fall  of  Rich- 
mond, there  was  great  public  rejoicing:  when,  less  than  two  weeks  later, 
came  the  tidings  of  Lee's  surrender,  preparations  were  made  for  a  celebra- 
tion worthy  the  event.  The  church  bells  were  rung  and  a  four-horse  team 
was  sent  to  Northampton  to  procure  a  cannon.  Early  in  the  evening  the 
team  returned,  drawing  a  piece  of  cast-iron,  "  as  large  around  as  a  stove- 
pipe and  as  long  as  a  string  "  all  that  could  be  procured.  This  was  loaded 
up  and  fired  until  it  burst,  about  midnight.  All  the  dry-goods  boxes  that 
could  be  found  were  captured  and  furnished  food  for  mammoth  bon-fires. 
The  celebration  was  continued  through  the  night  and  was  taken  part  in  by 
citizens  both  young  and  old. 

The  following  lists  will  serve  to  show  the  names  of  troops  who  served 
on  Amherst's  quota  who  were  killed  in  battle,  died  from  wounds,  died  of 
disease  contracted  in  the  service,  suffered  from  wounds  or.  imprisonment. 
It  is,  in  the  highest  meaning  of  the  words,  a  roll  of  honor  : 


49  o 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Henry  C.  Ball, 
Levi  M.  Bolio, 
Jason  Champlin, 
Francis  H.  Dickinson, 


Charles  K.  Baker, 
Austin  Barton, 
Henry  Bowman, 
Henry  E.  Boynton, 
George  E.  Cooke, 
Ptolemy  P.  Cutter, 


Charles  B.  Adams, 
Sylester  H.  Adams, 
Milo  A.  Bartlett, 
Morrison  Barton, 
Cephas  B.  Bolio, 
John  W.  Dickinson, 
Joseph  Grover, 
Jarvis  Jackson, 
Sanford  Jackson, 


Ezra  Baker, 
Nelson  O.  Ball, 
Charles  H.  Barton, 
Frederick  R.  Bell, 
John  Beston,  Jr., 
Patrick  Beston, 
Edmund  Boltwood, 
James  Bowman, 
Albert  Cates, 
Spencer  Church,  Jr., 
George  B.  Cooley, 
Henry  Coy, 
John  E.  Cushman, 
Chester  Dickinson,  Jr., 
E.  Baxter  Dickinson, 
Henry  F.  Douglass, 


Ashley  W.  Barrows, 
Eli  H.  Johnson, 
Ezra  Kelsey, 


KILLED    IN    BATTLE. 

Levi  Edson, 
Martin  S.  Johnson, 
William  W.  Latham, 
William  F.  Leggett, 

DIED    FROM    WOUNDS. 

David  L.  Dickinson, 
Michael  Doyle, 
George  A.  Draper, 
Eugene  P.  Hervey, 
Edward  W.  Prouty, 
James  K.  Sanderson. 

DIED   FROM   DISEASE. 

Ezra  Kelsey, 
Alonzo  W.  Latham, 
Murray  B.  Lovett, 
Edward  Lyons, 
Edward  W.  Manley, 
Marcus  T.  C.  Miles, 
Reuben  Miles, 
Lyman  D.  Phelps, 
Henry  C.  Plumb, 
Norman  Roberts. 

WOUNDED. 

William  Faliay, 
Charles  A.  Finnemore, 
John  A.  Glazier, 
Lewis  R.  Haskell, 
Henry  E.  Hawley, 
William  J.  Hopkins, 
Ebenezer  M.  Johnson, 
Charles  F.  Kellogg, 
John  A.  Leggett, 
Rufus  P.  Lincoln, 
Richard  B.  Loomis, 
George  W.  Newell, 
Freeman  E.  Nutting, 
Cornelius  O'Connor, 
James  A.  Pierce, 
Edwin  H.  Potwin, 
James  A.  Preston. 


Charles  D.  Mullett. 
George  L.  Putnam. 
George  W.  Scott. 
Frazar  A.  Stearns. 


Charles  V.  Smith. 
James  W.  Spear, 
Joseph  K.  Taylor, 
Josiah  Thayer, 
Samuel  White. 


Arthur  Sears, 
Lyman  W.  Skinner, 
George  W.  Sloan. 
Edward  H.  Stanley, 
Ethan  A.  Taft, 
Henry  Thompson, 
John  Thompson, 
John  P.  W.  Wheelock, 
Robert  Wilson, 


Simeon  E.  Preston. 
Dwight  Russell, 
Jacob  L.  Rust, 
John  Sandling, 
Henry  B.  Sears, 
John  Shoals, 
William  J.  Smith, 
Charles  B.  Spaulding, 
George  P.  Spear, 
Timothy  Spellman, 
Charles  F.  Turner, 
Mason  W.  Tyler, 
Medad  Vinton, 
John  White, 
William  H.  WThite, 
Solomon  H.  Williams. 


CAPTURED    AND    IMPRISONED. 


Warren  F.  King, 
Cornelius  O'Connor, 
John  Shoals, 


J.  Leander  Skinner, 
Linneus  C.  Skinner, 
Medad  Vinton. 


LOSSES    IX    BATTLE. 


49  J 


The  losses  in  the  various  engagements  with  the  enemy  may  be  sum 
marized  as  follows  :  Wilderness,  12  wounded,  five  mortally  ;  Cold  Harbor, 
two  killed,  eight  wounded,  one  mortally  ;  New  Berne,  one  killed,  eight 
wounded,  two  mortally  ;  Petersburg,  two  killed,  four  wounded,  one  mor- 
tally ;  Spottsylvania,  six  wounded,  two  mortally  ;  Gettysburg,  one  killed, 
four  wounded,  one  mortally  ;  Fredericksburg,  three  wounded,  one  mortally  ; 
Winchester.three  wounded  ;  Arrowfield  Church, three  wounded. one  mortally ; 
Fair<  >aks,  one  killed,  one  wounded  ;  Ball's  Bluff,  one  killed,  one  wounded; 
Chantilly,  one  killed,  one  wounded;  Olustee,  one  killed,  one  wounded; 
Port  Hudson,  one  killed,  one  wounded  ;  Drury's  Bluff,  two  wounded,  one 
mortally ;  Charlestown,  two  wounded,  one  mortally ;  Wise  Forks,  two 
wounded  ;  Sailor's  Creek,  one  killed;  City  Point,  one  mortally  wounded; 
Roanoke  Island,  one  wounded  ;  Shenandoah  Valley,  one  wounded  ; 
Boynton  Plank  Road,  one  wounded  ;  Chickamaugua.  one  wounded  ;  Fort 
Fisher,  one  wounded;  Fort  Stevens,  one  wounded;  Irish  Bend,  one 
wounded;  Kinston,  one  wounded.  Benjamin  P.  Allen  of  the  1st  heavy 
artillery,  Charles  Smith  of  the  4th  cavalry,  Spencer  Church,  Jr.  of  the  9th 
regiment  and  George  Dickinson  of  the  53d  regiment  died  from  disease 
contracted  in  the  service,  after  their  discharge. 

In  addition  to  the  above  list,  Amherst  soldiers  took  part  in  the  fol- 
lowing engagements,  in  which  no  casualties  were  reported  among  their 
number :  Battles  of  Gum  Swamp,  Swift  Creek,  Marye's  Heights,  Salem 
Church,  Rappahannock  Station,  Mine  Run,  Cedar  Creek,  Hatcher's  Run, 
North  Anna,  Brashear  City,  Franklin,  Savage  Station,  White  Oak  Swamp. 
Malvern  Hill,  Antietam,  Chancellorsville,  Second  Manassas,  South  Moun- 
tain.     In  addition  to  these  were  many  skirmishes  and  minor  engagements. 

Of  those  who  enlisted  on  Amherst's  quota  in  1 861,  29  were  of  Amherst 
birth;  in  1862,  34;  in  1863,  12;  in  1S64,  2.  The  following  tables  will 
show  the  number  of  men  on  Amherst's  quota  serving  in  different  organiza- 
tions, and  the  date  of  their  muster  by  months  : 

SERVICE   BY    REGIMEXTS. 

2d  Reg't,  1  31st  Reg't,  4  1st  Heavy  Artillery.  10 

9th  Reg't,  2  32d  Reg't,    1  2d  Heavy  Artillery,  6 

10th  Reg't.  11  34th  Reg't.  1  3d  Heavy  Artillery.  1 

nth  Reg't,  1  36th  Reg't.  4  29th  Unat.  Artillery,  1 

15th  Reg't.  4  37th  Reg't,  28  13th  Light  Battery,  2 

19th  Reg't,  5  42d  Reg't.  1  1st  Cavalry,  8 

18th  Reg't,  1  46th  Reg't.  4  2d  Cavalry,  1 

20th  Reg't,  5  52d  Reg't.  44  4th  Cavalry,  5 

21st  Reg't,  15  53d  Reg't,  2  5th  Cavalry,  14 

22d  Reg't,  2  54th  Reg't,  7  1st  Frontier  Cavalry,  1 

27th  Reg't,  71  60th  Reg't  1  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  7 
28th  Reg't,  2 


492  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


MUSTER   BY    MONTHS. 

1 86 

i 

1S62 

1S63 

1S64 

1S65 

May, 

i 

Feb., 

S 

Jan..       1 

Jan..  15 

Jan.. 

June, 

ii 

March, 

2 

March.4 

Feb.,    1 

July, 

2 

June, 

3 

July.     6 

May.    3 

Aug., 

i5 

July, 

6 

Aug.,    4 

June,    1 

Sept., 

37 

Aug., 

63 

Nov..    4 

July,  13 

Oct., 

16 

Sept., 

13 

Dec,    5 

Aug.,    3 

Dec, 

3 

Oct.. 

7 

Sept..  15 
Dec,  10 

The  Town  Meeting  Records  in  Part  Second  of  this  volume  contain 
the  votes  passed  by  the  town  in  regard  to  military  matters  during  the  war. 
The  following  statistics  are  taken  from  the  Military  Record  of  the  town. 
compiled  by  Samuel  C.  Carter,  town  clerk.  The  men  who  enlisted  in  1861 
received  no  bounties  from  the  town,  but  after  two  years  of  service  twenty 
of  them  re-enlisted  and  received  $100  bounty  extra,  as  veterans,  from  the 
United  States  government.  In  1862,  the  town  paid  a  bounty  of  $100  to 
each  volunteer,  which  was  legalized  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature  passed 
Feb.  27,  1863.  The  act  of  March  17,  1863,  prohibited  towns  paying  any 
more  bounties,  as  all  bounties  had  been  equalized.  The  act  of  March  18, 
1864,  authorized  towns  to  raise  money  for  paying  or  refunding  money 
paid  by  towns  or  individuals,  for  filling  the  quota  under  the  call  of  Oct.  17, 
1863,  and  Feb.  1,  1864.  Under  this  act,  $2000  was  assessed  and  refunded 
to  individuals  in  1864.  The  act  of  March  28,  1864,  authorized  towns  to 
raise  money  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  their  proportion  of  the  quota  of 
volunteers,  for  one  year  from  March  1,  1S64.  but  not  to  exceed  $125  per 
man.  The  act  of  March  27,  1865,  authorized  raising  money  to  apply 
under  any  call  to  March,  1866.  The  act  of  April  25,  1865,  allowed  towns 
to  raise  money  and  repay  towns  or  individuals,  under  any  call  in  1864.  if 
assessed  in  three  years. 

MILITARY    EXPENSES. 

Expenses  of  the  town  in  1861,  $535- 1 7 

Expenses  of  individuals  in  1861,  566.50 

Expenses  of  the  town  in  1862,  8,356.00 

Expenses  of  William  F.  Stearns.  Esq..  S75.00 

Expenses  of  the  town  in  1863.  61.25 
Expenses  of  drafted  men  for  substitutes  in  1S63-4,         14,275.00 

Expenses  of  the  town  in  1S64,  11,738.85 

Expenses  of  individuals  in  1864.  8,063.00 

Expenses  of  the  town  in  1S65,  406.00 

Interest  on  state  aid,  1.350.50 

$46,237.27 


TWENTY-SEVENTH    REGIMENT.  493 

Deducting  $1,641.27  received  from  the  state  on  equalization  of  boun- 
ties, the  total  military  expenses  of  the  town  and  individuals  would  appear 
to  be  $44,596,  in  reality  but  a  fraction  of  the  actual  money  cost  to  the 
town  of  the  war  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union.  During  the  contin- 
uance of  the  war  state  aid  was  furnished  to  114  families. 


CHAPTER  LVI. 


Regimental  History. — Twenty-Seventh. —  Thirty-Seventh. —  Fifty- 
Second. — Tenth. — Twenty-First. — Fifty- Fourth. 

Of  the  less  than  300  men  who  served  on  Amherst's  quota,  whose 
names  appear  on  the  marble  tablets  in  the  town  hall,  176  did  service  in 
the  10th.  21st,  27th,  37th,  52d  and  54th  regiments.  A  brief  sketch  of  the 
service  of  these  regiments  is  here  given,  compiled  from  the  regimental 
histories.  As  the  27th,  37th  and  5 2d  regiments  contained  companies 
raised  in  Amherst  and  adjoining  towns,  precedence  is  here  given  them. 

twenty-seventh  regiment. 

Sept.  3,  1861,  Horace  C.  Lee,  city  clerk  of  Springfield,  a  man  of  expe- 
rience in  affairs  connected  with  the  state  militia,  received  written  authority 
from  Gov.  Andrew  to  recruit  a  regiment  in  the  four  western  counties  of  the 
state.  Sept.  10,  recruiting  offices  were  opened  in  Northampton,  Amherst, 
Greenfield,  Athol,  Ludlow,  Chicopee,  Springfield,  Westfield,  North  Adams 
and  Pittsfield.  The  companies  raised  at  Northampton  and  Westfield  had 
their  ranks  filled  by  the  15th.  Sept.  17,  the  companies  from  Amherst, 
Adams,  Chicopee  and  Ludlow  were  ordered  into  camp  about  one  mile  east 
of  the  armory  at  Springfield.  The  Amherst  and  Pittsfield  companies 
arrived  at  Springfield  Sept.  19,  and  owing  to  a  lack  of  camp  equipage 
made  use  of  the  armory  of  the  City  Guards  for  the  first  night.  Tents 
arrived  the  following  day,  and  Sept.  20  the  Amherst.  Westfield  and  Pitts- 
field companies  took  up  their  quarters  at  "  Camp  Reed." 

Sept.  27,  the  men  were  mustered  into  the  United  States  service,  to 
serve  for  the  term  of  three  years.  Sept.  29,  Rev.  C.  L.  Woodworth  of 
Amherst  conducted  divine  services  at  the  camp,  assisted  by  a  choir  organ- 
ized by  J.  L.  Skinner  of  Amherst.  Rifles  and  uniforms  were  issued  to  the 
troops  Oct.  10.  To  the  Amherst  company  was  assigned  the  company 
letter  D.  The  line  officers  were  :  Captain,  Timothy  W.  Sloan  of  Amherst ; 


494  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST.    MASS. 

i st  lieutenant,  Ami  R.  Dennison  of  Amherst;  2d  lieutenant,  John  S. 
Aitcheson  of  Chicopee.  The  regiment  broke  camp  Nov.  2,  and  went  by 
Boston  &  Albany  railroad  to  Hudson,  N.  Y.,  thence  by  boat  to  Jersey 
City,  and  from  the  latter  place  by  rail  to  Annapolis,  Md.  Here  the  regi- 
ment was  attached  to  the  1st  brigade,  Gen.  John  G.  Foster  commanding, 
of  the  troops  assembled  for  the  Burnside  expedition.  The  regiment  sailed 
from  Annapolis.  Jan.  11.  and  took  part  in  the  capture  of  Roanoke  Island. 
Although  Amherst  troops  were  engaged  in  the  battle  they  suffered  no  cas- 
ualties. At  the  battle  of  New  Berne,  March  14,  the  27th  regiment  suffered 
severely,  having  seven  men  killed  and  78  wounded.  Ten  men  were 
wounded  in  company  D,  including  six  from  Amherst.  It  was  in  this  battle 
that  J.  E.  Cushman  lost  his  arm.  Rev.  C.  L.  Woodworth  joined  the  regi- 
ment as  chaplain,  May  1.  Dec.  14.  the  regiment  assisted  in  the  capture 
of  Kinston,  and  a  little  later  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Goldsboro.  In  the 
latter  part  of  March  and  the  first  part  of  April,  1863,  the  regiment  was 
besieged  for  18  days  at  Washington,  N.  C,  by  an  overwhelming  rebel 
force,  but  held  the  place  until  the  siege  was  abandoned.  April  28.  com- 
panies D  and  E  assaulted  and  carried  an  intrenchment  at  Dover  X  Roads. 
The  Amherst  company  was  first  in  the  works.  During  the  charge  Sergeant 
Edmund  Boltwood  was  severely  wounded  in  the  leg.  May  22,  the  regi- 
ment aided  in  the  capture  of  the  rebel  fortifications  at  Gum  Swamp,  N. 
C.  Two  men,  one  of  them  YVheaton  Lovett  of  Co.  D,  captured  a  lieuten- 
ant and  26  men.  The  remainder  of  the  year  the  regiment  did  provost 
duty  at  New  Berne,  Norfolk  and  Portsmouth. 

In  January,  1864,  220  men  who  had  re-enlisted  were  granted  a  thirty- 
days  furlough.  On  their  return  the  regiment  was  placed  on  provost  duty 
at  Norfolk.  Here  L.  C.  Skinner  of  Amherst  organized  a  drum  corps 
which  attained  great  efficiency.  Rev.  C.  L.  Woodworth  assumed  charge 
of  the  First  Presbyterian  church,  by  appointment  of  Gen.  Benjamin  F. 
Butler.  In  March,  the  regiment  moved  to  Julian's  Creek.  Here  they 
were  attached  to  Heckman's  Red  Star  brigade,  forming  a  part  of  the  Army 
of  the  James.  April  26,  the  regiment  moved  to  Yorktown.  From  York- 
town  they  were  sent  up  the  peninsula  to  a  point  near  Williamsburg,  return- 
ing May  4  to  Fortress  Monroe.  May  5,  they  sailed  up  the  James  river  to 
Bermuda  Hundreds.  Disembarking,  the  regiment  took  possession  of 
Cobb's  Hill.  At  that  time  Petersburg  might  have  been  captured  almost 
without  a  struggle,  as  it  was  weakly  garrisoned  and  Butler's  army  of  35,000 
veterans  was  in  sight  of  its  church-spires.  Delay  in  action  enabled  the 
rebels  to  strengthen  the  garrison  and  the  opportunity  wras  lost.  The  regi- 
ment took  part  in  the  battle  at  Arrowfield  Church,  in  which  engagement 
five  members  of  Co.  D  were  wounded,  two  of  them,  Eugene  P.  Hervey  and 
W.  J.  Hopkins,  from  Amherst.      Hopkins  was   wounded  by  a  bullet  in  the 


TWENTY-SEVENTH    REGIMENT.  495 

right  eye.  In  the  engagement  at  Walthall  Junction,  George  A.  Draper  of 
Co.  D  was  mortally  wounded. 

The  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  May  16,  proved  most  disastrous  to  the 
27th,  and  that  through  no  fault  of  the  men  or  their  regimental  commander. 
Ordered  to  an  exposed  position  at  the  extreme  right  of  the  army,  the 
regiment  was  not  properly  supported  and  was  assaulted  in  front  and  flank 
by  an  overwhelming  force  of  rebels.  The  regiment  defended  its  position 
with  great  gallantry,  but  was  completely  surrounded  by  the  enemy  and  249 
officers  and  enlisted  men  were  captured.  Co.  D  was  fortunate  in  losing 
but  five  men  as  prisoners.  The  Amherst  men  captured  were  Lieut.  J. 
Leander  Skinner  and  Ezra  Kelsey ;  the  latter  died  of  starvation  in  Ander- 
sonville  prison.  In  the  battle  Co.  D  had  one  man  killed  and  six  wounded. 
James  W.  Spear  and  Charles  B.  Spaulding  of  Amherst  were  wounded,  the 
former  mortally. 

The  regiment,  sadly  depleted  in  numbers,  was  transferred  to  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac,  May  29,  and  attached  to  the  iSth  army  corps  under 
command  of  W.  F.  (better  known  as  "  Baldy  ")  Smith.  It  accompanied 
the  army  to  Cold  Harbor,  where  it  took  part  in  the  opening  battle  June  2, 
and  in  the  general  assault  June  3.  In  the  first  day's  battle  the  regiment 
lost  four  men  killed  and  14  wounded.  Charles  D.  Mullett  of  Amherst 
was  killed,  Serg't  Ptolemy  P.  Cutter  mortally  wounded,  Sergeants  E.  Baxter 
Dickinson  and  Simeon  E.  Preston  and  Privates  Henry  E.  Hawley  and 
Henry  B.  Sears  wounded.  In  the  general  assault  on  the  rebel  works  June 
3,  the  Star  Brigade  led  the  advance  and  the  27th  regiment  was  in  the  first 
line  of  battle.  The  brigade  lost  more  than  one-half  its  effective  strength, 
while  the  27th  lost  15  killed,  65  wounded  and  four  prisoners.  The  Amherst 
men  wounded  were  Sergeant  E.  Baxter  Dickinson,  Corporal  Chester  Dick- 
inson, Jr.,  Corp'l  Medad  Vinton,  Cornelius  O'Connor  and  Jacob  L.  Rust. 
June  12,  the  regiment  marched  to  White  House  landing  and  thence  to  a 
position  near  Petersburg.  June  18,  the  27th  made  a  desperate  assault  on 
the  enemy's  lines.  All  the  officers  were  killed  or  wounded  and  the  men 
sought  shelter  in  a  grain  field.  Three  men  were  killed  and  five  wounded 
in  Co.  D.  Of  the  Amherst  men  in  the  regiment,  Levi  M.  Bolio  was  killed 
and  James  A.  Preston  wounded.  At  the  close  of  the  engagement  the 
regiment  could  muster  but  one  officer  and  80  men.  The  surviving  members 
of  the  regiment  spent  the  summer  in  the  trenches  in  front  of  Petersburg. 
During  the  months  of  June  and  July,  William  W.  Latham  of  Amherst  was 
killed  and  Cornelius  O'Connor,  Albert  Cates  and  Edwin  H.  Potwin 
wounded.  In  "Bearing  Arms,"  the  regimental  history,  the  author,  William 
P.  Derby  of  Springfield,  says  : 

"  The  demands  of  the  campaign  were  so  exacting  and  incessant  that  none  but 
men  of  iron  constitution  could  meet  them  without  sooner  or  later  requiring  hospital 


496  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

care.     Asa  fact,  the  only  officers  who  did  meet  this  strain  were  Surgeon  D.  B.  N. 
Fish  and  Lieut.  Edwin  L.  Peck,  both  of  whom  were  always  present  for  duty." 

Aug.  25,  the  regiment  was  transferred  to  Point  of  Rocks.  The  terms 
of  enlistment  of  many  of  the  men  expired  in  September,  and  259  were 
reported  for  discharge,  but  only  179  were  able  to  attend  the  column  on  its 
homeward  journey.  The  officers  and  men  remaining,  whose  terms  had 
not  expired,  numbered  304.  The  veterans  reached  Springfield  Sept.  2S, 
and  were  accorded  a  grand  public  welcome.  An  address  was  made  by  the 
mayor  of  the  city  and  there  was  an  imposing  street  parade.  The  members 
of  the  27th  regiment  captured  at  Dairy's  Bluff  remained  in  Richmond 
until  May  23,  when  they  left  for  Andersonville,  Ga.,  arriving  there  the  30th. 
Of  the  235  members  of  the  regiment  committed  to  this  prison,  128  died 
within  one  year,  including  three  members  of  Co.  D. 

Sept.  19,  1864,  the  members  of  the  regiment  whose  terms  had  not 
expired  started  for  North  Carolina.  They  took  part  in  the  movement 
against  Fort  Fisher.  March  S,  1865,  occured  the  battle  at  Southwest 
Creek,  in  which  the  regiment  as  a  fighting  force  was  practically  annihilated. 
Cut  off  from  all  support,  fighting  desperately  for  hours  against  overwhelm- 
ing odds,  the  regiment  was  surrounded  and  captured,  but  seven  men 
escaping,  including  Surgeon  Fish.  During  the  engagement  seven  men  of 
Co.  D  were  wounded,  none  from  Amherst.  The  Amherst  men  among  the 
captured  were  Corp'l  Warren  F.  King,  Corp'l  Medad  Vinton,  Eli  H.  John- 
son and  Cornelius  O'Connor.  The  prisoners  were  taken  to  Richmond, 
but  were  released  on  parole  March  26  and  arrived  in  Springfield  April  3. 
The  regiment  was  mustered  out  of  service  June  26,  at  New  Berne. 

Of  Chaplain  Woodworth  and  Surgeon  Fish,  brief  historical  sketches 
are  given  in  other  chapters  of  this  volume.  Capt.  Timothy  W.  Sloan  had 
been  an  officer  in  the  state  militia,  and  when  the  town  decided  to  raise  a 
company  for  the  27th  regiment  he  was  selected  as  its  leader.  He  took 
part  in  the  battles  of  Roanoke  Island  and  New  Berne,  and  resigned, 
owing  to  disability,  Nov.  15,  1862.  Capt.  J.  L.  Skinner  was  clerk  in  M.  A. 
&  B.  W.  Allen's  store  when  the  war  broke  out.  In  company  with  three 
associates  he  raised  a  company  in  Amherst  and  surrounding  towns. 
Enlisting  as  1st  sergeant,  he  was  promoted  successively  to  be  2d  lieuten- 
ant, 1st  lieutenant  and  captain.  He  was  taken  prisoner  at  the  battle  of 
Drury's  Bluff,  and  confined  at  Macon,  Ga.  and  Charleston  and  Columbia, 
S.  C.  He  escaped  from  Columbia  Nov.  4,  was  recaptured,  and  again  made 
his  escape  Nov.  29. 

THIRTY-SEVENTH    REGIMENT. 

When,  in  July,  1862,  President  Lincoln  issued  a  call  for  300,000 
volunteers,  the  34th  regiment,  with  ranks  partially  filled,  was  in   camp   at 


THIRTY-SEVENTH    REGIMENT.  497 

Worcester.  When  its  organization  was  completed,  fragments  of  companies 
remaining,  from  the  four  western  counties,  rendezvoused  in  Pittsfield  where 
"  Camp  Briggs  "  was  established  in  August.  There  the  37th  regiment  was 
recruited,  its  ranks  being  filled  Sept.  4,  the  three  years'  term  of  service 
counting  from  that  date.  The  officers  received  their  commissions  Aug.  27. 
Oliver  Edwards  of  Springfield  was  commissioned  colonel.  The  Amherst 
officers  were  :  Rufus  P.  Lincoln,  2d  lieutenant  Co.  C;  Mason  W.  Tyler, 
1  st  lieut.  Co.  F.  The  regiment  broke  camp  Sept.  7,  marching  to  the 
Boston  &  Albany  depot  at  Pittsfield.  The  journey  was  made  by  rail  to 
Hudson,  N.  Y.,  by  boat  to  Jersey  City,  thence  by  rail  to  Washington.  On 
arriving  at  the  latter  city  the  regiment  was  first  stationed  at  Camp  Chase 
in  Arlington,  among  the  reserves  intended  for  the  defence  of  Washington. 
A  few  clays  later  the  battle  of  Antietam  was  fought,  when  the  reserves 
were  ordered  to  the  front,  the  37th  leaving  Washington  Oct.  1. 

The  regiment  was  attached  to  Devens'  brigade  of  Couch's  division 
of  the  4th  army  corps.  Its  first  engagement  was  at  the  battle  of  Freder- 
icksburg in  December.  Devens'  brigade  was  the  first  to  cross  the  Rappa- 
hannock and,  after  the  bloody  repulse,  covered  the  army  on  its  withdrawal 
across  the  river,  being  the  last  command  to  cross.  The  regiment  was  not 
in  active  service  during  the  battle,  but  was  under  fire,  one  member  being 
•  killed.  The  regiment  went  into  winter  camp  near  Falmouth,  Va.;  it  took 
part  in  the  famous  "  mud  march  "  in  January,  when  Burnside's  army 
attempted  to  cross  the  Rappahannock  but  was  prevented  by  rain.  April 
28,  the  first  movement  was  made  in  the  campaign  which  culminated  in  the 
battle  of  Chancellorsville.  The  regiment  was  attached  to  the  6th  corps, 
under  General  Sedgwick.  It  took  part  in  the  gallant  and  successful  assault 
on  Marye's  Heights  at  Fredericksburg,  May  3,  and  later  in  the  day  in  the 
battle  of  Salem  Church.  In  both  these  engagements  it  did  valiant  service, 
having  many  members  killed  and  wounded.  When  the  corps  was  forced 
by  overwhelming  numbers  to  retreat,  Co's  D  and  F  of  the  37th,  acting  as 
skirmishers,  held  the  enemy  in  check.  After  the  battle  of  Salem  Church 
the  regiment  remained  in  camp  until  early  in  June,  when  the  rebel  army 
under  Lee  invaded  Pennsylvania.  June  14,  the  regiment  began  one  of  the 
most  severe  and  exhausting  marches  that  occurred  during  the  war,  ending 
on  the  battlefield  of  Gettysburg.  Out  of  600  men  in  the  regiment  only 
seven  men  were  absent  on  roll-call  at  the  end  of  the  march.  At  Gettys- 
burg the  6th  corps  had  no  sooner  arrived  on  the  field  than  it  was  sent  to 
reinforce  General  Sickles.  The  regiment  was  on  reserve  duty  during  the 
battle,  but  was  exposed  at  one  time  to  a  terrible  artillery  fire,  causing  a 
loss  of  six  killed  and  25  wounded.  July  5,  the  6th  corps  was  started  in 
pursuit  of  the  enemy. 

32 


498  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

When  in  the  latter  part  of  July  the  disgraceful  draft  riots  occurred  in 
New  York  city,  the  37th  was  one  of  four  regiments  sent  to  the  city  to  main- 
tain order  while  the  draft  was  taking  place.  The  regiment  arrived  in  New 
York  Aug.  2,  and  went  into  camp  at  Fort  Hamilton.  Aug.  19,  it  was  sta- 
tioned in  the  city  to  guard  the  rooms  where  the  draft  was  held.  It  left 
New  York  Oct.  14,  rejoining  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  near  Chantilly.  It 
took  part  in  the  fruitless  expedition  to  Mine  Run,  and  spent  the  winter  of 
1863-4  at  "  Camp  Sedgwick."  May  4,  1864,  Gen.  Grant  inaugurated  the 
famous  campaign  which,  opening  with  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  closed 
in  the  trenches  before  Petersburg.  In  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness  the 
37th  was  called  upon  to  make  an  heroic  charge  against  the  entire  corps  of 
Hill  and  Longstreet ;  it  checked  their  advance,  giving  time  for  the  other 
troops  to  form.  In  that  one  charge  34  enlisted  men  belonging  to  the  reg- 
iment were  killed  and  over  100  officers  and  men  were  wounded.  Capt. 
Rufus  P.  Lincoln,  Corp'l  Frederick  R.  Bell,  Corp'l  Charles  F.  Turner, 
James  K.  Sanderson  and  William  J.  Smith  were  wounded.  The  series  of 
battles  at  Spottsylvania  was  opened  by  Sedgwick's  corps,  May  8.  On 
the  9th,  a  skirmish  line  from  the  37th  was  hotly  engaged.  In  the  battle 
of  the  12th,  the  37th  supported  Hancock's  corps  at  the  "Bloody  Angle," 
where  occurred  the  most  desperate  and  deadly  engagement  of  the  cam- 
paign, if  not  of  the  entire  conflict.  The  regiment  was  on  duty  all  clay  and 
night,  firing  over  400  rounds  of  ammunition  per  man.  Lieut.  George 
E.  Cooke  was  wounded  mortally  and  Capt.  Lincoln  seriously.  Other 
Amherst  troops  wounded  were  William  Fahay  and  John  A.  Glazier.  May 
18,  the  37th  took  part  in  another  assault  upon  the  rebel  lines  at  Spottsyl- 
vania losing  two  men  killed  and  19  wounded.  In  the  assault  on  Cold 
Harbor,  the  37th  did  not  take  part  in  the  charge  being  in  supporting  line  ; 
one  man  was  killed  and  several  wounded  in  the  regiment.  For  several 
clays  after  the  battle  the  regiment  was  employed  in  skirmish  and  picket 
duty. 

July  9,  the  6th  corps  was  summoned  to  Washington,  then  threatened 
by  the  rebel  troops  under  General  Early.  It  took  part  in  the  battle  of 
Fort  Stevens,  among  the  wounded  in  that  engagement  being  John  Sandling 
of  Amherst.  July  14,  the  regiment  started  with  General  Sherman's  com- 
mand in  pursuit  of  Early,  serving  as  wagon-guard.  It  was  engaged  in  the 
battle  of  Charlestown,  having  five  men  killed  and  12  wounded.  Of  the 
Amherst  men  in  the  regiment,  Joseph  K.  Taylor  and  John  Beston,  Jr.  were 
wounded,  the  former  mortally.  The  regiment  took  a  prominent  part  in 
the  battle  of  Winchester,  Sept.  19.  During  the  battle  it  distinguished 
itself  in  many  ways,  capturing  the  greater  part  of  "  Stonewall  "  Jackson's 
old  brigade.  Entering  on  the  battle  with  296  men,  it  lost  15  men  killed 
and  seven   officers   and  72   men  wounded.     Capt.    Mason  W.   Tyler  was 


FIFTY-SECOND    REGIMENT.  499 

wounded  in  the   neck.     Other   Amherst   soldiers  wounded   were  John  A. 
Leggett  and  Timothy  Spellman. 

Dec.  12,  the  regiment  was  ordered  to  proceed  to  the  trenches  in  front 
of  Petersburg.  It  was  engaged  in  the  battle  of  Five  Forks,  and  on  the 
surrender  of  Petersburg  was  stationed  in  the  city  to  preserve  order. 
While  leading  a  charge  at  the  battle  of  Sailor's  Creek,  it  penetrated  the 
enemy's  lines  so  far  that  it  became  isolated  and  was  compelled  to  defend 
itself  against  greatly  superior  numbers.  In  this  engagement  the  37th  cap- 
tured over  300  prisoners,  a  greater  number  of  men  than  it  took  into  the 
battle.  Its  losses  were  nine  killed  and  31  wounded.  The  regiment  was 
mustered  out  of  service  June  21,  1865.  Returning  home,  Springfield  was 
reached  June  24,  where  the  veterans  were  greeted  with  a  public  ovation. 

FIFTY-SECOND    REGIMENT. 

Under  the  call  issued  in  August,  1862,  for  300,000  volunteers  to  serve 
nine  months,  Massachusetts  was  required  to  furnish  19,090  men.  To 
Hampshire  and  Franklin  counties  was  allotted  the  task  of  raising  one  regi- 
ment. War  meetings  were  held  in  every  town  and  village  in  the  two 
counties  to  arouse  enthusiasm  and  promote  enlistments.  Sept.  13,"  Camp 
Miller  "  was  established  at  Greenfield.  The  ranks  of  the  companies  in 
the  regiment  were  rapidly  filled.  To  the  Amherst  company  was  assigned 
the  company  letter  G.  H.  S.  Greenleaf  of  Shelburne  Falls  was  commis- 
sioned colonel  and  Samuel  J.  Storrs  of  Amherst  lieutenant-colonel.  The 
officers  of  company  G  were  :  Captain,  George  L.  Bliss  of  Northampton  ; 
1st  lieutenant,  Justin  P.  Kellogg  of  Amherst ;  2d  lieutenant,  Asa  A.  Spear 
of  Amherst,  Co.  G  mustered  86  men,  of  whom  42  were  credited  to 
Amherst,  24  to  Sunderland,  1 1  to  Pelham,  two  to  Leverett,  two  to  Monta- 
gue, one  each  to  Shutesbury,  Wendell,  Conway,  Bernardston  and  North- 
ampton. The  regiment  left  Greenfield  Nov.  20,  traveling  by  rail  and  boat 
to  New  York  city,  from  which  place  they  embarked,  Nov.  25,  on  the 
steamer  "  Illinois,"  bound  for  Louisiana  where  they  were  to  take  part  in 
the  expedition  commanded  by  Gen.  N.  P.  Banks.  Sailing  from  New  York 
Dec.  2,  they  arrived  at  Ship  Island  Dec.  11,  reaching  Baton  Rouge  Dec. 
17,  where  they  went  into  camp.  Many  members  of  the  regiment  were  on 
the  sick  list  owing  to  their  confinement  on  shipboard.  The  regiment  was 
assigned  to  the  2d  brigade,  Grover's  division  of  the   19th  army  corps. 

Jan.  3,  1863,  four  companies  of  the  regiment,  including  Co.  G,  were 
sent  to  Plaquemine,  twenty  miles  down  the  river,  where  a  rebel  attack  had 
been  made ;  they  remained  there  until  Feb.  8.  March  13,  the  regiment 
marched  to  a  position  near  Port  Hudson,  remaining  there  until  the  16th 
and  then  returning.  March  27,  the  brigade  sailed  down  the  river  to 
Donaldsville,  marched  from  there  to  Terre  Bonne,  were  carried  by  rail  to 


500  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Bayou  Boeuf  and  marched  from  thence  to  Brashear  City.  The  brigade 
remained  at  Brashear  City  till  April  n,  then  sailed  to  Irish  Bend  to  take 
part  in  the  attack  on  Fort  Bisland.  At  the  battle  of  Irish  Bend  the  brigade 
was  held  in  reserve,  but  the  troops  came  under  fire,  among  the  wounded 
being  John  White  of  Amherst.  The  rebels  escaping  from  Fort  Bisland 
made  their  way  up  the  Bayou  Teche,  closely  pursued  by  the  Union  forces. 
Four  companies  of  the  53d,  including  Co.  G,  were  stationed  at  New  Iberia, 
remaining  there  until  May  13  and  rejoining  the  regiment  May  19.  In  the 
assault  on  Port  Hudson,  June  14,  the  52d  served  in  the  skirmish  line  of  a 
flanking  column.  In  this  engagement  Martin  S.  Johnson  was  killed  and 
George  P.  Spear  wounded.  The  regiment  assisted  in  the  siege  of  Port 
Hudson  until  its  surrender,  July  9.  The  homeward  journey  was  made  by 
boat  to  Cairo,  111.  and  thence  by  rail  to  Massachusetts.  The  Amherst 
men  reached  their  homes  Aug.  3.     The  regiment  was  mustered  out  Aug.  14. 

TENTH    REGIMENT. 

Of  the  six  regiments  of  three  years'  volunteers,  allotted  to  Massachu- 
setts by  instructions  to  Governor  Andrew  from  the  war  department  at 
Washington,  dated  May  16,  i86i,but  one,  the  10th,  was  raised  in  the  four 
western  counties.  The  nucleus  for  the  1  oth  regiment  of  Massachusetts 
volunteers  was  found  in  the  old  10th  regiment  of  state  militia.  Some  of 
the  old  companies  were  disbanded,  new  ones  taking  their  place.  The 
companies  assembled  at  Springfield  June  14,  the  men  being  mustered  into 
the  United  States  service  June  21.  The  regiment  left  Springfield  July  16 
for  Medford,  where  it  went  into  camp.  July  25,  the  regiment  embarked 
at  Boston  for  Washington.  The  winter  was  spent  in  camp  at  Brightwood, 
near  Washington.  The  regiment  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks, 
May  31,  1S62,  and  sustained  heavy  losses,  27  being  killed  and  95  wounded, 
six  mortally.  Of  the  Amherst  members  of  the  regiment,  Serg't  George  L. 
Putnam  was  killed  and  Ebenezer  M.  Johnson  wounded.  At  the  battle  of 
Malvern  Hill,  July  1,  the  regiment  sustained  a  loss  of  eight  killed  and  73 
wounded.  The  regiment  was  present  at  the  battle  of  Antietam,  but  not  in 
active  service.  It  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Dec.  13,  but 
sustained  no  losses.  In  the  battle  of  Salem  Church,  May  3,  1S63,  the 
regiment  took  a  prominent  part,  sustaining  a  loss  of  10  killed  and  56 
wounded.  Among  those  mortally  wounded  was  Josiah  Thayer  of  Amherst. 
At  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  July  2  and  3.  the  regiment  was  held  in  reserve. 
It  took  part  in  the  battle  at  Rappahannock  Station,  Nov.  7. 

In  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  May  5,  1S04,  the  10th  was  hotly 
engaged  and  sustained  a  loss  of  iS  killed  and  93  wounded.  The  regiment 
was  in  the  hardest  of  the  fighting  at  Spottsylvania,  May  12,  being  engaged 
in    active   service   for  23    hours    and    firing  an    average  of   300  rounds  of 


TWENTY-FIRST    REGIMENT.  5OI 

ammunition  for  each  man.  The  losses  of  the  regiment  in  this  engagement 
were  n  killed  and  41  wounded;  among  the  wounded  was  Corp'l  Nelson 
O.  Ball  of  Amherst.  The  regiment  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Spottsyl- 
vania  Court  House,  May  18,  and  in  the  battle  of  Cold  Harbor,  June  3. 
Its  losses  in  the  latter  engagements  were  one  killed  and  four  wounded. 
The  regiment  left  the  front  on  its  homeward  trip  June  21,  arriving  in 
Springfield  June  25,  where  it  was  granted  a  public  reception. 

TWENTY-FIRST    REGIMENT. 

The  2 1  st  regiment  was  recruited  at  Camp  Lincoln,  Worcester,  in  July 
and  August,  1S61;  it  was  mustered  in  Aug.  16.  Leaving  Worcester  by 
rail  Aug.  23,  it  took  boat  at  New  London  and  proceeded  to  Jersey  City, 
traveling  thence  by  rail  to  Washington.  It  was  stationed  for  some  months 
at  Annapolis  Junction.  Md.,  and  Jan.  6,  1862,  embarked  as  a  part  of  the 
expedition  under  General  Burnside.  In  the  battle  of  Roanoke  Island, 
Feb.  7,  1862,  the  regiment  lost  13  men  killed  and  mortally  wounded  and 
44  wounded.  In  the  battle  of  New  Berne,  March  14,  23  were  killed 
or  mortally  wounded  and  44  wounded.  1st  Lieut.  Frazar  A.  Stearns  of 
Co.  I  was  killed  while  leading  his  company  in  a  charge.  Austin  Barton 
of  Amherst  was  mortally  wounded.  At  the  battle  of  Camden,  N.  C,  April 
19,  the  regiment  lost  four  killed  and  eleven  wounded.  At  the  battle  of 
Second  Manassas,  Aug.  29,  1862,  seven  members  of  the  regiment  were 
wounded.  The  regiment  was  hotly  engaged  at  the  battle  of  Chantilly, 
Sept.  1  and  2,  losing  38  men  killed  or  mortally  wounded  and  76  wounded. 
Of  the  Amherst  men  in  the  regiment,  George  W.  Scott  was  killed,  Henry 
F.  Douglass  wounded  and  William  H.  White  captured.  At  the  battle  of 
South  Mountain,  Sept.  14,  five  members  of  the  regiment  were  wounded. 
At  the  battle  of  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  10  were  killed  and  35  wounded.  At 
the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Dec.  13,  13  were  killed  and  52  wounded. 
The  regiment  took  part  in  the  assault  on  Marye's  Heights.  Among  the 
wounded  was  Lewis  R.  Haskell  of  Amherst.  In  October,  November  and 
December  of  1861,  the  regiment  took  part  in  the  campaign  in  East  Ten- 
nessee, being  present  at  the  battles  of  Blue  Springs  and  Campbell's  Sta- 
tion and  at  the  siege  of  Knoxville;  the  losses  in  this  campaign  were  four 
killed  and  1  r  wounded. 

Returning  to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  in  the  spring  of  1864,  the 
regiment  was  engaged  in  all  the  battles  of  that  army  during  the  spring 
and  summer  months.  In  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  May  6.  it  lost  three 
men  killed  and  seven  wounded.  In  the  engagements  at  Spottsylvania, 
May  10,  12  and  18,  its  losses  were  five  killed  and  32  wounded.  At  Cold 
Harbor,  June  2,  13  were  killed  and  21  wounded.  In  the  assault  on 
Petersburg,   June  16   and  17,   six  were  killed  and   27   wounded.     In  the 


502  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

battle  of  the  mine  or  "crater,"  July  30,  seven  were  killed  and  14  wounded. 
During  the  siege  of  Petersburg,  from  June  18  to  Aug.  18,  three  were  killed 
and  14  wounded.  Corp'l  Richard  B.  Loomis  of  Amherst  was  severely 
wounded  Aug.  8.  In  the  battle  of  Weldon  Railroad,  Aug.  19,  three  were 
killed  and  four  wounded.  In  the  engagement  at  Poplar  Spring  Church, 
Sept.  30,  four  were  killed  and  10  wounded.  In  October,  1864,  the  regi- 
ment, greatly  depleted  in  numbers,  was  consolidated  with  the  36th  Mass. 
regiment,  as  Go's  H,  I  and  K.  In  June,  1865,  another  transfer  of  the 
survivors  of  the  21st  was  made,  this  time  to  the  56th  Mass.  regiment,  with 
which  organization  they  were  mustered  out,  July  12,  1865. 

FIFTY-FOURTH    REGIMENT. 

The  54th  was  the  first  regiment  of  colored  troops  to  be  raised  in 
Massachusetts,  the  war  department  having  granted  permission  to  raise 
such  a  regiment,  Jan.  26,  1S63.  The  regiment  was  recruited  at  Readville, 
and  the  men  were  enlisted  for  three  years'  service.  The  regiment 
embarked  at  Boston,  May  28,  for  South  Carolina.  Its  first  engagement 
was  at  James  Island.  July  18,  the  regiment  led  the  assault  on  Fort 
Wagner,  behaving  with  conspicuous  gallantry.  The  losses  were  three 
officers  and  nine  men  killed,  n  officers  and  147  men  wounded.  This  was 
one  of  the  most  important  engagements  of  the  war,  demonstrating,  as  it 
did  beyond  question,  that  the  colored  men  would  fight  bravely  for  their 
country  if  given  opportunity.  The  regiment  assisted  in  the  siege  of  Fort 
Wagner  and  took  part  in  the  bombardment  of  Charleston.  Other  engage- 
ments in  which  the  regiment  took  part  were  the  battles  of  Olustee  and 
Morris  Island,  the  attack  on  James  Island,  the  siege  of  Charleston,  the 
battle  of  Honey  Hill,  the  operations  about  Pocotaligo,  Charlestown  and 
Savannah,  and  Potter's  raid.  Of  the  Amherst  members  of  the  regiment, 
Jason  Champlin  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Olustee  and  Charles  A. 
Finnemore  was  wounded  in  the  same  engagement. 


SERVICE    RECORD.  503 


CHAPTER  LVII. 


Service  Record,  by  Regiments,  of  Each  Man  who  Served  on 
Amherst's  Quota,  and  Others  Whose  Names  Appear  on 
the  Marble  Tablets  in  the  Town  Hall. 

In  succeeding  pages,  a  brief  sketch  is  given  of  the  service  of  each 
man  who  served  on  Amherst's  quota  during  the  war.  These  sketches  are 
compiled  from  the  "Rebellion  Record  "  of  the  town  of  Amherst,  from  reg- 
imental histories  and  from  the  records  of  the  adjutant-general  of  the  Com- 
monwealth. They  are  as  complete  as  space  will  permit  and  as  accurate 
as  care  and  effort  can  make  them.  Where  there  has  appeared  a  conflict 
of  authorities,  preference  has  been  given  to  that  which  has  appeared  most 
uniformly  correct. 

[In  the  following  record  of  individual  service,  the  date  at  the  left  of  each  man's  name  is  that  of 
muster.  Following  the  name  is  the  place  of  birth,  the  company  in  which  service  was  performed  and 
the  date  when  service  terminated.  In  the  smaller  type  below  each  name  is  given  a  list  of  promotions, 
if  above  the  rank  of  private,  lists  of  battles  engaged  in,  records  of  wounds  and  imprisonment,  and 
cause  for  termination  of  service.] 

TWENTY-SEVENTH    REGIMENT. 

Jan.  5,  1863.     Dyer  B.  N.  Fish,  Amherst,  June  26,  1865. 

Assistant  surgeon  ;  com.  surgeon  Sept.  20,  '64.     Siege  of  Little  Washing- 
ton, N.  C;    battles   of   Gum  Swamp,  N.  C,  Cold  Harbor,  Va.,  Swift 
Creek,  N.  C;  siege  of  Petersburg,  Va.     Term  exp. 
April  21,  1S62.     Charles  L.  Woodworth,  Somers,  Conn.,       June  20,  1864. 

Chaplain.     Resigned. 
Oct.  3,  1861.     Ami  R.  Dennison,  Wilton,  Me.,  Co.  D.  Nov.,  1864. 

Com.  1st  lieut.,  Oct.  16,  '61  ;  capt.,  Nov.  16,  "62  ;  maj.,  2d  U.  S.  colored  cav. 
Participated  in  all  the  battles  of  the  27th  reg't  while  with  that  command. 

Sept.  20,  1S61.  J.  Leander  Skinner,  Jamaica,  Vt.,  Co.  D.  Dec.  31,  1S64. 
Com.  1st  serg't,  Sept.  20,  iS6i  :  2d  lieut.,  July  1,  '62  ;  1st  lieut.,  May  29,  '63  ; 
capt.,  Sept.  29,  '64.  Captured  at  Drury's  Bluff,  May  16,  '64 :  imprisoned 
at  Macon,  Ga.  and  Charleston  and  Columbia,  S.  C.  Escaped  from 
Columbia,  Nov.  4,  '64,  was  recaptured  and  again  escaped.  Mustered 
out  by  special  order  war  dep't. 

Oct.  16,  1861.     Timothy  W.  Sloan,  Prescott,  Co.  D.  Nov.  15,  1862- 

Com.  capt..  Oct.  16,  '61.     Battles  of  Roanoke  Island  and  New  Berne,  N. 
C.     Resigned  on  account  of  sickness. 
Sept.  20,  1861.     Ptolemy  P.  Cutter,  Amherst,  Co.   D.  June  5,  1864. 

Corp'l,  Sept.  11,  '62;  serg't,  '64.  Was  in  all  thebattlesof  the  reg't.  includ- 
ing that  of  Cold  Harbor,  Va.,  June  1,  '64,  when  he  was  mortally  wounded, 
dying  June  5. 


504  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Sept.  20,  186 1.     E.  Baxter  Dickinson,  Amherst,  Co.  D.        Sept.  27,  1864. 
Serg't,  July,  '62.     Wounded   slightly   at   Cold    Harbor,    Va.,   June  2,  '64 ; 
wounded  twice  in  head,  severely,  June  3,  '64,  at  Cold  Harbor.     Term  exp. 

Sept.  20,  1862,     Simeon  E.  Preston,  Granby,  Co.  D.  Sept.  27,  1864. 

Corp'l,  Feb.  25,  '63;  serg't.  Wounded  June  2,  '64,  Cold  Harbor,  Va. 
Term  exp. 

Oct.  14,  1861.     Henry  B.  Prince,  Amherst,  Co.  D.  March  23,  1863. 

Corp'l,  serg't.     Resigned  owing  to  disability  from  sickness. 
Oct.  16,  1861.     J.  Franklin  Simonds,  Co.  I.  Oct.  16,  1864. 

Serg't.     Term  exp. 
Sept.  20,  186 1.     Charles  L.  Storrs,  Holliston,  Co.  D.  Aug.  22,  1865. 

Serg't,  Sept.  20,  '61 ;  1st  serg't,  July  1,  '62.  Re-enlisted,  Nov.  25,  "63.  Com. 
capt.  32d  U.  S.  colored  troops,  March  r,  '64.  Took  part  in  all  battles  of 
27th  reg't  while  with  that  command.     Mustered  out  Aug.  22.  '65. 

Sept.  20,  1861.     Chester  Dickinson,  Jr.,  Amherst,  Co.  D.    Sept.  27,  1864. 

Corp'l.     Wounded  at  Cold  Harbor,  Va.,  June  3,  '64,     Term  exp. 
Sept.  18,  1861.     Edmund  Boltwood,  Amherst,  Co.  D.  Feb.  6,  1866. 

Corp'l;  serg't,  July  11, '62.  Wounded  in  battle  of  Wise  Forks,  N.  C, 
April  2S,  '63.  Re-enlisted,  Dec.  7,  '63.  Com.  2d  lieut.  istU.  S.  colored 
cav.,  Feb.,  '64.     Discharged. 

Sept.  20,  1861.     George  M.  Hobart,  Amherst,  Co.  D.  Sept.  10,  1862. 

Corp'l.     Discharged  for  disability  from  sickness. 
Dec.  30,  1S63.     Warren  F.  King,  Shutesbury,  Co.  D.  June  19,  1865. 

Corp'l.  Captured  March  S,  '65,  at  South-west  Creek,  N.  C,  and  impris- 
oned.    Term  exp. 

Oct.  19,  1861.     Freeman  E.  Nutting,  Co.  G.  '   June  26,  1865. 

Corp'l.     Wounded.     Re-enlisted,  Dec.  24,  '63.     Term  exp. 
Sept.  20,  186 1.     John  D.  Parsons,  Willington,  Conn.,  Co.  D.  Sept.  27,  1864. 

Corp'l,  Nov.,  '61.     Term  exp. 

Oct.  1,  1861.     John  Shoals,  Boston,  Co.  C.  Sept.  4,  1865. 

Corp'l.  Re-enlisted  Dec.  24,  '63.  Captured  and  imprisoned.  Wounded 
May  9,  '64,  at  Arrowfield  Church,  Va.,  and  again,  March  8,  '65,  at  battle 
of  Kinston,  N.  C.     Discharged  for  disability. 

Sept.  20,  1861.     Linneus  C.  Skinner,  Jamaica,  Vt.,  Co.  D.  June  16,  1865. 
Corp'l.     Principal  musician,  Nov.  21,  '64.     Captured  at  South-west  Creek, 
N.  C,  March  S,  '65.     Term  exp. 

Sept.  20,  1861.     George  W.  Sloan,  Prescott,  Co.  D.  July  2,  1865. 

Corp'l.  Discharged  for  disability,  Sept.  30,  "62.  Re-enlisted,  '64.  Died 
at  New  Berne,  N.  C. 

Sept.  23,  1861.     Medad  Vinton,  Co.  D.  June  26,  1865. 

Corp'l.     Re-enlisted,  Nov..  '63.     Wounded  June   3,   '64,   at  Cold  Harbor, 

Va.     Captured  at  South-west  Creek,  N.  C,  March  S,  '65.     Term  exp. 

Sept.  20,  186 1.     Asahel  Baker,  Canada,  Co.  D.  Feb.  19,  1863. 

Discharged  for  disability. 


SERVICE    RECORD.  505 

Sept.  20,  1S61.     Charles  K.  Baker,  Amherst.  Co.  D.  April  7,  1862. 

Mortally  wounded  at  battle  of  New  Berne,  N.  C,  March  14.  '62.     Died  in 
Amherst,  April  7. 

Oct.  16,  1S61.     Ezra  Baker,  Canada,  Co.  D.  Nov.  1,  1864. 

Wounded.     Term  exp. 
Sept.  20,  1S61.     Henry  J.  Bardwell.  Troy,  X.  Y.,  Co.  D.         Oct.  6,  1864. 

Served  with  signal  corps.     In  "63  was  transferred   to  army   of  the   Ohio. 
Term  exp. 

Sept.  5,  1862.     Ashley  W.  Barrows,  Mansfield,  Conn..  Co.  G.  Sept.  27,  1864. 
Captured  April  20,  '64,  and  imprisoned  at  Andersonville,  Ga.,  from  whence 
he  escaped   and  made   his   way   to  the  Union  lines  at  Pensecola,  Fla. 
Term  exp. 

Sept.  20,  1861.     Charles  H.  Barton,  Leverett,  Co.  D.  July  30.  1865. 

Wounded  in  battle  of  New  Berne,  N.  C,  March  14,  '62:  discharged  July 
29.  '62,  from  disability.    Re-enlisted,  April  6,  '64,  in  Co.  G,  57th    reg*t. 
Wounded  in  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  Va.     Term  exp. 

Sept.  20,  1861.     Charles  C.  Bolio,  Canada,  Co.  D. 

Discharged  for  disability  caused  by  sickness. 
Sept.  20,  1S61.     Levi  M.  Bolio,  Kirby,  Vt.,  Co.  D. 

Re-enlisted,  Dec,  '63.     Killed  in  battle  near  Petersburg.  Ya. 
Sept.  20,  1 86 1.     Frank  E.  Bolster,  Shutesbury,  Co.  D. 

Term  exp. 
Oct.  28,  1 86 1.     James  Bowman,  Montague,  Co.  D. 

Wounded  at  battle  of  New  Berne,  N.  C,  March  14.  '62. 
Sept.  20,  1 86 1.     Albert  Cates,  Salem,  Co.  D. 

Was  in  twelve  battles  besides  skirmishes.     Wounded. 
Oct.  21.  1 86 1.     Barton  E.  Crossman,  Shutesbury,  Co.  D.     June  17,  1863. 

Discharged  for  disability  caused  by  sickness. 
Sept.  20,  1861.     John  E.  Cushman,  Amherst,  Co.  D.  July  29.  1862. 

Wounded  and  lost  one  arm  at  battle  of  New  Berne,  N.  C,  March  14,  '62. 
Discharged  for  disability. 

Oct.  20,  1861.  Thomas  Devine,  Co.  E.  July  14,  1865. 

Re-enlisted.  Order  War  Department. 

July  28,  1862.  Eli  O.  Dickinson,  Co.  C.  Sept  27,  1864. 

Term  exp. 

July  17,  1862.     Willard  R.  Dickinson,  Amherst,  Co.  D.        Sept.  27,  1864. 
Term  exp. 

Aug.  6,  1862.     George  A.  Draper,  Belchertown,  Co.  D.         July  23,  1S64. 

Mortally  wounded,  May  6,  '64,  near  Petersburg,  Ya.,  and  died  July  23. 
Aug.  11,  1862.     Levi  Edson,  Ashfield,  Co.  D.  June  3,  1S64. 

Killed  in  battle  of  Cold  Harbor,  Ya.,  June  3.  '64. 
Sept.  20.  186 1.     Joseph  Grover,  Boston,  Co.  D.  Nov.  3.  1862. 

Died  from  congestive  chills,  at  Newport.  N.  C,  Nov.  3.  '62. 


Feb.  5, 

1862, 

June  18, 

1S64, 

Ya. 

Sept.  27, 

1864. 

Nov.  1, 

1864 

Term  exp. 

Sept.  27, 

1864, 

Term  exp. 

506  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

July  28,  1862.     Henry  B.  Hastings,  Amherst,  Co.  D.  Sept.  27,  1864. 

Term  exp. 

Sept.  20,  1861.     Willard  D.  Hastings,  Amherst,  Co.  F.       Sept.  27,  1864. 
Was  engaged  in  twelve  battles  and  many  skirmishes  from  Roanoke  Island 
to  Petersburg,  Va.     Term  exp. 

July  30,  1862.     James  F.  Hawes,  Co.  D.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 
Sept.  20.  1861.      Henry  E.  Hawley,  Amherst,  Co.  D.  Sept.  27,  1864. 

Wounded  at  Cold  Harbor,  Va.,  June  2,  '64.     Term  exp. 
Jan.  9,  1864.     Eugene  P.  Hervey,  Shutesbury,  Co.  D.  July  12,  1864. 

Wounded  May  9,  '64,  at  Arrowfield  Church,  Va.  Died  at  Point  Lookout. 
Md.,  July  12,  '64. 

June  17,  1862.     Dwight  N.  Hill,  Amherst,  Co.  F.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 
Sept.  17,  1861.     William  J.  Hopkins,  Baltimore,  Md.,  Co.  D.  Sept.  27,  1864. 

Wounded  at  Arrowfield  Church,  Va.,  May  9,  '64,  right  eye  being  destroyed. 
Term  exp. 

Oct.  13,  1861.      Eli  H.  Johnson,  Amherst,  Co.  D.  June  15,  1865. 

Re-enlisted  March  29,  '64.  Captured  at  South-west  Creek,  N.  C,  March 
8,  '65.     Discharged  by  order  of  War  Department. 

Oct.  21,  1861.     James  B.  Kellogg,  Co.  D.  June  24,  1863. 

Discharged  owing  to  disability  from  sickness. 
Jan.  2,  1864.     Ezra  Kelsey,  Brattleboro,  Vt.,  Co.  D.  Aug.  20,  1864. 

Taken  prisoner  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  May  16,  '64,  and  died  from  starva- 
tion at  Andersonville,  Ga.,  Aug.  20,  '64. 

Aug.  21,  1862.     William  W.  Latham,  Ludlow,  Co.  D.  July  24,  1864. 

Re-enlisted,  March  30,  '64.  Killed  in  battle  near  Petersburg,  Va.,  July  24/64. 
Sept.  20,  1S61.     Wheaton  Lovett,  Cumberland,  R.  I.,  Co.  D.  Sept.  27,  1864. 

Was  engaged  in  all  the  battles  of  the  regiment  from  Roanoke  Island  to 
Petersburg.     Term  exp. 

Sept.  20,  1861.     Edward  W.  Manley,  Pelham,  Co.  D.  Jan.  30,  1863. 

Discharged  owing  to  disability  from  sickness  and  died  in  hospital  at  Wash- 
ington, N.  C,  Feb.  21,  '63. 

Dec.  30,  1S63.     Charles  D.  Mullett,  Barre,  Co.  D.  June  2.  1S64. 

Killed  in  battle  of  Cold  Harbor,  Va.,  June  2,  '64. 
Jan.  4,  1864.     Cornelius  O'Connor,  Ireland,  Co.  D.  June  15,  1865. 

Wounded  at  Cold  Harbor,  Va.,  June  3,  '64.  Captured  at  South-west  Creek, 
N.  C,  March  8,  '65.     Discharged  by  order  of  War  Dep't. 

Oct.  11,  1 86 1.      Henry  C.  Packard,  Amherst,  Co.  D.  Aug.  8,  1862. 

Discharged  owing  to  disability  from  sickness. 

Sept.  20,  186 1.     Edwin  H.  Potwin,  Amherst,  Co.  D.  Sept.  27,  1864. 

Wounded.     In  all  but  three  battles  of  reg't  until  Sept.,  '64.  Term  exp. 


Oct.    2  1, 

1S64. 

Oct.  s, 

1S64. 

June  23, 

1S64 

sickness. 

Feb.  17, 

1S65 

SERVICE    RECORD.  507 

Sept.  20,  1861.     James  A.  Preston,  Shutesbury,  Co.  D.         Jan.  20,  1865. 
Re-enlisted,  Nov.  23,  '63.    Wounded  in  battle  before  Petersburg,  Va.,  June 
iS,  '64.     Discharged  owing  to  disability  from  wounds. 

Dec.  19,  1863.      Dwight  Russell,  Sunderland,  Co.  C.  June  26,  1S65. 

Wounded,   July,   "64.      Re-enlisted    in  23d    N.    Y.    Independent    Battery. 
Term  exp. 

Oct.  21,  186 1.     Jacob  L.  Rust,  Amherst,  Co.  D. 

Wounded  at  Cold  Harbor,  Ya.,  June  3,  "64.     Term  exp. 
Oct.  1,  1 86 1.     Michael  Salois,  Canada,  Co.  C. 

Term  exp. 

Dec.  29,  1S63.     Arthur  Sears,  Amherst,  Co.  D. 

Died  in  Amherst  while  on  a  furlough  granted  on  account  of  sickness. 
Sept.  20,  1S61.     Henry  B.  Sears,  Prescott,  Co.  D. 

Re-enlisted,  Dec.  23,  "63.    Severely  wounded  at  battle  of  Cold  Harbor,  Ya., 
June  3,  '64.     Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Sept.  20,  1 86 1.     Lyman  W.  Skinner,  Brookfield,  Co.  D.         June  1,  1S62. 

Died  of  fever  at  New  Berne,  N.  C. 
June  12,  1 86 2.     George  E.  Slate,  Co.  C.  Aug.  1,  1863. 

Discharged  owing  to  disability- 
Sept.  20,  1S61.     Charles  B.  Spaulding,  Rutland,  Vt.,  Co.  D.  Sept.  27,  1864. 

Wounded   at  Wise   Forks,   April  28,  '63,  and  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff, 
May  15,  '64.     Term  exp. 

Jan.  14,  1S64.     James  W.  Spear,  Shutesbury,  Co.  D.  July  6,  1864. 

Wounded  in  battle  near  Drury's  Bluff,  May  14,  '64,  had  left  leg  amputated. 
Died  at  Point  Lookout,  Md.,  July  6,  "64. 

Sept.  20,  1S61.     John  Stearns,  Ashby,  Co.  D.  March  31,  1S64. 

Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 
July  28,  1862.     Lyman  R.  Thayer,  Hadley,  Co.  G.  Feb.  S,  1S63. 

Discharged  owing  to  disability. 
July  2S,  1862.     George  H.  Tufts,  YYesthampton,  Co.  A.       Sept.  27,  1864. 

Term  exp. 
Sept.  20,  1S61.     Solomon  H.  Williams,  Amherst,  Co.  D.     Sept.  27,  1864. 

Wounded  at  battle  of  New  Berne,  N.  C,  March  14,  "62.     Term  exp. 

THIRTY-SEVENTH    REGIMENT. 

Aug.  27,  1S62.  Rufus  P.  Lincoln,  Belchertown,  Co.  C.  July  29,  1865. 
Capt,  Oct.  15,  '62  ;  maj.,  July  27,  "64  ;  Lieut,  col.,  March  4,  '66  ;  col.,  May 
19,  '65.  Took  part  in  battles  of  Fredericksburg,  Marye's  Heights, 
Salem  Church,  Gettysburg,  Rappahannock  Station,  Mine  Run,  Wilder- 
ness, Spottsylvania,  Cedar  Creek,  Hatcher's  Run,  assault  on  Petersburg 
and  Sailor's  Creek,  besides  many  skirmishes.  Wounded  in  battle  of 
Wilderness,  May  6,  '64,  and  severely  at  Spottsylvania,  May  12,  "64. 
June  19,  '65,  transferred  to  and  assumed  command  of  the  20th  Mass  reg't. 
Mustered  out. 


508  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Aug.  13,  1862,     Mason  W.  Tyler,  Amherst,  Co.  F.  June  21,  1865. 

Capt.,  Jan.  17,  '63;  maj.,  March  4,  "65;  lieut.  col.,  May  19.  '65;  col., 
June  26,  '65.  Took  part  in  battles  of  Fredericksburg,  Salem  Church, 
Gettysburg,  Rappahannock  Station,  Mine  Run,  Wilderness,  Spottsyl- 
vania,  North  Anna,  Cold  Harbor,  Petersburg,  Fort  Stevens,  Winchester, 
and  many  skirmishes.  Wounded  at  battle  of  Winchester,  Sept.  19,  '64, 
and  wounded  twice  in  skirmish  at  Fort  Fisher,  March  25,  '65.  June  21. 
'65,  transferred  to  20th  Mass.  reg't  and  mustered  out  as  supernumerary. 
Com.  col.  37th  reg't,  June  26,  '64. 

Aug.  30,  1862.     George  E.  Cooke,  Amherst,  Co.  F.  May  16,  1864. 

Lieut.,  Dec.  25,  '63.  Wounded  in  battle  of  Spottsylvania,  May  12,  '64. 
Died  in  hospital  at  Fredericksburg,  May  16. 

Aug.  30,  1862.     John  Beston,  Jr.,  Ireland,  Co.  F.  June  21,  1865. 

Serg't,  May  6,  '64.  In  all  but  One  battle  of  the  reg't.  Wounded  three 
times  in  battle  at  Charlestown,  Va..  Aug.  21,  '64.     Term  exp. 

Aug.  30,  1862.     Joseph  K.  Taylor,  Granby,  Co.  F.  Aug.  30,  1864. 

Serg't.  Mortally  wounded  in  battle  at  Charlestown,  Va.,  Aug.  21,  '64. 
Died  Aug.  30. 

Sept.  2,  1862.     Frederick  R.  Bell,  New  York  city,  Co.  A.       June  21,  1865. 
Corp'l,  '64.     Wounded  in  battle  of  Wilderness,  May  6,  '64,  and  again  in 
assault  on  Petersburg,  April  2,  '65.     Term  exp. 

Aug.  30,  1862.     Willard  S.  Cooke,  Granby,  Co.  F.  June  21,  1865. 

Corp'l.     Term  exp. 
Aug.  30,  1862.     Francis  W.  Fish,  Pelham,  Co.  F.  June  21,  1865. 

Corp'l.     Term  exp. 
Aug.  30,  1S62.     Charles  F.  Turner,  Worcester,  Co.  F.  June  21,  1865. 

Corp'l.  Took  part  in  sixteen  battles.  Wounded  in  battle  of  the  Wilder- 
ness.    Term  exp. 

July  2,  1864.     Dennis  Beston,  Ireland,  Co.  F.  June  21,  1865. 

Term  exp. 
Aug.  30,  1862.     Patrick  Beston,  Ireland,  Co.  F.  May  16,  1865. 

Wounded  in  battle  at  Charlestown,  Va.,  Aug.  21,  '64.  Discharged  on 
account  of  disability. 

July  26,  1864.     John  Connors,  Ireland,  Co.  D.  June  21,  1865. 

Term  exp. 
Aug.  30,  1862.     Levi  P.  Dickinson,  Hadley,  Co.  F.  June  17,  1864. 

Discharged  owing  to  disability  caused  by  sickness. 
Aug.  30,  1862.     William  Fahay,  Ireland,  Co.  F.  June  21,  1865. 

Took  part  in  17  battles  besides  many  skirmishes.  Wounded  in  battle  of 
Spottsylvania,  May  12,  '64.     Term  exp. 

Aug.  30,  1862.      Benj.  R.  Franklin,  Phoenix,  N.  Y.,  Co.  F.       June  21,  1865. 

Took  part  in  15  battles.     Term  exp. 
Aug.  30,  1S62.     John  A.  Glazier,  Leverett,  Co.  F.  May  17,  1865. 

Wounded  in  skirmish  near  Spottsylvania,  May  21,  '64.  Discharged  owing 
to  disability. 


SERVICE    RECORD.  509 

Aug.  30,  1S6?.     William  O.  Graves,  Hatfield,  Co.  F.  June  21,  1865. 

Term  exp. 

Sept.  2,  1S62.     Charles  S.  Gunn,  Leverett,  Co.  F.  June  21,  1865- 

Term  exp. 

Aug.  30,  1S62.     Albert  Ff.  Kellogg,  Montague,  Co.  F.  June  21,  1865. 

Musician.     Took  part  in  all  battles  of  the  reg't.     Term  exp. 
Aug.  30,  1862.     John  A.  Leggett,  West  Haven,  Conn.,  Co.  F.  June  18,  1865. 
In  all  the  battles  of  the  reg't  up  to   and  including  battle   of  Winchester, 
Sept.  19,  "64.     Wounded  in  battle  of  Winchester.     Transferred  to  Vet- 
eran Reserve  Corps. 

Aug.  30,  1S62.     William  F.  Leggett,  W.  Haven,  Ct.,  Co.  F.  April  6,  1865. 

Killed  in  battle  at  Sailor's  Creek. 
Aug.  30,  1862.     Charles  E.  Munsell,  Co.  F.  Feb.  22,  1863. 

Discharged. 
Aug.  30,  1S62.     James  K.  Sanderson,  Amherst,  Co.  F.  May  12,  1864. 

Wounded  in  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  May  5,  '64,  had  one  leg  amputated 
and  died  in  hospital  May  12. 

Nov.  10,  1863.     John  Sandling,  Boston,  Co.  H.  May  16,  1865. 

Wounded  in  battle  at  Fort  Stevens,  July  12, '64.  Discharged  owing  to 
disability. 

Aug.  30,  1862.     William  J.  Smith,  Montague,  Co.  F.  June  21,  1865. 

Wounded  in  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  May  5,  '64,  and  again  May  6. 
Term  exp. 

Aug.  30,  1S62.      Timothy  Spellman,  Ireland,  Co.  F.  Jan.  17,  1865. 

Wounded  at  battle  of  Winchester,  Sept.  19,  '64.  Discharged  on  account 
of  disability. 

Aug.  30,  1862.     Ethan  A.  Taft,  Montague,  Co.  F.  Feb.  3,  1863. 

Died  in  Virginia,  from  disease. 
Aug.  30,  1862.     Samuel  M.  Thayer,  North  Hadley,  Co.  F.   March  30,  1863. 

Discharged  owing  to  disability  caused  by  sickness. 

FIFTY-SECOND    REGIMENT. 

Sept.  17,  1S62.     Samuel  J.  Storrs,  Holliston,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

Capt.,  lieut.  col.,  Oct.  13.  '62.     Term  exp. 
Sept.  1,  1S62.      Justin  P.  Kellogg,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

2d  lieut.,  Sept.  12,  '62 ;  1st  lieut.,  Oct.  28.  '62.     Term  exp.  ' 
Aug.  30,  1862.     Asa  A.  Spear,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

2d  lieut.  After  assault  on  Port  Hudson,  when  Capt.  Bliss  was  killed  and 
Lieut.  Kellogg  sick  in  hospital,  he  commanded  company  until  mustered 
out  of  service. 

Aug.  26,  1862.     James  A.  Baker,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

Corp'l ;  serg't,  June  11,  '63.  In  battles  of  Brashear  City,  Franklin,  Irish 
Bend  and  sieae  of  Port  Hudson. 


510  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Aug.  26,  1862.     Cephas  W.  Gunn,  Montague.  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

Serg't.     Took  part  in  siege  of  Port  Hudson. 
Oct.  11,  1862.     George  E.  Howes,  Austerlitz,  N.  Y.,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14, 1S63. 

Serg't. 
Aug.  30,  1862.     William  L.  Bliss,  Maysville,  Va.,  Co.  G.         Aug.  14,  1863. 

Corp'l.     Took  part  in  all  the  battles  of  the  reg't. 
Aug.  30,  1862.     Watson  W.  Cowles,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

Corp*l. 
Aug.  25,  1862.     Silas  O.  Johnson,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

Corp'l.     At  siege  of  Port  Hudson. 
Aug.  27,  1862.     Lewis  A.  Bartlett,  Shutesbury,  Co.  G.  May  25,  1863. 

Discharged  on  account  of  disability  from  sickness  at  Baton  Rouge,  La. 
Aug.  30,  1862.     Milo  A.  Bartlett,  Granby,  Co.  G.  July  15,  1863. 

Died  of  diphtheria  at  Port  Hudson.  La. 
Oct.  11,  1862.     George  H.  Barton,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14.  1863. 

Sept.  8,  1862.     George  H.  Bell,  New  York  City,  Co.  G.        Aug.  14.  1863. 

In  all  the  battles  of  the  reg't. 
Aug.  13,  1892.      Truman  Bowman,  Montague,  Co.  F.  Sept.  9,  1S63. 

In  all  the  battles  of  the  reg't. 
Aug.  30,  1862.     Charles  Clapp,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

Aug.  25,  1862.     Amariah  Dickinson,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1S63. 

In  all  the  battles  of  the  reg't. 
Aug.  30,  1862.     George  Dickinson,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14.  1S63. 

In  all  the  battles  of  the  reg't.     Died  March  22.  1S64,  of  disease  contracted 
while  in  the  army. 

Aug.  27,  1862.     John  W.  Dickinson,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  June  18,  1863. 

Died  from  typhoid  fever,  in  hospital  at  New  Orleans,  La. 
Aug.  27,  1862.     William  B.  Fales,  Pelham,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

In  battles  of  Oak  Ridge  and  Irish  Bend  and  siege  of  Port  Hudson. 
Sept.  15,  1862.      Horace  Haling,  Portland,  Conn.,  Co.  G.     Aug.  14,  1863- 

Aug.  30,  1862.     James  Hardaker,  England,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

At  siege  of  Port  Hudspn,  La. 

Aug.  — ,  1862.     Joseph  C.  Hastings.  Amherst.  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1S63. 

Cook.     In  battle  of  Irish  Bend  and  siege  of  Port  Hudson. 

Aug.  25,  1S62.      Charles  E.  Hayward,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

Sept.  1,  1S62.     Freeman  L.  Holden,  Hawley,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

Aug.  25,  1862.     Charles  O.  Howes,  Austerlitz,  N.  Y.,  Co. G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

In  battle  of  Irish  Bend  and  at  siege  of  Port  Hudson. 
Aug.  30,  1862.      Henry  Hubbard,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14.  1S63. 

Nov.  12,  1862.     Dwight  H.  Johnson,  Amherst,  Co.  C.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

In  battle  of  Franklin  and  sie°;e  of  Port  Hudson. 


SERVICE    RECORD. 


511 


Aug.  25,  1862.     William  F.  Johnson,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

At  siege  of  Port  Hudson. 
Aug.  20,  1S62.     Benjamin  F.  Kellogg,  Amherst.  Co.  G.       Aug.  14.  1S63. 

At  siege  of  Port  Hudson. 
Aug.  25,  1S62.     Michael  Maloney,  Ireland,  Co.  C.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

In  all  battles  of  reg't  and  at  siege  of  Port  Hudson. 
Aug.  30,  1862.      Edward  O'Callahan,  Ireland,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

In  battle  of  Irish  Bend  and  at  siege  of  Port  Hudson. 
Aug.  30,  1862.     Jeremiah  O'Callahan,  Ireland,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

In  all  battles  of  reg't  and  at  siege  of  Port  Hudson. 
Aug.  25,  1862.     Patrick  F.  O'Toole,  Ireland,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

Sept.  1,  1862.     Albert  Roberts,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

Aug.  25,  1862.     George  H.  Roberts,  Amherst.  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1863. 

At  siege  of  Port  Hudson. 
Aug.  27,  1S62.     Norman  Roberts,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Jan.  12,  1863. 

Died  of  typhoid  fever  in  hospital  at  Baton  Rouge,  La. 
Aug.  25,  1862.     Edward  M.  Rolph,  Westminster,  Co.  G.      Aug.  14,  1863. 

Aug.  27,  1862.      Charles  C.  Smith,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14.  1863. 

Died  in  Amherst,  Sept.  6,  "63,  of  disease  contracted  in  army. 
Aug.  24,  1862.     George  P.  Spear,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1S63. 

In  all  the  battles  of  the  reg't.  Wounded,  June  14,  '63,  in  assault  on  Port 
Hudson. 

Aug.  27,  1S62.     James  H.  Wheelock,  Burrillville,  R.  I.,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14, 1863. 

Sept.  1,  1862.     John  P.  W.  Wheelock,  Amherst,  Co.  G.  Aug.  4,  1863. 

Died  in  hospital  at  Mound  City,  111. 
Aug.  27,  1S62.     John  White,  Xew  York  City,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1S63. 

Wounded  in  battle  of  Irish  Bend,  April  14,  "63. 
Sept.  1,  1S62.     Robert  Wilson,  Scotland.  Co.  G.  June  14.  1863. 

Died  in  hospital  at  New  Orleans,  La. 
Aug.  30,  1862.     Perez  R.  Brown,  Co.  G.  Aug.  14,  1S63. 

SECOND    REGIMENT. 

May  25,  1861.     Charles  F.  Kellogg,  Amherst,  Co.  H.  July  20,  1865. 

Discharged  Feb.  14.  '63.  for  disability.  .Mustered  into  Co.  C,  57th  Mass. 
reg't,  Jan.  10,  1S64.  with  rank  as  serg't.  Wounded  at  battle  of  the  Wil- 
derness in  May,  '64.     Disability. 

NINTH    REGIMENT. 

July  14,  1863.     Spencer  Church,  Jr.,  Amherst.  Co.  I.  June  29,  1S65. 

Wounded  in  '64.  Trans.  June  10,  '64.  to  33d  Mass.  reg't.  Co.  H.  Died 
in  Amherst,  Oct.  27.  '65.  from  disease  contracted  in  service. 


512  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Aug.  iS,  1863.     Henry  Coy,  Amherst,  Co.  I.  May  22,  1865. 

Wounded  in  battle  of  Wilderness,  May  5,  '64.  Trans.  June  10,  '64,  to  32d 
Mass.  reg't,  Co.  H.     Discharged  by  order  of  War  Dep't. 

TENTH    REGIMENT. 

June  21,  1 86 1.     Joseph  F.  Bartlett,  Ware,  Co.  H.  July  16,  1865. 

Corp'l,  Nov.  1,  '62;  serg't,  May  1,  '63;  2d  lieut.,  May  24, '65  ;  1st  lieut., 
June  1,  '65.  Re-enlisted,  Dec.  20,  "63.  Wounded  in  battle  of  the  Wilder- 
ness, May  5, '64.  Trans.  June  20, '64,  to  37th  Mass.  reg't,  Co.  I.  Trans. 
June  20,  '65,  to  20th  Mass.  reg't. 

June  21,  1 86 1.     Nelson  O.  Ball,  Amherst,  Co.  C.  July  16,  1865. 

Promoted  on  the  field  as  corp'l  for  bravery  at  battle  of  Fredericksburg, 
Dec.  14,  '62;  was  wounded  in  the  battle.  Re-enlisted,  Dec.  21,  '63. 
Wounded  at  battle  of  Spottsylvania,  May  12,  '64.  Trans.  June  21,  '64. 
to  37th  Mass.  reg't,  Co.  F.  Trans.  Feb.  2,  '65.  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 
Afterwards  attached  to  20th  Mass.  reg't,  Co.  K. 

June  21,  1S61.     John  D.  Ball,  Montague,  Co.  E.  July  16,  1865. 

Appointed  hospital  steward.  Re-enlisted,  Dec.  20,  '63.  Trans,  to  37th 
Mass.  reg't,  Co.  K,  June  19,  '64.  Trans.  June  21,  '65,  to  20th  Mass.  reg't, 
Co.  K. 

June  21,  1 86 1.     Austin  S.  Cook,  Amherst,  Co.  I.  1865. 

Discharged  Nov.  11,  '62,  to  enlist  in  Battery  G,  U.  S.  artillery. 
June  21,  1S61.     Benjamin  O.  Cook,  Pelham,  Co.  G.  Feb.  18,  1862. 

Discharged  on  account  of  disability. 
June  21,  1861.     Charles  Dunakin,  South  Hadley,  Co.  C.      Dec.  26,  1865. 

Was  in  nearly  every  battle  of  the  reg't  for  three  years.  Re-enlisted,  Dec. 
26,  '64,  in  Hancock's  special  corps,  2d  company. 

June  21,  1861.     Ebenezer  M.  Johnson,  Amherst,  Co.  C.        July  16,  1865. 
Wounded  in  battle  of  Fair  Oaks,  Va.,  June    1,   '62.     Re-enlisted,  Jan.   20, 
'64,  in  37th  Mass.  reg't,  Co.  F.     Transferred  June  21,  '65,  to  20th  Mass. 
reg't,  Co.  K. 
June  21,  1S61.     Murray  B.  Lovett,  Amherst,  Co.  K.  June  4,  1862. 

Died  in  hospital  at  Fair  Oaks,  Va. 
June  21,  1S61.     George  L.  Putnam,  Palmer,  Co.  C.  May  31,  1862. 

Killed  in  battle  of  Fair  Oaks,  Va. 
June  21,  1861.     Edward  H.  Stanley,  Amherst,  Co.  C.  July  27,  1862. 

Took  part  in  battles  of  Fair  Oaks  and  Malvern  Hill,  Va.  in  '62.  Died  of 
typhoid  fever  in  a  field  hospital  near  Harrison's  Landing.  Va. 

June  21,  1 86 1.     Josiah  Thayer,  Belchertown,  Co.  C.  May  25,  1863. 

Wounded  at  battle  of  Salem  Heights,  May  4,  '63,  and  died  in  hospital  at 
Washington. 

ELEVENTH    REGIMENT. 

Sept.  12,  1864.     Stephen  R.  Westcott.  Oct.  27,  1864. 

Discharged  owing  to  disability. 


TWENTY-FIRST    REGIMENT.  513 

FIFTEENTH    REGIMENT. 

July  12,  1S61.     Henry  C.  Ball,  Sunderland,  Co.  F.  July  3,  1863. 

Serg't,  Aug.  1,  '61 ;  1st  reg't,  Jan.  8,  '63.  Took  part  in  the  battles  of  Ball's 
Bluff,  Fair  Oaks,  Savage  Station,  White  Oak  Swamp,  Malvern  Hill, 
Antietam,  Fredericksburg  and  Gettysburg.  Was  wounded  at  the  battle 
of  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  '62,  and  killed  at  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  July  2, 
'63,  while  gallantly  leading  his  men. 

Aug.  3,  1863.     Edward  Bartlett,  Co.  A.  July  16,  1865. 

Transferred  July  27,  '64  to  20th  Mass.  reg't,  Co.  E. 
July  12,  1861.     Francis  Ff.  Dickinson,  Belchertown,  Co.  F.  Oct.  21,  1861. 

Killed  at  battle  of  Ball's  Bluff,  Oct.  21,  both  legs  being  shot  away. 
Feb.  7,  1862.     Edward  W.  Prouty,  Shutesbury,  Co.  F.  July  15,  1863. 

Mortally  wounded  at  battle  of  Gettysburg,  July  3,  '63. 

EIGHTEENTH    REGIMENT. 

Aug.  24,  186 1.     Alonzo  W.  Latham,  Greenwich,  Co.  H.       May  17,  1863. 
Took  part  in  all  the  battles  of  the  reg't  until  Nov.  17,  '62,   when  he   was 
severely  wounded  at  battle  of  Fredericksburg.     Afterwards  took  part  in 
battle  of  Chancellorsville.     Died  in  hospital  at  Potomac  Creek. 

NINETEENTH    REGIMENT. 

May  13,  1864.     William  Anderson,  Co.  D.  June  30,  1865. 

Dec.  29,  1S64.     Owen  Cannon,  Co.  B.  June  30,  1865. 
Aug.  3,  1863.     George  Jones. 

Dec.  30,  1864.     Frederick  Schatz.  Co.  B.  June  30,  1865. 

May  13,  1864.     George  Wheeler,  Co.  I.  June  30,  1865. 

TWENTIETH    REGIMENT. 

Sept.  4,  186 1.     Henry  Bowman,  Montague,  Co.  K.  June  26,  1864. 

Re-enlisted  Feb.  18, '64.  Died  at  Washington,  D.  C,  of  wounds  received  at 
battle  of  City  Point,  Va. 

Sept.  4,  1861.     Marcus  T.  C.  Miles,  Co.  K.  June  3,  1864. 

Corp'l,  '62.     Wounded  at  battle  of  Gettysburg,  July   2,   '63.     Re-enlisted 
Feb.  18,  '64.     Died  in  hospital  at  Alexandria,  Ya.,  June  2, .'64. 
1863.     Thomas  Moran. 

July  18,  1863.     Robert  Slocumb,  Co.  F.  July  16,  1865. 

Dec.  30,  1S64.     John  Taumann. 

TWENTY-FIRST    REGIMENT. 

Aug.  19,  1861.     William  S.  Clark,  Ashfield.  April  22,  1863. 

Maj.,  Aug.  19,  '61.  Lieut.-col.,  Feb.  28,  "62.  Col.,  May  16.  "62.  Took 
part  in  battles  of  Roanoke  Island,  New  Berne,  Camden,  2d  Manassas, 
Chantilly,  South  Mountain  and  Antietam. 

33 


^  14  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Aug.  21,  1861.     Frazar  A.  Stearns.  Cambridge,  Co.  I.       March  14,  1862. 
istlieut.,  Aug.  12,  '61.     Wounded  Feb.  8,  '62,  at  battle  of  Roanoke  Island. 
Killed  March  14,  '62,  in  battle  of  New  Berne,  N.  C. 

Aug.  5,  1861.     Henry  C.  Plumb,  Halifax,  Vt.,  Co.  H.         April  20,  1862. 

Serg't,  Aug.  5,  '61.     Died  April  20,  '62,  in  hospital  at  New  Berne,  N.  C. 
Aug.  5,  1861.     Richard  B.  Loomis,  Amherst,  Co.  H.  July  21,  1865. 

Corp'l,  Aug.  5,  '61.  Re-enlisted  Jan.  2,  '64.  Wounded  at  siege  of  Peters- 
burg, Aug.  8,  '64.  Trans,  to  56th  Mass.  reg't,  Co.  H.  Trans.  June  S,  '65, 
to  56th  Mass.  reg't,  Co.  A. 

Aug.  5,  1861.     William  H.  White,  Amherst,  Co.  H.  1S65. 

Corp'l,  July  14,  '63.  Wounded  at  battle  of  Spottsylvania,  May  12,  '64. 
Captured  at  battle  of  Chantilly,  Sept.  1,  '62.  Re-enlisted  Dec.  19,  '64,  in 
Hancock's  Special  Corps. 

Aug.  5,  1861.     Sylvester  H.Adams,  New  Bedford,  Co.  H.     Dec.  31,  1861. 

Died  at  Annapolis,  Md.,  of  typhoid  fever. 
Aug.  5,  1861.     Austin  Barton,  Belchertown,  Co.  H.  March  18,  1862. 

Mortally  wounded  March  14,  '62,  in  battle  of  New  Berne.  Died  March 
18,  '62,  at  New  Berne. 

Aug.  5,  186 1.     Francis  E.  Dickinson,  Amherst,  Co.  H.         July  12,  1865. 
Corp'l,  April,  '64.     Serg't,  Oct.,  "65.     Re-enlisted  Jan.  1,  '64.     Trans.  Jan. 
2,  '64,  to  36th  Mass.  reg't.  Co.  H.     Trans.  June  8,  '65,  to  56th  Mass.  reg't, 
Co.  F. 
Aug.  5,  1861.     Charles  L.  Goodale,  Amherst,  Co.  H.  June  8,  1865. 

Corp'l,  July  1, '63.  Serg't,  Feb. 11,  '64.  2d  lieut.,Nov.  1,  '64.  Re-enlisted  Jan. 
2,  '64.  Trans,  to  36th  Mass.  reg't.  Took  part  in  battles  of  Roanoke 
Island,  New  Berne,  Blue  Springs,  Tenn.,  siege  of  Knoxville.  and  in 
battles  of  Wilderness,  Spottsylvania,Cold  Harbor  and  before  Petersburg. 

Oct.  16,  186 1.     Henry  F.  Douglass,  Hanover,  N.  H.,  Co.  H.  Sept.  24,  1864. 

Drum-major.    Wounded  at  battle  of  Chantilly,  Sept.  1,  "62. 
Aug.  5,  1861.     Lewis  R.  Haskell,  Shutesbury,  Co.  H.  Sept.  8,  1865. 

Wounded  at  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Oct.  13,  '62.  Discharged  Oct.  16, 
'63,  for  disability  from  wounds.  Re-enlisted  Dec.  19,  '64,  in  Hancock's 
Veteran  Corps. 

Aug.  5,  1861.     George  W.  Newell,  Amherst,  Co.  H.  Oct.  21,  1862. 

Injured  by  a  cannon-ball  at  battle  of  New  Berne.  Discharged  on  account 
of  disability  caused  by  sickness  and  wounds. 

Dec.  31,  1863.     Lyman  D.  Phelps,  Belchertown,  Co.  H.       Aug.  22,  1864. 
Trans.  Dec.  31,  '63,  to  36th  Mass.  reg't,  Co.  K.     Died  Aug.  22.  '64,  in  hos- 
pital at  Fort  Schuyler,  N.  Y. 

Aug.  5,  1S61.     George  W.  Scott,  South  Hadley,  Co.  H.         Sept.  1,  1862. 

Killed  at  battle  of  Chantilly,  Va. 
Aug.  5,  1 86 1.     Farrell  Welch,  Co.  I. 

Trans.  Oct.  23,  '62,  to  U.  S.  cavalry. 


FIFTY-FOURTH    REGIMENT.  515 


TWENTY-SECOND    REGIMENT. 

Aug.  28,  1863.     Edward  Lyons.  Co.  E.  July  14,  1864. 

Died  at  a  hospital  in  New  York  harbor. 
June  14,  1864.     John  McDonald. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH    REGIMENT. 

1861.     Charles  V.  Smith,  Amherst,  Co.  I.  May  21,  1864. 

Corp"l.  "61.  Lieut..  Dec.  4.  '62.  Capt.  June  4,  '62-  Wounded  at  Shenan- 
doah Valley,  Sept.  19,  '62.  Lost  an  arm  in  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  in 
May.  '64.     Died  in  hospital  at  Fredericksburg,  Md. 

Feb.  29,  iS'j4.     Michael  Doyle,  Co.  D.  May  6,  1864. 

Mortally  wounded  in  battle  of  the  Wilderness. 

THIRTY-FIRST    REGIMENT. 

Dec.  10,  1 86 1.     G.  L.  Fisher,  Hoosick  Falls,  N.  \\,  Co.  D.     Dec.  9,  1864. 

Dec.  3,  1 86 1.     Homer  L.  Fisher,  Cummington,  Co.  D.  Dec.  3,  1864. 

Took  part  in  13  battles  and  skirmishes. 
Feb.  10,  1862.     Charles  Matthews,  Amherst,  Co.  B.  April  9,  1862. 

Discharged  owing  to  disability. 
Dec.  19,  1S61.     Patrick  Shea,  Ireland,  Co.  H.  April  11,  1862. 

Discharged  owing  to  disability. 

THIRTY-SECOND    REGIMENT. 

July  14,  1863.     Charles  A.  Heald,  Amherst,  Co.  F.  June  29,  1865. 

THIRTY-FOURTH    REGIMENT. 

Aug.,  1S62.      Francis  J.  Matthews,  Amherst,  Co.  D.  June  16,  1865. 

THIRTY-SIXTH    REGIMENT. 

July  13,  1864.     Moses  L.  Flanders,  Co.  H.  Dec.  10,  1864. 

Discharged  owing  to  disability. 
July  20,  1864.      Henry  C.  Kendall,  Co.  H.  July  12,  1865. 

Trans.  June  S,  '65,  to  56th  Mass.  reg't,  Co.  F. 

July  7,  1864.     Charles  Riley,  Co.  H.  May  25,  1865. 

Discharged  by  order  of  War  Dep "t. 

July  12,  1864.     Joseph  Richards,  Co.  K. 
Trans,  to  56th  Mass.  Reg't. 

FIFTY-FOURTH    REGIMENT. 

July  13,  1863.     Jason  Champlin,  Co.  K.  Feb.  20,  1864. 

Killed  in  battle  of  Olustee,  Fla. 
March  10,  1863.     Charles  A.  Finnemore,  Amherst,  Co.  C.    Aug.  20,  1865. 

Took  part  in  battles  of  James  Island,  Morris  Island  and  Olustee.  Wounded 
Feb.  24,  '64,  in  battle  of  Olustee. 


516  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

March  30,  1S63.     Sanford  Jackson,  Amherst,  Co.  A.  Sept.  13,  1863. 

Died  at  Beaufort,  S.  C. 
Nov.  23,  1863.      Francis  N.  Jennings,  Amherst,  Co.  H.        Aug.  20,  1865. 

Took  part  in  battle  of  Honey  Hill,  S.  C. 
March  14,  1863.     William  Jennings,  Ludlow,  Co.  C.  June  21,  1865. 

Discharged  April  10.  '63,  owing  to  disability.     Re-enlisted  Jan.  29,  '64,  in 
5th  Mass.  cavalry. 

March  10,  1863,      William  H.  H.  Jennings,  Amherst,  Co.  C.Aug.  20,  1865. 

Took  part  in  battle  of  James  Island. 
July  18,  1S63.      Alexander  Taylor,  Co.  C.  Aug.  20,  1865. 

March  10,  1863.     James  Thompson,  Whately,  Co.  C.  Aug.  20,  1865. 

Took  part  in  battle  of  James  Island,  Fort  Wagner  and  all  the  engagements 
of  the  reg't. 

FORTY-SECOND    REGIMENT. 

Oct.  14,  1862.     George  L.  Johnson,  Co.  K.  Aug.  20,  1863. 

istserg't. 

FORTY-SIXTH    REGIMENT. 

Sept.  25,  1862.  James  W.  Roberts,  Co.  C.  July  29,  1863. 

Corp'l. 

Oct.  15,  1S62.  Charles  I.  Albee,  Co.  H.  July  29,  1863. 

Oct.  15,  1S62.  Benjamin  F.  Conkey,  Co.  H.  July  29,  1863. 

Oct.  15,  1862.  Peter  King,  Jr.,  Co.  H.  July  29,  1863. 

FIFTY-THIRD    REGIMENT. 

Oct.  17,  1862.     Martin  S.  Johnson,  Amherst,  Co.  F.  June  14,  1863. 

Killed  at  battle  of  Port  Hudson,  La. 
Oct.  17,  1S62.     George  H.  Parmenter,  Co.  F.  Sept.  2,  1863. 

FIRST  HEAVY    ARTILLERY. 

Feb.  20,  1862.      Erasmus  W.  Percival,  Amherst,  Co.  L.        Aug.  16,  1S65. 

Corp'l,  Jan  1,  '65.     Serg't,  March  20,  '65.     Re-enlisted,  Feb.,  '64. 
Feb.  20,  1S62.     James  A.  Pierce,  Amherst,  Co.  L.  Aug.  16,  1865. 

Serg't  Feb.  23,  '64.     Took  part  in  nine  battles.     Wounded  Oct.  27,  '64,  at 
battle  of  Boynton  Plank  Road.     Re-enlisted  in  '64. 

March  iS,  1S62.      Benj.  P.  Allen,  East  Windsor,  Conn.,  Co.  L.  June  17,  1862. 

Discharged  for  disability. 
Feb.  20,  1S62.     Edwin  W.  Ball,  Co.  L.  Feb.  22,  1864. 

Re-enlisted. 
Feb.  28,  1862.     Morrison  Barton,  Amherst,  Co.  L.  Nov.  2,  1862. 

Died  at  Fort  Albany,  Va.  of  disease  contracted  in  service. 
Feb.  28,  1862.     Henry  E.  Boynton,  Shutesbury,  Co.  L.         June  23,  1864. 

Re-enlisted  Feb.  22,  '64.     Wounded   May  19,  "64,  in  battle  of  the   Wilderness. 
Died  of  wounds  in  hospital  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


FIRST    CAVALRY.  517 

Feb.  20,  1862.     David  L.  Dickinson,  Amherst,  Co.  L.  May  20,  1864. 

Re-enlisted  Feb.  21,  "64.     Mortally  wounded   May    19.   '64.  in   battle   of  the 
Wilderness. 

Sept.  7,  1864.     Frederick  Grover,  Co.  C.  June  4,  1865. 

Nov.  2,  1863.     Wesley  W.  Horton,  New  Salem,  Co.  E.         Aug.  16,  1865. 

Took  part  in  seven  battles. 
Nov.  16,  1863.     Francis  B.  Smith,  Lanesboro,  Co.  I.  March  2,  1864. 

Discharged  owing  to  disability. 

SECOND    HEAVY    ARTILLERY. 

Sept.  10,  1864.     John  Hills,  Co.  A.  Sept.  3,  1S65. 

Corp'l. 
Aug.  25.  1864.     Edward  P.  Dickinson,  Amherst.  Co.  A.         June  2.  1865. 

Sept.  12,  1864.     Robert  Hock,  Co.  A.  July  n,  1865. 

Trans.  Dec.  16,  '64,  to  17th  Mass.  reg*t,  Co.  H. 

Aug.  25.  1864.     Henry  C.  Lovett.  Co.  A.  June  2,  1S65. 

July  19,  1S64.     Thomas  F.  Murphy,  Ireland,  Co.  K.  Sept.  3,  1S65. 

July  15,  1864.      Redmond  Welch,  Co.  B.  June  16,  1865. 

THIRD    HEAVY    ARTILLERY. 

May  31,  1864.     James  Kelly.  Nov.  14,  1865. 

TWENTY-NINTH    UNATTACHED    COMPANY,     HEAVY    ARTILLERY. 

Sept.  12,  1864.      Henry  C.  Dickinson,  Amherst.  June  16,  1865. 

THIRTEENTH    BATTERY    LIGHT    ARTILLERY. 

July  30,  1864.     John  Kennedy.  July  28,  1S65. 

Dec.  30,  1864.     Nicholas  Stankoff.  July  28,  1865. 

FIRST    CAVALRY. 

Sept.  17,  1861.     John  W.  Howland,  Amherst,  Co.  C.  June  26,  1865. 

Serg't,  Sept.  17, '61.     2d  lieut.,  Jan.  16, '64.     1st  lieut.,  Nov.  13.  "64.     Brevet, 
capt't.     Re-enlisted  Jan.  1.  "64. 

Aug.  13,  1862.     Edwin  H.  Pierce,  Amherst,  Co.  B.  June  26,  1865. 

Corp*l.     Re-enlisted  Dec.  29,  "63. 
Aug.  18,  1862.      Edward  P.  Gray.  New  York  City.  Co.  A.    Nov.  iS,  1864. 

Serg't  Dec.  23,  '63.     Trans,  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  Aug. 
18,  '63. 

Dec.  27,  1864.     Cephas  B.  Bolio,  Holyoke,  Co.  E.  Jan.  27,  1865. 

Died  at  Gallop's  Island,  Boston  Harbor. 
Dec.  27,  1S64.     William  E.  Hobart,  Amherst,  Co.  H.  June  26,  1865. 

Bugler. 
Dec.  27,  1864.     G  W.  Shattuck,  Winchester.  N.  H.,  Co.  H.  June  26,  1S65. 


518  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Dec.  27,  1864.     Andrew  J.  Ufford,  Moodus,  Conn.,  Co.  H.  June  26,  1865. 
Bugler. 

Aug.  18,  1862.     Byron  H.  Williams,  Norwich,  Co.  C.  Sept.  21,  1S63. 

Discharged  owing  to  disability. 

SECOND    CAVALRY. 

Sept.  15,  1864.     Charles  Dow. 

FOURTH    CAVALRY. 

July  13,  1864.  Henry  Casson,  Prussia,  Co.  H.  Nov.  14,  1865. 

July  14,  1864.  James  Kelly,  Ireland,  Co.  I.  Nov.  14,  1865. 

July  14,  1864.  Dennis  McSweeney,  Ireland,  Co.  I.  Nov.  14,  1865. 

Sept.  12,  1864.  Samuel  W.  Richards,  Jr.,  Co.  I.  Nov.  14,  1865. 

Dec.  28,  1S64.  Charles  Smith,  Co.  B.  Nov.  14,  1865. 

FIFTH    CAVALRY. 

Sept.  12,  1864.     Charles  Turner,  Co.  B.  Oct.  31,  1865. 

Corp"]. 

Jan.  9,  1864.     Samuel  Freeman,  Conn.,  Co.  A.  June  21,  1865. 

Bugler. 
Jan.  29,  1S64.     Jarvis  W.  Jackson,  Amherst,  Co.  B.  Oct.  1,  1865. 

Died  in  hospital  at  Brazos,  Tex. 
Jan.  29,  1864.     Windsor  Jackson,  Amherst,  Co.  B.  Oct.  31,  1865. 

Jan.  29,  1864.     Howard  E.  Paxon,  Hertford  Co.,  Md.,  Co.  A.  Oct.  31,  1865. 

Jan.  29,  1864.     Joseph  J.  Solomon,  Westhampton,  Co.  D.     Oct.  31,1865. 

Took  part  in  assault  on  Petersburg,  June,  '64. 
Jan.  29,  1S64.     Lorenzo  Sugland,  Westhampton,  Co.  D.        June  17,  1865. 
Jan.  29,  1864.     Charles  H.  Thompson,  Northampton  ,Co.  E.  Oct.  31,  1865. 
Jan.  29,  1864.      Christopher  Thompson,  Hatfield,  Co.  D.     Oct.  31,    1865. 

Jan.  29,  1864.     Henry  Thompson,  Worthington,  Co.  D.  Oct.  20,  1865. 

Died  in  hospital  at  Brazos,  Tex. 

Jan.  29,  1864.     John  Thompson,  Hatfield,  Co.  B.  March  13,  1864. 

Died  in  camp  at  Readville,  Mass. 

Sept.  12,  1864.     Charles  Waters,  Co.  A.  Oct.  31,  1865. 

Sept.  12,  1864.     William  Williamson,  Co.  B.  Oct.  31,  1865. 

FIRST    BATTALION    FRONTIER    CAVALRY. 

Jan.  2,  1865.      Samuel  H.  Burke,  Co.  D.  June  30,  1865. 

SIXTIETH    REGIMENT. 

Aug.  1,  1864.     Myron  D.  Clark,  Co.  G.  Nov.  30,  1864. 


NAVAL    SERVICE.  519 

VETERAN    RESERVE    CORPS. 

Dec.  23,  1864.     James  W.  Bryant,  nth  reg't.  June  28,  1865. 

Discharged  owing  to  disability. 

Sept.  10,  1864.     John  Manning,  1st  Heavy  Art.  Nov.  17,  1865. 

Sept.  12,  1864.     Bernard  McGuirk,  13th  reg't.  Nov.  14,  1865. 

Sept.  13,  1864.     John  Mo/an,  10th  reg't.  May  5,  1865. 

July  7,  1864.     John  Rush.  Nov.  17,  1865. 

Sept.  10,  1864.     David  Witherell,  13th  reg't.  Nov.  17,  1865. 
Sept.  12,  1S64.     Frank  Wood,  13th  reg't. 

OTHER    ORGANIZATIONS. 

Sept.  13,  1S61.     George  B.  Cooley,  Palmer,  44th  111.  1864. 

2d  lieut.,  June  7, '62.  1st  lieut.,  Dec.  18,  '62.  In  battle  of  Pea  Ridge, 
Ark.,  Perryville,  Ky.,  Stone  River,  Tenn.  and  Chickamauga.  Wounded 
in  battle  of  Chickamauga. 

Dec.  7,  1 86 1.     Henry  M.  McCloud,  Amherst,  12th  Conn.       Oct.  1,  1864. 
Corp'l,  June   1,  '62.     Serg't,   March  10,  '62.     Lieut.,  Aug.,  '63.     Trans,  to 
U.  S.  engineers'  corps,  Feb.  10,  '64.     Took  part  in  many  battles  and 
skirmishes. 

Aug.  23,  1S62.     Henry  M.  Cooley,  Amherst,  14th  Conn. 

Serg't. 
—  Erastus  Coy,  15th  111. 

Sept.  3,  1861.     Lyman  E.  Moody,  South  Hadley,  Michigan  Sharpshooters. 
May,  1861.     Charles  F.  Russell,  Amherst,  3d  111.  Cavalry.  1865. 

June  20,  1861.     Chas.  B.  Adams,  Middlebury,  Vt.,  67thN.  Y.  Sept.  17,  1S61. 
Died  at  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

Dec.  4,  1861.     Reuben  Miles,  Manchester,  Conn.,  12th  Conn.  July  15,  1863. 

Died  of  disease  contracted  in  service. 
186 1.     Samuel  White,  East  Machias,  Me.,  5th  Wis.  «        May,  1864. 

Corp'l,  serg't,  2d  lieut.,  capt.     Mortally  wounded  in  battle  of  Spottsylvania. 
Feb.  2,  1863.     Thomas  Henderson,  Sunderland. 

Surgeon  at  Laurens  Hospital,  Mo. 

NAVAL    SERVICE. 

Feb.  13,  1S65.     Edward  H.  Adams,  Middlebury,  Vt. 

Surgeon's  steward.     Served  on  steamer  "  Wachusett." 
June,  1S61.     William  B.  Miles,  Amherst.  1864. 

Master's  mate.  Served  on  steamers  "  Bricknell,"  "  Roanoke "  and 
"  Granite." 

Sept.  16,  1S64.      Frank  S.  Beaman. 

July  1,  1864.     Charles  P.  Boynton. 


520 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 


1863.     William  Burns. 
June  29,  1864.     William  Challiner. 
July  27,  1864.     James  A.  Colter. 
June  30,  1864.     John  Fitzsimmons. 
June  29,  1864.     Thomas  Gleason. 

Sept.  10,  1864.     Samuel  Hay,  Staten  Island,  N.  Y.  July  20,  1866. 

Served  on  gunboat  "  Colorado"  and  steamship  "  Susquehanna.*' 
July  27,  1864.     John  Hudson. 
1863.     Peter  Johnson. 

July  16,  1864.     Thomas  Keefe,  Ireland.  July  22,  1865. 

Served  on  sloop  of  war  "  John  Adams." 
July  29,  1864.     Uranus  Lawry,  Newport,  Me.  April  21,  1866. 

Served  on  steamers  "  Monadnock  "  and  "  Constellation.*" 
July  7,  1864.     John  Lear. 
1863.      Frank  Martin. 
July  16,  1864.      Patrick  McCallum. 
July  2,  1864.     Charles  McGinley. 

July  8,  1864.     John  Nelson,  Germany.  July  6,  1867. 

Served  on  ship  "  Sabine.'1 
Aug.  9,  1862.     Henry  L.  Newell,  Amherst,  Sept.  8,  1863. 

Served  on  steam  sloop  "  Ossipee." 
June  30,  1864.     James  Pierce. 

July  28,  1864.     Stephen  C.  Scott,  Machias,  Me.  July  2,  1867. 

Served  on  steamer  "  Circassian." 
Aug.  17,  1864.     Cornelius  White. 

July  4,  1862.     William  V.  Cutter,  Amherst. 

Served  on  steamers  "  Merrimack"  and  "  Mississippi,"'  1st  mate. 

ALPHABETICAL    LIST. 


Adams,  Sylvester  H. 
Albee,  Charles  I. 
Allen,  Benjamin  P. 
Anderson,  William 

Baker,  Asahel 
Baker,  Charles  C. 
Baker,  Ezra 
Baker,  James  A. 
Ball,  Edwin  W. 
Ball,  Henry  C. 
Ball,  John  D. 


Ball,  Nelson  O. 
Bardwell,  Henry  J. 
Barrows,  Ashley  W. 
Bartlett,  Edward 
Bartlett,  Joseph  F. 
Bartlett,  Lewis  A. 
Bartlett,  Milo  A. 
Barton,  Austin 
Barton,  Charles  H. 
Barton.  George  H. 
Barton,  Morrison 
Bell,  Frederick  R. 


Bell,  George  H. 
Beston,  Dennis 
Beston,  John 
Beston,  Patrick 
Bliss,  William  L. 
Bolio,  Cephas  B. 
Bolio,  Charles  C. 
Bolio,  Levi  M. 
Bolster,  Frank  E. 
Boltwood,  Edmund 
Bowman,  James 
Bowman,  Henry 


ALPHABETICAL    LIST. 


52i 


Bowman,  Truman 
Boynton,  Henry  E. 
Brown,  Perez  R. 
Bryant.  James  W. 
Burke,  Samuel  H. 

Cannon,  Owen 
Casson,  Henry 
Cates.  Albert 
Champlin.  Jason 
Church,  Spencer,  Jr. 
Clapp,  Charles 
Clark,  Myron  D. 
Clark,  William  S. 
Cook,  Benjamin  O. 
Cook,  Austin  S. 
Cooke,  George  E. 
Cooke,  Willard  S. 
Conkey,  Benjamin  F. 
Connors,  John 
Cowles,  Watson  W. 
Coy,  Henry 
Crossman,  Barton  E. 
Cushman,  John  E. 
Cutter,  Ptolemy  P. 

Dennison,  Ami  R. 
Devine.  Thomas 
Dickinson.  Amariah 
Dickinson,  Chester,  Jr. 
Dickinson.  David  L. 
Dickinson,  Edward  B. 
Dickinson,  Edward  P. 
Dickinson,  Eli  O. 
Dickinson,  Francis  E. 
Dickinson,  Francis  H. 
Dickinson,  George 
Dickinson,  Henry  C. 
Dickinson.  John  W. 
Dickinson,  Levi  P. 
Dickinson.  Willard  R. 
Douglass,  Henry  F. 
Dow.  Charles 
Doyle,  Michael 
Draper,  George  A. 
Dunakin.  Charles 

Edson,  Levi 


Fahay,  William 
Fales.  William  B. 
Finnemore,  Charles  A. 
Fish.  Dyer  B.  N. 
Fish,  Francis  W. 
Fisher,  George  L. 
Fisher,  Homer  L. 
Flanders,  Moses  L. 
Freeman.  Samuel 
Franklin.  Benjamin  R. 

Glazier,  John  A. 
Goodale,  Charles  L. 
Graves.  William  O. 
Gray,  Edward  P. 
Grover,  Frederick 
Grover,  Joseph 
Gunn.  Cephas  W. 
Gunn,  Charles  S. 

Haling,  Horace 
Hardaker,  James 
Haskell.  Lewis  R. 
Hastings,  Henry  B. 
Hastings,  Joseph  C. 
Hastings,  Willard  D. 
Hawes,  James  F. 
Hawley,  Henry  E. 
Hayward,  Charles  E. 
Heald,  Charles  A. 
Hervey.  Edward  P. 
Hill.  Dwight  X. 
Hills,  John 
Hobart,  George  M. 
Hobart.  William  E. 
Hock,  Robert 
Holden,  Freeman  L. 
Hopkins.  William  J. 
Horton,  Wesley  W. 
Howes,  Charles  O. 
Howes,  George  E. 
Howland.  John  W. 
Hubbard,  Henry 

Jackson,  Jarvis  W. 
Jackson,  Sanford 
Jackson,  Windsor 
Jennings,  Francis  X. 


Jennings,  William 
Jennings.  William  H.  H. 
Johnson,  Ebenezer  M. 
Johnson,  Eli  H. 
Johnson.  George  L. 
Johnson,  Martin  S. 
Johnson,  Silas  O. 
Johnson.  William  F. 
Jones.  George 

Kelley,  James,  ist 
Kelley,  James.  2d 
Kellogg,  Albert  H. 
Kellogg,  Benjamin  F. 
Kellogg,  Charles  F. 
Kellogg,  James  B. 
Kellogg,  Justin  P. 
Kelsey.  Ezra 
Kendall,  Henry  C. 
Kennedy,  John 
King,  Peter,  Jr. 
King,  Warren  F. 
Latham,  Alonzo  W. 
Latham,  William  W. 
Leggett,  John  A. 
Leggett,  William  F. 
Lincoln.  Rufus  P. 
Loomis.  Richard  B. 
Lovett,  Henry  L. 
Lovett.  Murray  B. 
Lovett,  Wheaton 
Lyons,  Edward 

Maloney.  Michael 
Manley.  Edward  W. 
Manning,  John 
Matthews.  Charles 
Matthews,  Francis  J. 
McDonald,  John 
McGuirk,  Bernard 
McSweeney.  Dennis 
Miles.  Marcus  T.  C. 
Moran,  John 
Moran.  Thomas 
Mullett,  Charles  D. 
Munsell.  Charles  C. 
Murphy,  Thomas  F. 


522 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Newell,  George  W. 
Nutting,  Freeman  E. 

O'Callahan,  Edward 
O'Callahan,  Jeremiah 
O'Connor,  Cornelius 
O'Toole,  Patrick  F. 

Packard,  Henry  C. 
Parmenter,  George  H. 
Parsons,  John  D. 
Paxon,  Howard  E. 
Percival,  Erasmns  W. 
Phelps,  Lyman  D. 
Pierce,  Edwin  H. 
Pierce,  James  A. 
Plumb,  Henry  C. 
Potwin,  Edwin  H. 
Preston,  James  A. 
Preston,  Simeon  E. 
Prince,  Henry  B. 
Prouty,  Edward  W. 
Putnam,  George  L. 

Richards,  Joseph 
Richards,  Samuel  W.,  Jr. 
Riley,  Charles 
Roberts,  Albert 
Roberts,  George  H. 
Roberts,  James  W. 
Roberts,  Norman 
Rolph,  Edward  M. 
Rush,  John 
Russell,  D wight 
Rust,  Jacob  L. 

SaLois,  Michael 


Sanderson,  James  K. 
Sandling,  John 
Schartz,  Frederick 
Scott,  George  W. 
Sears,  Arthur 
Sears,  Henry  B. 
Shattuck,  George  W. 
Shea,  Patrick 
Shoals,  John 
Simonds,  J.  Franklin 
Skinner,  J.  Leander 
Skinner,  Linneus  C. 
Skinner,  Lyman  W. 
Slate,  George  E, 
Sloan,  George  W. 
Sloan,  Timothy 
Slocumb,  Robert 
Smith,  Charles 
Smith,  Charles  C. 
Smith,  Charles  V. 
Smith,  Francis  B. 
Smith,  William  J. 
Solomon,  Joseph 
Spaulding,  Charles  B. 
Spear,  Asa  A. 
Spear,  George  P. 
Spear,  James  W. 
Spellman,  Timothy 
Stankoff,  Nicholas 
Stanley,  Edward  H. 
Stearns,  Frazar  A. 
Stearns,  John 
Storrs,  Charles  L. 
Storrs,  Samuel  J. 
Stowell,  Warren  M. 
Sugland,  Lorenzo 


Taft,  Ethan  A. 
Taumann,  John 
Taylor,  Alexander 
Taylor,  Joseph  K. 
Thayer,  Josiah 
Thayer,  Lyman  R. 
Thayer,  Samuel  M. 
Thompson,  Charles  H. 
Thompson,  Christopher 
Thompson,  Henry 
Thompson,  James 
Thompson,  John 
Tufts,  George  H. 
Turner,  Charles 
Turner,  Charles  F. 
Tyler,  Mason  W. 

Ufford,  Andrew  J. 

Vinton,  Medad 

Waters,  Charles 
Welch,  Farrell 
Welch,  Redmund 
Westcott,  Stephen  R. 
Wheeler,  George 
Wheelock,  James 
Wheelock,  John  P.  W. 
White,  John 
White,  William  H. 
Williams,  Byron  H. 
Williams,  Solomon  H. 
Williamson,  William 
Wilson,  Robert 
Witherell,  David 
Wood,  Frank 
Woodworth,  Charles  L. 


When,  on  April  15,  1S65,  news  was  received  in  Amherst  of  the  assas- 
sination of  President  Lincoln,  the  general  feeling  of  sorrow  was  manifested 
in  many  ways.  The  church  bells  were  tolled,  flags  were  displayed  at 
half-mast,  houses  were  draped  in  mourning  and  business  was  almost  entirely 
suspended.  Special  services  were  held  in  Grace  Episcopal  church  in  the 
afternoon,  Rev.  Dr.  Parker  delivering  a  solemn  and  impressive  address. 
On  the  following  Sabbath,  the  ministers  in  all  the  churches  made  the 
president's  death  the  theme  of  their  discourse.  On  Wednesday,  May  19, 
the  day  of  Lincoln's  funeral,  all  the  places  of  business  were  closed,  and 
stores  and  private  residences  were  draped  in  mourning.     At  1 1   a.   m.  the 


THE    GRAND    ARMY    POST.  523 

church  bells  began  tolling,  and  at  noon  a  union  service  was  held  in  the 
First  Congregational  church.  An  immense  audience  gathered.  Addresses 
were  made  by  Rev.  Dr.  S.  P.  Parker  and  Rev.  H.  L.  Hubbell  and  prayer 
was  offered  by  Prof.  J.  H.  Seelye. 

Under  date  of  Feb.  7,  1867,  the  Express  announced  that  a  meeting  of 
the  "  returned  soldiers  "  of  the  town  and  vicinity  had  been  held  in  the 
Academy  building  the  evening  of  the  5th,  to  consider  the  expediency  of 
establishing  in  the  town  a  "  Union  of  Army  and  Navy  Veterans."  About 
25  were  present,  and  the  project  having  been  carefully  discussed  it  was  the 
general  sentiment  that  such  a  union  should  be  formed.  The  meeting  was 
adjourned  one  week  ;  the  Express  contains  no  minute  in  regard  to  any 
action  taken  at  the  adjourned  meeting.  Sometime  during  the  year  1S67, 
E.  M.  Stanton  Post  No.  36,  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  was  organ- 
ized in  Amherst.  The  records  of  the  organization  have  been  destroyed, 
so  it  is  impossible  to  state  with  certainty  the  precise  date  of  organization 
or  to  give  a  list  of  the  first  officers.  Among  the  early  commanders  of  the 
post  were  Charles  L.  Storrs,  Jairus  L.  Skinner  and  Edmund  Boltwood. 
Meetings  were  held  in  the  Amherst  house  until  1S69,  when  more  conven- 
ient quarters  were  secured  in  Phoenix  Row.  In  1875.  the  place  of  meeting 
was  in  Union  block,  which  was  destroyed  by  fire  March  13,  1876.  The 
post  next  occupied  quarters  in  the  second  story  of  a  building  owned  by 
Harvey  White,  situated  on  Pleasant  street.  This  building  was  burned  Jan. 
3,  1S79,  tne  Post  losing  all  its  furniture,  its  charter  and  its  records.  These 
successive  .disasters  caused  discouragement  to  the  members  and  loss  of 
interest  in  the  organization.  The  post  was  reorganized  in  18S2  as  E.  M. 
Stanton  Post  147,  G.  A.  R.  Its  regular  meetings  are  held  in  the  district 
court-room  the  first  and  third  Wednesday  evenings  of  each  month.  It  has 
done  excellent  work  in  the  care  of  the  sick,  disabled  and  needy  comrades, 
and  for  many  years  has  had  charge  of  the  public  exercises  of  Memorial- 
day.  In  1S89,  Henry  H  Goodell,  Henry  M.  McCloud  and  Dr.  D.  B.  N.  Fish 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  a  list  of  soldiers  who  served  on 
Amherst's  quota  during  the  war.  After  a  considerable  expenditure  of  time 
and  money  the  list  was  completed,  and  the  names  were  engraved  on  marble 
slabs  to  which  has  been  accorded  a  post  of  honor  in  the  tower  of  the  town 
hall  building. 

In  January,  1889,  the  E.  M.  Stanton  Woman's  Relief  Corps  was  organ- 
ized and  a  charter  secured.  The  first  officers  were  elected  Jan.  iS,  Mrs. 
Henry  Adams  being  chosen  president.  Meetings  are  held  in  Pacific  hall 
the  first  and  third  Wednesday  evenings  of  each  month.  An  organization 
of  the  Son  of  Veterans  was  formed  in  Amherst  during  the  'Sos,  but  its 
existence  was  brief. 


524  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


CHAPTER   LVII 


Amherst  College. — Administration  of  President  Stearns. — Gifts 
and  Bequests. — College  Buildings. — New  Departments. — 
The  College  in  the  War. — The  50TH  Anniversary. — Tulius 
H.  Seelye  Elected  President. — Gifts  to  the  College. — 
Members  of  the  Faculty. — The  Library. — Physical  Culture. 
— The  "Amherst  System." — Greek  Letter  Fraternities. 

Edward  Hitchcock  resigned  the  presidency  of  Amherst  College  July 
11,  1854.  At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  held  Aug.  7, 
Rev.  William  A.  Stearns  was  chosen  president  of  the  college  and  professor 
of  moral  philosophy  and  Christian  theology.  William  Augustus  Stearns 
was  born  in  Bedford,  March  17,  1805.  His  father  and  both  his  grand- 
fathers were  ministers  of  the  gospel.  He  was  prepared  for  college  at 
Phillips  Academy,  Andover,  was  graduated  with  honor  at  Harvard  College, 
in  the  class  of  1827,  and  at  Andover  Seminary  in  the  class  of  1831. 
After  teaching  for  a  short  time  at  Duxbury,  he  was  ordained,  Dec.  14,  1831, 
pastor  of  the  church  at  Cambridgeport,  of  which  he  remained  in  charge 
until  summoned  to  the  presidency  of  Amherst  College.  The  inauguration 
ceremonies  took  place  Nov.  22,  1S54.  Far  different  were  the  auspices 
attendant  on  his  inauguration  from  those  which  had  greeted  his  predeces- 
sors in  office.  When  Dr.  Moore  assumed  the  presidency,  Amherst  College 
was  an  experiment,  the  exponent  of  an  educational  theory  with  little  beside 
faith  to  sustain  it.  President  Humphrey  was  installed  in  office  in  shadow 
of  the  death  of  his  predecessor,  a  loss  which  was  thought  by  many  at  the 
time  to  mean  the  death  of  the  college  as  well.  President  Hitchcock  came 
to  the  rescue  of  the  institution  when  it  was  deeply  burdened  by  debt  and 
its  chances  for  existence  were  problematical.  President  Stearns  assumed 
the  presidency  of  a  college  firmly  established  and  possessing  a  substantial 
endowment,  no  longer  dependent  for  its  support  on  the  contributions  it 
could  secure  from  the  public  from  time  to  time. 

The  history  of  the  college  during  the  administration  of  President 
Stearns  was  one  of  growth  and  development.  Possessed  of  fine  executive 
abilities,  he  also  had,  to  a  marked  degree,  the  faculty  of  interesting  others 
in  the  work  of  the  institution  over  which  he  was  called  to  preside.  This 
resulted  in  a  series  of  donations  and  bequests  to  the  college  amounting  in 
the  aggregate  to  nearly  $800,000.  Among  the  most  notable  of  these  gifts 
were  the  following  :      By  Dr.  W.  J.  Walker,  $100,000,  to  which  was  added 


COLLEGE    BUILDINGS.  525 

$40,000  raised  from  other  sources  as  a  condition  of  Dr.  Walker's  gift,  by 
legacy  from  Dr.  Walker  in  1866,  $144,976  ;  by  S.  A.  Hitchcock,  for  schol- 
arships and  kindred  purposes  in  1872,  $100,000;  by  Samuel  L.  Williston 
in  1871,  $50,000;  by  \V.  F.  Stearns,  donation  for  College  church,  $46,000  ; 
by  scholarships,  $35,000;  by  grants  of  the  Legislature,  1861-63,  $27,500  ; 
by  John  Tappan,  in  1864,  $25,000  to  endow  the  Samuel  Green  professor- 
ship;  by  Dr.  W.  J.  Walker,  $25,000  to  endow  the  Walker  professorship  of 
mathematics  and  astronomy.  At  the  beginning  of  President  Stearns' 
administration  there  was  not  a  single  scholarship  in  existence  at  the 
college  ;  before  its  close  there  were  more  than  fifty,  varying  in  annual 
income  from  $40  to  $300  each  and  distributing  each  year  over  $4,000 
among  the  students.  In  addition  to  these  scholarships  many  prizes  were 
established  in  various  departments. 

During  the  administration  of  President  Stearns  six  new  buildings 
were  added  to  the  college  property.  The  first  to  be  erected  was  the  Apple- 
ton  cabinet,  built  in  1S55,  at  a  cost  of  $10,000.  The  same  year  a  lecture- 
room  was  built  as  an  appendage  to  the  Woods  cabinet,  at  a  cost  of  $1,000, 
the  gift  of  Luke  Sweetser.  In  1857,  the  Nineveh  gallery,  another  "  annex  " 
to  the  Woods  cabinet,  was  built  at  an  expense  of  some  $600,  the  gift  of 
Lieut.  Enos  Dickinson  of  South  Amherst.  Here  were  placed  on  exhibi- 
tion the  sculptured  slabs  taken  from  the  palace  of  Sardanapalus,  and  seals, 
cylinders,  bricks  and  coins,  collected  at  Nineveh  and  Babylon  by  Dr. 
Henry  Lobdell,  a  graduate  of  the  college  in  the  class  of  1849  and  a  mis- 
sionary to  Assyria.  Williston  hall  was  erected  in  1857  at  a  cost  of  $15,000, 
and  the  same  year  the  East  dormitory  was  built,  at  like  expense,  to  take 
the  place  of  the  North  dormitory  which  had  been  burned  to  the  ground 
the  winter  preceding.  The  Barrett  gymnasium  building  was  erected  in 
i860  at  a  cost  of  $10,000,  the  fixtures  costing  some  $5,000  more.  It  was 
named  in  honor  of  Dr.  Benjamin  Barrett  of  Northampton,  a  liberal  con- 
tributor toward  its  erection.  Walker  hall,  the  most  expensive  and  preten- 
tious building  on  the  college  grounds,  was  completed  in  October,  1870,  its 
cost  being  about  $130,000.  The  larger  part  of  this  sum  had  been  donated 
by  Dr.  W.  J.  Walker,  in  whose  honor  the  building  was  named.  Its  corner- 
stone was  laid  June  10,  1868,  and  it  was  formally  opened  Oct.  20,  1870. 
The  corner-stone  of  the  College  church  was  laid  Sept.  22,  1870,  and  the 
building  was  completed  at  a  cost  of  $70,000.  In  1867,  the  college  trus- 
tees purchased  the  old  meeting-house  of  the  First  Congregational  church, 
and  christened  it  College  hall ;   its  cost  to  the  college  was  $12,000. 

It  was  not  alone  in  additions  to  its  resources,  its  buildings  and  appa- 
ratus, that  Amherst  College  showed  marked  development  under  the  admin- 
istration of  President  Stearns.  Existing  departments  were  strengthened 
and  new  ones  developed,  the  curriculum  enlarged  and  valuable  additions 


526  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST.    MASS. 

made  to  the  teaching  force  of  the  institution.  Dr.  Stearns  was  an  earnest 
believer  in  physical  education  ;  it  was  largely  through  his  influence  that 
the  trustees  voted  at  their  annual  meeting  in  August,  i860,  to  establish  a 
department  of  physical  culture  in  the  college.  John  W.  Hooker,  M.  D., 
•of  New  Haven,  Conn,  was  the  first  professor  to  have  charge  of  the  depart- 
ment but  was  connected  with  the  college  only  a  few  months.  He  was 
succeeded  in  186 1  by  Dr.  Edward  Hitchcock,  Jr.,  under  whose  direction 
the  department  of  physical  education  and  hygiene  his  become  famous 
throughout  the  country.  The  exhibitions  in  gymnastics  are  greatly  enjoyed 
by  the  public,  being  witnessed  by  thousands  of  visitors  every  year.  The 
compulsory  use  of  a  wise  system  of  physical  development  has  exercised  a 
most  beneficial  influence  upon  the  health  of  the  student  body.  To  Dr. 
W.  j.  Walker  must  be  accorded  the  honor  of  founding  at  the  college  the 
department  of  mathematics  and  astronomy,  endowing  a  professorship, 
instructorships  and  prize  scholarships.  To  the  charge  of  this  department, 
which  he  still  retains,  William  C.  Esty  was  appointed  in  1863.  The 
appointment  of  E.  P.  Crowell  as  professor  of  Latin,  in  1858,  secured  to 
the  college  the  services  of  one  who  has  ever  maintained  his  department  in 
the  front  rank,  and  who,  in  recent  years,  in  the  face  of  physical  disability 
that  might  well  have  daunted  any  man,  has  continued  those  services  which 
have  gained  constantly  in  value.  The  department  of  chemistry  grew  and 
prospered,  at  first  under  the  care  of  Prof.  William  S.  Clark,  who  gave  up 
his  position  to  accept  the  presidency  of  the  Agricultural  College,  and  later 
in  charge  of  Prof.  Elijah  P.  Harris,  who,  appointed  to  the  professorship 
in  1 868,  has  since  maintained  for  the  department  a  high  standard  of  excel- 
lence. Benjamin  K.  Emerson,  a  graduate  of  the  college  in  1865,  was 
elected  by  the  trustees  in  1872  to  the  professorship  of  geology  and  zoology. 
a  position  he  still  retains  with  honor  to  the  institution.  During  the  admin- 
istration of  President  Stearns  the  department  of  rhetoric  was  in  charge  of 
Rev.  Thomas  P.  Field,  Prof.  James  G.  Vose  and  Prof.  L.  Clark  Seelye, 
the  latter  at  present  president  of  Smith  College.  In  1858,  Edward 
Tuckerman  was  appointed  professor  of  botany,  but  devoted  little  time  to 
the  work  of  the  class-room,  occupying  himself  more  particularly  in  the  study 
of  lichens,  in  which  branch  of  botanical  science  he  was  recognized  as  high 
authority.  Prior  to  the  administration  of  President  Stearns  the  college 
offered  no  optional  studies.  In  1S59-60,  elective  studies  in  the  several 
departments  were  offered  to  the  senior  class. 

It  was  during  President  Stearns'  term  of  office  that  the  war  for  the 
preservation  of  the  Union  was  fought.  No  truer  patriot  ever  lived  than 
William  A.  Stearns,  and  few  were  called  upon  to  offer  a  more  costly  sacrifice 
upon  the  altar  of  patriotism.  From  the  outbreak  of  the  struggle  until 
its  glorious  ending  he  took  an  active  interest  in  the  enlistment  of  recruits, 


AMHERST    COLLEGE    IN    THE    WAR.  527 

presided  at  patriotic  meetings,  and,  early  in  the  conflict,  gave  to  the  Union 
cause  a  brave  young  life  to  be  sacrificed  at  the  battle  of  New  Berne.  When 
the  first  rebel  gun  was  fired  against  Fort  Sumter,  Professor  Clark  gave 
up  all  thought  of  college  duties  to  devote  his  attention  to  sterner  problems 
on  the  field  of  battle.  Three  sons  of  Prof.  Charles  B.  Adams  were  among 
those  who  enlisted  in  the  Union  armies.  With  such  a  president  and  such 
professors  it  is  small  wonder  that  Amherst  College  students  were  prompt 
to  offer  their  services  to  their  country.  In  i860,  the  college  catalog  con- 
tained the  names  of  220  students  ;  during  the  war  no  less  than  78  under- 
graduates of  the  college  were  enrolled  in  the  Union  armies.  On  the  Sun- 
day following  the  fall  of  Fort  Sumter,  a  form  of  enlistment  was  drawn  up 
and  signed  by  some  50  or  60  of  the  students,  the  list  being  headed  by  the 
name  of  Frazar  A.  Stearns,  son  of  the  president.  Their  services  were 
not  accepted  at  the  time,  but  a  system  of  military  drill  was  adopted  by  the 
students  under  the  direction  of  Luke  Lyman  of  Northampton,  afterwards 
colonel  nf  the  27th  Mass.  regiment. 

From  the  class  of  '62,  30  men  enlisted  for  the  war  ;  the  classes  of  '61 
and  '63  each  furnished  23  men;  15  enlisted  from  the  class  of  '64  and  21 
from  the  class  of  '65.  Of  those  enlisted  from  the  class  of  '65,  six  died 
in  the  service,  four  from  mortal  wounds  received  on  the  field  of  battle. 
The  classes  of  '63  and  '64  lost  each  four  men  in  the  service.  Of  grad- 
uates of  the  college,  195  entered  the  service,  of  whom  six  had  been  tutors 
at  the  college.  Of  the  247  graduates  and  undergraduates.  95  enlisted 
as  privates.  Amherst  College  furnished  to  the  service  35  chaplains  and 
30  surgeons.  At  the  close  of  the  war  the  list  of  college  men  included  three 
brigadier-generals,  nine  colonels,  twelve  lieutenant-colonels,  nine  majors. 
25  captains,  17  first  lieutenants,  17  second  lieutenants  and  many  minor 
officers.  Many  of  the  undergraduates  returned  to  college  at  the  close  of 
the  war  and  completed  their  course.  By  vote  of  the  trustees,  the  names 
of  all  undergraduates  who  died  in  the  service  were  enrolled  among  the 
graduates  in  their  respective  classes.  A  fitting  memorial  to  the  fallen 
heroes  of  the  war  is  found  in  the  chime  of  bells  in  College  church,  pre- 
sented to  the  college  by  the  late  George  Howe,  Fsq.  of  Boston,  in  special 
memory  of  his  son,  Sidney  Walker  Howe  of  the  class  of  '59,  who  was 
killed  at  the  battle  of  Williamsburg,  May  5,  1862. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  college  alumni  held  July  8,  1868,  reso- 
lutions were  adopted  requesting  the  trustees  to  make  arrangements  for  the 
celebration  of  the  50th  anniversary  of  the  founding  of  the  college,  in 
187 1,  and  also  requesting  Prof.  William  S.  Tyler  to  prepare  a  history  of 
the  college  to  be  ready  at  commencement-time  that  year.  The  alumni  chose 
as  a  committee  of  arrangements  Prof.  R.  1).  Hitchcock,  W.  A.  Dickinson, 
Esq.  and  Prof.  R.  H.  Mather,  to  whom  were  added  at  the  annual   meeting 


528  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

of  the  alumni  in  June,  1S70,  Profs.  Edward  Hitchcock  and  Julius  H. 
Seelye.  At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  trustees,  July  13,  1870,  a  special 
committee  was  appointed,  consisting  of  the  president  and  Drs.  Paine, 
Sabin  and  Storrs,  to  act  with  the  committee  of  the  alumni  in  making 
arrangements  for  the  celebration.  Professor  Tyler's  history  was  written, 
and  from  it  has  been  gathered  much  of  interest  concerning  the  college 
which  appears  in  the  pages  of  this  volume.  The  celebration  was  held 
during  commencement  week  in  187 t,  the  special  exercises  occurring  on 
Wednesday.  Nearly  700,  or  almost  one-half  the  number  of  living  grad- 
uates, were  present  on  this  interesting  occasion.  Every  class  was  repre- 
sented. The  exercises  were  held  beneath  a  spacious  tent  spread  under 
the  trees  in  the  college  grove.  At  the  morning  exercises  Hon.  Samuel 
Williston  presided  ;  an  address  of  welcome  was  delivered  by  President 
Stearns  and  an  historical  discourse  by  Prof.  W.  S.  Tyler.  In  the  after- 
noon, Hon.  A.  H.  Bullock  of  the  class  of  '36  presided,  and  addresses 
were  made  by  Prof.  E.  S.  Snell,  '22,  Dr.  Edward  P.  Humphrey,  '28,  Rev. 
H.  N.  Barnum,  '52,  Rev.  H.  \V.  Beecher,  34,  Prof.  E.  A.  Park,  Prof.  R. 
D.  Hitchcock,  '36,  and  Waldo  Hutchins,  Esq.,  '42.  As  one  result  of  this 
celebration,  many  scholarships  were  endowed  by  the  several  classes. 

June  8,  1876,  President  Stearns  died  while  in  office.  He  had  officiated 
that  morning  at  prayers  in  chapel,  suffered  no  illness  but  passed  peacefully 
into  the  higher  life.  He  had  written  his  resignation  of  the  presidency  of 
the  college,  intending  to  present  it  to  the  trustees  at  the  college  commence- 
ment, near  at  hand.  He  had  also  prepared  his  baccalaureate  sermon, 
which  was  read  on  Sunday  of  commencement  week  by  President  Seelye 
of  Smith  College.  On  June  13,  funeral  services,  simple  but  impressive, 
were  held  in  College  church.  The  college  and  community  were  saddened 
by  his  death.  His  was  a  lofty  type  of  Christian  manhood,  and  while  his 
loss  fell  heaviest  upon  the  college  he  had  loved  so  well  and  served  so  faith- 
fully, the  town  could  ill  afford  to  spare  one  who  had  been  so  faithful  to  the 
duties  of  citizenship. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  college  trustees,  June  27,  1876,  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  consider  the  vacancy  in  the  presidential  office, 
with  instructions  to  report  at  a  meeting  to  be  held  in  Boston  not  later  than 
the  first  week  in  August.  This  committee  opened  a  correspondence  with 
Julius  H.  Seelye,  then  a  representative  in  Congress,  and  offered  him  a 
nomination  to  the  college  presidency,  under  certain  conditions.  He 
refused  to  consider  the  proposition  in  the  form  presented,  and  at  a  meeting 
of  the  board  held  in  Boston,  July  28,  he  was  by  unanimous  vote  elected 
president,  and  professor  of  mental  and  moral  philosophy  in  Amherst 
College.  Julius  Hawley  Seelye  was  born  in  Bethel,  Conn.,  Sept.  14,  1824. 
He   was   graduated   from    Amherst   College   in   the  class  of  '49  and  from 


GROUP    f)F     Willi. Ks!     COLLEGE    FRATERNITY    HOUSES. 


GIFTS    TO    THE    COLLEGE.  529 

Auburn  Theological  Seminary  in  1852.  Ordained  by  the  classis  of 
Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  in  1853,  he  served  as  pastor  of  the  First  Reformed 
Dutch  church  of  Schenectady  until  1858,  when  he  accepted  a  call  to  the 
professorship  of  mental  and  moral  philosophy  at  Amherst  College.  In 
1874,  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  United  States  Congress,  on  an  inde- 
pendent nomination.  President  Seelye  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his 
office  in  September,  1876,  but  in  accordance  with  an  understanding  with  the 
trustees,  he  completed  his  service  in  Congress,  Prof.  W.  S.  Tyler  serving  as 
acting  president.  The  formal  inauguration  ceremonies  took  place  June 
27,  1S77. 

The  events  of  President  Seelye's  administration  are  of  such  recent 
occurrence  that  nothing  but  an  outline  sketch  will  be  attempted  in  this 
work.  The  first  graduate  of  the  college  to  be  elected  to  the  high  office 
of  the  presidency,  its  growth  and  development  during  his  term  of  office 
were  along  the  lines  that  had  been  marked  out  by  the  founders  of  the 
institution.  The  highest  ideal  of  education  as  viewed  by  him  consisted 
in  the  inculcation  of  those  principles  that  lead  to  the  broadest  development 
of  Christian  manhood.  Mind  culture  and  soul  culture  were  inseparably 
linked  in  the  system  of  instruction  which  reached  its  highest  development 
under  his  administration. 

During  President  Seelye's  term  of  office  the  college  received  donations 
and  bequests  amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  over  $826,000.  The  most 
notable  of  these  were  the  D.  Willis  James  fund  of  $100,000,  the  Seelye 
fund  of  $100,000.  also  donated  by  D.  Willis  James,  the  legacy  of  $80,000 
by  Henry  T.  Morgan,  used  in  enlarging  the  college  library,  the  bequest  of 
$50,000  by  Joel  Giles  of  Boston,  as  a  permanent  fund  for  the  increase  of 
the  library,  the  three  professorship  endowments  of  $50,000  each  by  Mrs. 
V.  G.  Stone,  Henry  Winkley  and  Frederick  Billings,  the  $50,000  bequest 
by  Mrs.  Chester  W.  Chapin,  the  $35,000  donated  by  C.  M.  Pratt  toward 
building  the  gymnasium,  the  Winkley  legacy  of  $30,000,  the  Williston 
legacy  of  over  $28,000,  the  Asa  Otis  legacy  of  $25,000,  the  donation  by 
F.  B.  Pratt  of  over  $25,000  for  the  Pratt  athletic  field,  and  over  $65,000 
for  the  establishment  of  scholarships.  The  principal  building  erected 
during  his  administration  was  the  Pratt  gymnasium,  costing  $70,000,  while 
Walker  hall  was  rebuilt,  at  a  cost  of  $90,000. 

Of  the  members  added  to  the  college  faculty  during  President  Seelye's 
administration  the  following  are  nowT  in  office  :  Anson  D.  Morse,  professor 
of  history ;  Henry  B.  Richardson,  professor  of  German ;  John  M.  Tyler, 
professor  of  biology ;  Charles  F.  Garman,  professor  of  mental  and  moral 
philosophy  ;  David  P.  Todd,  professor  of  astronomy  ;  John  F.  Genung, 
professor  of  rhetoric;  Henry  A.  Frink,  professor  of  oratory;  William  L. 
34 


530  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Cowles,  professor  of  Latin.  During  his  term  of  office  the  college  lost,  by 
death,  the  services  of  one  of  its  most  distinguished  scholars  and  teachers, 
Professor  Richard  H.  Mather.  Although  a  member  of  the  faculty  during 
the  administration  of  President  Stearns,  his  best  work  was  accomplished 
during  the  term  of  office  of  President  Seelye,  with  whom  he  was  intimately 
associated  in  social  as  well  as  college  life.  Richard  Henry  Mather  was 
born  in  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  12,  1835.  He  was  graduated  with  honor 
at  Amherst  College  in  1857  and  afterwards  studied  philology  at  Berlin 
University,  Germany.  He  was  instructor  in  Greek  at  Amherst  College 
from  1859  to  1861,  assistant  professor  of  Greek  from  1S61  to  1864, 
professor  of  Greek  from  1864  until  his  death  in  1890.  He  raised  the  money 
and  made  all  the  purchases  for  the  Mather  art  collection,  which  is  at  once 
his  gift  and  his  monument.  During  President  Seelye's  administration  the 
college  was  deprived  by  death  of  the  services  of  two  other  distinguished 
professors,  Ebenezer  S.  Snell  and  Elihu  Root.  A  brief  biographical  sketch 
of  Professor  Snell  appears  in  another  chapter  of  this  volume.  Elihu  Root 
was  a  native  of  Belchertown  and  was  born  Sept.  14,  1845.  He  was  grad- 
uated from  Amherst  College  in  the  class  of  1867,  and  received  the  degree 
of  Ph.  D.  from  the  University  of  Berlin  in  1876.  From  1877  until  his 
death  in  1880  he  was  Walker  professor  of  mathematics  and  natural  philos- 
ophy at  Amherst  College. 

It  was  during  President  Seelye's  administration  that  the  college  library 
received  an  impetus  for  growth  and  development  which  has  brought  it  to 
the  front  rank  among  institutions  of  its  kind  in  America.  When  the  first 
college  building  was  erected,  the  library,  contained  in  a  single  case,  was 
placed  in  the  north  entry.  Additions  were  made  to  the  library  from  time 
to  time,  but  it  was  not  until  1850  that  an  urgent  effort  was  made  to  so 
enlarge  and  strengthen  it  that  it  might  correspond  in  dignity  with  the  insti- 
tution. At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  trustees  in  1850,  it  was  voted  to  take 
measures  to  procure  funds  for  erecting  a  library  building  and  for  increasing 
the  number  of  volumes  owned  by  the  college.  Upwards  of  $15,000  was 
raised  by  subscription,  of  which  Si 0,000  was  devoted  to  a  building  which 
was  begun  in  1852  and  finished  in  1853.  In  1888,  the  building  was  remod- 
eled and  greatly  enlarged,  and  is  to-day  one  of  the  handsomest  structures 
on  the  college  grounds.  The  appointment  of  W.  I.  Fletcher  as  college 
librarian  secured  to  the  college  the  services  of  a  master  of  the  art  of  library 
economy,  who  has  in  countless  ways  made  the  library  of  greatest  value  in 
supplementing  the  work  of  other  departments  of  the  college. 

Reference  has  been  made  to  the  department  of  physical  education 
and  hygiene.  The  work  in  the  department  is  a  requirement  of  the  college 
course,  but  interest  in  it  has  been  greatly  stimulated   by   the  non-required 


GROUP    (M     AMHERST    COLLEGE    FRATERNITY    HOUSES. 


"THE    AMHERST    SYSTEM."  53  I 

work  and  training  of  the  athletic  held.  Amherst,  in  common  with  nearly 
all  colleges  throughout  the  land,  has  been  and  is  a  candidate  for  compet- 
itive athletic  honors.  Its  base-ball  and  foot-ball  and  track  athletics  teams 
have  won  and  lost  championships,  and,  incidentally,  have  advertised  the 
college  and  its  system  of  physical  culture.  Any  extended  sketch  of 
Amherst  College  athletics  would  be  out  of  place  in  this  volume,  but  mention 
should  be  made  of  Pratt-field,  the  fine  athletic  grounds  devoted  to  college 
sports,  the  gift  of  Frederick  K.  Pratt,  a  graduate  of  the  college  in  the  class 
of  1887.  The  Amherst  Musical  association  has  also  borne  an  honorable  part 
in  adding  to  the  knowledge  and  fame  of  Amherst  College  throughout  the 
land. 

To  President  Seelye  the  college  is  indebted  for  the  system  of  "student 
self-government  "  which,  originating  at  Amherst,  has  been  adopted  in 
modified  form  by  many  institutions  for  higher  education.  The  "Amherst 
College  Senate,"  established  in  188a,  consisted  of  four  seniors,  three  juniors, 
two  sophomores  and  one  freshman,  with  the  president  of  the  college  serving 
as  presiding  officer  and  possessing  also  the  veto  power  over  the  doings  of 
the  body.  To  the  senate  questions  of  college  order  and  decorum  were 
referred,  its  decisions,  if  confirmed  by  the  president,  being  binding  upon 
the  college.  The  granting  of  this  measure  of  self-government  to  the 
student  body  met  with  excellent  results,  and  friends  of  the  college  learned 
with  regret  that  it  had  practically  terminated  by  the  resignation  of  the 
members  of  the  senate  in  1894. 

The  Greek  letter  fraternities  have  for  many  years  exercised  a  potent 
influence  upon  student  life  at  Amherst.  Between  the  years  1837  and  1894, 
no  less  than  eleven  of  these  fraternities  have  been  established  at  Amherst, 
all  of  them  yet  remaining  in  prosperous  existence.  A  large  percentage  of 
the  student  body  is  enrolled  in  their  membership  and  social  life  at  the 
college  is  largely  under  their  direction.  In  the  earlier  years  the  fraternities 
were  quartered  in  private  residences,  but  to-day  nearly  every  one  has  its 
chapter  house,  comprising  some  of  the  most  desirable  pieces  of  property 
in  the  village.  Many  members  of  the  college  faculty  are  members  of  the 
fraternities  as  well. 

Julius  H.  Seelye  resigned  the  presidency  of  Amherst  College  in  1890. 
The  trustees  accepted  his  resignation  with  deep  regret,  but  physical  infirm- 
ities compelled  him  to  relinquish  an  office  he  had  filled  with  honor  to  him- 
self and  to  the  lasting  gain  of  the  college.  Pres't  Seelye  died  in  Amherst. 
May  12,  1895.  At  the  college  commencement  in  1S91.  Merrill  Edwards 
Gates  was  inaugurated  as  the  sixth  president  of  Amherst  College,  a  worthy 
successor  to  great  men  gone  before. 


532  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


CHAPTER  LIX. 


The  Agricultural  College. — Causes  Leading  to  its  Establishment. 
Hon.  Marshall  P.  Wilder's  Address. — The  Agricultural 
College  Commission. — President  Hitchcock's  Report. — 
Plans  for  a  College. — The  "  School  of  Agriculture." — 
The  Morrill  Land  Grant  Act. — Its  Provisions. — Massa- 
chusetts Accepts  the  Grant. — The  Agricultural  College 
Trustees  Incorporated. — Their  First  Report. — Securing 
a  Location. — Amherst's  Subscription  to  the  Fund. — The 
Lands  Purchased. — Amherst's  Petition. 

The  history  of  the  Massachusetts  Agricultural  College  is  unwritten, 
save  in  the  annual  reports  of  its  trustees,  the  Acts  and  Resolves  of  the 
Massachusetts  Legislature,  and  a  mass  of  documents  which,  interesting 
in  themselves,  have  yet  to  be  arranged  in  suitable  form  for  reference. 
From  this  material  the  college  historian  of  the  future  will  be  enabled  to 
prepare  a  history  full  of  interest  and  value.  The  scope  of  this  work  will 
permit  little  more  than  an  outline  sketch  of  the  leading  events  connected 
with  the  establishment  and  maintenance  of  an  institution  in  which  the 
town  has  taken  an  active  interest  from  the  beginning,  in  whose  behalf  it 
added  largely  to  its  indebtedness,  and  from  which  it  has  received  generous 
returns  in  many  ways. 

Agriculture  in  New  England,  from  the  earliest  days  of  its  settlement 
by  Europeans,  was  regarded  as  manual  labor  pure  and  simple,  a  hand-to- 
hand  struggle  'to  wring  the  means  of  a  subsistence  from  a  not-too-fertile 
soil.  Strength  and  endurance  were  regarded  as  the  main  requisites  for 
success  in  wielding  the  rude  instruments  of  soil-culture.  Brawn,  not  brain, 
cultivated  the  most  acres  and  raised  the  largest  crops.  The  germs  of  agri- 
cultural education  were  first  developed  by  the  agricultural  societies 
established  in  Massachusetts  early  in  the  Nineteenth  century.  The  farmers 
of  Berkshire,  Hampshire,  Franklin  and  Hampden,  when  gathered  together 
at  the  annual  cattle-shows,  exchanged  valuable  information  on  the  breeding 
of  cattle  and  the  raising  of  farm  crops.  It  was  not  until  1S48  that  Massa- 
chusetts as  a  state  recognized  a  movement  looking  toward  scientific  instruc- 
tion in  agriculture.  The  incorporation  that  year  by  the  General  Court  of 
the  "Massachusetts  Agricultural  Institute,"  a  private  institution,  was  a  pre- 
liminary step  looking  toward  the  establishment  by  the  state  of  an   agricul- 


PRESIDENTS      OF      THE 
MASSACHUSETTS    AGRICULTURAL   COLLEGE 


PRESIDENT    HITCHCOCK S    REPORT.  533 

tural  college.     The  "  institute  "  was  never  founded,  but  seed  had  been  sown 
that  was  in  time  to  yield  a  generous  harvest. 

In  September,  1849,  Hon.  Marshall  P.  Wilder  delivered  an  address 
on  agricultural  education  before  the  Norfolk  Agricultural  society.  The 
suggestions  contained  in  this  address  were  received  with  such  favor  that 
in  1850  a  bill  was  introduced  in  the  General  Court  providing  for  the  estab- 
lishment of  an  agricultural  college  and  experiment  farm.  This  bill 
passed  the  Senate  without  a  dissenting  vote  but  was  rejected  by  the  House. 
The  next  step  taken  was  the  appointment  by  the  governor  of  a  board  of 
commissioners  whose  duty  it  was  to  report  to  the  General  Court  at  its  next 
session  upon  the  expediency  of  establishing  agricultural  schools  or  colleges. 
The  act  providing  for  this  commission  was  approved  by  Gov.  George  N. 
Briggs,  May  3.  1850,  and  June  6  the  following  were  appointed  members  of 
the  commission:  Marshall  P.  Wilder  of  Dorchester,  Edward  Hitchcock  of 
Amherst,  Thomas  E.  Payson  of  Rowley,  Samuel  A.  Eliot  of  Boston,  Ely 
Warren  of  Upton.  Edward  Hitchcock  was  at  that  time  president  of 
Amherst  College  and  was  traveling  in  Europe  for  the  benefit  of  his  health. 
While  in  London  he  received  notice  of  his  appointment  as  a  member  of 
the  commission,  coupled  with  the  request  that  he  visit  as  many  of  the 
agricultural  institutions  in  Europe  as  would  enable  him  to  gain  an  idea  of 
the  system  of  instruction  and  operation  of  the  schools.  With  character- 
istic energy  he  entered  heartily  upon  the  work,  visiting  institutions  in 
England,  Ireland,  Scotland,  Germany,  Switzerland  and  France.  As  the 
result  of  his  investigation,  he  submitted  a  report  to  the  committee,  which 
in  turn  presented  it  to  the  General  Court. 

This  report  presented  the  following  general  facts  :  Of  the  agricul- 
tural institutions  visited,  a  few  were  founded  and  sustained  by  individuals 
or  associations  of  gentlemen  interested  in  agriculture,  but  by  far  the 
greater  number  were  wholly  sustained  or  assisted  by  the  government  of 
the  country  in  which  they  were  located.  Some  consisted  of  professorships 
at  colleges  or  universities,  some  depended  on  colleges  or  universities  for  a 
part  of  their  instructors,  the  greater  number  were  independent  institutions. 
Three  or  four  grades  of  instruction  were  offered.  In  nearly  all  cases 
these  institutions  had  large  or  small  farms  connected  with  them.  From 
his  observations  he  had  arrived  at  the  following  conclusions  :  That  those 
agricultural  institutions  succeed  best  which  are  started  and  sustained  by 
the  mutual  efforts  and  contributions  of  individuals  or  societies  and  of  the 
government.  That  independent  agricultural  institutions  are  essential  to 
accomplish  the  object  aimed  at.  That  essentially  the  same  reasons,  and 
of  greater  force,  exist  for  the  establishment  of  agricultural  schools  in  this 
country  as  in  Europe.  That  Massachusetts  should  lose  no  time  in  taking 
hold  of  the  business  of  agricultural  education  efficiently  and  liberally. 


534  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

He  outlined  three  plans  for  agricultural  education  in  Massachusetts. 
The  first  provided  for  the  establishment  of  an  agricultural  school  or  college 
in  the  state,  possessed  of  all  the  means  necessary  to  give  a  finished  educa- 
tion in  the  principles  and  practice  of  agriculture.  Such  a  school  should 
give  instruction  in  practical  agriculture,  chemistry,  elementary  and  applied, 
natural  history,  especially  zoology  and  botany,  elementary  and  applied 
mineralogy  and  geology,  anatomy  and  physiology,  human  and  comparative, 
veterinary  medicine  and  surgery.  It  should  have  collections  of  models  of 
agricultural  instruments,  dried  seeds,  grains,  etc.,  planed  specimens  of 
useful  kinds  of  wood,  models  of  varieties  of  fruit,  small  collections  of 
simple  minerals  and  rocks,  a  museum  of  economic  geology,  insects  injur- 
ious to  vegetation,  stuffed  specimens  and  drawings  of  species  and  varieties 
of  animals  used  in  agriculture,  a  museum  of  human  and  comparative 
anatomy,  chemical  and  philosophical  apparatus  and  a  scientific  and  agricultu- 
ral library.  It  should  also  have  a  model  and  experiment  farm  of  moderate 
size  and  should  give  instruction  in  practical  farming.  Provision  should 
be  made  for  instruction  in  ancient  and  modern  languages,  and  for  board  on 
the  farm  of  students  willing  to  devote  their  time  daily  to  labor  beyond  that 
required  of  all.  For  this  extra  labor  compensation  should  be  given  suffic- 
ient at  least  to  meet  the  charge  for  board.  The  smallest  number  of  pro- 
fessors needed  at  such  an  institution  would  be  six.  The  course  of  study 
should  embrace  two  years,  and  when  creditably  completed  the  pupils  should 
be  entitled  to  an  agricultural  diploma  or  decree.  Tuition  should  be  made 
as  low  as  possible,  certainly  not  over  $40  per  annum.  Several  scholarships 
should  be  founded  by  the  state,  to  be  given  to  the  most  diligent  and  suc- 
cessful pupils.  In  addition  to  this  principal  institution,  agricultural  depart- 
ments should  be  established  in  academies  in  the  different  counties.  Agri- 
cultural manuals  might  be  introduced  into  primary  schools  if  any  children 
desired  the  study.  The  cost  of  establishing  such  a  system  of  agricultural 
education  was  estimated  by  President  Hitchcock  at  $70,000,  the  annual 
cost  of  its  maintenance  at  $9,200. 

The  second  plan  suggested  was  for  the  location  of  an  agricultural 
institute  so  near  some  existing  literary  institution  that  the  pupils  could 
attend  its  scientific  lectures  and  study  its  collections  in  natural  history. 
The  first  cost  of  such  an  institution  was  estimated  at  $66,300.  the  annual 
expenditure  after  the  first  year  at  $3,800.  The  third  plan  was  to  establish 
a  central  school  or  college,  one-half  the  expense  to  be  defrayed  by  the 
government,  the  remainder  by  individuals,  and  also  to  establish  agricultu- 
ral departments  in  the  academies  in  different  counties.  The  college  should 
have  a  president,  a  professor  of  agriculture  and  a  farm  superintendent,  at 
small  salaries,   and  one  tutor  for  each  30  students.     The  original  cost  of 


THE    LAND    GRANT    ACT.  535 

such  a  system  was  estimated  at  $28,300,  the  annual  expense  for  maintenance 
at  $2,100.  It  is  interesting  to  compare  these  plans  as  outlined  by  Presi- 
dent Hitchcock  with  those  afterwards  adopted  and  put  in  practice  at  the 
Massachusetts  Agricultural  College.  Time  has  proven  in  many  things  the 
wisdom  of  his  suggestions,  and  to  the  memory  of  no  man,  save  perhaps  to 
that  of  President  W.  S.  Clark,  does  the  college  owe  so  great  a  debt  of 
gratitude. 

President  Hitchcock's  report  was  accepted  by  the  General  Court,  but 
other  matters  of  grave  import  demanding  attention  no  action  was  taken 
looking  toward  the  adoption  of  its  recommendations.  In  1856,  several 
men  who  had  been  prominent  in  the  project  for  establishing  an  agricultural 
college,  associated  together  to  establish  a  school  and  were  incorporated 
under  the  name  of  the  "  Massachusetts  School  of  Agriculture."  No 
further  action  was  taken  at  the  time,  and  in  i860  the  charter  was  trans- 
ferred to  citizens  of  Springfield,  who  determined  to  raise  $75,000  by  sub- 
scription and  open  the  school  in  that  city,  looking  to  the  General  Court 
for  a  further  endowment.  Dec.  14. 1857,  Hon.  Justin  S.  Morrill,  a  represen- 
tative in  the  national  Congress  from  the  state  of  Vermont,  introduced  in 
that  body  a  bill  providing  for  the  donation  of  a  portion  of  the  government 
lands  for  the  endowment  of  a  college  in  each  state,  where  should  be  taught 
such  branches  of  learning  as  are  related  to  agriculture  and  the  mechanic 
arts.  This  bill  passed  both  branches  of  Congress  only  to  be  vetoed  by 
President  Buchanan.  It  was  finally  enacted  July  2,  1862,  receiving  the 
signature  of  President  Lincoln. 

This  act  granted  to  each  state  30,000  acres  of  public  land  for  each 
senator  and  representative  in  Congress  under  the  apportionment  of  i860. 
States  in  which  there  were  no  public  lands  subject  to  sale  at  private  entry 
should  receive  land  scrip,  to  be  sold  by  said  states  and  the  proceeds 
applied  to  the  designated  objects.  All  expenses  of  management  of  lands 
and  the  sale  thereof  were  to  be  borne  by  the  states.  All  moneys  received 
from  the  sales  of  land  or  land  scrip  were  to  be  invested  in  safe  stocks, 
yielding  not  less  than  five  per  cent,  on  their  par  value,  and  the  money  so 
invested  should  constitute  a  perpetual  fund,  the  capital  to  remain  forever 
undiminished  and  the  interest  to  be  appropriated  "to  the  endowment, 
support  and  maintenance  of  at  least  one  college  where  the  leading 
object  shall  be,  without  excluding  other  scientific  and  classical  studies 
and  including  military  tactics,  to  teach  such  branches  of  learning 
as  are  related  to  agriculture  and  the  mechanic  arts."  If  any  portion 
of  this  fund  should  be  diminished  or  lost  it  should  be  replaced  by 
the  state  to  which  it  belonged.  A  sum  not  exceeding  ten  per  cent,  of  the 
amount  received  by  any  state  might  be  expended  for  lands  for  the  site  of 


536  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

buildings  or  for  an  experiment  farm.  No  portion  of  the  fund  or  interest 
should  be  applied  directly  or  indirectly,  under  any  pretence  whatever,  to 
the  purchase,  erection,  preservation  or  repair  of  any  building  or  buildings. 
Any  state  accepting  the  provisions  of  the  act  should  provide  within  five 
years  at  least  one  college  as  defined  above.  The  act  must  be  accepted  by 
the  state  within  two  years  from  the  time  of  its  passage. 

In  his  address  to  the  General  Court,  Jan.  9,  1S63,  Gov.  John  A. 
Andrew  discussed  at  length  the  provisions  of  this  grant.  He  spoke  of 
the  bequest  by  Benjamin  Bussey  to  Harvard  College  of  a  large  property 
for  the  establishment  of  an  institute  for  agricultural  education,  and  also  of 
the  founding  of  the  Massachusetts  Institute  of  Technology.  He  argued 
strongly  in  favor  of  uniting  the  institution  provided  for  by  the  Morrill  act 
with  others  already  established.  The  joint  special  committee  of  the 
General  Court  to  which  was  referred  that  part  of  the  governor's  address 
relating  to  agricultural  colleges  submitted  its  report  March  26.  A  strong 
effort  had  been  made  to  secure  a  part  of  the  fund  for  the  Institute  of 
Technology.  The  suggestions  made  by  Gov.  Andrew  had  also  met  with 
hearty  support.  A  committee  of  the  State  Board  of  Agriculture  had 
urgently  opposed  locating  the  college  near  Boston  or  connecting  it  with 
any  other  institution.  The  trustees  of  Amherst  and  Williams  colleges  had 
expressed  a  desire  to  receive  a  part  of  the  fund  on  condition  of  giving 
instruction  in  agriculture  and  the  mechanic  acts.  A  sub-committee  having 
examined  the  Agricultural  College  in  Pennsylvania,  reported  as  their  united 
opinion  that  an  agricultural  college  should  be  established  in  Massachusetts 
similar  to  that  in  Pennsylvania;  that  it  should  be  wholly  disconnected  from 
all  existing  institutions,  and  separate  from  all  large  cities  and  towns  ;  that 
it  should  recognize  the  principle  of  daily  manual  labor  by  its  students  as 
essential  to  success  ;  that  the  necessary  funds  for  founding  the  institution 
should  be  contributed  equally  by  the  state  and  by  individuals.  The  full 
committee  reported  :  That  the  grant  of  Congress  should  be  accepted  and 
its  conditions  faithfully  complied  with  ;  that  one-tenth  of  the  whole  amount 
received  from  sale  of  the  land  scrip  be  set  aside  for  the  purchase  of  lands 
to  be  used  in  connection  with  the  agricultural  college  proper  ;  that  of  the 
remaining  nine-tenths  one-third  be  devoted  to  the  use  of  the  Institute  of 
Technology,  under  direction  of  its  trustees,  and  the  remaining  two-thirds 
to  the  use  of  an  agricultural  college  under  the  control  of  a  board  of 
trustees. 

By  an  act  of  the  General  Court  passed  April  18,  Massachusetts 
accepted  the  grant  from  the  national  government.  The  governor  was 
authorized  to  receive  the  land  scrip  to  which  the  state  was  entitled  and  to 
appoint  a  commissioner  to  locate   and    sell   the   same,  the  proceeds  to  be 


THE  TRUSTEES  INCORPORATED.  537 

deposited  with  the  state  treasurer  who  should  receive  and  hold  the  same. 
April  27,  an  act  was  passed  dividing  the  income  from  sale  of  the  scrip. 
giving  one-third  to  the  Institute  of  Technology.  April  29,  an  act  was 
passed  to  incorporate  the  trustees  of  the  Massachusetts  Agricultural 
College.  The  names  of  the  incorporators  were  :  Marshall?.  Wilder,  George 
B.  Loring,  Charles  L.  Flint,  Paoli  Lathrop,  Hollis  Tidd,  Henry  Colt  and 
Charles  G.  Davis.  The  leading  object  of  the  institution  was  to  be  that 
expressed  in  the  congressional  grant.  The  board  of  trustees  should  never 
number  more  than  14  and  the  governor  of  the  commonwealth,  the  secre- 
tary of  the  board  of  education  and  the  president  of  the  college  faculty 
should  be  members  ex-officiis  The  trustees  were  empowered  to  elect  a 
president  and  members  of  the  faculty  of  the  college,  to  determine  their 
duties,  salaries,  etc.,  to  purchase  or  erect  buildings,  to  make  rules  for  the 
government  of  the  college,  to  determine  the  course  of  instruction  and  to 
confer  degrees.  The  General  Court  might  appoint  overseers  or  visitors  of 
the  college.  The  trustees  should  determine  the  location  of  the  college 
and  should  purchase  or  obtain  by  gift  a  tract  of  land  containing 
at  least  100  acres  for  an  experiment  farm  in  connection  therewith,  and 
should  make  such  provision  for  manual  labor  on  the  farm  by  students  as 
they  deemed  just  and  reasonable.  One-tenth  of  the  money  received  from 
the  sale  of  land  scrip  should  go  toward  the  purchase  of  a  farm,  provided 
the  college  should  procure  by  valid  subscription  or  otherwise  the  sum  of 
5 7 5.000  for  erecting  buildings  thereon. 

Jan.  6,  1S64,  George  Marston,  William  S.  Southworth  and  Charles  L. 
Flint,  a  committee  of  the  trustees,  submitted  to  the  General  Court  a  report 
of  the  doings  of  the  board.  The  corporation  had  been  organized  in  con- 
formity with  the  statutes  of  the  commonwealth,  Nov.  18,  T863,  with  His 
Excellency  John  A.  Andrew  as  president,  Hon.  Allen  W.  Dodge  vice-presi- 
dent and  Charles  L.  Flint  secretary.  By-laws  had  been  adopted  for  the 
government  of  the  corporation.  A  committee  had  been  appointed  to  have 
in  charge  the  raising  of  subscriptions  to  the  funds  required  by  law  to  put 
the  Agricultural  College  in  operation, to  consider  the  subject  of  a  location 
for  the  college  and  to  receive  proposals  concerning  the  same.  Several 
propositions  had  been  made  to  the  committee  with  reference  to  the  location 
of  the  college.  Early  in  1864,  the  trustees  petitioned  the  General  Court 
to  enact  a  law  enabling  them  to  accept  subscriptions  and  locate  and  organ- 
ize the  college  with  the  least  possible  delay.  A  memorial  to  the  same 
effect  was  presented  by  the  State  Board  of  Agriculture.  May  1 1,  the  General 
Court  passed  an  act  changing  the  name  of  the  corporation  to  the  Massa- 
chusetts Agricultural  College.  Authority  concerning  the  location,  plan  of 
organization,  trovernment   and   course   of    study  at  the  college   was    taken 


538  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

from  the  General  Court  and  given  to  the  governor  and  council.  The 
governor  was  authorized  to  transfer  to  the  college  one-tenth  of  the  land 
scrip  received  from  the  United  States,  the  proceeds  from  the  sale  to  be 
devoted  to  the  purchase  of  land.  The  sum  of  $10,000  per  annum  was 
appropriated  to  defray  the  necessary  expenses  of  establishing  and  main- 
taining the  college.  All  moneys  received  by  the  state  treasurer  as  the 
annual  interest  or  income  of  the  fund  established  by  sale  of  the  land  scrip 
should  be  applied  to  the  payment  of  this  annual  appropriation,  the  balance 
to  be  made  up  out  of  the  state  treasury. 

The  matter  of  selecting  and  securing  a  suitable  location  for  the  college 
was  one  of  the  most  difficult  problems  with  which  the  trustees  had  to 
contend.  Many  towns  in  the  state  were  anxious  to  secure  the  benefits 
that  would  arise  from  the  location  of  the  college  within  their  limits,  but 
few  were  ready  to  comply  with  the  requirement  of  the  General  Court  that 
$75,000  be  raised  and  presented  to  the  trustees  ere  a  location  was  granted. 
In  January,  1863,  the  trustees  of  Amherst  College  petitioned  the  General 
Court  that  the  Agricultural  College  be  located  in  connection  with  their 
institution.  This  petition  was  refused  as  was  one  of  similar  purport  from 
the  trustees  of  Williams  College.  The  early  labors  of  President  Hitch- 
cock in  behalf  of  agricultural  education  had  awakened  a  deep  interest  in 
the  subject  in  the  minds  of  Amherst  residents,  and  once  it  had  been  deter- 
mined that  the  Agricultural  College  was  not  to  be  connected  with  Harvard 
College  or  the  Institute  of  Technology,  but  would  be  a  separate  institution, 
there  was  a  general  and  earnest  desire  on  their  part  that  the  college  should 
come  to  Amherst.  A  special  town-meeting  was  held  Jan.  25,  1864,  to  see 
if  the  town  would  vote  money  for  an  agricultural  college.  Only  about 
100  voters  were  present  but  a  strong  sentiment  in  favor  of  the  college  was 
expressed.  Short  speeches  were  made  by  Col.  YV.  S.  Clark,  Luke  Sweetser, 
I.  F.  Conkey,  Edward  Dickinson  and  A.  P.  Howe.  It  was  voted  to  give 
the  trustees  of  the  proposed  college  S5o,ooo  if  the  college  should  be 
located  in  Amherst,  and  the  General  Court  would  give  the  town  permission 
to  make  the  gift.  The  vote  on  the  question  was  79  in  favor  and  7  opposed. 
The  money  was  to  be  raised  by  giving  bonds  or  by  direct  taxation.  Col. 
W.  S.  Clark  addressed  the  meeting  and  said  that  the  people  of  Springfield 
had  given  up  all  hope  of  securing  the  college  for  that  place.  Northamp- 
ton and  Amherst  were  the  only  real  competitors  for  the  college.  Thefund 
bequeathed  by  Oliver  Smith  could  not  be  used  in  establishing  the  college, 
and  it  would  be  folly  to  encumber  the  institution  by  the  provisions  Of  the 
Smith  will.  Two  tracts  of  land  in  Amherst  had  been  suggested  as  suitable 
for  the  location  of  the  college,  one  owned  by  Henry  Cobb,  one- 
half  mile  north  of  the  village,  the   other  owned  by   Alfred   Baker  and   R. 


THE    COLLEGE    FARM.  539 

S.  Lincoln,  just  south  of  the  village,  where  it  had   at  first  been    proposed 
to  locate  Amherst  College. 

Amherst's  petition  to  be  allowed  to  raise  $50,000  by  taxation  to  secure 
the  location  of  the  college  came  before  the  General  Court  for  action  in 
February:  it  was  signed  by  nearly  every  tax-payer  in  the  town.  The 
petition  was  opposed  by  interested  parties  and  was  rejected.  April  28, 
1864,  the  college  trustees  visited  Amherst.  They  viewed  several  farms 
offered  for  their  inspection,  including  that  of  L.  D.  Cowles,  which  with  two 
others  adjacent  contained  414  acres,  valued  at  $40,000.  The  trustees 
were  addressed  by  Levi  Stockbridge,  Prof.  W.  S.  Clark  and  President 
Stearns.  May  25,  the  trustees  decided  by  unanimous  vote  to  locate  the 
college  at  Amherst,  provided  that  town  should  raise  the  $75,000  required 
by  the  act  of  incorporation.  In  June,  Governor  Andrew  and  council, 
together  with  the  executive  committee  of  the  board  of  trustees,  visited 
Amherst.  The  General  Court  having  refused  to  the  town  the  right  to  raise 
the  requisite  sum  by  taxation,  it  was  determined  to  secure  it  by  subscrip- 
tion. Public  meetings  were  held  in  various  parts  of  the  town,  and  subscription 
papers  were  circulated,  the  response  being  so  generous  that  the  Express 
announced  under  date  of  Aug.  2  that  the  sum  of  $50,000  had  been  pledged. 
In  the  early  part  of  September  field  surveyors  were  employed  in  surveying 
the  lands  which  it  was  proposed  to  secure  for  the  college  farm.  Sept.  13, 
a  hearing  was  given  by  the  governor's  council  on  the  question  of  confirm- 
ing or  rejecting  the  action  of  the  trustees  in  locating  the  college  at  Amherst. 
At  this  hearing  the  statement  was  made  that  many  farmers  in  Western 
Massachusetts  and  officers  of  agricultural  societies  were  opposed  to  the 
location.  The  council  sustained  the  trustees  in  their  action,  and  the  exec- 
utive committee  of  the  trustees  was  authorized,  Oct.  3,  to  take  conveyances 
of  the  lands  under  contract  for  the  college  site  and  farm.  Following  is  a 
list  of  those  persons  selling  land  to  the  trustees,  the  amount  sold  and  the 
price  received  : 

Henry  Cobb,  42-73  acres,  $6,409.50 

Chester  Cowles,  60.93       "  6,710.00 

John  Donahue.  9.63       "  2,170.00 

D.  K.  Bangs,  29.69       ''  2,000.00 

L.  D.  Cowles,  1 44.13       ••  14.950.00 

J.  S.  Crouch,  23.44       '•  2,760.00 


3IO-55  $34,999-5° 

On  the  land  purchased  there  were  five  sets  of  farm  buildings  of  no 
great  permanent  value.  Adjoining  the  estate,  and  heretofore  occupied  as 
parts  of  two  of  the  farms  comprised  by  it,    was  a  tract  of  about  73   acres, 


54°  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

which  the  trustees  considered  it  advisable  to  control  for  the  future  use  of 
the  college.  Dr.  Nathan  Durfee  of  Fall  River,  treasurer  of  the  corpora- 
tion, advanced  from  his  private  funds  $8,000,  taking  in  his  own  name  deeds 
of  this  addition  with  the  proviso  that  the  college  might  purchase  it  when 
able.  Although  the  sum  of  $50,000  had  been  raised  by  subscription,  it 
was  the  general  desire  of  the  citizens  that  a  tax  should  be  laid  covering 
the  full  amount,  and  as  a  means  to  this  end  at  the  election  in  November 
Prof.  W.  S.  Clark  was  elected  a  representative  to  the  General  Court.  At 
a  town-meeting  held  Nov.  19,  it  was  voted  that  the  selectmen  be  a  commit- 
tee of  the  town  and  instructed  to  petition  the  General  Court  for  leave  to 
raise,  either  by  the  issue  of  bonds  or  direct  taxation,  the  sum  of  $50,000 
and  donate  the  same  to  the  Agricultural  College.  It  was  also  voted  that 
the  district's  representative  be  requested  to  see  that  every  effort  was  made 
to  carry  through  the  General  Court  an  act  for  the  above  petition,  and  that 
the  selectmen  might  employ  help  to  further  the  object.  The  Express, 
in  its  report  of  this  meeting  under  date  of  Nov.  25,  says  that  the  sum 
donated  to  the  college  was  subscribed  and  guaranteed  by  responsible 
parties.  By  almost  unanimous  consent  the  citizens  of  the  town  and  sub- 
scribers to  the  fund  deemed  it  best  to  fund  the  amount  to  be  raised  (and 
as  almost  all  the  tax-payers  had  subscribed  the  amount  of  their  tax  it  would 
make  but  very  little  difference)  in  the  corporate  capacity  of  the  town,  that 
payments  might  be  extended  through  a  series  of  years  instead  of  the  full 
amount  being  paid  at  once. 

In  accordance  with  the  town's  vote,  the  selectmen  prepared  a  petition 
which  was  presented  to  the  General  Court  soon  after  its  assembling  in 
January,  1865.  At  the  risk  of  some  slight  repetition,  a  general  summary 
of  the  contents  of  this  petition  is  here  presented.  The  college  was  incor- 
porated in  1863,  the  trustees  being  required  to  secure,  by  subscription  or 
otherwise,  $75,000  for  buildings  as  a  condition  of  location.  With  this 
condition  only  four  towns  ever  offered  to  comply,  Northampton,  Springfield, 
Lexington  and  Amherst.  Northampton  raised  $75,000  by  subscription; 
Springfield  expected  to  receive  $75,000  from  one  individual  ;  Lexington 
relied  on  one  party  for  $50,000  and  expected  to  raise  the  balance  by  sub- 
scription. Residents  of  Amherst,  in  town-meeting  held  Jan.  25,  1864, 
voted  to  raise  $50,000  by  taxation  and  $25,000  by  subscription.  Applica- 
tion for  authority  to  tax  was  made  to  the  General  Court  of  1864,  the  peti- 
tion being  signed  by  the  selectmen  and  447  legal  voters,  there  being  no 
remonstrants.  The  judiciary  committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
reported  a  bill  granting  the  desired  power.  In  the  absence  of  the  member 
from  Amherst,  the  bill  was  loaded  down  with  amendments,  and.  opposed 
by   the    members  from    Northampton,    Springfield   and     Lexington,     was 


AMHERST  S    PETITION.  541 

defeated  by  the  House.  The  trustees  of  the  college  having  examined  all 
the  farms  shown  them  in  the  towns  named,  voted  unanimously,  May  25, 
to  locate  in  Amherst,  provided  $75,000  was  secured  to  them.  Accordingly 
a  tax  of  $50,000  was  assessed  upon  the  tax-payers  and  everyone  was 
asked  to  subscribe  the  amount  of  his  or  her  tax.  In  this  manner  $25,000 
was  subscribed  by  about  300  tax-payers  of  the  town.  While  there  was 
no  unwillingness  to  bear  the  assessment,  many  felt  unable  to  pay  the  whole 
at  once.  At  a  town-meeting  held  July  22,  it  was  voted  to  hold  meetings  in 
different  parts  of  the  town  for  the  purpose  of  raising  contributions.  At 
a  town-meeting  held  July  28,  it  was  voted  to  circulate  a  pledge  among 
the  citizens  to  see  whether  they  were  still  in  favor  of  adhering  to  the  vote 
of  [an.  25,  donating  $50,000  to  the  college.  There  was  no  opposition, 
and  in  two  days  442  tax-payers  pledged  themselves  to  adhere  to  the  action 
of  the  town  and  to  use  all  their  influence  to  secure  the  passage  of  a  law 
authorizing  the  town  to  issue  bonds.  At  a  town-meeting  held  Aug.  1,  it 
was  voted  to  continue  the  effort  to  raise  the  sum  of  $50,000,  on  condition 
that  the  subscriptions  should  be  paid  unless  the  town  gained  authority 
from  the  General  Court  to  assume  payment.  The  sum  of  $53,000  was 
pledged,  and  Aug.  4  the  subscription-book  was  placed  in  the  hands  of 
President  French.  The  latter  prepared  two  legal  and  unconditional  bonds, 
one  for  the  payment  of  $50,000,  the  other  for  the  payment  of  $25,000,  to 
the  Massachusetts  Agricultural  College,  in  consideration  of  its  location  in 
the  town  of  Amherst.  The  first  was  signed  by  15  gentlemen,  the  second 
by  ten,  and  these  bonds  were  approved  by  the  governor  and  council. 

In  1S64,  there  were  held  eight  public  meetings,  including  five  legal 
town-meetings,  for  special  consideration  of  the  question  of  giving  $50,000 
to  the  college,  and  not  one  word  was  spoken  against  the  proposition  at 
any  meeting.  Several  articles  were  published  in  the  Express  in  favor  of 
the  proposition  and  not  one  against  it.  There  were  no  remonstrants  to  the 
petition  of  the  town  to  the  General  Court  of  1S64.  Nov.  8,  1864,  W.  S. 
Clark  was  elected  representative  to  the  General  Court,  with  the  express 
understanding  that  he  was  to  assist  in  the  passage  of  the  desired  legislation. 
Out  of  761  votes  cast  in  the  district  he  received  754.  The  petitioners 
then  called  attention  to  the  benefits  that  would  accrue  to  the  town  from  the 
location  of  the  college  there,  and  to  the  undoubted  financial  ability  of  the 
town  to  meet  the  expenditure.  The  valuation  of  the  town  was  $2,000,000  ; 
it  had  increased  $500,000  since  i860.  Its  debt  amounted  to  $18,000  and  it 
owned  $32,000  in  real  estate.  The  rate  of  taxation  in  1S64  was  $1.10  on 
$100,  while  the  average  rate  in  the  state  was  $1.45.  Since  the  purchase 
of  the  college  farm  in  December,  a  few  selfish  and  designing  men  had 
striven  to  awaken  opposition  to  the  plan  which  the  town  had  unanimously 


542  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

voted  to  adopt,  Nov.  8.  Having  elected  a  representative  to  the  General 
Court  with  the  express  object  of  gaining  authority  to  tax  the  town,  they 
now  remonstrated  against  such  taxation,  without  assigning  any  reason. 
Their  reason  was  obvious  ;  they  desired  to  secure  the  benefit  of  the  college 
without  paying  for  it,  and  to  compel  the  public-spirited  citizens  who,  rely- 
ing upon  their  honor,  had  guaranteed  the  $50,000.  to  pay  it.  Of  the  159 
remonstrants,  9  never  paid  a  tax  in  Amherst,  29  signed  a  solemn  pledge  in 
July  to  use  all  their  influence  to  obtain  authority  from  the  General  Court  to 
bond  the  town,  48  signed  either  the  petitions  of  1S64  or  1865,  and  all 
legal  voters  either  failed  to  vote  for  representative  or  voted  for  one  whom 
they  knew  would  endeavor  to  secure  the  passage  of  the  bill  nowbeforethe 
General  Court ;  12  had  signed  a  paper  averring  that  their  names  were  pro- 
cured by  false  statements.  The  remonstrants  paid  less  than  it  per  cent, 
of  the  taxes  and  their  leaders  were  farmers  for  whose  special  benefit  the 
college  was  designed,  None  of  them  were  distinguished  for  public  spirit. 
The  484  petitioners  comprised  all  the  lawyers,  physicians,  settled  ministers 
and  teachers,  including  the  entire  faculty  of  Amherst  College,  all  mer- 
chants, mechanics  and  business  men,  as  well  as  a  large  majority  of  the 
most  enterprising  and  successful  farmers. 

In  accordance  with  this  petition,  the  committee  on  judiciary  brought 
in  a  bill  authorizing  the  town  to  raise  $50,000  for  the  benefit  of  the  college, 
on  condition  that  at  a  legal  town-meeting,  called  for  that  purpose,  two-thirds 
of  those  present  and  voting  should  be  recorded  in  its  favor.  This  bill  was 
passed  by  the  General  Court  and  approved  May  5.  At  a  special  town- 
meeting  held  May  15,  the  town  voted,  359  to  104,  to  accept  the  authority 
granted  by  this  act.  Hon.  Edward  Dickinson,  Leonard  M.  Hills  and  A. 
R.  Cushman  were  appointed  a  committee  to  advise  with  the  selectmen  and 
treasurer  in  relation  to  the  disposal  of  the  bonds.  The  thanks  of  the 
town  were  voted  to  Col.  W.  S.  Clark  for  his  successful  work  in  securing 
the  passage  of  the  act. 


PRESIDENT    FRENCH.  543 


CHAPTER   LX. 


Hon.   Henry  F.  French  Elected  President. — Plan    for    Organiza- 
tion.—  Locating    the    Buildings. — Prof.     Paul    A.    Chad- 
bourne  Succeeds  President  French. — Injunction   Against 
.  the  Town. — Courses  of  Instruction. — Buildings  Contracted 
for.  —  College    Bonds    and    Loans.  —  William     S.     Clark 
Elected     President.  —  Requisites     for     Admission.  —  The 
College    Opens. — President    Clark's    Report. — Grants  by 
the  General  Court. — New  Buildings. — Gifts  to  the  Col- 
lege.— Unsuccessful  Effort  to  Remove  the  College  from 
State  Control. 
Nov.  29,  1S64,  Hon.  Henry  Flagg  French  was  elected  by  the  trustees 
the   first   president   of    the    Massachusetts   Agricultural   College.       Judge 
French  was  born  Aug.  14,  18 13,  at  Chester,  N.  H.      He  was  graduated  at 
Dartmouth  College,  studied  law  at  Harvard  College  and  was  admitted  to 
the  New  Hampshire  bar  Aug.    14,    1834.      He  practiced  his  profession   at 
Chester,    Portsmouth   and   Exeter,    N.    H.   and  at  Cambridge  and  Boston, 
Mass.      He  was  postmaster  of  Chester,   N.   H.   in    1840;   county  solicitor 
and  bank  commissioner  of  Rockingham  for   several   years;  judge   of  the 
court  of  common  pleas  of  N.  H,    1S55-59  ;   assistant   district   attorney   of 
Suffolk  county,  Mass.,  1S62-64.      He   took  a   deep  interest   in   agriculture 
and  agricultural  education.      In  1857,  he  traveled  in  Europe  for  the  purpose 
of  studying  drainage,  and  his  work  on  that  subject  had   much  to  do  with 
the  introduction  of  tile  drainage  in  America.     He  was  associate  editor  of 
the  New  England  Farmer  and  wrote  much  for  the  Massachusetts  Ploughman, 
Country  Gentleman  and  other   agricultural  journals.     When  elected  to  the 
presidency  of  the  Agricultural  College,  the  affairs  of  that  institution  were 
hardly  in  condition  to  attract  the  services  of  such  a  successful  and  distin- 
guished man  of  affairs  as  Judge  French.      The  commissioner  appointed  by 
the  governor  to  sell  the  land  scrip  had  disposed  of  about  100,000  acres  at 
an  average  price  of  80  cents  an  acre  ;  the  proceeds  had  been   deposited 
with  the  state  treasurer  and  placed  at  interest.     There  was  no  immediate 
prospect  for  the  sale  of  the  balance  of  the  scrip.  • 

The  college  trustees,   at  a   meeting  held   Feb.  3,    1865,  adopted  by 
unanimous  vote  a  plan   of  organization    and  course  of  study,  which  were 


544  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

submitted  to  the  governor  and  council  for  approval.  After  a  hearing 
before  the  latter  authorities,  the  papers  were  returned,  accompanied  by  the 
suggestion  that  approval  at  that  time  would  be  premature.  The  plan,  in 
outline,  was  as  follows:  The  estate  was  to  be  furnished  with  model  farm 
buildings,  to  be  erected  from  time  to  time  as  the  increasing  productiveness 
of  the  farm  should  require  ;  to  be  supplied  with  farm  implements  of  the 
most  approved  kinds,  and  stocked  with  a  variety  of  the  best  thoroughbred 
and  other  animals  that  might  be  procured  ;  the  farm  to  be  conducted, 
primarily,  for  the  education  of  the  pupils,  by  way  of  illustration  in  agri- 
culture, horticulture,  botany,  stock-growing  and  other  affairs.  A  college 
building  should  be  erected  immediately,  for  lecture  and  recitation  rooms, 
library,  museums  of  natural  history  and  of  farm  implements  and  products, 
chemical  laboratories,  halls  for  exhibition  and  military  drill,  armory  and 
chapel,  and  rooms  for  president,  librarian  and  other  officers.  The  college 
should  have  a  president,  to  reside  at  the  farm  and  have  general  charge  of 
its  affairs  under  the  trustees,  and  a  faculty  composed  of  the  president, 
the  resident  professors  and  the  farm  superintendent.  There  should  be 
established  departments  of  agriculture  and  horticulture,  physics,  mathe- 
matics, engineering,  natural  history,  chemistry,  political  economy,  philos- 
ophy and  Christian  morals,  comparative  anatomy  and  animal  physiology 
including  veterinary  surgery  and  medicine,  modern  language  and  literature, 
physical  education  including  military  tactics.  The  general  course  of  study 
should  embrace  four  years,  with  permission  for  shorter  elective  courses. 
Applicants  for  admission  as  students  should  be  at  least  16  years  of  age 
and  should  pass  such  an  examination  as  is  required  for  admission  to  the 
state  normal  schools  and  such  further  examination  as  might  be  required. 
Manual  labor  should  be  required  daily  of  every  student,  under  conditions 
arranged  by  the  faculty,  who  might  allow  compensation  for  extra  work. 
The  charge  for  tuition  should  be  fixed  by  the  trustees,  with  such  free 
scholarships  as  might  be  established  by  public  and  private  bounty.  A 
comparison  of  the  list  of  studies  recommended  by  the  trustees  with  that 
suggested  by  President  Hitchcock  in  his  report  in  185  1,  and  with  the  sugges- 
tions made  by  Gov.  Andrew  in  his  address  to  the  General  Court  in  1863, 
shows  great  similarity.  The  sciences  were  to  be  taught  with  special  refer- 
ence to  their  application  to  agriculture. 

April  1,  1S65,  the  executive  committee  of  the  college  trustees  leased 
the  college  lands  for  one  year  at  the  rate  of  five  per  cent,  on  their  cost 
price.  It  was  proposed  to  enclose  the  entire  farm  with  a  hedge  of  pines. 
May  11,  the  General  Court  passed  an  act  granting  $10,000  to  the  trustees 
to  aid  in  establishing  the  college.  The  trustees  held  a  meeting  Aug.  2  at 
the  Amherst  house.     A  plan  for  the  college  was  adopted,   and  a  building 


PAUL    A.    CHADBOURNE    ELECTED    PRESIDENT.  545 

committee  appointed,  with  full  power  to  locate  the  necessary  buildings  and 
instructions  to  place  them  at  once  under  contract.  The  building  committee 
consisted  of  President  French,  Henry  F.  Hills,  Hon.  William  B.  Wash- 
burn, Hon.  Joseph  White,  treasurer  of  Williams  College,  and  Prof.  Henry  L. 
Whiting  of  Martha's  Vineyard.  They  purchased  of  Dwight  Presho,  for 
$500,  a  granite  quarry  in  Pelham  and  proposed  to  construct  the  buildings 
of  stone.  In  September,  President  French  established  an  office  in  the 
Amherst  Academy  building.  The  first  load  of  stone  for  the  buildings  was 
drawn  through  the  streets  of  Amherst  Oct.  7,  by  M.  F.  Dickinson. 
Trouble  arose  among  the  trustees  concerning  the  site  for  the  college 
buildings.  It  was  at  first  determined  to  locate  the  main  building  on  the 
site  of  the  Henderson  house  by  the  side  of  the  county  road.  Some  of 
the  trustees  objected,  and  the  services  of  prominent  architects  and  land- 
scape gardeners  were  secured  to  settle  the  controversy.  It  was  at  length 
decided  to  locate  the  buildings  on  the  ridge  running  north  and  south  near 
the  center  of  the  college  grounds.  President  French  took  an  active  part 
in  this  controversy,  and  his  resignation,  which  was  tendered  and  accepted 
Sept.  29,  1866,  was  largely  due  to  the  feeling  that  his  wishes  had  not  been 
as  fully  consulted  in  the  matter  as  they  should  have  been.  After  leaving 
the  college  Judge  French  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law,  and  from  1876 
to  1885  served  as  assistant  secretary  of  the  treasury,  at  Washington,  D. 
C.  He  was  a  contributor  to  the  reports  of  the  agricultural  department  at 
Washington  and  vice-president  of  the  United  States  Agricultural  society. 
He  died  from  an  affection  of  the  heart,  at  Concord,  Mass.,  Nov.  29,  1885. 
In  January,  1866,  a  petition  signed  by  ten  legal  voters  of  Amherst 
was  presented  to  the  supreme  judicial  court,  for  an  injunction  to  restrain 
the  town  and  its  officers  from  issuing  bonds  or  raising  money  to  the  amount 
of  $50,000,  on  credit  of  the  town,  for  the  Agricultural  College,  under 
votes  of  the  town  passed  in  pursuance  of  an  act  of  the  General  Court. 
A  temporary  injunction  was  granted,  and  this  was  not  removed  until  Jan- 
uary, 1867.  Nov.  7,  1866,  Prof.  Paul  A.  Chadbourne  of  Williams  College 
received  the  unanimous  vote  of  the  trustees  for  president  of  the  Agricul- 
tural College.  He  accepted  the  position  and  entered  upon  the  duties  of 
his  office  Dec.  1.  President  Chadbourne  was  a  native  of  North  Berwick, 
Me.,  where  he  was  born  Oct.  21,  1823.  He  was  fitted  for  college  at  Phillips 
(Exeter)  Academy,  entered  the  sophomore  class  at  Williams  College  in  1845 
and  was  graduated  in  1848,  being  the  valedictorian  of  his  class.  After 
graduation  he  taught  school  in  Freehold,  N.  J.,  one  year,  was  principal  of 
the  high  school  at  Great  Falls,  N.  H.  in  1850,  and  was  subsequently  for 
two  years  principal  of  East  Windsor  (Conn.)  Academy.  From  1853  until 
his  summons  to  Amherst  he  was  professor  of  chemistry,  botany  and  natural 
35 


546  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

history  at  Williams  College.  He  conducted  a  scientific  expedition  to  New- 
foundland and  Labrador  in  1855  ;  one  to  Florida  in  1857  and  one  to 
Greenland  in  1861.  In  1859,  he  visited  Sweden,  Norway,  Denmark, 
Greenland  and  Iceland  for  the  purpose  of  studying  geysers  and  volcanoes. 
At  about  the  same  time  that  he  received  his  call  to  Amherst  he  was  offered 
the  presidency  of  two  other  institutions,  the  State  University  of  Wisconsin 
and  the  Worcester  College,  just  organized. 

The  trustees,  at  their  meetings  held  during  the  year  1866,  decided 
that  the  first  term  at  the  college  should  begin  Oct.  2,  1867.  It  was  pro- 
posed that  two  courses  of  instruction  should  be  offered,  a  regular  four- 
years'  course  and  a  special  course  of  lectures,  exclusively  agricultural,  to 
be  given  every  winter.  A  list  of  studies  for  the  four-years'  course  was 
adopted.  Provision  was  to  be  made  the  first  year  for  a  freshman  class 
only.  Students  completing  the  full  course  should  be  entitled  to  the  degree 
of  B.  Sc.  Students  not  intending  to  graduate  might  enter  the  institution 
at  any  time  and  select  any  two  studies  which  they  were  fitted  to  pursue 
and  attend  any  lectures  of  the  course.  The  following  buildings  were  con- 
tracted for,  at  the  prices  named,  to  becompleted  by  Aug.  1  :  A  dormitory 
100  x  50  feet,  four  stories  high,  the  upper  stories  to  afford  accommo- 
dations for  48  students,  leaving  the  lower  story  for  recitation-rooms,  cabi- 
nets and  a  library-room  ;  the  cost  to  be  $30,000  ;  a  laboratory,  46  x  57 
feet,  two  stories  high,  costing  $9,350  ;  a  boarding  house,  where  board 
could  be  furnished  for  50  students,  costing  $5,050.  The  sum  of  $20,000 
was  pledged  to  the  trustees  for  the  express  purpose  of  establishing  and 
maintaining  a  botanic  garden,  one-half  by  L.  M.  &  H.  F.  Hills,  one-half 
by  Dr.  Nathan  Durfee  of  Fall  River.  During  the  year  Levi  Stockbridge 
was  elected  farm  superintendent  and  instructor  in  agriculture.  The  bids 
for  constructing  the  college  buildings  of  stone  were  largely  in  excess  of 
the  architects'  estimates  and  it  was  decided  to  use  brick  and  wood.  The 
dormitory  was  to  be  built  of  brick,  the  laboratory,  a  temporary  structure, 
of  wood.  Provision  was  also  made  for  building  a  house  for  the  president, 
and  a  model  barn;  the  estimated  cost  of  all  the  buildings  was  $65,000. 
During  the  year  the  General  Court  passed  an  act  locating  at  the  college 
the  state  agricultural  library  and  cabinets. 

When  the  decision  of  the  supreme  court  was  rendered,  dissolving  the 
injunction  against  the  town,  Agricultural  College  bonds  were  at  once  pre- 
pared, in  denominations  of  $250,  $500  and  $1,000,  bearing  interest  at  the 
rate  of  six  per  cent.  The  interest  only  was  payable  up  to  1870  ;  after 
that  date  $2,000  was  to  be  paid  on  the  principal  each  year.  Owing  to  a 
change  in  the  rate  of  interest  by  legal  enactment,  the  town  was  able  to 
dispose  during  the  first  year  of  only  $15,750  of  these  bonds,  but  $10,000 
of  them  was  used  as  collateral  security  in  raising  funds  to  make  necessary 


PRESIDENT    CHADBOURNE    SUCCEEDED    BY    WILLIAM    S.    CLARK.         547 

payments.  In  1868,  the  town  voted  to  destroy  the  remaining  bonds, 
amounting  in  face  value  to  $34,000,  and  secured  a  loan  of  $32,000  from 
the  state  treasurer,  payable  on  the  same  conditions  as  were  the  bonds. 
The  town  was  also  compelled  to  pay  $1,461.39  during  the  year  for  legal 
expenses  incurred  in  fighting  the  injunction. 

Early  in  January,  1867,  W.  S.  Clark  accepted  the  professorship  of 
horticulture  and  botany  at  the  college.  June  1,  President  Chadbourne, 
owing  to  continued  ill  health,  tendered  his  resignation,  which  the  trustees 
accepted  with  regret.  Aug.  7,  the  trustees  elected  W.  S.  Clark  as  his  suc- 
cessor. William  S.  Clark,  son  of  Dr.  Atherton  and  Harriet  (Smith)  Clark, 
was  born  July  31,  1826,  at  Ashfield.  He  was  fitted  for  college  atWilliston 
Seminary,  entering  Amherst  College  in  1844  and  graduating  in  1848.  For 
two  years  after  graduation  he  taught  the  sciences  at  Williston  seminary, 
then  went  abroad  and  studied  chemistry  and  botany  at  Gottingen  Univer- 
sity, Germany,  receiving  the  degree  of  Ph.  D.  from  that  institution  in  1852. 
From  1852  to  1S58,  he  was  professor  of  chemistry,  botany  and  zoology  at 
Amherst  College,  and  professor  of  chemistry  at  that  institution  from  1858 
to  1867.  When  the  civil  war  broke  out  in  1S61,  he  was  commissioned 
major  of  the  21st  Mass.  regiment,  being  promoted  successively  to  the  rank 
of  lieutenant-colonel  and  colonel  in  1862.  He  took  part  in  all  the  battles  of 
the  regiment  up  to  Antietam,  behaving  with  conspicuous  gallantry.  On 
resigning  his  commission  in  1863,  he  returned  to  his  duties  at  Amherst 
College. 

Early  in  January,  1867,  the  trustees  of  the  Agricultural  College 
arranged  for  a  course  of  lectures  by  distinguished  scientists  to  be  delivered 
at  the  college  the  next  winter,  the  lectures  numbering  go  and  to  be  delivered 
within  a  period  of  six  weeks.  These  were  not  designed  especially  for  the 
students,  but  for  a  large  class  of  farmers  who  could  not  become  students  at 
the  college  and  could  not  devote  their  time  to  study  at  any  other  season  of  the 
year.  It  was  proposed  to  give  such  a  course  of  lectures  each  year.  The 
regular  course  at  the  college  was  to  comprise  four  years,  but  arrange- 
ments would  be  made  for  "  term  scholars,"  whereby  persons  who  could  not 
take  the  full  course  might  attend  for  one  or  more  terms  and  take  all  or  any 
part  of  the  regular  studies  as  desired.  Each  student  was  to  have  a  plot  of 
ground  which  he  should  be  obliged  to  cultivate  and  on  which  he  might  try 
such  experiments  as  he  saw  fit.  Any  student  willing  to  do  so  might  pay  a 
part  of  his  tuition  by  labor  on  the  farm.  A  large  boarding-house  was  to  be 
erected,  where  all  the  studends  would  board,  paying  only  enough  to  defray 
expenses. 

Work  on  the  foundation  for  the  main  college  building  was  begun  in 
March  and  completed  early  in  April.  At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  held  in 
Amherst,  May  8,  it  was  voted  to  erect  two  buildings  for  botanical  purposes, 


548  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

on  or  near  the  site  of  the  old  Henderson  place,  at  a  cost  of  $13,000.  Work 
was  begun  on  one  of  these  buildings,  afterwards  known  as  the  Durfee  plant- 
house,  about  July  1.  The  Hampshire  Agricultural  society  voted  to  establish 
a  scholarship  at  the  college  ;  a  similar  offer  was  made  by  Austin  Eastman. 
In  August,  President  Clark  made  the  following  announcement :  Applicants 
for  admission  to  the  college  must  be  at  least  14  years  of  age,  must  bring 
from  a  pastor  or  teacher  a  certificate  of  good  moral  character,  and  must 
furnish  bonds  for  the  prompt  payment  of  tuition  and  board.  They  must 
provide  their  own  bedding  and  furniture,  except  stoves.  Tuition  would  be 
$12  per  term,  room-rent  $5  per  term,  board  from  $3  to  $3.50  per  week,  the 
former  being  the  established  rate  at  the  college  boarding-house.  The 
further  announcement  was  made  in  September,  that  "  Every  student  will 
labor  six  hours  per  week  as  directed,  without  pay,  for  the  purpose  of  learn- 
ing the  operations  of  the  farm  and  garden.''  Any  student  would  be  per- 
mitted to  labor  1 2  hours  per  week  for  wages  under  the  direction  of  the 
farm  superintendent  in  term-time,  and  would  be  furnished  work  at  fair  prices 
in  vacation  if  desired.  Entrance  examinations  were  held  Oct.  1.  Eight 
young  men  residing  in  Amherst  were  admitted  to  the  entering  class,  by 
name  as  follows  :  M.  F.  Casey,  William  Barrows,  Jr.,  George  G.  Graves, 
A.  L.  Bassett,  F.  A.  Hall,  G.  H.  Eastman,  W.  H.  Cary,  G.  H.  Bell. 
Dinner  was  first  served  at  the  boarding-house  Oct.  2. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  trustees  when  \Y.  S.  Clark  was  elected  president, 
Ebenezer  S.  Snell  was  elected  professor  of  mathematics  and  Henry  H. 
Goodell  professor  of  modern  languages.  These  men,  together  with  the 
president,  and  the  farm  superintendent,  who  was  also  instructor  in  agricul- 
ture, composed  the  faculty  of  the  college  the  first  year  it  was  in  active 
operation.  The  dormitory,  the  laboratory  and  the  boarding-house  were 
completed  during  the  summer  months,  and  the  college  was  opened  Oct.  2, 
with  an  entering  class  which  numbered  47  before  the  end  of  the  term. 
During  the  year  the  botanic  museum  was  completed  at  a  cost  of  $5,180, 
and  the  Durfee  plant-house  at  a  cost  of  $12,000.  Plans  and  specifications 
were  procured  for  a  model  barn  and  $7,000  was  appropriated  for  its  con- 
struction. The  sum  of  $6,000  was  taken  from  the  building  fund  and  applied 
to  the  purchase  of  additional  land,  the  size  of  the  college  farm  being 
increased  to  383  1-2  acres.  In  his  annual  report  of  the  college  dated  Jan. 
1,  1 868,  President  Clark  stated  that  unless  other  buildings  were  provided 
the  present  class  must  be  retained  four  years,  and  when  graduated  another 
class  of  50  could  be  admitted.  If,  however,  another  dormitory,  another 
boarding-house  and  two  dwelling-houses  for  professors  should  be  erected 
the  following  summer,  another  class  of  60  could  be  accommodated.  This 
would  require  an  expenditure  of  about  $50,000.  It  was  the  intention  of 
the   board   of  trustees   to  enter  upon  a  course  of  experiments  on  the  farm 


COLLEGE    FINANCES.  549 

such  as  miglit  be  suggested  by  the  Board  of  Agriculture.  During  the  fall 
term  all  students  had  been  required  to  labor,  without  pay,  two  hours  every 
other  day,  and  those  who  wished  were  paid  for  additional  labor  at  the  rate 
of  12  1-2  cents  per  hour.  Thirty-six  members  of  the  class  had  voluntarily 
worked  for  wages.  The  members  of  the  college  averaged  over  17 
years  in  age.  A  young  man  of  good  talents,  healthy  and  willing  to 
work,  could  gain  at  the  college  a  superior  education  for  $100  per  annum, 
in  addition  to  what  he  could  earn  on  the  premises.  The  college  trustees 
requested  that  the  governor  be  authorized  to  issue  to  the  president  of  the 
college  such  military  arms  and  equipments  as  might  in  his  judgment  be  so 
issued  without  detriment  to  the  military  service.  During  the  year  the  college 
had  received  the  following  donations  :  From  J.  T.  Ames  of  Chicopee,  some 
50  specimens  of  rare  plants  for  the  botanic  garden  ;  from  Hon.  Marshall 
P.  Wilder,  a  carload  of  valuable  plants  comprising  1,300  specimens;  from 
Dr.  Nathan  Durfee,  one  Cotswold  and  one  Southdown  buck ;  from  Thomas 
H.  Buffum,  one  Southdown  buck;  from  friends  of  the  college,  over  100  vol- 
umes of  valuable  agricultural  works,  to  serve  as  a  nucleus  for  a  college  library. 
The  college  catalog  for  the  year  contained  the  names  of  56  freshmen,  of 
whom  13  were  residents  of  Amherst,  the  remainder,  with  the  exception  of 
two,  coming  from  other  towns  in  Massachusetts.  The  financial  statement 
showed  that  the  total  amount  received  from  the  sale  of  360,000  acres  of 
land  was  $236,307.40,  or  an  average  of  a  little  more  than  65  cents  an  acre. 
Of  this  amount  $29,778.40  had  been  expended  for  a  farm.  The 
fund  amounted  to  $207,424.65,  the  annual  income  at  six  per  cent,  to 
$12,445.48.  Two-thirds  of  this  income,  to  which  the  college  was  entitled, 
would  amount  to  $8,296.99.  The  liabilities  of  the  college,  Jan.  1,  1868, 
were  $29,727.61  ;  the  available  funds,  $25,446.87. 

President  Clark  was  well  qualified  by  ability,  by  temperament  and  by 
experience  to  guide  and  control  the  first  effort  made  by  the  state  of  Mas- 
sachusetts toward  providing  a  means  for  education  in  scientific  agriculture 
for  its  inhabitants.  He  realized  fully  the  needs  and  advantages  of  such 
education  and  had  an  abiding  faith  in  the  success  of  the  college.  He 
knew  that  this  success  could  not  be  attained  in  full  measure  except  the 
state  took  a  genuine  interest  in  the  institution  and  provided  generously 
for  its  financial  needs.  It  was  the  child  of  the  state  and  as  such  had  the 
best  of  claims  for  full  recognition  and  support.  In  appealing  to  the  state 
for  aid  for  the  college.  President  Clark  did  not  esteem  himself  as  one 
asking  an  alms,  but  rather  as  an  agent  whose  duty  it  was  to  make  of 
greatest  value  and  usefulness  the  state  property  entrusted  to  his  charge. 
It  is  well  to  bear  these  facts  in  mind  in  reviewing  the  events  of  President 
Clark's  administration.  Others  before  him  had  labored  long  and  faithfully 
to  make  an  agricultural  college  a  possibilty,  but  his  it  was  to  assist  at  its 


550  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

inauguration,  to  direct  its  earliest  efforts,  to  gain  for  it  the  favor  of  gov- 
ernors and  legislators  and  the  general  public.  An  experiment  when  he 
assumed  control,  he  made  it  a  valuable  factor  in  the  educational  system  of 
the  Commonwealth.  An  enthusiasm  less  dominant,  a  courage  less  devoted, 
might  well  have  yielded  to  the  discouragements  attendant  on  its  opening 
struggles  for  existence.  His  name  must  be  inscribed  with  those  of  Edward 
Hitchcock  and  Marshall  P.  Wilder,  men  who  were  the  real  founders  of  the 
college. 

In  December,  1867,  the  Botanic  Museum  was  completed  and  President 
Clark  established  his  office  there.  The  trustees  of  the  college  realized 
that  if  a  new  class  was  to  be  admitted  in  the  fall  new  buildings  were  a 
necessity.  The  building  fund  provided  by  the  town  of  Amherst  had  been 
practically  exhausted  and  aid  must  come,  if  at  all,  from  the  state.  During 
the  month  of  February  a  petition  was  circulated  among  the  members  of 
the  Hampshire  Agricultural  society,  and  signed  generally  by  them,  urging 
the  General  Court  to  appropriate  $50,000  for  additional  buildings  for  the 
college.  Feb.  26,  some  200  members  of  the  General  Court  paid  a  visit  to 
Amherst  and  the  college.  Leaving  Boston  by  special  train,  they  were  met 
at  the  Amherst  station  by  a  procession  of  teams  headed  by  the  Cataract 
Engine  company.  This  procession  made  its  way  up  Main  street,  thence  to 
and  around  the  Amherst  College  buildings,  stopping  at  Agricultural  hall, 
where  a  dinner  provided  by  the  citizens  was  served.  After  the  dinner,  the 
Agricultural  College  students  gave  an  exhibition  in  gymnastics  under  the 
direction  of  Professor  Goodell.  The  visitors  then  took  teams  and  visited 
and  inspected  the  Agricultural  College  grounds  and  buildings. 

Under  the  terms  of  the  United  States  grant,  the  college  was  required 
to  furnish  training  in  military  tactics.  To  comply  with  this  requirement 
was,  at  the  first,  no  easy  matter.  There  was  no  drill-hall,  no  military 
equipment,  no  member  of  the  faculty  who  had  made  a  special  study  of 
military  training.  Fortunately,  however,  the  college  had  secured  the 
services  of  one,  Professor  Goodell,  whose  knowledge  of  military  affairs  was 
gained  by  service  in  the  Union  armies.  Under  his  direction  the  students 
received  such  training  as  the  resources  of  the  institution  would  permit. 
In  March,  1868,  the  General  Court  passed  a  resolve  authorizing  the  gov- 
ernor to  issue  arms  and  equipments  to  the  college.  During  the  month 
President  Clark  acknowledged  the  receipt  from  the  state  of  60  Springfield 
rifles  and  equipments,  for  use  of  the  students.  It  was  not  until  the  follow- 
ing year  that  the  first  detail  was  made  of  an  officer  of  the  United  States 
army  to  serve  as  a  military  instructor  at  the  college.  The  members  of  the 
General  Court  who  visited  the  college  in  February  were  favorably  impressed 
with  what  they  saw  at  the  institution  ;  May  1,  a  resolve  was  passed  granting 
$qo.ooo  to  the  college  for  the  erection  of  new  buildings.      The  trustees  met  at 


GRANTS  BY  THE  GENERAL  COURT.  55 1 

Boston,  May  n,  when  they  adopted  a  plan  for  a  new  dormitory  calculated 
to  accommodate  60  students,  to  cost  $35,000  and  to  be  completed  by  Sept. 
1.  Ground  was  broken  for  the  new  building  May  15  and  it  was  completed 
during  the  summer  months.  A  new  boarding-house  was  also  erected  at  a 
cost  of  $8,000. 

President  Clark  realized  that  if  the  college  was  to  succeed  it  must 
attract  and  hold  the  attention  and  interest  of  the  agricultural  community. 
As  one  means  of  accomplishing  this  end,  he  induced  the  New  England 
Agricultural  society  to  hold  a  field  trial  of  plows  on  the  college  farm  in 
May.  There  was  a  large  attendance  of  farmers  and  persons  interested  in 
agriculture  on  this  occasion,  which  served  to  attract  the  attention  of  the 
public  to  the  college.  The  country  meeting  of  the  State  Board  of  Agricul- 
ture was  held  at  the  college  in  December.  The  report  of  President  Clark 
for  the  year  ending  Jan.  1,  1869,  stated  that  23  scholarships  were  maintained 
by  agricultural  societies  throughout  the  state.  The  suggestion  was  made 
that  friends  of  the  college  should  establish  a  labor  fund  for  the  payment  of 
students  who  desired  to  work  upon  the  farm.  Prof.  S.  F.  Miller  of  Chicago, 
111.  had  succeeded  Prof.  Snell  in  charge  of  the  department  of  mathematics; 
Prof.  C.  A.  Goessmann  of  Syracuse,  N.  Y.  had  been  elected  professor  of 
chemistry.  The  department  of  gymnastics  and  military  tactics  was  under 
direction  of  Prof.  H.  H.  Goodell.  The  entering  class  in  the  fall  numbered 
41.  The  needs  of  the  college  for  the  ensuing  year  were  summed  up  by 
President  Clark  as  follows:  For  a  barn.  100x50  feet,  $8,000;  for  a 
farmhouse,  $5,000;  for  a  supply  of  running  water,  $5,000;  for  tools,  a 
tool-house,  fencing,  grading,  roads,  tile  and  purchase  of  stock,  $10,000; 
for  a  gymnasium,  drill-hall  and  armory,  $8,000  ;  for  a  building  for  an  agri- 
cultural museum,  lecture-rooms,  offices,  library,  reading-room  and  chapel, 
$40,000;  for  furnishings,  fittings,  and  apparatus,  $10,000  ;  for  a  president's 
house,  $14,000.  In  addition  to  this  sum  of  $100,000,  an  additional 
$50,000  would  be  needed  the  next  year  for  another  dormitory  and  houses 
for  the  faculty. 

April  25,  1869,  the  General  Court  passed  a  resolve  allowing  $50,000 
to  the  college  for  the  erection  of  buildings  and  other  purposes.  During  the 
year  these  buildings  were  erected  :  A  dwelling-house  for  the  farm  super- 
intendent, at  a  cost  of  $4,000  ;  a  barn,  costing  $9,000  ;  "  College  hall,"  at 
a  cost  of  $20,000.  "  College  hall "  was  a  wooden  structure,  60  x  97 
feet,  three  stories  in  height.  In  the  first  story  was  a  chapel  60  x  40  feet, 
and  four  rooms  occupied  by  students  in  practical  chemistry.  In  the  second 
story  was  a  hall  for  drawing,  also  used  as  a  recitation  and  lecture-room  by 
the  professor  of  mathematics  and  engineering,  a  chemistry  lecture-room  and 
office,  and  the  private  laboratory  and  apparatus-room  of  the  professor  of 
chemistry.      In   the   third   story   was  a  military  hall,  and  an  armory.     The 


552  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

old  chemical  laboratory  was  incorporated  in  the  new  edifice.  A  reservoir 
was  constructed  on  the  hill,  southeast  of  the  plant-house,  and  the  new  barn 
and  farm-house  were  supplied  with  running  water.  The  Durfee  plant-house 
was  filled  with  specimens  of  about  i  ,000  species  of  such  plants  as  are  most 
important  in  a  scientific  and  economic  point  of  view.  Hundreds  of  fruit- 
trees  and  thousands  of  grape-vines  were  set  out.  Hon.  William  Knowlton 
presented  to  the  college  $2,000,  for  the  purchase  of  the  herbarium  collected 
by  William  W.  Denslow,  which  was  known  thereafter  as  the  Knowlton  her- 
barium. Henry  E.  Alvord,  U.  S.  A.,  was  detailed  for  duty  at  the  college, 
as  professor  of  military  science  and  tactics.  This  detail  was  made  by  the 
government  at  Washington,  in  furtherance  of  the  purpose  outlined  in  the 
original  land-grant,  to  promote  a  knowledge  of  military  affairs  in  connec- 
tion with  an  education  in  agriculture  and  the  mechanic  arts.  The  second 
national  exhibition  of  agricultural  machines,  instituted  by  the  New  England 
Agricultural  society,  was  held  on  the  college  grounds  in  June,  lasting  four 
days.  The  roll  of  students  in  attendance  during  the  year  contained  the 
names  of  35  juniors,  41  sophomores,  24  freshmen  and  a  "  select  class  "  of  19. 
The  endowment  fund  of  the  college  produced  a  revenue  inadequate  for 
the  payment  of  its  expenses.  A  new  institution,  engaged  in  a  practically 
new  field  of  educational  enterprise,  its  wants  were  many  and  pressing.  In 
supplying  these  wants  a  considerable  debt  was  incurred,  growing  larger 
every  year.  June  18,  1870,  the  General  Court  passed  a  resolve  allowing 
the  college  $25,000  for  the  payment  of  debts.  The  constant  demands  upon 
the  state  treasury  by  an  institution  yet  in  its  infancy  were  viewed  with  alarm 
by  conservative  citizens  of  the  Commonwealth.  This  feeling  culminated 
in  an  effort  to  relieve  the  state  of  all  further  responsibilty  for  the  college 
toward  which  it  held  the  relation  of  a  foster  mother.  The  General  Court, 
at  its  session  in  1870,  appointed  the  secretary  of  the  Board  of  Education 
and  the  secretary  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture  a  committee,  with  directions 
to  devise  a  plan,  if  practicable,  by  which  the  college  might,  without  expense 
to  the  Commonwealth,  be  organized  as  an  independent  institution,  in 
analogy  with  other  colleges  of  the  Commonwealth,  and  also  to  inquire 
whether  the  term  of  study  at  the  college  might  not  be  reduced.  The  obvious 
intent  of  this  inquiry  was  to  limit,  if  possible,  the  growth  of  the  college, 
and  to  prevent  the  full  development  of  the  plan  which  had  been  unani- 
mously adopted  by  the  trustees,  wiht  the  approval  of  the  governor  and 
Council.  Hon.  Joseph  White,  secretary  of  the  Board  of  Education,  made 
a  careful  and  exhaustive  investigation  of  the  subject,  ably  assisted  by  Sec- 
retary Flint  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture.  A  report  based  on  the  results  of 
this  investigation  was  submitted  to  the  General  Court  in  187 1.  This 
report  was  to  the  effect  that  it  was  not  practicable  to  sever  the  connection 
between  the  college  and  the  Commonwealth  and  withhold  from  it  further 


EXPERIMENTS    IN    AGRICULTURE.  553 

aid  ;  also,  that  any  considerable  reduction  of  the  prescribed  course  of  study 
would  violate  the  terms  of  the  congressional  grant.  It  recommended  : 
That  the  sum  af  $50,000  be  granted  to  the  college  trustees  to  be  expended 
in  the  erection  of  a  new  building  and  otherwise  completing  its  establish- 
ment;  that  the  sum  of  $150,000  be  added  to  the  fund  derived  from  the 
congressional  grant ;  that  the  board  of  trustees  be  authorized  to  fill  vacan- 
cies in  their  own  number.  In  accordance  with  these  recommendations, 
the  General  Court  passed,  May  26,  an  act  authorizing  the  trustees  to  elect 
their  own  successors  ;  also,  on  the  same  date,  a  resolve  allowing  the  college 
$50,000  for  the  payment  of  debts  and  of  current  expenses,  and  adding 
$141,535.35  to  the  perpetual  fund  of  the  college;  also,  a  resolve  ordering 
10,000  extra  copies  of  the  annual  report  of  the  college  to  be  printed. 
Thus  the  movement  instituted  to  separate  the  college  from  the  state  and 
close  the  door  to  future  state  appropriations,  resulted  in  binding  the  two 
more  closely  together  and  securing  to  the  college  a  most  generous  sum 
from  the  state  treasury. 


CHAPTER  LXI. 


Graduation  of  the  First  Class. — Endowment  of  Prizes. — Alumni 
Association  Organized. — Changes  in  the  Faculty. — Labor 
Fund  Established. — Experimental  Work. — Free  Scholar- 
ships.— Hard  Times  at  the  College. — President  Clark's 
Resignation. — Reorganization. — Charles  L.  Flint  Elected 
President. — Levi  Stockbridge  Succeeds  President  Flint. — 
Final  Attempt  to  Remove  the  College  from  State  Con- 
trol.— Proposal  to  Raise  a  College  Fund. — Paul  A. 
Chadbourne  Elected  President. 

During  the  year  1870,  the  number  of  students  at  the  college  increased 
largely,  so  that  the  dormitories  were  unable  to  properly  accommodate  them. 
Instruction  in  the  regular  course  was  given  by  the  president  and  six  regular 
professors,  with  assistance  in  special  departments  by  non-resident  lecturers. 
A  series  of  special  experiments  were  undertaken  by  the  agricultural 
department  in  connection  with  the  cultivation  of  the  sugar-beet.      It   was 


554  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

proposed  to  erect  a  small  sugar  factory  on  the  farm  to  work  up  the 
product.  In  his  annual  report  for  the  year  President  Clark  made  the 
statement  :  "The  Agricultural  College  ought  to  be  made  an  experimental 
station,  similar  to  those  so  common  in  Germany."  John  C.  Dillon  was 
appointed  farm  superintendent  in  April.  Prof.  Samuel  F.  Miller  died  Oct. 
28.  Rev.  Henry  W.  Parker  was  elected  professor  of  mental,  moral  and 
social  science,  and  college  preacher. 

Governor  Claflin,  in  his  message  to  the  General  Court  in  187  1,  spoke 
of  the  college  in  the  highest  terms  and  favored  the  extension  of  further 
aid  from  the  state.  During  the  year,  Selim  H.  Peabody  was  elected  pro- 
fessor of  mathematics,  physics  and  civil  engineering.  Miss  Mary 
Robinson  donated  $2,000  for  the  endowment  of  a  scholarship.  The  year 
187  1  was  made  memorable  by  the  graduation  from  the  college  of  its  first 
class.  Forty-nine  years  before,  in  August,  1822,  Amherst  College  gradu- 
ated its  first  class  numbering  three  members.  The  entering  class  at  the 
Agricultural  College  in  1867  numbered  on  its  admission  47  ;  on  its  gradu- 
ation in  July,  187  1,  its  membership  had  decreased  to  27,  a  little  more  than 
one-half  the  original  number.  Of  the  thirteen  young  men  residing  in 
Amherst  who  had  entered  the  class  but  one  was  graduated,  Andrew  L. 
Bassett.  Commencement  exercises  were  held  July  17,  18  and  19.  Among 
those  in  attendance  were  Governor  Claflin,  several  members  of  his  staff 
and  of  the  Council,  Hon.  Justin  S.  Morrill  of  Vermont,  author  of  the  bill 
under  whose  provisions  the  college  was  established,  Prof.  Louis  Agassiz 
and  many  other  distinguished  men,  including  a  majority  of  the  board  of 
trustees  and  overseers.  There  was  also  a  very  large  attendance  of  persons 
residing  in  Amherst  and  vicinity,  who  showed  great  interest  in  the  occasion, 
many  of  the  houses  in  the  village  and  on  the  street  leading  north  to  the 
college  grounds  being  handsomely  illuminated.  The  first  public  exercise 
was  held  Monday  evening,  July  17,  consisting  of  prize  declamations  by 
members  of  the  lower  classes.  On  Tuesday  afternoon  the  class-day 
exercises  were  held.  On  Tuesday  evening  Dr.  George  B.  Loring  delivered 
an  address  before  the  literary  societies  of  the  college  ;  this  was  followed 
by  a  reception  given  to  Gov.  Claflin,  which  was  attended  by  several  hundred 
persons.  Senator  Morrill  delivered  an  address,  the  students  gave  a  torch- 
light parade,  music  was  provided  by  the  Springfield  Armory  band,  there 
was  a  fine  display  of  fireworks  and  an  artillery  salute  was  fired  at  midnight. 
On  Wednesday  morning  the  cadets  were  reviewed  upon  the  campus  by  the 
governor.  The  graduation  exercises  were  held  in  College  hall,  which  was 
crowded  to  the  doors.  The  exercises  included  orations  by  members  of  the 
graduating  class,  brief  congratulatory  remarks  by  Prof.  Louis  Agassiz,  an 
address  by  Governor  Claflin  and  an  historical  address  by  Hon.   Marshall 


PRIZES    ESTABLISHED.  555 

P.  Y\ rilder.  The  degrees  of  B.  Sc.  were  conferred  upon  the  members  of  the 
graduating  class  by  President  Clark. 

The  class  on  graduation  established  the  first  class  scholarship.  July  21, 
the  Agricultural  College  crew  won  the  first  regatta  of  the  Rowing  Associa- 
tion of  American  Colleges,  held  on  the  Connecticut  river  at  Springfield. 
Nearly  all  the  prominent  colleges  in  the  Eastern  states  were  represented  at 
this  regatta,  colleges  where  rowing  had  been  an  established  feature  of 
athletics  for  many  years.  The  victory  of  the  Agricultural  College  crew, 
over  such  distinguished  competitors,  was  a  matter  of  surprise  to  all  and  of 
great  gratification  to  the  friends  of  the  college.  They  rowed  over  the  three- 
miles  course  in  16  min.  46  1-2  sec,  then  the  fastest  time  on  record.  This 
victory  proved  a  valuable  advertisement  for  the  college.  During  the  year 
1872,  Levi  Stockbridge  was  elected  full  professor  of  agriculture  ;  Abner  H. 
Merrill,  U.  S.  A.,  succeeded  Henry  E.  Alvord  as  professor  of  military 
science  and  tactics.  It  was  in  1872  that  the  college  secured  the  services 
of  one  of  the  best-known  American  scientists  of  his  day,  Henry  James 
Clark,  B.  A.,  B.  Sc,  in  its  department  of  comparative  anatomy  and  veteri- 
nary science.  Prof.  Clark  was  a  native  of  Easton,  a  graduate  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  the  city  of  New  York  in  1848  and  of  the  Lawrence  Scientific 
school  at  Cambridge  in  1854.  He  studied  under  Prof.  Louis  Agassizr 
served  for  several  years  as  his  private  assistant,  and  was  spoken  of  by  him 
as  "the  most  accurate  observer  in  the  country."  He  served  Harvard 
College  as  adjunct  professor  of  zoology  five  years,  and  was  connected  with 
other  prominent  literary  institutions.  He  died  July  1,  1873,  while  still  a 
member  of  the  faculty  of  the  Agricultural  College. 

The  year  1873  was  made  notable  by  the  establishment  of  the  Farns- 
worth  rhetorical,  the  Grinnell  agricultural,  the  Hills  botanical  and  the 
Peabody  entomological  prizes.  Hon.  William  Clatiin  donated  to  the  college 
$1,000,  for  the  endowment  of  prizes  to  be  awarded  each  year  to  those  two 
members  of  the  graduating  class  who  should  pass  the  best  oral  and  written 
examinations  in  the  theory  and  practice  of  agriculture  ;  he  called  them  the 
Grinnell  prizes  in  honor  of  George  B.  Grinnell,  Esq.  of  New  York.  The 
Farnsworth  rhetorical  prizes  were  endowed  in  the  sum  of  $1,500  by  Isaac 
D.  Farnsworth,  Esq.  The  Hills  botanical  prizes  were  founded  by  L.  M. 
and  H.  F.  Hills.  The  Peabody  entomological  prize  was  given  by  Prof. 
Selim  H.  Peabody. 

The  year  1874  was  marked  by  increased  activity  and  growth  at  the 
college.  Several  important  changes  were  made  in  the  faculty.  Professor 
Peabody  resigned ;  Samuel  T.  Maynard,  a  graduate  of  the  college  in  the 
class  of  '72,  was  elected  gardener  and  assistant  professor  of  horticulture; 
William  B.  Graves  was  elected  professor  of  mathematics,  physics  and  civil 
engineering.      During  the  commencement  week  in  July,  an  organization  was 


556  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

formed  under  the  name  of  the  "  Associate  Alumni  of  the  Agricultural  Col- 
lege." June  5,  the  General  Court  passed  a  resolve  allowing  $18,000  in  aid 
of  the  college.  An  experiment  was  undertaken  with  a  squash-vine  to  test 
the  power  of  plant-growth.  The  squash  was  placed  in  harness  and  lifted  a 
weight  of  two  and  one-half  tons.  Professor  Stockbridge  engaged  in  a  series 
of  interesting  experiments  with  special  fertilizers.  In  his  annual  report  for  the 
year,  President  Clark  again  called  attention  to  the  importance  of  establishing 
an  agricultural  experiment  station  in  connection  with  the  college.  During 
the  year  the  college  trustees  entered  into  an  important  agreement  with  the 
corporation  of  Boston  University,  upon  the  following  terms  :  The  trustees 
agreed,  on  behalf  of  the  college,  that  matriculants  in  the  university  desiring 
to  pursue  any  regular  or  special  course  of  instruction  presented  at  the  col- 
lege should  be  at  liberty  to  do  so  on  the  same  terms  and  conditions  as  other 
persons,  and  on  completing  the  course  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  authorities 
of  both  institutions  should  be  entitled  to  the  appropriate  degree,  either  from 
the  college  or  the  university,  or  from  both  as  they  might  prefer.  The  uni- 
versity agreed  that  so  long  as  this  course  was  found  satisfactory  it  would 
refrain  from  organizing  an  independent  college  of  agriculture  and  would 
give  its  cordial  support  and  influence  to  building  up  the  Agricultural  Col- 
lege. Under  this  agreement,  students  at  the  college  might  become  members 
of  the  university  and  receive  its  diploma  in  addition  to  that  of  the  college. 

In  1875,  C.  A.  L.  Totten,  U.  S.  A.,  succeeded  A.  H.  Merrill  as  pro- 
fessor of  military  science  and  tactics.  Prof.  C.  A.  Goessmann  made  an 
extensive  investigation  concerning  the  composition  and  manurial  value  of 
commercial  fertilizers.  Prof.  Charles  S.  Sargent  of  Boston  donated  to  the 
college  several  thousands  of  specimens  of  trees,  shrubs  and  herbaceous 
plants.  The  Hampshire  Agricultural  society  offered  two  prizes,  one  of  $30 
and  one  of  $20,  to  those  two  students  coming  from  towns  within  the  limits 
of  the  society  who  should  make  the  greatest  improvement  in  scholarship 
during  their  freshman  year.  April  26,  1876,  Dr.  Nathan  Durfee  of  Fall 
River,  treasurer  of  the  college  from  its  establishment,  its  staunch  friend  and 
one  of  the  most  liberal  of  its  benefactors,  was  removed  by  death.  April  28, 
the  General  Court  passed  a  resolve  allowing  the  college  $5,000  for  current 
expenses.  May  20,  President  Clark  left  Amherst  for  Japan,  where  he  had 
been  summoned  by  the  imperial  government  to  assist  in  the  organization  of 
an  agricultural  college.  In  his  absence,  the  government  of  the  college  was 
committed  to  the  hands  of  Professor  Stockbridge.  Noah  Cressy,  elected 
professor  of  veterinary  science  in  1873,  resigned  his  office  in  1876.  By 
vote  of  the  trustees,  the  date  for  holding  the  commencement  exercises  was 
changed  from  July  to  June.  Of  the  24  members  of  the  graduating  class  21 
received  the  degree  of  B.  Sc.  from  Boston  University.  Lieutenant  Totten 
instituted  the  practice,  which  has  been  continued  since  1876,  of  presenting 


FREE    SCHOLARSHIPS    ESTABLISHED.  557 

military  diplomas  to  the  members  of  the  graduating  class ;  he  also  gave  the 
first  military  prize. 

May  1 6,  1877,  the  General  Court  passed  a  resolve  allowing  $5,000  for 
the  payment  of  current  expenses  at  the  college,  one-half  to  be  used  in  pay- 
ment for  manual  labor  by  the  students.  When  President  Hitchcock  first 
outlined  a  plan  for  an  agricultural  college,  he  recommended  that  such  of 
the  students  as  desired  to  labor  upon  the  college  farm  in  excess  of  the 
amount  required  of  every  student  should  receive  suitable  compensation. 
President  Clark  was  an  early  and  earnest  advocate  of  the  establishment  of 
a  labor  fund,  and  it  was  doubtless  owing  to  his  influence  that  the  General 
Court  made  this  appropriation.  In  1S77,  Professor  Stockbridge  donated 
$1,000  to  the  college,  to  be  used  for  experimental  purposes.  A  new  green- 
house, 100  x  17  feet,  was  erected  with  funds  provided  by  Hon.  William 
Knowlton.  During  the  year  President  Clark  returned  from  Japan,  and  in 
his  annual  report  for  1877  gave  a  description  of  the  agricultural  college 
which  he  had  established  at  Sapporo,  Japan.  The  first  professors  at  that 
institution  were  William  Wheeler,  David  P.  Penhallow  and  William  P. 
Brooks,  all  graduates  of  the  Massachusetts  Agricultural  College.  Thus  the 
institution  while  yet  in  its  infancy  exerted  a  powerful  educational  influence 
upon  the  "  Yankees  of  the  East." 

In  order  to  make  the  college  popular  among  the  agricultural  classes  in 
the  state,  and  to  lessen  the  burden  of  expense  to  those  in  moderate  circum- 
stances who  were  desirous  of  gaining  an  education  in  scientific  agriculture, 
the  trustees  established  in  1878  150  free  scholarships  for  students  entering 
the  college  that  year.  The  college  received  by  bequest  of  Whiting  Street, 
Esq.  $1,000  for  the  establishment  of  a  scholarship.  Charles  Morris  suc- 
ceeded C.  A.  L.  Totten  in  charge  of  the  military  department.  In  the  annual 
report  for  the  year  1878,  a  record  is  made  of  the  work  conducted  during 
the  year  by  the  "  Massachusetts  Experimental  Station,"  established  by  Pro- 
fessor Stockbridge.  Extensive  experiments  were  made  with  "  Minnesota 
early  amber  cane  "  for  the  production  of  sugar.  A  sorghum  mill  was  set 
up  on  the  college  estate,  but  the  results  obtained  were  not  favorable,  indi- 
cating that  the  cane  would  not  prove  profitable  as  a  crop  in  this  section. 
Professor  Stockbridge  also  conducted  experiments  in  the  deportment  of 
soils  towards  water  and  various  manures. 

With  the  year  1879,  hard  times  came  to  the  college.  For  several 
years  its  current  expenses  had  considerably  exceeded  its  income  and  it 
incurred  a  debt  which  grew  larger  every  year.  April  24,  the  General 
Court  passed  an  act  granting  $32,000  to  the  college  to  pay  existing  indebt- 
edness, at  the  same  time  making  the  trustees  personally  liable  for  any  debt 
thereafter  incurred,  in  excess  of  the  income  of  the  college.  June  12,  the 
trustees,  owing  to  the  diminished  income,  sold  at  auction  all  the   blooded 


558  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

stock  belonging  to  the  college,  except  the  Ayrshire  herd.  May  1,  Presi- 
dent Clark  resigned  his  office.  Elected  in  1867,  he  had  served  the  college 
faithfully  and  well  for  twelve  years,  giving  it  at  all  times  the  best  fruits  of 
his  ripened  intellect.  It  was  with  genuine  regret  that  the  trustees  accepted 
his  resignation,  regret  that  was  shared  by  members  of  the  faculty,  alumni 
and  undergraduates  of  the  college.  In  1879,  on  leaving  Amherst,  he  was 
made  president  of  a  "  floating  college,"  which  enterprise,  owing  to  the 
death  of  its  originator,  Mr.  Woodruff,  was  abandoned.  He  subsequently 
turned  his  attention  to  mining  operations,  becoming  the  Eastern  agent  of 
several  gold  and  silver  mining  companies  in  the  West,  having  his  office  in 
New  York  city.  He  held  many  public  offices  of  trust  and  responsibility. 
From  1859  to  1861,  he  was  a  member  at  large  of  the  State  Board  of 
Agriculture,  and  member  ex-ojficio  from  1867  to  1879.  In  1864,  he  was 
presidential  elector  and  secretary  of  the  electoral  college.  He  was  repre- 
sentative to  the  General  Court  in  1864  (receiving  every  vote  in  the  district 
but  seven),  1865  and  1867  ;  president  of  the  Hampshire  Agricultural 
.society,  i860,  1861  and  1870  ;  trustee  of  Williston  Seminary,  Easthampton, 
1863-76,  and  president  of  the  board,  1874-76  ;  was  also  a  trustee  and  vice- 
president  of  the  trustees  of  Amherst  Academy  several  years.  He  was  one 
of  a  commission  of  three  appointed  by  Gov.  Andrew  in  1863  to  consider 
the  expediency  of  establishing  a  state  military  academy.  Amherst  College 
bestowed  upon  him  the  degree  of  LL.  D.  in  1874.  He  was  a  fellow  of 
the  American  Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences  ;  member  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Horticultural  and  New  England  Agricultural  societies ;  honorary 
member  of  the  Massachusetts  Society  for  Promoting  Agriculture,  and 
resident  member  of  the  New  England  Historic  Genealogical  society.  He 
was  faithful  in  the  performance  of  all  the  duties  of  citizenship  and  during 
his  long  residence  in  Amherst  took  a  prominent  part  in  public  affairs.  He 
died  from  an  affection  of  the  heart,  at  Amherst,  March  9,  1886. 

The  hard  times  of  1879  led  to  the  reorganization  of  the  college  on  a 
sound  business  basis.  Current  expenses  were  reduced  $10,000  a  year, 
sufficient  to  bring  them  within  the  college  income.  One  professorship  was 
abolished  and  the  president's  salary  was  withheld.  The  salaries  of  the 
professors  and  the  treasurer  were  cut  down.  A  considerable  saving  was  made 
in  the  janitor's  work  and  in  the  office  of  farm  superintendent.  During  the 
year  Charles  L.  Flint  was  elected  president,  remaining  in  office  until  March 
24,  1880,  when  he  resigned.  Charles  L.  Flint  was  the  first  secretary  of 
the  State  Board  of  Agriculture,  holding  the  office  nearly  30  years.  In 
1863,  he  was  elected  secretary  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  Agricultural 
College  and  was  continued  in  office  22  years.  The  year  that  he  served  as 
president  of  the  college  was  the  most  stormy  in  its  existence.  He  served 
without  pay,  and  so  great  was  his  interest  in  the  college  he  subscribed,  in 


LEVI    STOCKBRIDGE    ELECTED    PRESIDENT.  559 

the  closing  year  of  his  life,  $1,000  to  its  permanent  library  fund.  Prof. 
H.  W.  Parker  resigned  in  1879  ;  during  the  same  year  Samuel  T.  Maynard 
was  elected  full  professor  of  botany  and  horticulture.  A  statement  of  the 
financial  condition  of  the  college  for  the  year  ending  Jan.  1,  1880,  gives 
the  following  figures  : 

Real  estate,  $200,000  ;  farm  stock,  appraised  at  $2,747  ;  implements, 
vehicles,  etc.,  $1,005.50  ;  farm  produce  on  hand,  $2,019.25. 

Resources:   Income   of  fund    in    state   treasury,    $12,000;    from    other 
funds,  $700  ;  from  tuition,  room-rent,  etc.,  $3,500  ;  total,  $16,200. 

Expenditures:  Salary  account,  $10,100;  current  expense  account, 
$4,000;  extra  instruction,  $Soo  ;  total,  $14,900.  In  the  expense  account 
no  allowance  was  made  for  the  salary  of  the  president.  During  the  year 
1879  the  price  of  tuition  was  reduced  to  $12  per  term. 

In  April,  1880,  Levi  Stockbridge  was  elected  president  of  the  college. 
Mr.  Stockbridge  had  been  connected  with  the  college  since  1866,  previous 
to  the  admission  of  its  first  class,  and  was  thoroughly  acquainted  with  all 
the  needs  and  all  the  workings  of  the  institution.  He  had  been  the  right- 
hand  man  of  President  Clark  in  the  successful  launching  of  the  new  enter- 
prise and  during  the  president's  absence  in  Japan  had  full  charge  at  the 
college.  He  had  made  the  first  donation  to  the  college  for  the  purpose  of 
founding  an  experiment  department  and  had  personally  conducted  the 
first  experiments  made.  He  was  the  man  for  the  time  and  place,  and  his 
thorough  knowledge  of  the  needs  of  the  institution  coupled  with  his  sound 
common-sense  made  his  services  of  the  greatest  value. 

It  was  in  1880  that  Massachusetts,  through  some  of  its  officials,  made 
a  second  and  final  effort  to  sever  the  connection  existing  between  the  college 
and  the  state.  An  act  passed  by  the  General  Court  in  1S79,  constituted 
the  governor  and  Council  a  commission  to  examine  into  the  status  of  the 
institution,  with  the  intention  of  severing  its  connection  with  and  releas- 
ing the  state  from  its  obligations  and  guarantees  to  the  general  government 
respecting  the  college.  This  committee  submitted  its  report  to  the  General 
Court  in  1880,  practically  recommending  that  the  college,  with  its  real  and 
personal  estate,  and  the  trust  funds  received  from  the  United  States  for 
its  specific  support,  should  be  given  to  Amherst  College  and  any  further 
effort  toward  its  maintenance  by  the  state  should  be  abandoned.  The 
resolve  creating  the  commission  and  defining  its  duties  was  so  peculiarly 
worded  that  its  members  had  little  or  no  discretionary  powers  and  were 
practically  compelled  to  submit  the  report  they  did.  But  the  proposition 
was  so  radical  and  so  subversive  of  the  integrity  of  the  state,  it  gained  no 
favor  at  the  hands  of  the  public  and  no  effort  was  made  by  the  General 
Court  to  accept  the  proposal  or  give  it  legal  force.  It  served  to  attract  to 
the  college  the  sympathy  and  support  of  the  agricultural  community  and 


560  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

the  friends  of  higher  education  for  those  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits. 

There  was  no  serious  diminution  in  the  number  of  students  at  the 
college  in  1880.  More  than  the  usual  interest  was  manifested  by  the 
students  in  their  work.  The  class  of  '82  erected  a  handsome  fountain  on 
the  grass  plot  in  front  of  the  college  buildings  at  an  expense  of  $250. 
The  college  battalion  attended  and  took  part  as  a  military  organization  in 
the  celebration'of  the  anniversary  of  the  settlement  of  Boston,  Sept.  17  ; 
the  cadets  won  high  praise  from  press  and  public  on  their  appearance  and 
behavior.  The  exercises  of  commencement  week  were  held  at  the  college 
chapel  instead  of  in  the  village  as  heretofore.  The  college  grounds  were 
connected  with  the  mains  of  the  Amherst  Water  company,  a  contract  being 
made  with  the  company  for  water  supply  at  the  rate  of  $150  a  year.  Work 
was  suspended  at  the  experiment  station  owing  to  a  lack  of  funds.  Wil- 
liam Wheeler  was  elected  the  first  alumni  trustee. 

The  attempts  to  bring  the  college  to  a  high  state  of  efficiency  with  the 
small  income  at  its  command  having  proved  unavailing,  a  joint  convention 
was  held  at  the  college  June  22,  1881,  to  consider  what  might  be  done  to 
remedy  this  defect.  The  members  of  this  convention  consisted  of  the 
governor,  the  members  of  the  Council,  of  the  college  board  of  trustees 
and  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture.  Gov.  John  D.  Long  presided,  and  at  his 
request  Hon.  Daniel  Needham  of  the  board  of  trustees  gave  a  statement 
of  the  condition  and  needs  of  the  college.  At  the  close  of  his  address  he 
presented  a  series  of  resolutions,  the  final  paragraph  reading  as  follows : 
"  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  consider  the  perfect  means 
for  the  establishment  of  a  large  permanent  fund  for  the  college,  in  addition 
to  its  present  endowment,  that  its  usefulness  shall  be  made  commensurate 
with  the  designs  of  its  originators,  and  its  scholarships  brought  within  the 
reach  of  all  the  youth  of  the  Commonwealth."  After  a  full  discussion, 
these  resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted  and  a  committee  was  appointed 
to  consider  the  subject  and  submit  to  the  college  trustees  a  plan  for  action. 
At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  trustees  this  committee  reported  in  favor  of 
raising  a  fund  of  $100, 000  by  subscription,  in  sumsof  $1,000  each,  payable 
in  ten  installments  of  $100  each,  the  fund,  when  raised,  to  be  handed  over 
by  the  committee  to  the  treasurer  of  the  college  as  a  permanent  fund. 
This  committee  was  to  be  perpetuated,  vacancies  being  filled  by  the  board 
of  trustees,  for  ten  years,  during  which  time  the  subscription  should  be 
open.  During  the  year  188 1,  Prof.  W.  B.  Graves  resigned  and  Charles  L. 
Harrington  was  appointed  professor  of  mathematics,  physics  and  civil 
engineering.  Lieut.  Victor  H.  Bridgman,  U.  S.  A.,  was  detailed  as  pro- 
fessor of  military  science  and  tactics. 

Levi  Stockbridge  resigned  as  president  of  the  college  Jan.  12,  1882, 
and  the   same   month   Hon.    Paul  A.  Chadbourne   was   elected   to   fill   the 


STATE    EXPERIMENT    STATION.  56 1 

vacancy.  During  the  brief  period  that  Dr.  Chadbourne  had  been  connected 
with  the  institution,  in  1866  and  1867.  he  had  shown  such  an  intelligent 
interest  and  zeal  in  the  management  of  its  affairs  that  the  friends  of  the 
college  felt  great  satisfaction  when  he  accepted  the  office  for  a  second  time. 
He  entered  at  once  upon  the  duties  of  the  office  and  the  year  that  followed 
was  one  of  activity  and  prosperity  at  the  college.  It  was  a  genuine  shock 
to  all  who  had  the  interests  of  the  institution  at  heart  when  President  Chad- 
bourne  died,  Feb.  23,  1883.  He  held  many  public  offices  of  honor  and 
distinction.  In  1876,  he  was  presidential  elector-at-large,  and  in  1880 
chairman  of  the  republican  state  convention.  In  1881-S2  he  was  engaged 
in  the  editorial  supervision  of  "  The  Wealth  of  the  United  States  "  and 
"  Public  Service  of  New  York."  He  was  a  director  in  several  mills  at  Wil- 
liamstown,  in  the  Berkshire  Life  Insurance  company  and  the  North  Adams 
Savings  bank.  For  several  years  he  was  a  member  of  the  State  Board  of 
Agriculture.  He  received  honorary  degrees  from  the  Berkshire  Medical 
College,  from  Amherst  College  and  Williams  College. 


CHAPTER  LXII. 


The  State  Experiment  Station  Organized. — James  C.  Greenough 
Elected  President. — New  Buildings  Erected. — Henry  H. 
Goodell  Elected  President. — Hatch  Experiment  Station 
Formed. — Grant  by  the  National  Government. — Additions 
to  College  Equipment. — State  Appropriations. — Student 
Organizations. — Value  of  the  Work  Accomplished  by  the 
College. 

In  1882,  Prof.  Charles  L.  Harrington  resigned,  being  succeeded  by 
Austin  B.  Bassett.  The  General  Court,  May  12.  18S2.  passed  a  resolve 
allowing  $9,000  for  the  erection  of  a  drill-hall  and  for  repairs.  On  the  same 
date  an  act  was  passed  providing  for  the  establishment  of  the  Massachu- 
setts State  Agricultural  Experiment  Station.  The  provisions  of  this  act 
were  as  follows  :  An  agricultural  experiment  station  should  be  established 
and  maintained  at  the  Agricultural  College.  The  management  should  be 
vested  in  a  board  of  control  of  seven  persons,  of  which  the  governor  of  the 
state  should  be  president  ex-officio,  and  of  which  two  members  should  be 
elected  from  the  State  Board  of  Agriculture,  by  said  board  ;  two  from  the  trustees 
of  the  Agricultural  College,  by  said  trustees ;  one  from  the  Massachusetts  Soci- 
36 


562  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

ety  for  Promoting  Agriculture,  by  said  society ;  the  remaining  member  to  be  the 
president  of  the  Agricultural  College.  The  board  of  control  should  hold 
an  annual  meeting  in  January,  at  which  time  it  should  make  to  the  General 
Court  a  detailed  report  of  all  moneys  expended  by  its  order,  and  of  the 
results  of  the  experiments  and  investigations  conducted  at  the  station,  which 
detailed  report  should  be  published  in  the  annual  report  of  the  secretary  of 
the  State  Board  of  Agriculture.  Two  members  of  the  board  of  control 
should  be  retired  each  year,  and  their  successors  should  be  elected  by  the 
bodies  respectively  which  such  retiring  members  represented,  save  in  the 
case  of  the  president  of  the  Agricultural  College,  who  should  not  be  retired. 
The  board  of  control  should  appoint  a  director,  a  chemist  and  all  necessary 
assistants  and  should  provide  suitable  and  necessary  apparatus  and  appli- 
ances for  the  purpose  of  conducting  experiments  and  investigations  in  the 
following  subjects  :  1st,  the  causes,  prevention  and  remedies  of  the 
diseases  of  domestic  animals,  plants  and  trees ;  2d,  the  history  and  habits 
of  insects  destructive  to  vegetation  and  the  means  of  abating  them ;  3d,  the 
manufacture  and  composition  of  both  foreign  and  domestic  fertilizers,  their 
several  values  and  their  adaptability  to  different  crops  and  soils ;  4th,  the 
values,  under  all  conditions,  as  food  for  all  farm  animals,  for  various  pur- 
poses, of  the  several  forage,  grain  and  root  crops ;  5th,  the  comparative 
value  of  green  and  dry  forage,  and  the  cost  of  producing  and  preserving  it 
in  the  best  condition ;  6th,  the  adulteration  of  any  article  of  food  intended 
for  the  use  of  men  or  animals  ;  and  in  any  other  subjects  which  might  be 
deemed  advantageous  to  the  agriculture  and  horticulture  of  the  Common- 
wealth. There  should  be  paid  from  the  state  treasury  to  the  treasurer  of 
the  board  of  control  before  July  1,  1882,  the  sum  of  $3,000,  to  establish, 
prepare  and  equip  the  station,  and  for  the  maintenance  of  the  station  there 
should  thereafter  be  paid  the  sum  of  $5,000  annually  in  regular  quarterly 
installments. 

On  the  death  of  President  Chadbourne,  in  January,  1883,  Prof.  H. 
H.  Goodell  was  chosen  acting  president  of  the  college,  remaining  in  charge 
until  September.  July  5,  James  C.  Greenough,  principal  of  the  State 
Normal  school  at  Providence,  R.  I.,  was  elected  to  the  presidency.  During 
the  year  the  drill-hall  was  completed.  Manly  Miles  was  elected  professor 
of  agriculture.  Leander  Wetherell,  Esq.  of  Boston  donated  1,410  bound 
volumes  and  several  hundred  pamphlets  to  the  college  library.  June  2,  the 
General  Court  passed  a  resolve,  allowing  to  the  college  $10,000  annually 
for  four  years  and  establishing  80  free  scholarships.  Jan.  5,  the  Durfee 
plant-house  was  destroyed  by  fire.  Prof.  A.  B.  Bassett  resigned  in  1884 
and  Clarence  D.  Warner  was  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy.  The  same  year 
Horace  E.  Stockbridge  was  elected  associate  professor  of  chemistry.  May 
8,  1884,  the  General  Court  passed  a  resolve  allowing  $36,000  for  the  erection 


HENRY    H.    GOODELL    ELECTED    PRESIDENT.  563 

of  a  chapel  and  library  building,  for  completing  the  president's  house  and 
for  repairs  on  the  North  dormitory.  During  the  year  the  North  dormitory 
was  partially  rebuilt  and  the  work  of  construction  was  begun  on  the  new 
chapel  building.  The  corner-stone  of  the  latter  was  laid  Nov.  6;  the  build- 
ing was  constructed  of  granite  from  the  quarry  in  Pelham  owned  by  the 
college.  It  is  generally  considered  the  most  ornamental  structure  on  the 
college  grounds. 

Feb.  4,  1885,  the  South  dormitory  was  burned,  the  fire  catching  from 
a  lamp  which  exploded  in  a  room  occupied  by  one  of  the  students.  June 
11,  the  General  Court  passed  a  resolve  allowing  $45,000  for  rebuilding  the 
South  dormitory,  erecting  a  tower  on  the  chapel  building  and  the  purchase 
of  scientific  apparatus.  By  another  resolve  passed  on  the  same  date, 
$6,000  was  appropriated  for  the  erection  of  a  laboratory  for  the  Massa- 
chusetts Agricultural  Experiment  station.  June  19,  an  act  was  passed 
making  the  annual  report  of  the  college  and  the  annual  report  of  the  exper- 
iment station  public  documents.  During  the  summer  months  the  president's 
house  was  completed,  the  laboratory  building  was  remodeled  and  repaired, 
and  considerable  additions  were  made  to  the  library  and  to  the  scientific 
apparatus  of  the  college.  H.  E.  Stockbridge  was  succeeded  by  Charles 
Wellington  as  associate  professor  of  chemistry.  Lieut.  George  E.  Sage 
was  detailed  as  professor  of  military  science  and  tactics. 

In  18S6,  President  Greenough  resigned,  the  vacancy  being  filled  by 
the  election  of  Prof.  H.  H.  Goodell.  Henry  H.  Goodell  was  born  in  Con- 
stantinople, Turkey,  May  20,  1839,  was  fitted  Ior  college  at  Williston  Sem- 
inary and  was  graduated  from  Amherst  College  in  the  class  of  1862. 
During  the  war  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union  he  served  as  2d  and 
then  as  1st  lieutenant  of  the  25th  Conn.  Vols,  and  afterwards  as  aid-de- 
camp on  the  staff  of  Col.  Bissell  of  the  3d  brigade,  4th  division,  19th  army 
corps.  From  1864  to  1867,  he  taught  at  Williston  Seminary,  being  called 
to  the  professorship  of  modern  languages  at  the  Agricultural  College  in 
1867.  His  connection  with  the  college  since  its  organization,  coupled  with 
executive  abilities  of  a  high  order,  well  fitted  him  for  the  presidency,  and 
the  friends  of  the  college  have  had  frequent  occasion  to  congratulate  them- 
selves on  his  acceptance  of  the  office.  Other  important  changes  were  made 
in  the  faculty  in  i886«  Henry  E.  Alvord  was  elected  professor  of  agricul- 
ture, Charles  S.  Walker  college  pastor  and  professor  of  mental  science  and 
political  economy,  Charles  H.  Fernald  professor  of  natural  history.  April 
16,  the  General  Court  passed  a  resolve  making  perpetual  the  allowance 
from  the  state  treasury  of  $10,000  annually,  first  granted  July  5,  1883. 
Later  in  the  year  a  further  grant  of  $7,500  was  made  for  repair  of  build- 
ings and  other  needs  of  the  college.  The  South  dormitory,  the  chapel  and 
library  building  and  the  laboratory  of  the  experiment  station  were   com- 


564  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

pleted  in  1886.  New  apparatus  was  bought  for  the  chemical,  physics  and 
natural  history  departments.  The  college  grounds  were  connected  with  the 
Amherst  water-works  by  a  four-inch  iron  main.  A  fire  brigade  was  organ- 
ized among  the  students  under  direction  of  the  military  commandant;  750 
feet  of  hose  and  a  hose-cart  were  purchased  for  its  equipment.  Hon.  Mar- 
shall P.  Wilder  donated  several  hundred  volumes  to  the  college  library.  In 
1887,  the  college  executed  a  formal  lease  of  certain  lands  to  the  experiment 
station.  During  the  year  well-known  scientists  lectured  before  the  students 
on  special  topics.  In  18S8,  extensive  repairs  were  made  on  the  college 
buildings.  William  P.  Brooks,  a  graduate  of  the  college,  was  appointed  to 
the  chair  of  agriculture. 

Feb.  25,  1887,  the  national  Congress  passed  an  act  to  establish  agri- 
cultural experiment  stations  in  connection  with  the  agricultural  colleges 
which  had  been  organized  in  the  several  states  under  the  provisions  of  the 
Morrill  land  grant.  Their  object  and  duty  should  be  to  conduct  original 
researches  or  verify  experiments  on  the  physiology  of  plants  and  animals, 
diseases  to  which  they  are  subject  and  remedies  for  the  same,  the  chemical 
composition  of  useful  plants  at  different  stages  of  growth,  the  comparative 
advantages  of  rotative  cropping,  the  capacity  of  new  plants  or  trees  for 
acclimation,  analysis  of  soils  and  water,  the  chemical  composition  of 
manures,  natural  or  artificial,  with  experiments  designed  to  test  their  com- 
parative effects  on  crops  of  different  kinds,  the  adaptation  and  value  of 
grasses  and  forage  plants,  the  composition  and  digestibility  of  different 
kinds  of  food  for  domestic  animals,  scientific  and  economic  questions 
involved  in  the  production  of  butter  and  cheese,  and  such  other  researches 
or  experiments  bearing  directly  on  the  agricultural  industry  of  the  United 
States  as  should  in  each  case  be  deemed  advisable,  having  due  regard  to 
varying  conditions  and  needs  of  the  respective  states  or  territories.  The 
United  States  commissioner  of  agriculture  should  furnish  forms  for  the 
tabulation  of  the  results  of  investigations  or  experiments,  should  indicate 
such  lines  of  inquiry  as  seemed  to  him  most  important,  and  should  furnish 
such  advice  and  assistance  as  would  best  promote  the  purposes  of  the  act. 
Each  station  should  make  annually  on  or  before  Feb.  1  a  detailed  report 
to  the  government  of  its  operations,  including  a  statement  of  receipts  and 
expenditures.  Bulletins  or  reports  of  progress  should  be  published  by 
each  station  at  least  once  in  three  months,  copies  of  such  bulletins  to 
be  sent  to  each  newspaper  in  the  state  where  published,  and  to  such  indi- 
viduals actively  engaged  in  farming  as  might  request  the  same.  The  bul- 
letins and  annual  reports  should  pass  through  the  mails  free  of  charge. 
The  sum  of  $15,000  per  annum  should  be  appropriated  to  each  state  from 
the  United  States  treasury,  for  expenses  of  the  station.  By  an  act  approved 
April   20,    1887,  Massachusetts  accepted  the  provisions  of  this  grant.     At 


THE    HATCH    EXPERIMENT    STATION. 


5ub 


a  meeting  of  the  Agricultural  College  trustees  held  March  2,  1888,  it  was 
voted  to  establish  a  department  to  be  called  "  The  Experiment  Department 
of  the  Massachusetts  Agricultural  College,"  which  name  was  subsequently 
changed  to  the  "  Hatch  Experiment  Station  of  the  Agricultural  College." 
A  committee  was  appointed  with  full  executive  powers  ;  at  a  meeting  of 
this  committee  held  March  10,  the  organization  was  completed,  the  follow- 
ing being  chosen  as  officers  :  Director,  H.  H.  Goodell ;  agriculturist,  YY. 
P.  Brooks ;  horticulturist,  S.  T.  Maynard  ;  entomologist,  C.  H.  Fernald ; 
meteorologist,  C.  D.  Warner ;  treasurer,  F.  E.  Paige ;  auditor,  J.  H. 
Demond.  The  committee  entered  into  an  agreement  with  the  board  of 
control  of  the  State  Experiment  Station,  the  latter  agreeing,  in  consideration 
of  a  payment  of  $5,000  annually,  that  such  chemical  work  as  was  de- 
manded should  be  performed  at  the  station.  Work  was  begun  at  the 
Hatch  Experiment  Station  in  April,  1888. 

In  1889,  the  English  department  was  reorganized,  and  under  the  super- 
vision of  Prof.  George  F.  Mills  gained  in  usefulness  and  importance.  The 
farm  buildings  were  enlarged  and  remodeled.  Two  large  silos  were  built. 
About  28,000  feet  of  tile  were  laid  for  underdrainage.  A  small  barn  was 
built  for  special  work  in  connection  with  dairy  matters,  for  the  general 
work  involved  in  the  handling  of  crops  under  experiment  and  the  mixing, 
weighing  and  measuring  of  fertilizers.  An  insectary  was  built  for  the 
breeding  of  insects  discovered  on  all  useful  plants,  and  for  experiments 
with  insecticides.  The  General  Court  appropriated  $10,000  annually  for 
four  years,  for  the  endowment  of  additional  professorships  and  for  general 
expenses.     One-half  this  sum  was  to  be  used  as  a  labor  fund. 

In  1890,  under  the  provisions  of  the  free  scholarship  act  of  1883,  62 
students  were  admitted  to  the  college.  All  counties  in  the  state  were 
represented  except  Barnstable,  Dukes  and  Nantucket.  Eighty-nine  students 
availed  themselves  of  the  benefits  of  the  labor  fund.  Two  working  biolog- 
ical laboratories  were  opened  during  the  year,  in  charge  of  Professors  Fer- 
nald and  Maynard.  James  B.  Paige,  a  graduate  of  the  college  in  1882, 
was  elected  to  the  chair  of  veterinary  science.  Extensive  improvements 
were  made  upon  the  farm,  the  labor  being  performed  by  students  who 
were  compensated  for  their  services  from  the  labor  fund. 

The  college,  since  its  establishment,  had  been  seriously  hampered  in 
its  work  by  the  inadequacy  of  the  funds  received  as  interest  upon  its  endow- 
ment. Had  the  land  scrip  been  sold  at  $1.25  an  acre,  which  was  about 
the  current  price  when  the  Morrill  bill  was  passed  in  1862,  the  interest  on 
the  fund  thus  established  would  have  amply  supplied  the  needs  of  the 
institution  for  many  years.  The  placing  of  so  large  an  amount  of  scrip  upon 
the  market  in  1862  and  the  years  immediately  following  lowered  the  price 
nearly  one-half.     The   Massachusetts   college  was  not  the  only  one  that 


c;66  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

found  its  income  insufficient  to  meet  its  expenses.  In  nearly  every  state 
which  had  established  an  independent  institution  under  the  provisions  of 
the  Morrill  act  such  institutions  had  been  largely  dependent  upon  state 
bounty  for  payment  of  their  running  expenses.  Such  conditions  were  not 
anticipated  by  those  who  had  been  instrumental  in  passing  the  Morrill  act 
and,  in  1890,  an  attempt  was  made  to  remedy  them  by  supplementary 
legislation. 

April  30,  1890,  Senator  Justin  S.  Morrill  of  Vermont  introduced  in  the 
United  States  Senate  "  A  Bill  to  establish  an  educational  fund,  and  apply 
the  proceeds  of  the  public  lands  and  the  receipts  from  certain  land-grant 
railroad  companies  to  the  more  complete  endowment  and  support  of  col- 
leges for  the  advancement  of  scientific  and  industrial  education."  The 
second  section  of  this  act  provided  : 

"  That  there  shall  be,  and  hereby  is,  annually  appropriated  out  of  any  money 
in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated,  to  be  paid  as  hereinafter  provided,  to 
each  State  and  Territory  for  the  more  complete  endowment  and  maintenance  of 
colleges  for  the  benefit  of  agriculture  and  the  mechanic  arts  now  established,  or 
which  may  be  hereafter  established,  in  accordance  with  an  act  of  Congress 
approved  July  second,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-two,  the  sum  of  fifteen  thous- 
and dollars  for  the  year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  ninety,  and 
an  annual  increase  of  the  amount  of  such  appropriation  thereafter  for  ten  years  by 
an  additional  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars  over  the  preceding  year,  and  the  annual 
amount  to  be  paid  thereafter  to  each  State  and  Territory  shall  be  twenty-five 
thousand  dollars." 

These  sums  were  to  be  paid  from  funds  received  by  the  treasury  for 
the  sale  of  public  lands  and  the  receipts  from  land-grant  railroad  companies. 
They  should  be  paid  by  the  secretary  of  the  treasury  to  the  state  or  terri- 
torial treasurer,  and  the  latter  should  pay  them  over  to  the  treasurers  of  the 
colleges  entitled  to  receive  the  same.  The  provisions  governing  the  receipt 
and  expenditure  of  these  funds  by  the  colleges  were  in  many  respects  simi- 
lar to  those  attached  to  the  original  grant.  No  portion  should  be  applied 
directly  or  indirectly  to  the  purchase,  erection,  preservation  or  repair  of  any 
building  or  buildings.  This  bill  was  endorsed  by  the  officers  of  agricul- 
tural colleges  and  experiment  stations,  by  agricultural  societies,  granges  and 
the  friends  of  agricultural  education  throughout  the  country.  It  was  passed 
by  Congress,  signed  by  the  president  and  became  a  law  Aug.  30,  1890. 
The  question  then  arose  as  to  the  disposition  of  the  funds  awarded  to 
Massachusetts  under  the  provisions  of  this  act.  Of  the  income  arising  from 
the  fund  established  by  the  original  grant  the  state  had  allowed  one-third  to 
the  Massachusetts  Institute  of  Technology  and  two-thirds  to  the  Agricul- 
tural College.  With  this  division  the  officers  of  the  institute  had  never  been 
fully  satisfied,  and  they  made  a  determined  effort  to  secure  at  least  one-half 
of  the  new  appropriation.      In  this  they  were  unsuccessful,  the  funds  being 


OCCUPATIONS    OF    GRADUATES.  567 

divided  between  the  college  and  the  institute  in  the  same  proportion  as  the 
income  from  the  original  grant. 

The  year  1891  was  a  prosperous  one  at  the  college.  A  portion  of  the 
funds  arising  from  the  new  national  grant  were  received  and  were  expended 
in  adding  to  the  equipment  of  various  departments.  The  General  Court 
passed  a  resolve  continuing  the  labor  fund  for  a  term  of  years  and  also 
granted  an  appropriation  for  rebuilding  the  plant-house  and  erecting  a  rose- 
house.  The  standard  for  admission  was  raised  and  a  higher  grade  of 
scholarship  required.  The  military  department  adopted  a  new  system  of 
tactics.  During  the  fall  term  President  Goodell  traveled  in  Europe  for  the 
benefit  of  his  health,  the  college,  in  his  absence,  being  in  charge  of  Prof.  C. 
H.  .Fernald,  as  acting  president.  April  5,  the  barn  of  the  Hatch  Experi- 
ment Station  was  burned. 

In  1892,  the  college  rolls  bore  the  names  of  190  students;  of  these,  16 
came  from  other  states  than  Massachusetts,  while  the  remaining  174  repre- 
sented 1 10  towns  in  the  state.  A  gratifying  gain  had  been  made  in  the 
percentage  of  graduates.  Of  the  643  who  had  entered  and  left  the  institu- 
tion prior  to  1886,  only  about  37  per  cent,  had  graduated;  since  that  time 
236  had  entered  and  52  per  cent,  had  graduated.  One  young  woman 
entered  the  freshman  class  in  1892,  and  did  excellent  work,  but  was  com- 
pelled to  leave  owing  to  a  lack  of  funds.  Since  the  college  opened  its  doors 
to  students  in  the  fall  of  1867  it  had  received,  not  including  the  students 
pursuing  the  course  in  1892,  879  men.  Of  that  number  361  had  completed 
the  course,  receiving  the  degree  of  B.  Sc.  Of  the  348  living  graduates, 
considerably  more  than  one-half  were  engaged  in  farming  or  closely  allied 
pursuits.  Of  farmers  there  were  92,  agricultural  editors,  4;  engaged  in  the 
fertilizer  business,  7  ;  teachers  in  agricultural  institutions,  2  1  ;  experiment 
station  directors,  3  ;  veterinary  doctors,  8  ;  professors  of  veterinary  science, 
2  ;  assistants  in  experiment  stations,  22  ;  assistants  in  Board  of  Agricul- 
ture, 2  ;  assistants  in  Gypsy  Moth  Commission,  2.  One-seventh  of  all  the 
graduates  were  employed  in  agricultural  colleges  and  experiment  stations, 
including  3  college  presidents,  8  professors  of  agriculture,  5  professors  of 
horticulture  and  botany,  3  directors  of  experiment  stations  and  several  vice- 
directors.  Of  graduates  not  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits,  9  were  law- 
yers, 18  engineers,  11  teachers,  18  doctors,  2  dentists  and  5  clergymen. 
Two  had  been  masters  of  the  State  Grange,  two  lecturers,  and  everywhere 
they  were  found  at  the  head  of  local  granges,  and  farmers'  clubs  and  agri- 
cultural organizations. 

Extensive  additions  were  made  to  the  equipment  of  the  various  depart- 
ments in  1892.  The  veterinary  department  was  thoroughly  equipped  with 
working  models  of  the  horse  and  the  principal  parts  of  the  body.  A  small 
laboratory  was  fitted  up  with  microscopes,  culture  ovens  and  sterilizers  for 


5 68  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

the  study  of  germ  diseases.  The  zoological  department  was  supplied  with 
a  collection  of  mounted  animals,  clastic  models,  diagrams  and  charts  show- 
ing the  operations  of  life  throughout  the  entire  animal  kingdom.  The 
chemical  department  was  given  a  complete  new  outfit  and  to  the  physics 
department  the  apparatus  necessary  for  the  study  of  electricity.  Extensive 
additions  to  the  library  were  made  in  the  departments  of  political  economy, 
agriculture,  zoology  and  chemistry.  In  the  agricultural  department  a 
beginning  was  made  for  an  economic  museum  and  implements  and  appar- 
atus of  all  kinds  were  collected  in  an  effort  to  represent  the  history  of 
agricultural  machinery.  A  collection  of  soils  was  made  and  samples 
gathered  of  all  artificial  and  commercial  fertilizers  used  in  the  state.  For 
making  these  additions  some  $20,000  was  made  available  under  the* pro- 
visions of  the  new  Morrill  act.  The  General  Court  passed  in  1892  a 
resolve  allowing  $8,000  for  the  use  of  the  horticultural  department.  The 
Durfee  plant-house  was  remodeled,  extensive  additions  being  made.  A 
tool-house  was  erected  and  a  cold  grapery  completed.  The  little  stream 
flowing  across  the  college  grounds  was  dammed,  making  a  pretty  artificial 
pond,  which  not  only  adds  to  the  beauty  of  the  landscape  but  affords  a 
plentiful  supply  of  ice  for  use  at  the  college.  A  new  barn  was  built  for 
the  Hatch  Experiment  Station.  In  the  report  for  the  year  announcement 
was  made  that  since  the  establishment  of  the  labor  fund  over  150  young 
men  had  been  aided  and  $20,000  had  been  paid  out  for  work  in  the  direct 
line  of  their  studies  which  had  also  contributed  materially  to  the  improve- 
ment of  the  college  grounds. 

The  General  Court  in  1893  passed  a  resolve  appropriating  $40,000  for 
the  use  of  the  college,  of  which  $19,000  should  be  available  that  year. 
This  sum  was  to  be  used  for  the  erection  of  two  model  barns.  The  old 
college  barn,  beside  being  inconvenient  of  location  and  inadequate  in 
accommodations,  had  become  infected  with  the  germs  of  tuberculosis. 
Work  on  the  new  structures  began  in  the  summer  of  1893.  They  were 
intended  to  accommodate  100  head  of  cattle,  14  horses,  75  sheep  and  80 
hogs.  They  would  also  afford  storage  room  for  300  tons  of  hay,  325  tons 
of  silage,  several  carloads  of  grain  and  144  tons  of  roots.  Accommoda- 
tions would  also  be  afforded  for  a  dairy  school.  Alterations  were  made  on 
other  college  buildings.  A  hard-wood  floor  was  laid  in  the  drill-hall  and  a 
gallery  constructed  at  one  end.  The  room  formerly  used  as  a  chapel  was 
completely  remodeled  and  fitted  up  as  a  laboratory  for  advanced  students 
in  chemistry.  The  meteorological  observatory  was  connected  by  wire  with 
the  telegraph  office  at  the  center  village.  Daily  weather  forecasts  were 
received  from  Washington  and  weather  signal  flags  were  displayed  from 
the  tower.  Arrangements  were  also  made  to  receive  frost  warnings.  The 
college   made   an  interesting  exhibit  at  the  World's  Columbian  Exhibition 


ADDITIONS    TO    EQUIPMENT.  569 

at  Chicago.  From  April  i,  1892,  to  Oct.  1,  1893,  the  college  received 
under  the  provisions  of  the  Morrill  act  of  1890,  $56,668.66  ;  the  expen- 
ditures for  instruction  and  equipment  were,  during  the  same  period, 
$43,921.74.  At  the  beginning  of  the  college  year  in  September,  1893, 
the  studies  of  senior  year  were  made  elective.  A  two-years' course  was 
established,  23  students  entering  its  first  class.  Five  assistant  professors 
were  appointed  in  the  departments  of  agriculture,  chemistry,  English, 
botany  and  mathematics ;  two  of  the  men  receiving  appointments  were 
graduates  of  the  college.  In  November,  Sir  Henry  Gilbert  delivered  the 
Rothamsted  American  lectures  at  the  college. 

In  1894,  the  General  Court  passed  a  resolve  appropriating  $7,500  for 
an  electric  lighting  apparatus  at  the  college.  June  9,  the  old  college  barn 
was  burned  ;  the  origin  of  the  fire  was  supposed  to  be  incendiary.  The 
new  barns  were  completed  in  the  fall.  A  new  system  of  sewerage  was 
introduced.  During  the  spring  term  a  course  of  lectures  on  forestry  was 
delivered  by  Dr.  B.  E.  Fernow,  chief  of  the  division  of  forestry  at  Washing- 
ton. Prof.  C.  D.  Warner  resigned  as  professor  of  mathematics  and  was 
succeeded  by  Prof.  Leonard  Metcalf.  In  1895,  the  General  Court  passed 
a  resolve  appropriating  $4,800  for  building  an  addition  to  the  insectary  and 
erecting  a  gun-shed.  The  military  department  was  equipped  with  two  new 
breech-loading  rifled  cannon  which  took  the  place  of  the  old  1 2-pounders. 
The  State  and  the  Hatch  experiment  stations  were  consolidated  under  the  name 
of  the  Hatch  Experiment  Station  of  the  Massachusetts  Agricultural  College. 
Latin,  as  a  requirement  for  entrance  and  as  a  required  study  was  dropped,  but 
was  given  a  place  in  the  elective  course.  The  two-years'  course  was  dropped 
from  the  curriculum.  A  series  of  short  winter  courses  was  adopted,  free  to 
all  citizens  of  the  state  without  limitations  as  to  entrance  examinations.  In 
the  spring  of  1896,  a  course  in  dairying  was  arranged.  The  General  Court 
passed  a  resolve  appropriating  $11,000  for  extending  the  laboratories  of  the 
experiment  department  and  for  purchasing  the  Clark  property  adjoining  the 
college  grounds. 

The  college  and  its  faculty  have  for  many  years  sustained  intimate 
relations  with  the  State  Board  of  Agriculture,  the  State  Grange  and  the 
various  agricultural  societies  throughout  the  state.  The  Board  of  Agricul- 
ture has  acted  as  the  board  of  overseers  of  the  college.  Prof.  C.  A.  Goess- 
mann  has  served  for  many  years  as  chemist  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture, 
and  at  the  present  time  Profs.  J.  B.  Paige,  C.  H.  Fernald  and  S.  T.  Maynard 
are  also  officially  connected  with  the  board.  Professor  Goessmann  has  also 
the  appointment  of  state  examiner  of  fertilizers,  and  all  fertilizers  sold  in 
Massachusetts  at  a  price  exceeding  $10  per  ton  must  be  analyzed  at  the 
station  and  secure  from  the  inspector  a  guaranty  of  composition  and  value. 
The  members  of  the  faculty  are  in  great  demand  as  speakers  at  agricultural 


570  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

institutes  and  other  gatherings  of  farmers.  Prof.  C.  S.  Walker  has  been 
for  several  years  chaplain  of  the  State  Grange.  That  Massachusetts  excels 
in  the  agricultural  education  imparted  at  its  college  is  proven  by  the  con- 
stant and  increasing  demand  for  the  services  of  the  graduates  of  that  col- 
lege at  the  colleges  and  experiment  stations  of  other  states. 

The  students  at  the  Agricultural  College  have  organized  and  sustained 
many  institutions,  some  of  them  enduring  but  a  brief  period,  others  gaining 
strength  with  the  years  and  with  the  increased  number  of  students  at  the 
college.  Four  secret  fraternities  are  now  in  existence,  the  D.  G.  K.,  Q.  T. 
V.,  Phi  Sigma  Kappa  and  College  Shakespearean  Club.  Of  these  the  D. 
G.  K.  is  the  only  one  to  own  a  fraternity  building  where  undergraduate 
members  reside.  The  students  have  taken  much  interest  in  athletics,  and 
sustain  base-ball,  foot-ball,  athletic  and  tennis  associations.  A  college  glee 
and  banjo  club  has  been  well  sustained  for  several  years.  The  college  Y. 
M.  C.  A.  is  a  prosperous  organization  that  has  exerted  a  strong  influence 
for  good  on  the  lives  of  the  undergraduates.  The  college  has  its  paper,  the 
Aggie  Life,  published  bi-weekly  and  serving  as  an  excellent  exponent  of  life 
at  the  college.  The  Index  is  published  annually  by  the  junior  class,  the 
Cycle  at  commencement-time  by  the  D.  G.  K.  fraternity.  Other  organiza- 
tions, not  alluded  to  above,  are  the  Natural  History  society,  the  Reading 
Room  association,  the  Washington  Irving  literary  society,  the  Polo  club,  the 
Boarding  club,  the  Press  club,  the  Clark  Cadet  band. 

Such,  in  brief,  is  the  history  of  the  Agricultural  College,  the  second 
great  educational  institution  to  be  established  in  the  town  of  Amherst. 
Much  might  be  written  of  its  earlier  struggles,  when  it  was  yet  in  the  exper- 
imental stage,  ere  the  people  of  Massachusetts  had  become  acquainted 
with  it  or  learned  how  valuable  was  the  education  it  had  to  offer,  when  it 
was  necessary  to  make  annual  appeals  to  the  state  for  funds,  appeals  too 
frequently  unheeded  or  answered  in  grudging  fashion.  It  had  its  times  of 
trial,  of  discouragement,  of  seeming  failure.  Much  might  be  written,  also, 
of  the  good  it  has  accomplished,  of  what  it  has  done  for  the  education  of 
youth  and  for  the  cause  of  scientific  agriculture  in  Massaschusetts  and  in 
New  England.  An  extended  history  of  the  college  will  some  day  be 
written,  a  history  containing  much  of  value  but  for  which  space  cannot  be 
found  in  the  town  history.  Enough  to  realize  and  to  say  that  the  college 
has  fulfilled  in  ample  measure  the  highest  hopes  of  its  founders,  that  it 
has  turned  the  attention  of  the  agricultural  classes  towards  the  problems 
of  scientific  agriculture,  and  has  aided  in  their  solution,  that  it  has  gained 
the  respect  and  confidence  of  all  classes  in  the  state,  conquering  the  prej- 
udices of  that  class  of  economists  who  believe  in  limiting  outlay  without 
regard  to  the  promise  of  returns. 

The  Agricultural  College  has  furnished  a  practical,   useful  education 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  ,  57  I 

to  hundreds  of  young  men,  many  of  whom  could  not  afford  the  expense 
of  a  course  at  a  purely  literary  college  even  would  such  a  course  prove  of 
equal  benefit  to  them  in  their  chosen  occupation.  It  has  stimulated  a 
waning  interest  in  agricultural  matters  and  furnished  convincing  argu- 
ments to  the  young  men  of  the  state  as  to  why  they  should  remain  upon 
the  farm  rather  than  seek  employment  in  the  cities.  It  has  impressed 
upon  the  public  mind  the  dignity  of  agricultural  pursuits,  proving  that 
head-work  is  as  necessary  as  hand-work  in  the  successful  conduct  of  a  New 
England  farm.  The  work  of  the  college  has  been  ably  supplemented  by 
that  of  the  experiment  stations.  The  series  of  experiments  conducted  by 
the  latter  have  been  of  great  practical  benefit  to  all  persons  living  in  the 
state,  engaged  in  agriculture  and  kindred  pursuits.  The  department  of 
chemistry  has  kept  them  fully  apprised  of  the  value  of  the  different  kinds  of  fer- 
tilizers, home-made  and  commercial,  of  the  kinds  of  fertilizers  demanded  by 
certain  soils  and  for  the  production  of  special  crops.  The  department  of 
entomology  has  taught  the  best  methods  of  warfare  against  insect  pests. 
The  department  of  horticulture  has  informed  them  concerning  the  nature 
of  and  remedy  for  plant  disease,  as  well  as  of  the  best  varieties  of  fruits. 
The  department  of  agriculture  has  given  them  the  results  of  experiments 
with  crops,  of  feeding  experiments  with  cattle  for  the  production  of  meat 
and  milk,  and  much  other  information  of  value. 


CHAPTER   LXIII. 


Biographical  Sketches  of  Prominent  Citizens. 

In  Chapter  XXVI  brief  sketches  are  given  of  the  lives  of  some  of  the 
more  prominent  among  the  first  settlers  and  early  inhabitants  of  the  pre- 
cinct, district  and  town.  This  History  would  be  far  from  complete  did  it 
not  contain  something  more  than  passing  mention  of  others  who  have 
served  the  town  in  a  variety  of  ways,  strong  men  in  the  community,  leaders- 
in  thought  and  action,  town  fathers  in  something  more  than  the  sentimental 
meaning  of  the  term.  It  is  a  difficult  and  delicate  task  to  select  from  a 
long  list  of  honored  names,  representative  of  those  sterling  qualities  that 
go  to  make  the  highest  type  of  New  England  manhood,  a  comparative  few 
for  particular  mention.  In  making  this  selection  especial  reference  is  had 
to  public  service  as  well  as  to  high  standing  in  the  community.  It  would 
be  easy  to  extend  the  list  almost  indefinitely,  but  lack  of  space  forbids. 


572  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Among  the  earlier  settlers  few  were  held  in  higher  esteem  than  was 
Jonathan  Dickinson,  son  of  Samuel,  born  in  Shutesbury  in  17 15.  He 
served  in  the  French  and  Indian  wars  and  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution. 
Chosen  selectman  in  1759,  the  year  Amherst  was  set  off  as  a  district,  he 
held  the  office  five  years.  He  married,  Sept.  26,  1745,  Dorothy  Stoughton 
of  Windsor,  Conn. 

Joseph  Church,  son  of  Samuel,  was  born  in  Hadley  in  1728.  He 
served  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  was  a  man  of  means  and  held  the 
office  of  selectman  six  years.  He  married,  Jan.  2,  1755,  Abigail  Smith, 
and  died  in  Amherst  Sept.  7,  1S19. 

Noah  Smith,  son  of  Jonathan,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1742.  He, 
also,  served  on  Amherst's  quota  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  For  six 
years  he  served  as  selectman.  He  married,  in  1766,  Mary  Elmer  and  died 
Feb.  22,  1830. 

Jonathan  Dickinson,  Jr.,  son  of  Jonathan,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1 749. 
He  held  the  office  of  selectman  nine  years.  He  married,  March  27,  1783, 
Azubah  Coleman,  and  died  June  2,  1836. 

Ebenezer  Boltwood,  son  of  Solomon,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1752. 
He  was  graduated  from  Harvard  College  and  was  one  of  the  first  men  in 
the  new  settlement  to  engage  in  mercantile  pursuits.  From  1782  to  1788, 
he  kept  an  inn.  In  1786,  he  was  appointed  justice  of  the  peace.  For 
eleven  years  he  served  as  selectman.      He  died  July  23,  1804. 

Moses  Hastings,  son  of  Thomas,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1755.  He 
served  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  A  leading  member  of  the  First 
church,  he  was  one  of  the  first  trustees  of  its  ministerial  fund.  He  held 
many  public  offices,  serving  as  selectman  eight  years.  He  married,  Aug. 
29,  1776,  Elizabeth  Parker  of   Amherst.      His  death  occurred  June  6,  1844. 

Elijah  Dickinson,  son  of  Moses,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1760.  He 
served  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  gaining  the  title  of  colonel,  by  which 
he  was  generally  known.  He  donated  the  land  on  which  the  first  Amherst 
College  building  was  erected.  He  was  a  leading  member  of  the  First 
church,  and  held  many  town  offices,  including  that  of  selectman.  He 
married,  June  13,  1780,  Jerusha  Smith,  whose  portrait  appears  on  the 
opposite  page.     He  died  Feb.  1,  1820. 

Gideon  Stetson  was  born  in  1762,  married  Nancy  Thayer  of  Belcher- 
town  and  died  in  1835.      He  held  the  office  of  selectman  five  years. 

John  Kellogg,  son  of  Ephraim,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1765.  He  was 
deacon  in  the  First  church  and  served  the  town  as  selectman  six  years. 
He  married  (1),  Roxana  Mattoon  ;  (2),  Mrs.  Martha  Ingram.  He  died 
Dec.  6,  1844. 

Nathan  Franklin,  son  of  Henry,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1767.  He 
represented  the  town  in  the  General  Court.      He  served  as  selectman  seven 


ADJUTANT  FRAZAK  STEARN! 


I.T.  GEORGE  COOKE. 


MRS.   JERUSHA    DI(   K.1XSOX. 


SAR  \ft    STROXG    MCCONIHE 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  573 

years  and  was  deacon  of  the  South  church.     He  married,  Nov.  29,  1798, 
Jerusha  Dickinson,  and  died  March   11,  1S32. 

Ephraim  Roberts,  son  of  Joseph,  was  born  in  East  Hartford,  Conn,  in 
1769.  He  was  one  of  the  first  in  Amherst  to  engage  in  the  manufacture  of 
paper.  He  was  a  leading  citizen  in  the  North  parish.  He  married  (1), 
Susan  Eastman  of  East  Hartford  ;  (2),  Jerusha  Mann.  He  died  in  Amherst, 
April  19,  1S53. 

Martin  Baker,  son  of  Elijah,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1770.  He  served 
the  town  as  selectman  seven  years  and  held  other  town  offices.  He  mar- 
ried, July  16,  1797,  Mary  Smith,  and  died  Dec.  11,  1842. 

Reuben  Roberts,  son  of  Joseph,  was  born  in  East  Hartford,  Conn,  in 
1775.  In  company  with  his  brother  Ephraim  he  engaged  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  paper.  He  served  the  town  as  representative  in  the  General  Court. 
He  married,  in  1796,  Esther  Rissley  of  East  Hartford,  and  died  Oct.  25, 
1864. 

Zebina  Dickinson,  son  of  John,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1778.  He 
was  one  of  the  first  deputy  sheriffs  for  the  town  of  Amherst,  holding  office 
many  years.  He  represented  the  town  in  the  General  Court  one  year, 
served  as  selectman  and  assessor  and  held  other  town  offices.  He  married, 
in  1808,  Mary  Watson.     His  death  occurred  June  2,  1837. 

Chester  Dickinson,  son  of  John,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1780.  He 
served  the  town  as  selectman  eight  years.  An  innkeeper  many  years,  his 
tavern  was  noted  for  the  hospitality  with  which  its  guests  were  treated. 
He  was  the  first  treasurer  of  the  North  parish.  From  his  appointment  as 
justice  of  the  peace  he  gained  the  title  of  "  'Squire7'  by  which  he  was  famil- 
iarly known.  He  married,  May  29.  1803,  Susanna  Dickinson,  and  died 
May  10,  1850. 

Horace  Smith,  son  of  Silas,  was  born  in  South  Hadley  in  1781.  He 
was  deacon  in  the  First  church,   justice  of  the  peace   and  a  colonel  in  the 

militia.      He  married  (1),  March  5,  1805,  Rebecca  Moody;  (2), King 

of  Suffield,  Conn.      He  died  Nov.  n,  1862. 

Isaac  G.  Cutler,  son  of  Robert,  was  born  in  Pelham  in  1782.  He 
was  graduated  at  Williams  College  in  1801.  He  practiced  medicine  in 
Amherst  until  his  death,  which  occurred  Nov.  29.  1834.  He  was  a  very 
popular  physician,  a  fact  witnessed  by  his  record  of  professional  attend- 
ance upon  1336  cases  of  childbirth,  now  on  file  in  the  office  of  the  town 
clerk.  He  represented  the  town  in  the  General  Court  in  1830.  He  mar- 
ried, Dec.  24.  1S07,  Nancy  Hastings. 

Ebenezer  Williams,  son  of  Justus,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1783.  He 
served  the  town  as  representative  to  the  General  Court,  also  holding 
the  office  of  selectman  five  years.  He  married,  Jan.  21,  1808,  Philomela 
Dickinson  of  Amherst. 


574  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Timothy  Henderson,  son  of  Timothy,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1784. 
He  was  a  prosperous  farmer,  greatly  beloved  in  the  community,  a  leader 
in  town  and  church  affairs.  He  held  the  office  of  selectman  seven  years. 
He  married  (1),  Aug.  26,  1811,  Mary  Parker;  (2),  Tryphena  Kellogg. 
He  died  in  Hadley,  Oct.  28,  1861. 

Nathaniel  C.  Dickinson,  son  of  Jonathan,  was  born  in  Shutesbury  in 
1784.  He  was  active  in  church  affairs,  gave  the  land  on  which  the  South 
church  was  built  and  served  as  deacon  and  superintendent  of  the  Sunday- 
school.  He  held  office  as  selectman  and  assessor  many  years.  He  mar- 
ried (1).  Jan.  27,  1807,  Submit  Smith  of  Brattleboro  ;  (2),  June  2,  1841, 
Sibyl  Strickland  of  Greenfield.     He  died  March  19,  1868. 

Eleazer  Gaylord,  son  of  Eleazer,  was  born  in  Windsor,  Conn,  in  1785. 
He  served  the  town  as  selectmen,  and  was  for  many  years  deacon  in  the 
First  church.  He  was  a  leader  among  the  farmers  of  the  town.  He  mar- 
ried (1),  in  1819,  Hannah  Haskell  of  Holden  ;  (2),  in  1832,  Sally  Church 
of  Amherst.      He  died  in  New  Haven,  Conn.,  Aug.  10,  1865. 

Benoni  Rust,  son  of  Oliver,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1786.  He  was 
engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  stoves  and  steel  springs.  He  served  the 
town  as  selectman.  He  married  Susan  Dickinson  of  Amherst  and  died 
Dec.  29,  1848. 

George  Nutting,  son  of  John,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1786.  He  rep- 
resented the  town  in  the  General  Court  and  also  as  selectman  and  assessor. 
He  was  a  member  of  the  first  parish  committee  of  the  South  church  and 
one  of  the  contractors  who  erected  the  church  building.  He  married 
Judith  Hastings  of  Amherst  and  died  Aug.  1,  1838. 

Cotton  Smith,  son  of  Chileab,  was  born  in  Hadley  in  1787.  In  1S10, 
he  conducted  a  store  at  East  Amherst,  but  spent  the  greater  part  of  his 
life  as  a  farmer  at  "  Mill  Valley."  He  was  a  prominent  member  of  the 
First  church.  He  served  the  town  as  selectman.  He  married  Sibyl 
Smith  of  Amherst  and  died  Aug.  17,  1855. 

Thomas  Jones,  son  of  Elnathan,  was  born  in  Concord  in  1787.  He 
was  engaged  for  many  years  in  the  manufacture  of  cotton  and  woolen 
goods  at  North  Amherst,  owning  at  one  time  three  mills.  He  took  an 
active  part  in  the  organization  of  the  Hampshire  and  Franklin  railroad 
company  and  was  a  man  of  great  enterprise  and  public  spirit.  He  repre- 
sented the  town  in  the  General  Court.  He  married  (1),  June  3,  1829, 
Elizabeth  M.  Lyman  of  Northampton  ;  (2),  Dec.  24,  1835,  Mary  H.  French 
of  Newfane,  Vt.      He  died  Oct.  21,  1853. 

Chester  Kellogg,  son  of  Jonathan,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1788. 
He  was  for  many  years  a  prosperous  merchant  and  a  leading  member  of 
the  First  church.  He  married  (1),  in  June,  1808,  Lois  Dickinson;  (2), 
Aug.  1,  1816,  Maria  Bixby.      He  died  Jan.  7,  1849. 


A    GROUP    OF    SELECTMEN 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  575 

Solomon  K.  Eastman,  son  of  John,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1788. 
He  was  a  prominent  farmer  and  a  leading  member  of  the  First  church. 
He  served  the  town  as  selectman  and  also  held  other  town  offices.  He 
married,  Nov.  10,  1S19,  Almira  Richardson,  and  died  April  15,  1872. 

Seneca  Holland,  son  of  Jonas,  was  born  in  Petersham  in  1790.  He 
lived  in  Belchertown  for  a  time,  removing  to  Amherst  in  1832.  For  many 
years  he  was  one  of  the  leading  business  men  of  the  town,  held  in  high  esteem 
in  the  community.  He  married,  Nov.  30,  1823,-  Fanny  Dickinson  of 
Amherst  and  died  Dec.  5,  187  1. 

Joseph  Dana,  son  of  Amariah,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1795.  He 
was  a  successful  farmer.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Second  church  until 
the  South  church  was  formed,  when  he  joined  the  latter  and  served  it  as 
deacon.  He  was  one  of  the  members  of  the  South  militia  company  who 
marched  to  Boston  during  the  war  of  1812.  He  married,  Oct.  28,  1824, 
Clara  Benton  of  Tolland,  Conn.      He  died  April  27,  1S74. 

Alfred  Baker,  son  of  Enos,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1798.  A  success- 
ful farmer,  he  was  also  prominent  in  town  affairs.  He  served  the  town  as 
selectman  12  years  and  also  represented  it  in  the  General  Court.  He  was 
active  in  securing  the  organization  of  the  Hampshire  Agricultural  society 
and  was  elected  its  first  president.  He  was  captain  of  a  militia  company 
in  1830.  He  married  (i),  Sept.  17,  1835,  Catherine  D.  Wiley  of  Sunder- 
land; (2),  Elizabeth  Olmsted.     He  died  March   14,  1S77. 

Ezra  Ingram,  son  of  Ebenezer,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1799.  In 
early  life  he  worked  in  the  mills  owned  by  his  father,  but  the  death  of  his 
father  when  Ezra  was  but  twenty  years  of  age  placed  him  in  possession  of 
the  homestead,  and  he  spent  his  life  in  farming,  disposing  of  his  interest 
in  the  mills  to  his  brother  Peter.  He  represented  the  town  in  the  General 
Court.  He  served  the  town  as  selectman  and  overseer  of  the  poor  18 
years  and  held  other  town  offices.  He  was  a  member  of  the  board  of 
selectmen  at  the  time  of  the  war  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union,  and 
with  two  others  became  personally  responsible  for  a  large  sum  of  money 
needed  to  prevent  a  draft  of  Amherst  men.  He  was  a  justice  of  the  peace. 
He  married,  Nov.  24,  1824,  Susan  E.  Roberts  of  East  Hartford,  Conn. 
He  died  June  15,  1881. 

David  Dexter,  son  of  David,  was  born  in  Windsor,  Conn,  in  1799. 
He  was  engaged  in  manufacturing  at  "  Mill  Valley."  He  served  as  select- 
man. He  married,  Sept.  21,  1830,  Cynthia  Rankin  of  Pelham,  and  died 
Feb.  14,    1876. 

Ephraim  Cushman,  son  of  Ephraim,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1799. 
He  engaged  in  paper  making  in  company  with  his  brother  John  R.  For 
over  50  years  he  was  a  leading  member  of  the  North  church.  He  married 
Wealthy  Cutter.      He  died  Dec.  1,  1887. 


576  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Eleazer  Kellogg,  son  of  John,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1800.  He 
served  the  town  as  selectman  eleven  years  and  was  its  representative  in 
the  General  Court  in  1838.  For  upwards  of  25  years  he  was  a  trustee  of 
the  ministerial  fund  of  the  North  church.  He  married,  Dec.  30,  1824, 
Sally  M.  Roberts.      He  died  June  7,  1885. 

Salem  Hammond,  son  of  Moses,  was  born  in  Charlton  in  1803.  He 
removed  to  South  Amherst  in  1837  and  engaged  in  farming.  He  united 
with  the  South  church  in  1838.  and  was  an  active  and  influential  member 
until  his  removal  to  Hadley  in  1859.  He  served  the  town  as  selectman 
and  assessor.  He  married,  Sept.  22.  1841,  Mrs.  Julia  A.  Eldredge  of 
Hadley.      He  died  in  Hadley  July  1S.  1871. 

Samuel  C.  Carter,  son  of  Nathaniel,  was  born  in  Newburyport  in 
1803.  He  learned  the  book-binders'  trade  in  the  employ  of  Jonathan 
Leavitt  of  Andover.  He  came  to  Amherst  in  1825,  and  entered  in  part- 
nership with  John  S.  Adams,  under  the  firm  name  of  Carter  &:  Adams. 
Their  business  included  a  book-store,  a  printing  office  and  a  book-bindery. 
They  published  for  two  years  the  New  England  Inquirer,  the  first  local 
paper  printed  in  the  town.  ^  The  partnership  was  dissolved  in  1827.  For 
more  than  60  years  Mr.  Carter  was  a  leading  citizen  in  the  community, 
respected  and  beloved  by  all.  For  over  ^i  years,  from  1837  to  1846,  and 
again  from  1857  to  1880,  Mr.  Carter  served  the  town  as  clerk  and  treasurer. 
During  that  time  $1,339,386  of  the  public  moneys  passed  through  his  hands, 
every  cent  of  which  was  carefully  and  faithfully  accounted  for.  In  1837, 
he  was  the  town  agent  to  receive  and  dispose  of  the  surplus  revenue.  In 
1865,  he  prepared  a  full  and  accurate  military  record  of  those  who  had 
served  on  Amherst's  quota  during  the  war  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union; 
In  1841  and  1842,  he  represented  the  town  in  the  General  Court,  and  was 
a  member  of  the  committee  which  drafted  the  excellent  law  yet  in  force 
for  the  registration  of  vital  statistics.  He  served  as  post-master  for  two 
terms.  From  1837  to  1839,  he  was  a  member  of  the  school  committee. 
For  many  years  he  was  clerk  and  treasurer  of  the  First  parish,  member  of 
the  parish  committee  and  treasurer  of  the  sinking  fund.  In  1829,  he  was 
appointed  librarian  of  the  First  church  Sunday-school,  and  was  for  fifty 
years  connected  with  the  school  as  scholar,  librarian,  teacher  and  superin- 
tendent. He  was  treasurer  of  the  Amherst  Savings  bank  from  its  organi- 
zation in  1865  until  his  resignation  of  the  office  in  1887,  In  1827,  he 
assisted  in  organizing  an  engine  company,  retaining  his  connection  with  it 
for  many  years.  For  twelve  years  he  was  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the 
West  Amherst  Temperance  union,  and  also  served  as  librarian  and  treas- 
urer of  the  Amherst  Lyceum.  He  married  (1),  in  April,  1S26,  Matilda 
Ayres;   (2),  Elizabeth  D.  Jackson  of  Boston.      He  died  June  9,  1889. 

George  Montague,  son  of  Luke,  was  born  in   Amherst   in    1S04.      He 


FORMER     TOWN     CLERKS 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  577 

studied  at  Amherst  Academy.  From  1828  to  183 1,  he  was  accountant  and 
instructor  at  Mt.  Pleasant  Academy.  From  1834  to  1836,  he  was  engaged 
in  mercantile  pursuits  in  the  South.  He  served  as  treasurer  of  the  Agri- 
cultural College  and  for  14  years  as  auditor  of  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of 
Amherst  College.  He  served  as  deacon  of  the  First  church  and  was 
for  seven  years  clerk  of  Hampshire  East  Conference.  He  married  (1), 
March  7,  1834,  Mary  A.  Parsons  of  Columbus,  Ga.;  (2),  Nov.  20,  1856, 
Sarah  M.  Seelye  of  New  York  city.     He  died  Jan.  22,  1893. 

,  Moses  B.  Greene,  son  of  Clark,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1805,  and 
was  fitted  for  college  at  Amherst  Academy.  After  his  graduation  from 
Amherst  College  in  1829,  he  taught  in  Massachusetts,  Louisiana  and  Miss- 
issippi. Returning  to  Amherst  in  1847,  he  resided  there  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  Aug.  7,  1865.  He  was  a  leading  member  of  the  First  church 
and  served  for  many  years  as  chairman  of  the  school  committee,  with  dis- 
tinguished success.  He  married,  Dec.  22,  1830,  Betsey  A.  Seabury  of 
New  Orleans,  La. 

Allen  P.  Merrick,  son  of  Aaron,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1807.  He 
was  a  successful  farmer,  a  prominent  man  in  the  South  parish  and  served 
the  town  as  selectman.  In  early  life,  before  the  railway  era,  he  traveled 
extensively  in  New  England  and  Canada,  selling  wagons  and  farm  produce. 
He  was  one  of  the  early  advocates  of  the  "  abolition  "  and  "  free-soil  " 
movements,  but  in  his  later  years  was  in  politics  an  independent  democrat; 
in  1878  it  was  the  wish  of  Gen.  Benjamin  F.  Butler  thatMr.  Merrick  would 
consent  to  run  as  candidate  for  state  treasurer  on  the  democratic  ticket, 
but  he  refused.  He  married,  May  7,  1834,  Minerva  Blodgett  of  Amherst 
and  died  June  16,  1886. 

Rufus  Belden,  son  of  Aaron,  was  born  in  Whately  in  1809.  He 
entered  Amherst  College  in  the  class  of  1833,  remaining  two  years.  He 
was  graduated  from  the  Pittsfield  Medical  Institute  and  practiced  medicine 
in  New  York  city,  Brooklyn  and  Amherst.  He  was  a  leading  physician  of 
his  day,  meeting  with  distinguished  success  in  the  cities,  and  when  he 
removed  to  Amherst  his  services  were  in  constant  demand  in  this  and  in 
neighboring  towns.  He  was  a  leader  in  town  and  church  affairs,  greatly 
beloved  in  the  community.  He  married,  Feb.  18,  1835,  Henrietta  Howland 
of  West  Barnstable,  and  died  in  Amherst  April  29,  1870. 

Porter  Dickinson,  son  of  Eli,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1809.  He  was 
engaged  for  many  years  in  the  manufacture  of  tools  at  East  Amherst.  He 
served  the  town  as  selectman  five  years.  He  married,  in  November,  1832, 
Elizabeth  R.  Billings  of  Amherst  and  died  Nov.  13,  1880. 

Newton  Fitch,  son  of  Joseph,  was  born  in  Windham,  Conn,  in  18 10. 
He  came  to  Amherst  about  the  year  1835,  and  engaged  in  the  druggist's 
37 


578  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

business,  buying  of  a  man  named  Underwood  a  store,  which  stood  on  the 
site  now  occupied  by  W.  H.  H.  Morgan's  drug-store.  He  was  assistant- 
postmaster  during  S.  C.  Carter's  term  of  office.  He  served  as  town  clerk 
and  treasurer  from  1845  to  1848.  He  removed  to  Uxbridge  in  1859, 
but  returning  to  Amherst  in  1875  resided  here  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  July  23,  1877.  He  was  justice  of  the  peace.  He  was  one  of 
the  prominent  advocates  of  the  Hampshire  &  Franklin  railway.  He  mar- 
ried, April  2,  1834,  Eunice  H.  Jillson  of  Willimantic,  Conn. 

Samuel  Nash,  son  of  Elijah,  was  born  in  Hadley  in  18 10.  He  was 
deacon  of  the  church  in  North  Hadley,  a  trustee  of  Hopkins  Academy  and 
a  representative  to  the  General  Court  in  1844.  He  was  the  first  editor  of 
the  Hampshire  and  Franklin  Express,  a  man  of  keen  intellect,  held  in  high 
esteem  in  the  community.  He  was  one  of  the  incorporators  of  the  Mt. 
Holyoke  railway  company.  He  married,  May  1,  1834,  Lurintha  Ball  of 
Leverett,  and  died  Feb.  13,  1861. 

Josiah  Ayres,  son  of  Josiah,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  18 19.  He  rep- 
resented the  town  in  the  General  Court.  He  served  as  selectman  and 
held  many  other  town  offices.  He  was  for  many  years  superintendent  of 
the  Sunday-school  of  the  First  church.  He  married,  April  1,  1835,  Cath- 
arine Strickland  of  Greenfield,  and  died  Aug.  4,  i860. 

James  E.  Merrick,  son  of  Aaron,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  181 1.  He 
taught  school  in  early  life,  afterwards  devoting  his  attention  to  farming  in 
which  he  was  very  successful.  He  served  the  town  as  selectman  and 
assessor  for  several  years.  He  was  a  leading  member  of  the  South  church. 
He  married,  Dec.  24,  1845,  Harriet  Bridgman,  and  died  March  24,  1885. 

Israel  H.  Taylor  was  born  in  Pelham  in  1S11.  He  removed  to 
Amherst  in  1850,  residing  here  until  his  death,  which  occurred  Oct.  15, 
1890.  He  was  one  of  the  town's  best-known  physicians,  highly  esteemed 
in  the  community. 

Austin  Eastman,  son  of  Elijah,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  18 12.  He 
was  a  successful  farmer  and  a  prominent  man  in  the  North  parish.  He 
served  the  town  as  selectman.  A  member  of  the  Baptist  church  at  its 
organization,  he  continued  in  its  communion  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  Aug.  8,  1892.      He  married,  Oct.  6,  1833,  Mary  Spear. 

Waitstill  Dickinson,  son  of  Oliver,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  18 14. 
For  several  years  he  followed  the  business  of  teaming.  In  1842,  he 
opened  a  store  at  South  Amherst.  For  many  years  he  was  engaged  in 
business  in  the  brick  store  near  the  common  at  South  Amherst.  He 
served  the  town  as  selectman,  assessor  and  member  of  school  committee. 
In  1850,  he  represented  the  town  in  the  General  Court.  He  was  post- 
master at  South  Amherst  for  many  years.  He  married,  April  20,  1837, 
Mercy  Dickinson  of  Amherst,  and  died  March  10,  1884. 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  579 

Ansel  C.  Marshall,  son  of  Chester,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1816. 
He  spent  his  life  in  farming  and  was  a  leading  citizen  of  the  North  parish. 
He  served  the  town  as  selectman  for  five  years.  He  was  a  director  of  the 
First  National  bank  from  its  organization  until  his  death.  For  more  than 
40  years  he  was  connected  with  the  North  church  and  served  as  trustee  of 
its  parish  fund.  He  married,  Dec.  12,  186 1,  Lucy  C.  Palmer,  and  died 
Dec.  18,  1894. 

Richard  B.  Bridgman,  son  of  Jonathan,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1817, 
on  the  old  bridgman  homestead  at  South  Amherst.  He  was  a  successful 
farmer,  one  of  the  strong  men  of  the  South  parish.  A  leading  member  of 
the  South  church,  he  served  it  as  deacon  for  several  years.  He  mar- 
ried, March  22,  1843,  Mary  Nutting  of  Amherst,  and  died  July  27,  1882. 

benjamin  F.  Smith,  son  of  Simeon,  was  born  in  East  Lyme,  Conn,  in 
18 18.  He  was  graduated  at  Yale  College  early  in  the  '40s  and  studied 
medicine.  He  practiced  his  profession  at  Amherst  many  years,  being 
held  in  high  repute.  He  was  a  prominent  member  of  Pacific  Lodge  F.  & 
A.  M.  He  was  married  three  times,  (1)  to  Elizabeth  Caulkings,  (2)  to 
Julia  Bucklin,  (3)  to  Amy  M.  Thayer.      He  died  in  Amherst,  Aug.  10,1865. 

Charles  Delano,  son  of  Gideon,  was  born  in  New  Braintree  in  1820. 
He  removed  to  Amherst  in  1833,  attended  Amherst  Academy  and  was 
graduated  from  Amherst  College  in  1S40.  He  studied  law  in  the  office  of 
Osmyn  Baker,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1842.  In  1847,  he  entered 
in  partnership  with  Mr.  Baker,  with  offices  in  Northampton.  In  1849,  ne 
was  chosen  treasurer  of  Hampshire  county,  holding  the  office  nine  years. 
He  was  elected  to  the  United  States  Congress  in  1858  and  again  in  i860. 
He  was  a  lawyer  of  fine  abilities,  greatly  respected  and  admired.  He 
married,  Sept.  12,  1848,  Sarah  B.  Gridley,  and  died  Jan.  23,  1883. 

Harrison  Ingram,  son  of  John,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1S20.  He 
was  prominent  in  town  affairs,  serving  six  years  as  selectman.  He  married, 
Nov.  5,  1845,  Rhoda  D.  Hubbard  of  Sunderland  and  died  May   12,  1879. 

James  W.  Boyden,  son  of  YVvatt  C,  was  born  in  Beverly  Farms  in 
1822.  He  was  graduated  from  Harvard  College  in  1S43,  from  Harvard 
Law  School  in  1846.  He  removed  to  Amherst  in  1846  and  practiced  law 
here  until  1859,  when  he  removed  to  Chicago.  In  1S58,  he  was  elected 
to  the  Massachusetts  Senate.  He  was  town  clerk  and  treasurer  many 
years,  and  while  engaged  in  the  duties  of  these  offices  compiled  a  genealog- 
ical record  of  Amherst  families,  of  great  interest  and  value.  At  the 
organization  of  the  Hampshire  Agricultural  society  he  was  elected  sec- 
retary and  treasurer.  He  assisted  in  organizing  the  Amherst  Branch  rail- 
road company.  In  1S58,  he  was  appointed  trial  justice.  He  married, 
May  18,    1847,  Eliza  O.   Turner.      He  died  Feb.  14,  1892,  in   Chicago,  111. 

Pliny  H.   White,   son  of  John,  was  born  in  Springfield,  Vt.,  in  1822. 


580  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

He  removed  to  Amherst  from  St.  Johnsbury,  Vt.  in  1857,  and  while  here 
was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Hampshire  East  Association.  He  was  for  a 
time  editor  of  the  Hampshire  and  Franklin  Express.  He  married,  May  11, 
1847,.  Electa  B.  Gates  and  died  in  Coventry,  Vt.,  April  24,  1869. 

Enos  T).  Williams,  son  of  Ebenezer,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1822. 
He  was  an  active  and  enterprising  man,  employing  his  large  means  in 
building  up  the  town.  He  served  as  selectman  three  years.  He  married, 
Nov.  28,  1845,  Caroline  R.  Hawley  of  Hadley.  He  died  Oct.  9,  1866,  at 
Gaba,  111. 

Ithamar  F.  Conkey,  son  of  Ithamar,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1823. 
He  entered  Amherst  College  in  the  class  of  '43,  but  left  before  graduation. 
He  studied  law  and  practiced  his  profession  in  Amherst  from  1844  until 
his  death,  which  occurred  Aug.  8,  1875.  ^n  ^S^,  ne  was  elected  district 
attorney  of  the  Northwest  judicial  district.  In  1874  and  '75,  he  was  U.  S. 
register  in  bankruptcy,  In  1852,  he  represented  the  town  in  the  General 
Court.  For  26  years  he  served  as  moderator  at  town  meetings.  For 
several  years  he  was  member  of  the  school  committee.  He  assisted  in  the 
organization  of  the  Amherst  Savings  bank  and  was  a  member  of  its  board 
of  trustees.  He  was  appointed  justice  of  the  peace  in  1847.  He  was  a 
prominent  member  of  the  Hampshire  Agricultural  society,  secretary  of  the 
Amherst  lyceum,  clerk  of  Cataract  Engine  company  and  a  general  leader 
in  town  affairs.  He  was  an  influential  member  of  Grace  church,  serving 
as   vestryman.      He   married,  June    15,  1847,  Luthera   Cutler  of  Amherst. 

Charles  S.  Smith,  son  of  Samuel,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1828.  He 
attended  Amherst  College  for  two  years  but  left  before  graduation.  For 
several  years  he  was  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 
Returning  to  Amherst  in  1866,  he  engaged  in  farming,  meeting  with  great 
success.  He  represented  the  town  in  the  General  Court  and  also  served 
as  selectman.  He  was  a  leader  in  the  organization  of  the  Amherst  Coop- 
erative society  which  for  many  years  conducted  the  Grange  store.  He  was 
a  charter  member  of  Amherst  Grange  and  of  the  Amherst  Creamery  asso- 
ciation.     He  married,  Feb.  4,  1863,  Jennie  Hyde,  and  died  March 23,  1895. 

William  A.  Dickinson,  son  of  Edward,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1829. 
He  fitted  for  college  at  Amherst  Academy  and  Williston  Seminary,  was 
graduated  from  Amherst  College  in  1850  and  from  Harvard  Law  School  in 
1854.  Entering  his  father's  law-office  in  Amherst,  he  practiced  his  pro- 
fession here  until  his  death.  On  the  death  of  his  father,  in  1S74.  he  was 
chosen  treasurer  of  Amherst  College,  an  office  he  held  during  life.  He 
served  as  moderator  of  town-meetings  for  nearly  twenty  years.  He  was  a 
prominent  member  of  the  First  church,  for  many  years  a  member  of  its  parish 
committee.  A  leading  member  of  the  Village  Improvement  society  from 
its  organization,  he  took  an  active  interest  in  every  movement  for  beauti- 


I<  >N.  \  1  H  AN    S.    SLATE. 


TIMOTHY    HENDERSON 


D   WARNER 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  5»I 

fying  the  appearance  of  the  town.  He  was  one  of  the  incorporators  of  the 
Wildwood  Cemetery  association.  For  many  years  he  was  a  director  of  the 
First  National  bank,  a  trustee  of  the  Amherst  Savings  bank  and  trustee  of 
the  "  Academy  Fund."  He  was  president  of  the  Amherst  Water  company 
and  one  of  the  first  stockholders  in  the  Amherst  Gas  company.  He  mar- 
ried, July  i,  1856,  Susan  H.  Gilbert  of  Greenfield.      He  died  Aug.  16,  1895. 

Henry  F.  Hills,  son  of  Leonard  M.,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1833. 
In  1852,  he  became  associated  with  his  father  in  the  manufacture  of  hats 
and  hoods,  under  the  firm  name  of  Hills  &  Son.  He  continued  in  the 
manufacturing  business  all  his  life,  as  president  of  The  Hills  Co.  after 
1877.  An  influential  member  of  the  First  church,  he  served  as  a  member 
of  its  parish  committee,  as  Sunday-school  superintendent  and  as  a  member 
of  the  committee  which  had  in  charge  the  building  of  the  present  church 
edifice.  He  was  a  director  of  the  Massachusetts  Central  railway  company, 
president  of  the  Amherst  Gas  company  and  one  of  the  original  stock- 
holders of  the  Amherst  Water  company.  He  contributed,  with  his  father, 
$10,000  to  the  Agricultural  College.  He  was  one  of  the  incorporators  of 
the  Wildwood  Cemetery  association.  He  was  connected  with  the  Roper 
Rifle  company  and  the  American  Button  company.  He  married,  Sept.  17, 
1863,  Adelaide  Spencer  of  South  Manchester,  Conn.   He  died  April  25,  1896. 

Chauncey  W.  Lessey,  son  of  Alanson,  was  born  in  New  Fairfield,  Conn, 
in  1837.  He  came  to  Amherst  in  1865,  and  engaged  in  business  as  a 
building  contractor.  He  built  the  First  church,  Grace  church.  Walker 
hall,  Palmer's  block  and  many  dwelling-houses.  He  was  for  five  years 
chairman  of  the  board  of  selectmen  and  for  many  years  one  of  the  assess- 
ors. He  represented  the  town  in  the  General  Court  in  1876.  He  was  a 
leading  member  of  Grace  church.  For  several  years  he  was  a  trustee  of 
the  Amherst  Savings  bank.  He  married,  Melvina  Swanger.  He  died 
Aug.  26,  1877. 

Dyer  B.  N.  Fish,  son  of  Seth,  was  born  in  Amherst  in  1838.  He 
fitted  for  college  at  Shelburne  Falls  Academy,  entered  Amherst  College 
but  left  at  the  end  of  the  first  year  on  account  of  sickness.  He  was  grad- 
uated at  the  Berkshire  Medical  Institute  in  1862.  Soon  after  graduation 
he  was  appointed  assistant-surgeon  of  the  27th  Mass.  regiment.  He  was 
promoted  to  be  surgeon  and  served  with  the  regiment  through  the  war. 
On  his  return  he  settled  in  Amherst  and  practiced  his  profession  until  a 
short  time  before  his  death,  which  occurred  Oct.  28,  1895.  He  was  very 
successful  in  his  practice  and  won  the  esteem  and  affection  of  the  com- 
munity. He  was  a  member  of  the  Grand  Army  and  the  Loyal  Legion. 
Together  with  H.  H.  Goodell  and  H.  M.  McCloud  he  compiled  the  list  of 
Amherst  soldiers  whose  names  appear  upon  the  marble  tablets  in  the  town 
hall.      He  was  for  many  years  a  prominent  member  of  the  Baptist  church 


582  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

and  of  the  Amherst  Library  association.  He  married,  Feb.  2,  1865,  Miss 
Georgianna  Ward  of  Lynn. 

Charles  D.  Adams,  son  of  Nathaniel  D.,  was  born  in  Shutesbury  in  1 839. 
He  was  graduated  at  Amherst  College  in  1863.  During  his  senior  year 
he  served  as  principal  of  the  Amherst  high  school.  He  was  graduated  at 
the  Columbia  law  school,  and  practiced  law  in  New  York  city  many  years, 
meeting  with  distinguished  success.  He  married,  Aug.  14,  1873,  Mary 
C.  Wood  of  Clinton,  N.  Y.,  and  died  March  20,  1889. 

William  A.  Hunt,  son  of  Oliver  D.,  was  born  in  West  Brookfield  in 
i860.  He  fitted  for  college  at  Andover  Academy  and  was  graduated  at 
Amherst  College  in  1885.  He  served  as  town  clerk  and  treasurer  from 
1888  until  his  death,  which  occurred  Sept.  29,  1893. 


APPENDICES 


PART    I. 


Appendix     A. 


LISTS  OF    REPRESENTATIVES     IN    THE    GENERAL    COURT, 
SELECTMEN,    TOWN    CLERKS,  TOWN  TREAS- 
URERS,  AND  MODERATORS  OF 
TOWN-MEETINGS. 

i735"l896- 


REPRESENTATIVES. 


Adams,  Charles,  1S40. 
Ayres,  Josiah,  i860. 

Baker,  Alfred,  1S48. 

Baker,  Martin,  1836. 

Baker,  Osmyn,  1S33,  '34,  '36,  37. 

Billings,  John,  1776,  '77. 

Boltwood,  Elijah,  1829,  '34.  '33. 

Burt,  Henry,  1873. 

Carter,  Samuel  C,  1841-42. 
Clark,  William  S.,  1864-65,  '67. 
Conkey,  Ithamar  F.,  1S54. 
Cook,  Moses,  1792-93. 
Cooley,  Daniel,  1787-88. 
Crowell,  Edward  P.,  1879. 
Cushman,  Avery  R.,  1871. 
Cushman,  John  R.,  1862. 
Cutler,  Isaac  G.,  1830. 


Dickinson,  Oliver,  1S32,  '39. 
Dickinson,  Samuel  F.,  1805-09,  '13,  '16-1$ 

'27-29. 
Dickinson,  Waitstill,  1850. 
Dickinson,  Zebina,  1830,  '31,  "34. 

Eastman,  Baxter,  1856. 
Eastman,  Joseph,  177S. 

Fowler.  William  C.  1S51. 
Franklin,  Nathan,  1S21. 

Goodell,  H.  H.,  1SS5. 

Greene,  Moses  B.,  1853. 

Gridley,  Timothy  J.,  1820,  '26,  '44,  '46. 

Harrington,  Moody,  1887. 

Ingram,  Ezra,  1843. 


Jones,  Thomas,  1845. 
Kellogg,  Eleazar,    18, 


Dickinson,  Chester,  1S27. 

Dickinson,  Daniel,  1829,  ^t,. 

Dickinson,  Edward,  1S38,  '39,  '74. 

Dickinson,  Enos.  1828,  '37. 

Dickinson,  Medad,  1810-11.  Leland,  John,  1S31,  '32,  "47. 

Dickinson,  Moses,  1775,  '77.  Lessey,  Chauncey  W.,  1877. 

Dickinson,    Nathaniel,   Jr.,   1774,  '75,  '78, 

'80,  '83.  Mattoon,  Ebenezer,  1776,  '79,  '81,  '94, 181: 


SELECTMEN. 


58s 


Mattoon,  Ebenezer  (2),  1837,  '40. 
Merrick,  Aaron,  1822. 
Montague,  Zebina,  1 796-1 804,  '08. 

Nutting,  George,  1S33,  '36. 

Paige,  Frank  E.,  1889. 
Parmenter,  Charles  O.,  18S0,  '81. 
Parker,  Eli,  1784-85. 

Robbins,  Isaac,  1823-24. 
Roberts,  Reuben,  1835. 

Smith,  Benjamin  F.,  1S55. 


Smith,  Charles  S.,  1S91. 
Smith,  Elisha,  1810-11. 
Stockbridge,  Levi,  1870,  'S3. 
Strong,  Simeon,  1790-91,  1S09,  '12-14. 
Sweetser,  Luke,  1S49. 

Wakefield,  Charles  E.,  1893,  "95. 
Ward,  Horace,  1868. 
Warner,  George,  1858. 
Watson,  Oliver,  1852. 
Webster,  Noah,  1S14,  '15,  '19. 
Williams,  Ebenezer,  1835. 
Williams,  Enos  D.,  1857. 


SELECTMEN. 


Adams,  Charles.  1839. 
Allen,  M.  A..  1S56. 
Andrews,  Salvador,  1S36,  '37. 
Ayres,  Josiah,  1853,  '55. 

Baker,  Alfred,  1836-3S,  42,  '50,  '51,  '58. 

Baker,  Elijah,  1777,  '78,  81,  '82. 

Baker,  Enos,  1819. 

Baker,  Martin,  1812-16.  '23.  "24. 

Billings,  Joel,  17S3. 

Billings,  John,  1763,  '65,  '72, '77,  '7S,  'Si,  'S8 

Boltwood,  Ebenezer,  1784,  '86,  '87,    S9-93 

'95-  *97>  '9$- 
Boltwood,  Elijah,  1819,  '20,  '25-32. 
Boltwood,  Solomon,  1770. 
Bridgman,  Jonathan,  1822,  '32. 

Chandler,  Aaron  M.,  1S34. 
Chauncey,  Josiah,  1760,  '62,   70. 
Church,  Joseph,  1785-87,  '89-91. 
Clark,  Simeon,  1763,  '6$,  '67. 
Clark.  Simeon  (2),  1839,  '41,  '42,  '50,  '51. 
Coleman,  Nathaniel,  1760,  '67,  '69. 
Converse,  Daniel,  1856,  '59,  '60,  '62-64. 
Cook,  Moses,  1786,  '92,  '93. 
Cowls,  Jonathan,  1825-29,  '^2- 
Cowls,  Jonathan  (2),  1S77. 
Cowls,  Rufus,  1822. 
Cowls,  Walter  D.,  1S84-86. 
Cushman,  Avery  R.,   1864. 


Cushman,  John  R..  1856. 
Cutler,  Robert,  1855. 

Dexter,  David,  1S30,  '31. 
Dickinson,  Azariah,  1765. 
Dickinson,  Bela  U.,  1856,  '60. 
Dickinson,  Chester,  1817,  '19-24,  '34. 
Dickinson,  Daniel,  1835. 
Dickinson,  Daniel  W.,  1S93-96. 
Dickinson,  Ebenezer,  1759. 
Dickinson,  Elijah,  1792,  '94,  '97,  '98,  1S02- 

oS,  '10,  '11,  '14-16. 
Dickinson,  Enos,  1784. 
Dickinson,  Enos  (2),  1S14-1S,  '30,  '31,  '36, 

'37,  '39,  '42. 
Dickinson,  Gideon,  1770,  '82. 
Dickinson,  John,  1759,  '61,  '64.  '66,  '68,  '70, 

72-75- 
Dickinson,  John  (2),  1799,  1S00. 
Dickinson,  John  (3),  1847. 
Dickinson,  Jonathan,  1759,  '61,  '64.  '67.  '69. 
Dickinson,  Jonathan  (2),  1780.  '82, 'S4,  '85, 

*s7,  "93»  '95-  *96.  ?99- 
Dickinson,  Joseph,  1779,  "88,  '94. 
Dickinson,  Lucius.  1S34.  '^5- 
Dickinson,  Marquis  F.,  1S79-83,  '87. 
Dickinson,  Medad,  1794, '96-1801,  1S05-07. 
Dickinson,  Moses,  1759,  '62,  '63,  '65,  '67 

69,  '71-78,  '81. 
Dickinson,  Nathaniel,  1764,  '72-75. 


586 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Dickinson,  Nathaniel  (2),  1779. 
Dickinson,  Nathaniel  C,  1821, '28, '29, 
Dickinson,  Oliver,  1824-27,  '38. 
Dickinson,  Porter,  1865-69. 
Dickinson,  Reuben,  1772-75,  '77,  '78. 
Dickinson,  Simeon.  1776. 
Dickinson,  Waitstill,  1845-49,  '73. 
Dickinson,  William,  1855. 
Dickinson,  Zebina.  1S26-29,  '32. 

Eastman,  Austin,  1854,  '55,  '58. 

Eastman,  Baxter,  1857. 

Eastman,  John,  1814-16. 

Eastman,  Joseph,  1761,  '63,  '65, '67, '69, 

Eastman,  Joseph  (2),  1786,  '89-91. 

Eastman,  Solomon  K.,  1832,  "33. 

Edwards,  Jonathan,  1760,  '64,  '66,  '6S, 

Field,  John,  1761,  '66,  '68,  '71, '87. 
Franklin,  Nathan,  1802-07,   I7- 

Gaylord,  Eleazer.  1835. 
Gaylord,  Flavel,  1870-72. 
Goodale,  Hosea,  1821. 
Goodman,  Timothy  S.,  1S19. 
Greenfield,  Timothy,  1788. 
Gunn,  Lyman,  1S45,  '46. 

Hammond,  Salem,  1S44. 
Haskins,  Henry  W.,  1888-94. 
Hastings,  James,  1855. 
Hastings,  Moses,  1797,  '98,1801,1808-1 1, 
Hastings,  Samuel,  1799-1S01. 
Hastings,  Thomas,  1780,  '83,  '8S. 
Hastings,  Thomas  (2),  1834,  '39. 
Hawley,  Zebina,  1823,  '35. 
Henderson,  Gideon,  1781. 
Henderson,  Timothy,  1793,  1S02-07. 
Hills,  Leonard  M.,  1836,  '37,  '50,  "51. 
Hobart,  Edmund,  1873,  '74. 
Howe,  Albin  P.,  1S52. 
Howland,  Warren  S.,  1835. 
Hubbard,  Isaac,  17S1. 
Hunt,  Oliver  D.,  1880-82.  '88. 
Hunt,  William  W.,  1891-93. 
Hyde,  Andrew,  1822,  '23. 

Ingram,  Ebenezer,  1808. 
Ingram,  Elisha,  1763. 


Ingram,  Ezra,   1836-38,    '44,    '52,    '53,   "56, 

33-        '59-69- 

Ingram,  Harrison,  1870-72,  '75,  '76,  '78. 
Ingram,  Samuel,  1766. 

Jones,  Levi,  1824,  "25. 

Kellogg,  Daniel,  1760,  '62. 

Kellogg,  Daniel  (2),  1792,  '93. 

Kellogg,   Eleazer,    1S40,    '41,    '43,    '61-63, 
'65-69. 

Kellogg,  John.  1S02-07. 

Kellogg,  Martin,  1780,  '83. 
'76.  Kellogg,  Rufus,  1S24. 

Kellogg,  Willard  M.,  1840,  '49,  '59. 

Kellogg,  William,  1830,  '31. 
70.King,  Ebenezer  A.,  1881-83. 

Lessey,  Chauncey  \V.,  1873-77. 

Marshall,  Ansel  C,  1847-51. 

Mattoon,    Ebenezer,    1773-75,    79)    89-91, 

1817,  '18,  '30,  '31. 
Merrick,  Aaron,  1808-13,  '19. 
Merrick,  Allen  P.,  1875,  '76. 
Merrick,  James,  1779. 
Merrick,  James  E.,  1878-80. 
Merrick,  William,  1S41. 
Merrill,  Calvin,  1808,  '09,  '13,  '17,  '18. 
Montague,  Zebina,  1794-98. 
Moody,  Joel,  1784. 
'13. Moody,  Jonathan,  1760. 
Munson,  Parnell,  1887,  '88 

Nash,  John,  17S5. 
Nash,  Luther,  1840. 
Nelson.  Seth,  1821. 
Nims,  Seth,  1840,  '41. 
Nutting,  George,  1820,  '26,  '27. 
Nutting,  Truman,  1850,  '51. 

Palmer,  Dwight  W.,  1878,  '79. 
Palmer,  Frederick  A.,  1838,  '43,  '44. 
Parker,  Eli.  17S0,  '83. 
Pomeroy,  David,  1857. 
Pomeroy,  Edward  P.,  1884. 
Pomeroy,  Harlan  L.,  1861. 
Prince,  George  H.,  1872. 


TOWN    CLERKS, 


587 


Rice,  Jonathan,  1834. 
Roberts,  Charles,  1839. 
Robinson,  A.  J.,  1877. 
Rust,  Benoni,  1S20. 
Rust,  Nelson,  1838. 

Smith,  Alexander,  1762,  '66, 
Smith,  Charles  S.,  1S71. 
Smith,  Chester,  1812. 
Smith,  Cotton,  1840. 
Smith.  David,  1812. 
Smith,  Eleazer,  1783. 
Smith,  Elijah,  1809-11. 
Smith,  Elisha,   17S2,  '85-87, 
Smith,  Jonathan,  1782. 
Smith,  Nathaniel,  1754. 
Smith,  Noah,  1785,  '92,  '95, 
Smith,  Peter,  1761, '64.  '71. 
Smith,  Simeon,  1776. 
Smith,  Stephen,  17S4. 
Smith,  William  E.,  1894-96. 


'68,  '71,  '80. 


Stanley,  Edward  A.,  1S54. 

Stetson,  Gideon,  1799,  1S00,  1802-04. 

Stockbridge,  Levi,  1870,  '83-87,  '89,  "90. 

Stone,  Fred  L.,  1884-86,  '89,  '90. 

Sweetser,  Luke,  1833. 

Strong,  Simeon.  1762,  '69,  '71. 

Thayer,  Asahel,  1S22.  '25,  '33. 

Ufford,  Henry  L.,  1895,  '96. 


Wakefield,  Salmon,  1S91,  '92. 

Warner,  Josiah,  1779.  '88. 
'89-91,  '94-96. Warner,  Josiah  (2),  1821. 

Watson,  Oliver,  1S41. 

Wheelock,  Russell  T.,  1S45,  '46.  '48,  '57/58. 
'96,  1800,  '01.  Williams,  Chester,  1809-12. 

Williams,  Ebenezer,  1823,  "28,  '29,  '32, '43. 

Williams,  Enos  D.,  1852-54. 

Williams,  Joseph,  1776-78. 

Williams,  Justus,  1S13-16,  '20. 


Adams,  John  S.,  1835. 

Bangs,  Edward  D.,  1880-S7. 
Boltwood,  Lucius,  1830-34. 
Boyden,  James  W.,  1848-52,  '54. 


TOWN  CLERKS. 

Emerson,  John  M.,  1856. 
Fitch,  Newton,  1846,  '47. 


Carter,  Samuel  C,  1837-45,  '57-79. 
Chauncey,  Josiah,  1758-62,  '67. 
Coleman,  Seth,  1768-74,  '8S-1S03. 
Conkey,  Ithamar,  1828,  '29. 

Dickinson,  Nathaniel,  Jr.,  1775-87. 
Dickinson,  Samuel  F.,  1804-18. 
Dwight,  Elijah,  1819. 


Howe,  Albin  P.,  1853-55. 
Hunt,  Oliver  D„  1894,  '95. 
Hunt,  William  A.,  18S8-93. 

Mattoon,  Ebenezer,  1S23-27. 

Nash,  John,  1735-57. 

Smith,  Elisha,  1820-22. 
Strong,  Simeon,  1763-66. 


Edwards,  Charles  H.,  1896. 


Wheelock,  Russell  T.,  1836. 


588 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


TOWN  TREASURERS. 


Adams,  John  S.,  1835. 


Bangs,  Edward  D.,  1880-87. 
Boltwood,  Lucius,  1830-34. 
Boyden,  James  W.,  1848-52,  '54. 

Carter,  Samuel  C,  1837-45,  '57-79. 
Coleman,  Seth,  17S5-1802. 
Conkey,  Ithamar,  182S,  '29. 
Cowls,  John,  1740,  '41. 
Cutler,  Isaac  G.,  1826,  '27. 

Dickinson,  Ebenezer,  1742-56. 
Dickinson,  Jonathan,  1757. 
Dickinson,  Nathaniel,  Jr.,  1775-84. 
Dickinson,  Ransom,  1820-23. 
Dickinson,  Samuel  F.,  1803-18. 
Dwight,  Elijah,  1819. 


Eastman,  Joseph,  1758-63. 
Edwards,  Charles  H..  1896. 
Emerson,  John  M.,  1S56. 

Fitch,  Newton,  1846,  '47. 

Howe,  Albin  P.,  1853-55. 
Hunt,  Oliver  D.,  1894,  '95. 
Hunt,  William  A.,  18S8-93. 

Kellogg,  Ebenezer,  1735. 

Nash,  John,  1737-39. 

Smith,  Nathaniel,  1736. 
Strong,  Simeon,  1764-74. 

Wheelock,  Russell  T.,  1836. 
White,  Jay,  1824,  '25. 


MODERATORS  AT  ANNUAL  MEETINGS.    . 

Baker,  Elijah,  1782.  Dickinson,  Medad,  1S00,  1804,  '10,  '11. 

Baker,  Osmyn,  1827,  '29-32,  '38,  '39.  Dickinson,  Moses.  1764,  '74-76. 

Billings,  John,  1773,  '78.  Dickinson,  Nathaniel,  Jr.,  1784,  '85. 

Boltwood,    Ebenezer,    1789,   '92,   '93,  '98, Dickinson,  William  A.,  1881-95. 

1S02,  1805. 
Boyden,  James  W.,  1854.  Eastman,  Joseph,  1777. 

Chauncey,  Josiah,  1761,  '62.  '66-69,  71-       Field,  John,  1786. 

Church,  Joseph,  17S8. 

Conkey,  Ithamar,  1828.  Gridley,  Timothy  J..  1820-24,  '26,  '34,  '36, 

Conkey,  Ithamar  F.,  1847,  '48,  '50-53,  '55-        '37,  '40,  '41. 

74- 
Cooley,  Daniel,  1S07.  Hawley,  Samuel,  1735,  '36. 

Cowls,  John,  1 74 1. 

Cowls,  Jonathan,  1748.  Kellogg,  Ebenezer,  1742,  '44.  '49. 

Cowls,  Rufus,  1818,  '19. 

Mack,  Samuel  E..  1S45. 
Delano,  Charles,  1844,  '46.  Mattoon,  Ebenezer,  1790,  '91,  '97,  '99, 1801, 

Dickinson,    Ebenezer,  1737,  '38,  '40,    45,         '03,  '06,  '08,  '09,  '12,  13. 

'47,  '50-53.  '56,  '58-60.  Merrill,  Calvin,  1815. 

Dickinson,  Edward,  1833,  '35,  '42,  '43,  '49.Montague,  Zebina,  1787,  '94.  '95. 
Dickinson,  Jonathan,  1765. 


TOWN    FINANCES. 


589 


Nash,  John,  1754,  '55,  '57. 

Parmenter,  Charles  O.,  1S96. 
Peck,  Nathaniel,  17S1. 

Smith,  Aaron,  1743. 
Smith,  Alexander,  1772,  '80. 
Smith,  Elisha,  17S3.  '96. 
Smith,  Elisha  (2),  1S25. 


Smith,  Peletiah,  1739,  '46. 
Stockbridge,  Levi,  1875-7S. 
Strong',  Simeon,  1763,  70. 

Thomas,  Edward  A.,  1S79. 

Webster,  Edward  E.,  1880. 
Webster,  Noah,  1814,  '17. 
Williams,  Joseph,  1779. 


Appendix     B. 


TOWN   FINANCES. 

Previous  to  the  year  i860,  the  town  of  Amherst  had  no  bonded  debt.  When 
expenditures  exceeded  appropriations,  or  expenses  were  incurred  for  which  no 
appropriation  had  been  made,  the  town  borrowed  money  of  individuals,  giving  in 
return  town  notes  or  orders,  sometimes  with  and  sometimes  without  interest. 
These  obligations  were  seldom  allowed  to  stand  for  more  than  one  or  two  years  ; 
they  were  small  in  amount  and  the  interest  paid  on  them  was  not  burdensome. 
The  taxpayers  of  Amherst,  who  for  the  past  thirty  years  have  found  their  burden 
of  taxation  rendered  heavier  by  payments  on  the  town  debt  and  interest  charges, 
will  naturally  be  interested  in  learning  when  and  for  what  purposes  this  debt  was 
contracted,  what  payments  have  been  made  upon  it  and  what  it  has  cost  the  town 
for  interest.  In  compiling  the  following  facts  and  figures,  reference  has  been 
made  to  the  records  of  town-meetings,  the  town  treasurer's  journal  and  the  annual 
town  reports. 

When,  in  i860,  the  town  voted  to  adopt  the  graded  system  in  its  public  schools, 
it  was  found  necessary  to  erect  new  buildings  for  school  purposes.  In  order  to 
secure  the  necessary  funds,  the  town  voted,  April  10,  i860,  to  issue  town  bonds  or 
orders  for  a  sum  not  exceeding  $10,000,  in  amounts  of  $500  each,  one  to  be  payable 
in  each  year  for  the  twenty  years  following.  June  15,  it  was  voted  to  increase  the 
sum  to  $12,000.  The  bonds  were  issued  during  the  year  i860  and  were  purchased 
by  residents  of  the  town;  they  bore  interest  at  the  rate  of  6  per  cent.  The  town 
treasurer,  in  his  report  for  the  year  ending  March  1.  1S61.  gives  the  following 
statement  of  the  town's  indebtedness:  Outstanding  orders  on  interest,  $3,360; 
interest  due,  $131.10;  bills  due,  $777.47;  resources,  $186.83  ;  net  debt,  $4,081.74; 
school  bonds,  $12,000.  At  the  annual  meeting  held  March  11,  1 861,  it  was  voted 
to  raise  $1,145  f°r  tne  payment  of  interest  on  school  bonds  and  the  redemption  of 
one  bond.     The  treasurer's   journal   shows  that  during  the   year  1861  one  school 


59°  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

bond  of  $500  was  paid  and  interest  amounting  to  $647.50.     May  1,  the  selectmen 
were  authorized  to  borrow  a  sum  not  exceeding  $5,000  for  military  expenses. 

1862.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement:  Orders  on  interest,  $6,333;  interest 
due,  215;  bills  due,  1,049.75;  resources,  1,406.80;  net  debt,  6,190.95;  school  bonds, 
11,500.  Appropriations,  March  3,  1,190  for  school  bonds  and  interest,  2,000  for 
town  debts.  Paid:  School  bond,  500;  interest.  700.  At  a  special  meeting  held 
July  21,  the  selectmen  were  authorized  to  borrow  money  to  pay  bounties  to  volun- 
teers; this  same  vote  was  repeated  Aug.  25.  and  again  Oct.  11.  At  a  meeting  held 
Dec.  30,  the  selectmen  were  instructed  to  fund  the  town  debt  at  as  low  a  rate  as 
possible,  not  exceeding  five  per  cent. 

1863.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement:  Orders  on  interest,  $15,571.84;  interest 
due,  600  ;  bills  due,  1,256.19;  resources,  4,089.49  ;  net  debt,  13,347.54  ;  school  bonds, 
11,000.  Appropriations,  March  2,  1,170  for  school  bonds  and  interest,  2,000  for 
town  debts.  Paid:  School  bond,  500;  interest,  670;  loans,  17,918.98.  At  the 
annual  meeting  held  March  2,  the  selectmen  were  instructed  to  issue  town  bonds 
for  military  purposes,  to  the  amount  of  11,000.  in  sums  of  500  each,  payable  one 
each  year,  at  a  rate  of  interest  not  exceeding  five  per  cent.  These  bonds  were 
issued  April  1  and  were  purchased  by  residents  of  the  town. 

1S64.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement:  Orders  on  interest,  $5,612:  interest 
due.  1,101  :  bills  due,  1,140.18;  resources,  5,504.64;  net  debt,  2.348.54;  school  bonds, 
10,500;  militarv  bonds,  u. 000.  Appropriations.  March  7  :  1,140,  for  school  bonds 
and  interest;  1.050.  for  military  bonds  and  interest ;  2.000,  for  town  debts.  Paid: 
School  bond,  500;  interest,  640;  military  bond,  500;  interest,  562.50;  military 
expenses,  1 1,738.85  ;  interest,  33463.  Jan.  25,  1864,  it  was  voted  to  grant  50,000  to 
the  Agricultural  College. 

1865.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement :  Orders  on  interest,  $17,601.87  ;  interest 
due,  5S5  ;  bills  due,  907.74  ;  resources,  6,813.80;  net  debt,  12,280.81  ;  school  bonds, 
10,000;  military  bonds,  10,500.  Appropriations,  March  6  :  School  bonds  and  inter- 
est. 1, 100;  military  bonds  andinterest,  1.040;  town  debts,  2,000;  military  expenses, 
bounties  and  refunding,  10,750.  Paid:  School  bond.  500;  interest,  600;  military 
bond.  500;  interest,  535.40;  loans,  22,519.55. 

1866.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement:  Orders  on  interest.  $6,671;  interest 
due,  270;  bills  due.  8S4.44 :  resources,  3,537.57:  net  debt,  4,287.87  ;  school  bonds, 
9.500;  military  bonds.  10.000.  Appropriations,  March  5  :  School  bonds  and  inter- 
est, 1.070;  military  bonds  and  interest,  1,010:  town  debts,  2,000.  Paid:  School 
bond,  500;  interest,  570;  military  bond, 500;  interest,  510.40;  loans,  8.723  ;  inter- 
est, 562.27. 

1S67.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement :  Orders  on  interest,  $6,532.13;  interest 
due,  210.01;  bills  due,  1,327.52;  resources,  3,39920;  net  debt,  4,670.46;  school 
bonds,  9,000  ;  military  bonds,  9,500.  Appropriations,  March  4  :  School  bonds  and 
interest,  1,040;  military  bonds  and  interest,  985;  town  debts,  2,000.  Paid:  School 
bond,  500:  interest,  540;  military  bond,  500;  interest,  487.50:  loans,  20,757.64; 
interest,  2,186.94:  Agricultural  College,  50,000.  At  a  special  meeting,  held  Aug. 
10,  the  selectmen  were  instructed  to  borrow  for  the  use  of  the  town  $10,000,  for 
paying  the  note  of  the  general  school  committee  for  balance  of  the  purchase  of 
the  academy  property,  and  for  building  a  new  school-house  on  the  same.  Early  in 
January,  town  bonds  to  the  amount  of  $50,000  were  prepared,  for  the  purpose  of 
raising  funds  to  pay  to  the  trustees  of  the  Agricultural  College.  Owing  to  various 
causes,  only  $15,750  were  sold  at  the  time. 


TOWN    FINANCES.  59 1 

1868.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement :  Orders  on  interest,  $38,926.49:  inter- 
est due,  1,089.60:  bills  due,  S76. 10;  resources,  2.S5S.48 :  net  debt,  38.033.71:  school 
bonds,  8,500:  military  bonds,  9.000:  college  bonds.  15,750.  Appropriations,  March 
2:  School  bonds  and  interest,  1.010:  military  bonds  and  interest,  963  ;  town  debts. 
2,000;  interest.  3.500.  Paid:  School  bond,  500:  interest.  510  :  military  bond,  500  ; 
interest,  460.40:  loans,  41.673.85  :  interest,  4.546.22.  At  a  special  meeting  held  June 
25,  the  selectmen  and  treasurer  were  authorized  to  borrow  of  the  state  treasurer  a 
sum  not  exceeding  $34,000,  at  six  per  cent,  interest,  payments  to  be  made  at  the 
rate  of  $2,000  per  year,  and  to  cancel  the  remaining  $34,000  of  college  bonds.  In 
accordance  with  this  vote,  the  selectmen  borrowed  of  the  state  treasurer$32,ooo  for 
the  Agricultural  College  and  $10,000  to  pay  the  balance  due  on  the  academy  lot 
and  to  build  a  new  school-house. 

1869.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement :  School  bonds,  $S,ooo  :  military  bonds. 
8.500:  college  bonds,  16,000;  loans  of  state  treasurer,  42,000 :  loans  of  Amherst 
Savings  bank,  2,000:  outstanding  orders  on  interest,  1,468.04:  interest  due,  1.227; 
bills  due.  244.17;  resources,  2,791.03 ;  net  debt,  76,648.1s.  Appropriations,  March 
1 :  School  bonds  and  interest,  9S0  ;  military  bonds  and  interest,  935  ;  college  bonds 
and  interest,  2,960;  interest,  2. Soo.  Paid:  School  bond,  500 :  interest,  4S0:  mili- 
tary bond,  500 ;  interest,  435.40  ;  loans,  8.06S.67  :  interest.  4,202.60. 

1S70.  .March  1,  treasurer's  statement :  School  bonds,  7.500:  military  bonds, 
S,ooo :  college  bonds,  14.000:  loans  state  treasurer,  42,000;  loans  savings  bank, 
11.000:  outstanding  orders  on  interest,  1.300:  interest  due.  1,421;  bills  due,  490.25  : 
resources,  3,149.03;  net  debt,  82,562.22.  Appropriations,  March  7:  School  bonds 
and  interest,  950  ;  military  bonds  and  interest,  910;  interest  on  college  bonds,  840; 
town  debts,  4,000;  interest,  3,300.  Paid:  School  bond.  500:  interest,  450;  mil- 
tary  bond,  500;  interest,  410.40  :  loans,  10,450  ;  interest,  4,683.73.  Oct.  4.  the  town 
instructed  its  treasurer  to  subscribe  $100,000  to  stock  of  the  Central  Massachusetts 
railroad. 

1871.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement :  School  bonds,  $7,000  :  military  bonds, 
7.500;  college  bonds,  14,000:  loans  state  treasurer,  42,000:  loans  Amherst  Savings 
bank,  13,500:  orders  on  interest,  2,650;  interest  due,  1. 103.91;  bills  due,  385.13; 
resources,  2,303.06:  net  debt,  85,835.98.  Appropriations.  March  6  :  School  bonds 
and  interest,  920;  military  bonds  and  interest,  885;  college  bonds  and  interest, 
1,340:  town  debts,  5,000;  interest,  3,820.  Paid  :  School  bond,  500:  interest,  420; 
military  bond,  500:  interest,  385.42;  Mass.  Central  R.  R.,  20,000:  loans,  15,979.66; 
interest,  4,836.62.  At  a  special  meeting  held  Nov.  7,  the  treasurer  and  chairman  of 
the  selectmen  were  instructed  to  make  a  loan  in  behalf  of  the  town,  from  the  state 
treasurer,  of  20.000,  at  6  1-2  per  cent,  interest,  for  20  years,  to  pay  the  first  assess- 
ment on  the  stock  of  the  Mass.  Central  R.  R.  They  were  authorized  to  make 
loans  of  the  state  treasurer  for  the  remaining  assessments  as  they  came  due. 

1572.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement :  School  bonds.  $6.500 :  military  bonds. 
7.000;  college  bonds,  14.000;  loans  state  treasurer,  62,000:  loans  Amherst  Savings 
bank,  14.500;  orders  on  interest,  1.450;  interest  due.  1.7 14.92;  bills  due,  552.66: 
resources,  6.729.77  :  net  debt,  100.9S7.81.  Appropriations.  March  4  :  School  bonds 
and  interest,  890;  military  bonds  and  interest,  860:  interest  on  college  bonds.  825  : 
town  debts,  5.000:  interest.  5,000.  Paid:  School  bond,  500;  interest,  390:  mili- 
tary bond,  500;  interest,  360.42:  college  bond,  500;  interest,  825;  loans,  6,918: 
Mass.  Central  R.  R.,  20,000. 

1573.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement :  School  bonds,  $6,000  :  military  bonds, 
6.500:  college  bonds,'  13,500 :  loans  state  treasurer,  62.000:  loans  Amherst  Savings 


592  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

bank,  32,500;  orders  on  interest,  4,482;  bills  due,  600;  resources,  5,415.17:  net 
debt,  120,166.83.  Appropriations,  March  3  :  School  bonds  and  interest,  860;  mil- 
itary bonds  and  interest,  835  ;  college  bonds  and  interest,  2,810;  interest,  11,600. 
Paid  :  School  bond,  500;  interest,  360  ;  military  bond,  500  ;  interest,  335.42  ;  college 
bond,  500  ;  interest,  803.75  ;  loans,  58,332  ;  interest,  10,896.46  ;  Mass.  Central  R.  R., 
60,000.  At  a  special  meeting  held  May  30,  the  town  voted  to  borrow  of  the  Frank- 
lin Institution  for  Savings,  at  Greenfield,  $50,000  for  the  use  of  the  town  for  a 
period  not  exceeding  20  years,  with  interest  at  the  rate  of  seven  percent.,  the  town 
to  give  notes  for  the  same  payable  in  ten  equal  sums  of  $5,000  per  annum,  from 
1884  to  1894.  It  was  also  voted  to  borrow  of  the  Amherst  Savings  bank  $30,000, 
at  seven  per  cent,  interest,  payable  in  ten  equal  payments  of  $3,000  per  year,  from 
1874  to  1884. 

1874.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement :  School  bonds,  $5,500  :  military  bonds, 
6,000;  college  bonds,  13,000;  loans  state  treasurer.  62,000;  loans  Franklin  Institu- 
tion, 50,000;  loans  Amherst  Savings  bank,  43,500;  orders  and  notes,  8,735;  bills, 
397.63;  resources,  8,010.52:  net  debt,  181,122.11.  This  included,  railroad  notes, 
100,000;  college  notes  and  bonds,  43,500:  school-house  note,  10,000;  school  bonds, 
5,500;  military  bonds,  6.000.  Appropriations,  March  2:  School  bonds  and  inter- 
est, 830;  military  bonds  and  interest,  Sio;  college  bonds  and  interest,  2,780; 
interest.  11,100.  Paid:  School  bond,  500;  interest,  330;  military  bond,  500; 
interest,  297.92;  college  bonds,  2,000;  interest,  736.25;  loans,  10,050;  inter- 
est, 11,109.20. 

1875.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement:  Notes  and  bonds,  $182,185  j  bills,  353  ; 
resources,  2,865.22  :  net  debt,  179.672.78.  Appropriations  March  1  :  School  bonds 
and  interest,  800 :  military  bonds  and  interest,  775;  college  bonds,  interest,  570; 
interest,  ri,ooo.  Paid:  School  bond,  500;  interest,  300:  military  bond,  500; 
interest,   272.92;    college   bonds,    interest,  570;  loans,   11,050;    interest,  11.129.70. 

1876.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement  :  Notes  and  bonds,  $182,875  j  bills,  740; 
resources.  2,088.15:  net  debt,  180.786.85.  Appropriations  March  6:  Bonds  and 
debts  and  interest  on  bonds,  6,040;  interest,  11,100.  Paid:  School  bond,  500; 
interest,  270  ;  military  bond,  500  ;  interest,  248  ;  college  bond  and  interest,  1,066.50; 
loans,  10,735;  interest,  11,079.97. 

1877.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement:  Notes  and  bonds,  $178,200  ;  bills,  263  ; 
resources,  2,433.42;  net  debt,  176,029.58.  Appropriations  March  5  :  School  bonds 
and  interest,  740;  military  bonds  and  interest,  725  ;  agricultural  bonds  and  inter- 
est, 2,492  ;  town  debts,  3,000;  interest,  10,900.  Paid:  School  bond,  500;  interest, 
240;  military  bond,  500;  interest,  225  ;  college  bonds  and  interest,  2,021.25;  town 
debts,  27,700;  loans,  7,000;  interest,  10,845.85. 

1878.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement:  Notes  and  bonds,  $175,700:  bills, 
1,500;  resources,  2,056.50  :  net  debt,  175,143.50.  Appropriations,  March  4  :  School 
bonds  and  interest,  700;  college  bonds  and  interest,  2,390:  town  debts,  3,000; 
interest,  10,500.  Paid:  School  bond,  500;  interest,  210;  military  bond,  500; 
interest,  200:  college  bonds  and  interest,  2,390;  loans,  9,500  ;  town  debt,  4,500; 
interest,  10,745.80. 

1879.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement:  Notes  and  bonds,  $169,700 ;  resources, 
2,296.93;  net  debt,  167,403.07.  Appropriations,  March  3:  School  bonds  and  inter- 
est, 680;  military  bonds  and  interest,  675;  college  bond  and  interest,  815  ;  town 
debts,  3,000;  interest,  10,300.  Paid:  School  bond,  500;  interest,  180;  military 
bond,  500;  interest,  172.92;  agricultural  bond  and  interest,  815  ;  loans,  6,000;  debts, 
5,000;  interest,  10,217.17. 


TOWN     FINANCES.  593 

1880.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement:  Notes  and  bonds,  $163,200;  resources, 
1,846.65;  net  debt,  161,353.35.  Appropriations,  March  1  :  Town  debts,  6.000; 
interest,  10,510.  Paid:  School  bond,  500;  interest,  150;  military  bond,  500 ;  inter- 
est, 147.92 ;  agricultural  bonds  and  interest,  2,030 ;  debts,  3,000 ;  loans,  S,ooo ; 
interest,  10,171.72. 

1881.  March  1,  treasurer's  statement :  Notes  and  bonds,  $157,200  ;  resources, 
1,594.11 ;  net  debt,  155,650.89.  Appropriations,  March  7  :  School  bond,  500;  mili- 
tary bond,  500:  college  note,  2,000;  savings  bank  note,  3,000;  interest,  10,125. 
Paid:  School  bond,  500;  interest,  120;  military  bond,  500 ;  interest,  122.92:  col- 
lege note  and  interest,  2,030 ;  debts,  3,000  ;  loans,  5,000  ;  interest,  9,904.78. 

1882.  Bonded  debt,  $151,200.  Appropriations,  March  6:  School  bond,  500; 
military  bond,  500 ;  college  note,  2,000;  savings  bank  note,  3,000;  interest,  9,700. 
Paid:  School  bond,  500  ;  interest,  90;  military  bond,  500;  interest,  97.92;  college 
note  and  interest,  2,030;  debt,  3.000:  loans,  7,000;  interest,  9,496.67. 

1S83.  Bonded  debt,  $145,200.  Appropriations,  March  5  :  Debts.  7,200  :  inter- 
est, 9,000.  Paid:  School  bond,  500;  interest,  60 ;  military  bond,  500;  interest, 
72.92;  college  note  and  interest,  2,030;  debt,  3,000  ;  loans,  10,500;  interest,  8,903. 

1884.  Bonded  debt,  $139,200.  Appropriations,  March  3  :  Debts,  8,700;  inter- 
est, 8,500.  Paid:  School  bond,  500;  interest,  30  ;  military  bond,  500;  interest, 
47.92;  college  note  and  interest,  2.030;  debts,  5,000;  loans,  11.000;  interest, 
8,455.47.  At  the  annual  meeting  held  March  3,  the  town  instructed  the  selectmen 
and  treasurer  to  refund  4.000  of  the  town  debt  falling  due  that  year,  at  a  lower  rate 
of  interest. 

1885.  Bonded  debt,  $131,200.  Appropriations,  March  2  :  Debts,  9,900;  inter- 
est, 8.000.  Paid:  Military  bond,  500;  interest,  22.92:  college  note  and  interest, 
2.030;  debt,  7,000;  loans,  11,500;  interest,  7,906.93. 

1886.  Bonded  debt,  $[21,700.  Appropriation,  March  1  :  Interest,  7,400. 
Paid:  College  note  and  interest,  2,030;  debts,  8,000;  loans,  1,500;  interest, 
7,233.89.  At  the  annual  meeting  held  March  1,  the  town  instructed  the  selectmen 
and  treasurer  to  refund  9.000  of  the  town  debt  falling  due  that  year  for  12  years  at 
a  rate  of  interest  not  to  exceed  3  1-2  per  cent. 

1887.  Bonded  debt,  $120,700.  Appropriations,  March  14  :  Debts,  7,000;  inter- 
est, 7,000.     Paid  :    College  note  and  interest,  2,030;  debts,  5,000;  interest,  6,960.22. 

1888.  Bonded  debt,  $113,700.  Appropriations,  March  5  :  Debts,  7,000  :  inter- 
est, 6,000.  Paid:  College  note  and  interest,  2,030;  debts,  15,000;  interest, 
6,33s. 81.  At  the  annual  meeting  held  March  5,  the  treasurer  was  authorized  to 
borrow  10.000  in  the  name  of  the  town  to  refund  an  equal  amount  of  the  town  debt 
falling  due  that  year. 

1889.  Bonded  debt,  $106,700.  Appropriations.  March  4  :  Debts,  7,000  :  inter- 
est. 6,000.  Paid:  College  note  and  interest,  2,030 ;  debts,  5,000;  interest,  5,878.74. 
At  an  adjourned  session  of  the  annual  meeting  held  March  5,  it  was  voted  to  raise 
and  appropriate  40,000  for  a  town  hall.  The  money  remaining  in  the  treasury, 
amounting  to  6,000  or  7,000,  should  be  used  as  a  part  of  the  appropriation,  and  the 
selectmen  were  authorized  to  contract  a  20-years  loan  not  exceeding  33,000,  and 
give  a  note  or  notes  of  the  town  therefor.  At  a  special  meeting  held  Nov.  11,  the 
selectmen  were  authorized  to  contract  a  loan  of  50,000  for  ten  years,  and  give  notes 
or  issue  bonds  for  the  same  at  4  1-2  per  cent  interest. 

1890.  Bonded  debt,  $149,700.  Appropriations,  March  3  :  Debt,  7,000;  inter- 
est, 7,600.     Paid:     College  note  and  interest,  2,030;  debt,  5,000;  interest,  7,196.74. 

38 


594 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


1891.  Bonded  debt,  $142,700.  Appropriations,  March  2:  Debts,  14,000; 
interest,  7,200.  Paid:  Franklin  Institution  for  Savings,  5,000;  state  treasurer, 
22,000;  interest,  7,017.89.  At  the  annual  meeting  held  March  2,  the  selectmen 
were  instructed  to  refund  13,000  of  the  town  debt  falling  due  that  year,  by  borrowing 
the  money  and  giving  notes  of  the  town  therefor.  At  a  special  meeting  held  Aug. 
8,  the  treasurer  was  authorized  to  pay  5,000  from  unappropriated  money  and  2.000 
appropriated  for  interest,  on  the  debt  falling  due  Nov.  7. 

1S92.  Bonded  debt,  $134,650.  Appropriations,  March  7  :  Debt,  7,000;  inter- 
est, 6,500.  Paid:  Franklin  Institution  for  Savings,  5,000;  state  treasury,  2,000; 
interest,  5,847.66. 

1893.  Bonded  debt,  $123,650.  Appropriations.  March  6  :  Debt,  7,000  ;  inter- 
est, 4,800.  Paid:  Franklin  Institution  for  Savings,  5,000;  state  treasury,  2,000: 
interest,  5,354-25. 

1894.  Bonded  debt,  $116,650.     Appropriations,  March  5  :     Debt,  4,000  :  inter- 
Paid:     State  treasury,  2,000;  Amherst  Savings  bank,   1,950 ;  interest, 


est,  4,500. 
5,066.58. 
1895. 
est,  4,300. 


Bonded  debt,  $112,700.     Appropriations,  March  4:     Debt,  4,000  ;  inter- 
Paid:     State  treasury,  2,000  ;  interest,  4,918.40. 

1896.     Bonded   debt,   $110,700.      Appropriations,    March    2:      Debts,    2,000; 
interest,  4.750. 

The  above  statement  shows  the  total  amount  of  notes  and  bonds  issued  by  the 
town  from  1861  to  1896  inclusive,  not  including  the  sums  charged  to  the  refunding 
account,  to  be  $233,000,  divided  as  follows  :  School  bonds,  $1 2,000  ;  military  bonds. 
$11,000;  Agricultural  College  bonds  and  notes,  $50,000;  academy  and  school- 
house  note,  $10,000;  railroad  notes,  $100,000;  town  hall  bonds,  $50,000.  It  is 
interesting  and  instructive  to  note  the  sums  that  the  town  has  paid  for  interest  on 
this  indebtedness  during  the  same  term  of  years,  amounting  in  the  aggregate  to 
$241,686.12,  or  some  $8,000  more  than  the  original  debt.  The  payments  of  interest 
for  each  year,  as  copied  from  the  treasurer's  book,  are  as  follows : 
1861—$    812.20  1873— $  11,895.63  1885— $7,959.85 

1874,  12,473.37  1886,      7,263.89 

1875,  12,272.42  18S7,      6,990.22 

1876,  12.249.95  1888,      6,368.81 
1S77,      11,832.10  18S9,      5,908.74 

1878,  11,275.80  1890,      7,226.74 

1879,  10,885.09  1891,   7,017.89 
1S80,   10,499.64             1892,   5,847.66 

1881,  10,077.70  1893,   5,354-25 

1882,  9,714.59  1894,   5,066.58 

1883,  9,065.92  '895,   4,918.40 

1884,  8,563.39 


1862, 

850.64 

1863, 

1,545.76 

1864, 

1-537-13 

1865, 

2,349-88 

1866, 

1,642.67 

1867, 

3,214-44 

1868, 

5,516.60 

1869, 

5,1 18.00 

1870, 

5,544-i3 

1871, 

5,642.04 

1872, 

7,184.00 

TOWN    FINANCES. 


595 


Valuations.  Appropriations,  Expenditures,  Tax  Rates. 
The  tax-rate  of  a  town  or  city  is  a  matter  of  special  interest  to  all  the  tax- 
payers living  therein.  This  rate  is  governed  by  valuations  and  appropriations. 
The  following  table  gives  the  total  amount  of  town  appropriations,  at  annual  or 
special  meetings,  save  the  sums  comprised  in  the  funded  debt,  for  the  past  half 
century.  It  also  gives  the  amount  of  each  year's  expenditures,  including  money 
borrowed,  as  copied  from  the  treasurer's  journal.  A  list  of  valuations  and  tax- 
rates  for  the  past  thirty  years  is  also  given. 


Year. 

Valuation. 

Appropriations 

Expenditures. 

Tax- Rate. 

[846 

3  3-97° 

$     4,778.52 

1S47 

4.220 

4-952-33 

1848 

5,215 

6,190.02 

1849 

4,S20 

6.527.49 

1850 

4,620 

5.824.18 

1S51 

5.020 

7,146.70 

1852 

5, '35 

8,956.64 

1S53 

4,920 

9.341.21 

i's54 

6,020 

IO. 807. 91 

1855 

7,025 

13-743-49 

1856 

7-325 

12.388.54 

1857 

6,725 

11,997.38 

1858 

7,425 

11,210.45 

1859 

6,425 

l5,830-70 

i860 

8,000 

1 1,909.24 

1861 

7,445 

27,256.84 

1S62 

10,290 

27,554.68 

1863 

10,770 

45,148.82 

1864 

21.915 

47,335-88 

1865 

24,190 

55.274-63 

1866 

$2,339,341.00 

16.580 

39,521,99 

$11.00 

1867 

2,508,677.00 

19.925 

10S.622.31 

15.00 

1 868 

2,487,971.00 

22.573 

81,693.28 

12.00 

1869 

2,652.370.00 

25-675 

53,392.04 

13.00 

1870 

2,721.544.00 

29.200 

57-954-19 

15.00 

187. 

2.813.464.00 

31,065 

73,67742 

15.00 

.872 

2,859,023.00 

34-475 

76,308.00 

16.00 

1873 

2,S77.  I37.OO 

35-905 

172.977.41 

17.00 

1874 

2,567,124.00 

37,i70 

60,796.86 

1  S.00 

1875 

2,637.450.00 

32-945 

56,956.65 

16.00 

1876 

2.542,653.00 

32,840 

52,145.10 

16.00 

1877 

2,422,342.00 

35,032 

79,826.43 

17.20 

1878 

2.410.305.00 

38.371 

54.014,54 

18.50 

1879 

2,448,412.41 

30,220 

47,088.1 1 

15.00 

1880 

2.515.423. 15 

3S,6io 

57,492.69 

19.00 

1881 

2.835. 151.00 

34-375 

53,260.39 

15-25 

1882 

2,542,105  00 

39.910 

61.657.45 

19.00 

1883 

2,727.025.00 

35,750 

56.326.16 

16.25 

1884 

2,773,882.00 

37,750 

62.673.20 

I7-50 

1885 

2.789-433-00 

42,479 

64.845.05 

'8-75 

1886 

2,835-340-00 

29,675 

54.292.36 

.3.80 

1887 

2,892,141.00 

36,950 

61,288.80 

16.60 

1 888 

3,027.072.00 

36,950 

71,637.01 

15.25 

1889 

3,238,000.00 

38,418 

84,1 10.10 

'5-25 

1890 

3,290,128.00 

42,000 

1 10,947.28 

15-75 

1891 

3,312,889.00 

42,125 

S0.S26.59 

15-75 

1892 

3,I74-3°3-oo 

39-650 

64,571.72 

•5-75 

1893 

3,188,531.00 

41,150 

66,481.58 

16.25 

1S94 

3,122,531.00 

48,359 

76,254.06 

19.25 

1895 

3,133,213.00 

37,78o 

58,508.38 

1   i3-°o 

596 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


APPROPRIATIONS. 

Aside  from  the  sums  annually  set  apart  for  the  support  of  the  gospel  ministry- 
the  earlier  inhabitants  of  Amherst  were  called  upon  to  make  appropriations  for 
the  support  of  public  schools,  the  care  of  highways  and  the  support  of  the  poor. 
From  1753  up  to  and  including  1795,  the  following  appropriations  were  voted  for 
schools:  1753,^4;  1754,^4:  i759-^2°:  1760.^24;  1761,^19;  1762,^13,6,8;  1763, 
£46;  1764,  £20;  1766,  ,£27;  1767,  ^27;  1768,  ^24;  1769,  ^27,  10;  1770,  ^29,6:  1 77 1, 
^3°;  '773-/35:  1776,^26:  1777, ,£30;  1778,^310;  1780,^1700;  1781,^24;  17S2, 
£24;  1783,^66;  1784,^75;  1785.  £jo\  1786,^8,  10;  1787,  ^50;  1788,  £54-  I789, 
£S4',   i79°-/6°:  1791-/60:   1792,^70:  1793^72;  1794-/72;  I795-/'00- 

The  first  appropriation  for  highways  was  made  in  1765,  the  sum  being  /30. 
Other  highway  appropriations  were:  1776,^60;  1777,^40;  1781,^15;  1782,  £$0 ; 
'783,  £60;  1784,  £7o;  1785,  £7o;  1787,  ,£70;  178S,  ^70;  1789,  ^70:  1790,^70; 
1791,^100;   1792,  .£100:   1793, /100;   1794,^100;   1795,  /roo. 

The  first  appropriation  for  support  of  the  poor,  £2,  was  made  in  1760.  Other 
appropriations  for  this  object  were:  1779,  ^300;  17S0,  _£6oo;  1789,^6;  1790,^17,1; 
1791,^12:  1792, /36,   1793,^20. 

The  following  tables,  beginning  with  the  year  1796,  when  the  sums  were  first 
reckoned  in  dollars  and  cents,  show  the  amounts  that  have  been  appropriated  each 
year  for  a  century  past  for  schools,  highways  and  the  support  of  the  poor.  Of  the 
school  appropriations  amounting  to  $371,808.34,  over  75  per  cent.,  or  $280,275.  have 
been  granted  in  the  past  thirty  years.  Of  the  highway  appropriations,  amounting 
to  $146,083.32,  over  62  per  cent.,  or  $91,900,  have  been  granted  since  1865.  Of  the 
pauper  appropriations,  amounting  to  $92,  735,  over  64  per  cent.,  or  $59,800,  have 
been  granted  in  the  last  thirty  years. 


Year. 

Schools. 

H  ighways. 

Poor. 

Year. 

Schools. 

Highways. 

Poor. 

1796 

$333-34 

$400. 

1822 

$  600 

$  600 

$400 

'797 

333-34 

333-33 

$  80 

1823 

600 

600 

600 

1798 

266.67 

333-34 

1824 

600 

700 

700 

1799 

333-33 

333-33 

1825 

600 

600 

700 

iSoo 

333-33 

333-33 

1826 

600 

600 

600 

1801 

333-33 

400. 

75 

[827 

600 

800 

600 

1S02 

400. 

333-33 

50 

1828 

750 

Soo 

600 

1803 

400. 

333-33 

,829 

75° 

600 

1804 

400. 

333-33 

1830 

800 

600 

600 

1805 

400. 

400. 

1831 

800 

800 

600 

1806 

400. 

400. 

'3° 

.832 

1,200 

800 

700 

1S07 

400. 

300. 

■833 

900 

Soo 

659 

1808 

55°- 

300. 

i5° 

1S34 

900 

800 

650 

1S09 

55°- 

400. 

>5° 

1835 

1,000 

800 

800 

1810 

55°- 

400. 

100 

1836 

1,000 

800 

800 

1811 

550. 

400. 

1837 

1.200 

1,000 

I. OOO 

1812 

55°- 

400. 

150 

1838 

1,200 

1,000 

18.3 

600. 

45°- 

:oo 

1839 

1,200 

1. 00c 

700 

1814 

600. 

500. 

200 

1840 

1.200 

1,000 

600 

1815 

600. 

500. 

200 

1841 

1,200 

1,000 

300 

1816 

800. 

600. 

300 

1S42 

1.200 

I,OCO 

550 

1817 

600. 

600. 

600 

1843 

1.200 

1,000 

500 

1818 

600. 

600. 

500 

1S44 

1,200 

1,000 

400 

1819 

600. 

600. 

500 

1845 

1-350 

1,000 

400 

1S20 

600. 

600. 

500 

1846 

1.400 

1,000 

350 

i82r 

600. 

600. 

400 

1847 

I.500 

1. 000 

45° 

TOWN    FINANCES. 


597 


Year. 

Schools. 

Highways. 

Poor. 

Year. 

Schools. 

Highways. 

Poor. 

1848 

$  1,500 

$1,000 

$400 

1873 

$10,400 

$2,000 

$1,200 

1849 

1,500 

1,000 

500 

1874 

9,650 

2,300 

i,5°° 

1850 

1,600 

I.OOO 

500 

1875 

7,500 

2,500 

2.000 

185 1 

2,000 

1,000 

600 

1876 

8,000 

2,000 

1.500 

1852 

2,100 

1,000 

600 

1877 

8,000 

1,600 

2,000 

1S53 

2,500 

1,000 

700 

1878 

S,ooo 

2,000 

2.200 

1854 

2,500 

1,400 

700 

1879 

6,500 

2,000 

1,800 

1S55 

2.500 

1,400 

700 

1880 

8.000 

3,000 

2,200 

1856 

3,IO0 

1,200 

700 

1881 

7,500 

3,000 

2,200 

1857 

2,000 

1,200 

500 

1882 

7,500 

4,000 

2,500 

1858 

2,000 

1,800 

600 

1883 

8.000 

3.000 

2,300 

1859 

2,000 

800 

600 

1884 

S.200 

3,5°° 

2,500 

i860 

1.500 

1,200 

700 

I SS5 

8,800 

3-5°° 

3,000 

1861 

3,200 

Soo 

Soo 

18S6 

8,500 

3,000 

3,000 

1S62 

3,800 

1,000 

800 

1887 

9,000 

3-5°° 

2,500 

1863 

4.000 

1,200 

1,000 

1888 

9,975 

4,000 

2.000 

1864 

4,500 

1,200 

1,000 

1889 

10.100 

4,000 

1,  Soo 

1S65 

5,000 

1,200 

1,000 

1S90 

10,000 

4,500 

1  .Soo 

1866 

6,000 

1,500 

1,500 

1S91 

10,000 

4.000 

2.000 

1867 

7.500 

2.000 

1,600 

1892 

10.000 

4,000 

2.000 

1868 

7,500 

2,000 

1,600 

1893 

14,150 

4,000 

2,200 

1869 

7>5°° 

3,000 

1,600 

1894 

13,000 

4,000 

2,200 

1870 

9,500 

3,000 

1.600 

1895 

13.600 

3,000 

1, Soo 

1871 

10,000 

3.000 

1,600 

1896 

13,000 

3,5°° 

2,400 

1872 

10,900 

3,000 

1,200 

Appendix     C. 


VALUATION    LISTS. 

Many  of  the  old  "  district  rates  "  and  town  valuation  lists  are  preserved  in  the 
town  clerk's  office.  The  older  ones  are  in  somewhat  dilapidated  condition,  torn, 
disfigured,  the  writing  scarcely  legible.  Among  them  are  "ministers'  rates."  min- 
isters' "  wood  rates  "  and  "  highway  rates."  Two  of  these  lists  are  here  presented, 
the  first  taken  in  1759.  when  the  District  of  Amherst  was  set  off  from  Hadley,  the 
second  in  1776,  when  the  district  became  a  town.  The  list  of  1759  is  obviously 
imperfect,  as  several  names  are  omitted  of  persons  known  to  have  resided4iere  at 
the  time.  It  has.  accordingly,  been  supplemented  by  names  taken  from  a  list  com- 
piled in  1760,  which  do  not  appear  in  the  list  of  the  preceding  year.  The  list  of 
1776  is  believed  to  be  complete  and  accurate. 


598 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


VALUATION  LIST,  1759. 


Allis,  John 
Baker,  Elijah 
Belding,  Hezekiah 
Blodgett,  David 
Boltwood,  Solomon 
Boltwood,  William 
Brooks,  John 
Chauncey,  Josiah 
Chauncey,  Richard 
Church,  Joseph 
Clapp,  Widow  Sarah 
Clark,  Simeon 
Cleary,  Joseph 
Colton,  Eli 
Cooke,  Moses 
Cowls,  Jonathan 
Cowls,  Oliver 
Dickinson,  Ehenezer 
Dickinson,  Ebenezer  (2) 
Dickinson,  Gideon 
Dickinson,  Jonathan 
Dickinson,  Nathan 
Dickinson,  Nathan  (2) 
Dickinson,  Nathaniel 
Dickinson,  Noah 

I  Hckinson,  Reuben 

Dickinson,  Simeon 
Eastman,  Joseph 

Edwards,  Jonathan 

Elmer,  Edward 

Field,  John 

( ioodale,  Isaac 

Guilford,  Paul 

Harwood,  Benjamin 

Harwood,  Eleazer 

Harwood,  Peter 

Hastings,  Thomas 

Hawley,  Moses 

Hawley,  Samuel 

Howe,  Abner 

Hubbard,  Isaac 

Ingram,  Elisha 

Ingram,  John 

Ingram,  Philip 

Ingram,  Reuben 

Ingram,  Samuel 

Keet,  John 

Kellogg,  Daniel 

Kellogg,  Ebenezer 

Kellogg';  Ephraim 

Leonard,  Aaron 

Mattoon,  Ebenezer 

Moody,  Nathan       


13: 

9 

21  , 

15 

33 

10 

So 

18 

I 

0 

4 

18 

iS 

10 

3 

10 

ss 

8 

90 

18 

3 

18 

!7 

0 

20 

0 

iq 

10 

28 

10 

73 

10 

91 

18 

25 

10 

33 

0 

54 

5 

9' 

15 

30 

12 

43 

5 

70 

0 

92 

18 

9 

0 

14 

8 

57 

0 

7i 

0 

28 

10 

39 

15 

VALUATION    LIST. 


599 


VALUATION    LIST,    1759.     {Continued) 


Morton.  John 
Murray.  William 
Murray,  William  (2) 
Nash.  John 
Nash,  John  (2) 
Nash,  Jonathan 
Sanders,  Benjamin 
Smith,  Alexander 
Smith,  David 
Smith,  Jonathan 
Smith,  Jonathan  (2) 
Smith,  Nathaniel 
Strong,  Nehemiah 
Ward,  Isaac 
Warner,  Aaron 
Warner.  Moses 
Wright.  Charles 

A  dditionalnam.es  List  1 ; 
Abbott,  Jacob 
Adams,  Abner 
Adams,  Isaiah 
Billings.  John 
Chauncey,  Israel 
Church,  Samuel 
Clary,  Elisha 
Coleman,  Nathaniel 
Dickinson.   Daniel 
Dickinson.  David 
Dickinson.  John 
Dickinson,  Moses 
Ellis,  John 
Emmons,  Robert 
Gager,  Samuel 
Gould,  Solomon 
Hobert,  Edmond 
Lee,  Abner 
Lewis,  Noadiah 
Merrick,  James 
Moody,  Jonathan 
Moody,  Jonathan  (2) 
Moody.  Josiah 
Pettis,  John 
Pomeroy,  Simeon 
Rood.  Benjamin 
Smith,  Edward 
Smith,  Martin 
Smith.  Moses 
Smith.  Peletiah 
Smith,  Peter 
Warner.  Jacob 
Williams.  Ebenezer 
Williams,  Justus 


60. 


4  2 

7  5 

3  2 

3  3 

4  4 

3  6 

1  2 


14 


~ 

a 

nl 

0) 

p-l 

3 

-z 

X 

rt 

10  :  14 

13:5 
20:8 

5:8 


36:0 

2  :  o 

16  :  10 

3:0 

37:8 

11:0 

12  :  10 

38:10 

40  :  10 

7:18 


15:6 


8  :  16 


6 

14 

12 

1 

6 

o 


10 

o 

o 

16 


18 
50 

10 

14 
26 

22 

25 
32 

.70 


16 


14 

8 
14 

3i 
24 
25 
28 

33 


34:  10 

24:5 
54:8 
19 :  10 


75  -7 

97:0 
17  :  10 
26:0 
56  :  o 
40:4 
44:  10 
54:0 
40  :  10 


25  :  12 
14  :  8 
16  :  4 
51  :  4 

20  :  16 


49  :  2 
48  :  o 
14  :  16 
70  :  2 

42  :  17 
10:11 

9  :  12 
21:0 

1  :  12 

7  :  4 
21:0 

3  :  9 
32  :6 


12  :  o 

17  :  2 

8  :  o 

14  :  o 

52  :  3 

53  :  ° 

49  :  14 
44  :  4 

44  :  '7 


45  =4 

37  ■  10 
74  :  16 
24:  18 


in  :y 

2  :  o 

113  :  10 

20  :  10 

63:8 

67  :  o 

52:14 
84:0 
94:  10 
48:8 


29  :  ic 
14:8 
16  :  4 
66  :  ic 

29  :  12 


7i 
59 


17 


'4 
6 

21  :  10 
89  :  14 
59:  18 
12 
17  :  12 
21:0 
1  :  12 

7  :  4 
26  :  ic 


i     j 
!  60  :  2 

2  :  o 

17  :  16 
27  :  8 
15  :  iS 
25  :  10 


70 

7i 
61 

63 
62 


1 
10 

4 
5 
4 
o 


6oo 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 


TOWN  VALUATION  LIST,  1776. 


CO 

"2 

1) 

—    rt 

rt 

rt  *i 

NAMES. 

■A 

<u 

C 

en 

en 

P. 

0  W 

li      M 

-  w 

- 

*o 

0 

03 

O 

ho 
O 

CD 

O     "2 

0) 

*i 

Ph 

X 

0 

U 

X 

in 

*                 i 

C    rt 

£ 

'~ 

Abbott,  Widow 

I 

2 

1 

5:3 

12 

22  :  0 

27:3 

Adams.  Abner 

2 

I 

3 

4 

4 

14:  12 

16 

30:0 

44:  12 

Adams.  Isaiah 

15 

26:5 

26:5 

Allen,  Edward 

Ayres,  Amos 

2 

4:0 

4:0 

Baker,  Elijah 

2 

2 

2 

I 

10 

12  :  18 

52 

83:0 

95:  l8 

Baker,  Simeon 

1 

1  :  10 

4 

7:2 

8:  12 

Bascom,  Thomas 

I 

2 

45:o 

2k 

13:  r5 

58:15 

Belding,  Hezekiah 

I 

4 

2 

13:0 

154 

29:7 

42  :i 

Billings,  Joel 

I 

2 

2 

8 

10 : 4 

18 

32:0 

42  :4 

Billings,  John 

2 

2 

5 

16 

17:  18 

55 

89:5 

107:3 

Blodgett,  David 

I 

3 

2 

14  : 6 

4 

14 : 0 

28:6 

Boles,  Joseph 

2 

3:0 

3:0 

Boltwood,  Ebenezer 

I 

1 

5 

24:5 

20 

35  :0 

59:5 

Boltwood,  Samuel 

I 

1 

5 

4:5 

25 

43:15 

48:0 

Boltwood,  Solomon 

2 

2 

8 

20 

59:o 

15 

5o:5 

109:5 

Boltwood,  William 

2 

2 

4 

20 

17  :  0 

40 

76  : 0 

93;o 

Carley,  Peter 

Chauncey,  Josiah 

2 

2 

3 

12  :  10 

5o 

65  :  10 

78:0 

Chays,  James 

Church,  Daniel 

I 

2 

1 

13 

9:9 

12 

18:0 

27:9 

Church,  Giles 

Church,  Joseph 

I 

2 

4 

2 

2 

13:2 

21 

59:  10 

72  :  12 

Church,  Samuel 

I 

2 

5:o 

14 

20 :  10 

25:10 

Clapp,  Oliver 

2 

2 

14 

9:2 

17 

36:1 

45  :  3 

Clapp,  Timothy 

10  :  0 

Clapp,  William 

10  : 0 

1 

3:0 

13:0 

Clark,  Levi 

Clark,  Simeon 

2 

2 

5 

2 

12 

18:2 

38 

132  :  14 

150 :  16 

Clark,  Simeon  (2) 

5:o 

24 :  10 

29  :  10 

Coffin,  Luke 

Cole,  Hezekiah 

1 

1  :  10 

3 

5:  10 

7  :° 

Cole,  Stephen 

I 

2 

1 

5 

8:5 

12 

21  14 

29:9 

Coleman,  Nathaniel 

2 

8 

15 

25:7 

40 

82  :o 

107:7 

Coleman,  Seth 

I 

2 

15 

42:5 

12 

28:0 

70:5 

Cooke,  Moses 

2 

2 

3 

5 

11  :  15 

40 

72  :  0 

83:'5 

Cooke,  Moses  (2) 

Cowls,  David 

I 

2 

2 

2 

9:6 

20 

34:  10 

43:  16 

Cowls,  Eleazer 

I 

2 

3 

10  :  10 

154 

29:4 

39  :  '4 

Cowls,  Jonathan 

2 

4 

5 

I 

5 

27  :  17 

37 

71  :4 

99:  1 

Cowls,  Oliver 

I 

2 

5 

6 

14  :  8 

13 

29  :  10 

43:  18 

Cowls,  Reuben 

I 

3 

I 

2 

7:4 

20 

36:0 

43  :4 

Dana,  Amariah 

I 

2 

5  :o 

7 

27:0 

32:0 

Dickinson,  Aaron 

2 

4:0 

15 

24:15 

28:  1 

Dickinson,  Azariah 

34 

54:8 

54:8 

Dickinson,  Azariah  (2) 

Dickinson,  Daniel 

I 

2 

2 

10 

10  :  10 

24 

48:8 

58:  18 

Dickinson,  David 

I 

1 

7 

4:11 

4:  11 

Dickinson,  Ebenezer 

I 

4 

3 

S:9 

10 

29:0 

37:9 

Dickinson,  Ebenezer  (2) 

I 

1 

3 

9 

9:  17 

30 

49:0 

5S:  17 

Dickinson,  Elihu 

Dickinson,  Enos 

I 

2 

1 

5 

8:5 

15 

24  : 0 

32:5 

Dickinson,  Gideon 

2 

2 

2 

1  3 

6 

13:8 

25 

43  :o 

56  :  N 

VALUATION    LIST. 


601 


TOWN    VALUATION    LIST,    1776.     {Continued.) 


NAMES. 

0) 
u 

0 

X 

c 

V 

0 

0 
u 

M 

0 

X 

a 

Personal 

Estate. 

-6 
-     rt 

Real 

Estate. 

"5 
0 

Dickinson,  Gideon  (2) 

I 

2 

8 

5:4 

5:4 

Dickinson.  Israel 

I 

1 

2 

7 

6:  1 

'4 

26:4 

32:5 

Dickinson,  John 

I 

1 

2 

4 

8 

i3:4 

40 

70  :  0 

83:4 

Dickinson,  Jonathan 

2 

I 

2 

9:0 

15 

29:0 

36:0 

Dickinson,  Jonathan  (2) 

I 

1 

I 

4 

10 

11:10 

19 

33  :0 

44  :  10 

Dickinson,  Joseph 

I 

1 

2 

4 

1 1 

i3:  13 

35 

57:o 

70:  '3 

Dickinson,  Moses 

2 

2 

2 

5 

I 

20 

18:  18 

38 

76:  10 

95:8 

Dickinson,  Moses  (2) 

I 

2 

4:0 

25 

36:18 

40  :  18 

Dickinson,  Nathan 

2 

3 

2 

5 

I 

18 

20  :  12 

60 

97  :o 

117 :  12 

Dickinson,  Nathan  (2) 

I 

3 

4 

12 

17  :  16 

40 

76:2 

93:  18 

Dickinson.  Nathaniel 

I 

1 

6 

9 

27  :  3 

20 

39:0 

66:3 

Dickinson,  Nathaniel  (2) 

I 

1 

2  : 0 

20 

30:0 

32:0 

Dickinson,  Nathaniel  (3) 

I 

1 

2 

2 

2 

5 

10:11 

18 

32:6 

42:  17 

Dickinson,  Nehemiah 

48 

76  :  16 

76  :  16 

Dickinson,  Noah 

I 

3 

2 

3 

2 

14  :  16 

20 

40  :  10 

55:6 

Dickinson,  Reuben 

2 

1 

2 

3 

6 

11  :8 

30 

50:0 

61  :S 

Dickinson,  Simeon 

3 

1 

2 

3 

2 

19 

14:3 

29 

51  :  10 

65:  ij 

Dickinson,  Waitstill 

1 

1 

2 

6:0 

14 

27:  10 

33:i° 

Eastman,  Ebenezer 

1 

1 

2 

7 

6:  1 

6 

17:0 

23  :  1 

Eastman,  John 

1 

1 

2 

6:0 

15 

24  :  0 

30:0 

Eastman,  Joseph 

1 

2 

6 

6 

21 

46:3 

45 

84:0 

130:3 

Eastman,  Joseph  (2) 

1 

1 

2 

2 

2 

3 

10:5 

25 

41:0 

5i  =5 

Eddy.  Barnabas 

1 

1 

2 

2 

9:0 

28 

39:0 

48:0 

Edwards,  Jonathan 

3 

1 

2 

3 

13 

12:9 

38 

65  :o 

77:9 

Elmer,  Edward 

2 

3 

10 

14  :  0 

30 

51  :  10 

65  :  10 

Emmons,  Robert 

1 

1 

2 

17  : 0 

24 

38:0 

55:o 

Field,  John 

4 

1 

4 

2 

48:0 

5o 

78:0 

126  :  0 

Field,  John  (2) 

1 

1 

2 

2 

9:0 

18 

37  :  16 

46  :  16 

Fobes,  Simeon 

1 

2 

2 

1 1 

8:13 

15 

38:0 

46  :  13 

Franklin,  Henry 

1 

1 

2 

4 

I 

7 

i3:9 

28 

46  :  0 

59:9 

Goodale,  Isaac 

4 

2 

2 

4 

14 

51:2 

35 

64  :  10 

115:  12 

Gould.  Noah 

1 

5:o 

12 

18:0 

18:0 

Gould.  Samuel 

3 

1 

2 

I 

8 

11:12 

11:12 

Green,  Timothy 

1 

1 

2 

6 

5:18 

12 

34:2 

40  :  0 

Green,  Timothy  (2) 

1 

1 

2 

6 

5:. 8 

12 

iS  :  0 

23  =  iS 

Hastings,  Elijah 

1 

25:0 

25  :° 

Hastings,  Samuel 

1 

1 

2 

1 

7  :  10 

17 

21  =5 

28:15 

Hastings,  Thomas 

2 

2 

4 

4 

10 

19  :  10 

30 

45:° 

64  :  10 

Hastings,  Thomas  (2) 

1 

1 

2 

1 

7  :  10 

16 

29:8 

36:18 

Hawley,  David 

1 

1 

2 

1  :  16 

2 

3:  10 

5:6 

Hawley,  Moses 

1 

1 

1 

1  :i3 

2 

3:° 

4:  13 

Hawley,  Zecheriah 

1 

3 

2 

4  :  16 

8 

i3:4 

18  : 0 

Henderson,  Gideon 

3 

2 

2 

3 

9 

iS:  17 

30 

54  :o 

72  :  17 

Henderson,  Gideon  (2) 

Hendrick.  James 

1 

2 

2 

3 

7 

13:  11 

35 

70  :  0 

83:11 

Henry,  Samuel 

1 

1 

2 

1 

6 

8:8 

8 

12:0 

20:  8 

Hodden,  John 

1 

1 

2 

2 

5 

9^5 

16 

21  :  10 

31  :6 

Howard.  Hezekiah 

1 

1 

5 

2:5 

2:5 

Hubbard,  Isaac 

2 

2 

3 

8:  10 

26 

+2:.S 

51:8 

Hunt,  Peter 

1 

5:0 

5  :o 

Ingram,  Elisha 

1 

1 

2 

4 

32:0 

22 

50:4 

82  :  4 

Ingram,  John 

1 

1 

1 

3 

3:  19 

18 

23:  10 

27:9 

Ingram,  Mary 

2 

1 

2 

2 

13 

10  :  19 

30 

53:o 

i    63:9 

6o2 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


TOWN  VALUATION  LIST,  1776.     {Continued.) 


o5 

—  "3 

-a 
c 

6 

NAMES. 

i/i 

03 

c- 

</> 

U] 

d    j 

0  W 

_  a 

■p 

u 

OJ 

£ 

bo 

^     T5 

ns 

O 

0 

X 

0 

O 

j: 

5 

O       ~ 

D 

0 

Ph 

X 

O 

CJ 

s 

ifi 

Oh 

I      rt 

H< 

~ 

Ingram,  Philip 

2 

12 

4  :  16 

•4 

27:0 

31  :  16 

Ingram,  Reuben 

I 

4 

3 

12 

16:6 

3° 

60  :  10 

76  :  16 

Kellogg,  Daniel 

2 

4 

8 

13:4 

334 

70:  14 

83:18 

Kellogg,  Daniel  (2) 

I 

2  : 0 

8 

14  :  0 

16  :  0 

Kellogg,  Ebenezer 

Kellogg,  Ebenezer  (2) 

1 

1  :  10 

1  :  10 

Kellogg,  Ephraim 

I 

2 

2 

3 

9:9 

8 

16  :  0 

25:9 

Kellogg,  Ephraim  (2) 

I 

2 

2 

9:0 

19 

27:  15 

36:  15 

Kellogg,  Martin 

I 

2 

4 

7 

13:  1 

22 

34  :  10 

47  :  11 

Kimball,  Andrew 

Lane, 

Leach,  Benanuel 

I 

2  :  0 

16 

17:0 

19  : 0 

Leach,  Levi 

I 

2 

3 

13 

12:9 

30 

62  :  10 

74:  19 

Leach,  Timothy 

S:o 

5:o 

Lee,  Abner 

I 

2 

2 

10 

10  :  10 

15 

21  :  15 

32:5 

Lee,  Gideon 

I 

1 

I 

4 

4  :  10 

12 

12  :5 

.6:15 

Lee,  Henry 

Lee,  John 

2 

4:0 

4:0 

Lewis,  Noadiah 

S:o 

8:0 

Marshall,  Clement 

Mathews,  Silas 

I 

2 

2 

2 

9:6 

15 

26  :  10 

35  :  '6 

Mattoon,  Ebenezer 

I 

2 

2 

4 

7 

20:9 

60 

70  :  0 

90:9 

May,  William 

I 

2 

1 

7  :  10 

20 

29:0 

36:  10 

Mc  Daniel, 

McDaniel,  Jacob 

I 

I 

22  :  0 

22  : 0 

Merrick,  James 

' 

I 

2 

4 

] 

14 

14  :  ro 

22 

38:0 

52:  10 

Moody,  Asahel 

I 

2 

3 

7 

16:11 

12 

24  :  ,6 

41  :7 

Moody,  Eldad 

I 

2  : 0 

6 

'3:3 

'5  -3 

Moody,  Joel 

I 

2 

1 

10 

9:0 

24 

38:8 

47:8 

Moody.  Jonathan 

I 

2 

2 

I 

24:8 

9 

<9:  '5 

44:3 

Moody,  Jonathan  (2) 

1 

11:10 

5 

10  :  10 

22  : 0 

Moody,  Lemuel 

I 

2 

3 

5:9 

8 

15:4 

21  :  13 

Moody,  Medad 

2 

2 

I 

7:8 

9 

18:17 

26:5 

Moody,  Nathan 

I 

2 

6 

5:18 

18 

30:  10 

36:8 

Moody,  Peris 

1 

2 

1  :  16 

4 

8:0 

9  :  16 

Morton,  Elijah 

Morton,  John 

I 

3 

4 

7  :  2 

13 

19:5 

26  :  7 

Morton,  Joseph 

I 

2 

1 

9:3 

24 

37:  12 

46:  15 

Morton,  Thomas 

I 

1 

3  :  IO 

6 

9:  18 

13:0 

Nash,  Abner 

Nash,  Amos 

Nash.  John 

I 

4 

3 

18 

17  :  10 

41 

75:  '3 

93  :3 

Nash,  Jonathan 

I 

2 

2 

2 

9  :  16 

13 

19:5 

29:  1 

Nash,  Joseph 

I 

2 

1 

7  :  10 

15 

17:0 

24:  10 

Parker,  Eli 

I 

4 

3 

2 

14 

22  :  16 

-5 

24  :S 

47  :4 

Peck,  Joseph 

Peck,  Nathaniel 

2 

2 

2 

5 

11  :  15 

M 

27:0 

3«:  '5 

Peck,  Simeon 

j     I 

2 

10 

18:  JO 

6 

9  :  10 

28:0 

Perkins,  Nathan 

1 

17  :  io 

2  : 0 

19  :  10 

Pettis,  Ebenezer 

Pettis,  John 

I 

4 

3 

i5 

16:  15 

35 

68:  5 

85:0 

Pomeroy,  Simeon 

I 

2 

6 

5:18 

34 

49:  10 

54:8 

Rice,  Adam 

1 

1  :  10 

1  :  10 

VALUATION    LIST, 


6o" 


TOWN  VALUATION   LIST.   1776.     {Continued.) 


aj 

-d 

a> 

NAMES. 

a 

c 

d 

"re  ■£ 

re 
1    J 

£ 

0 
— 

V 

0 

% 

O 

u 

0 

0) 

in 

Pers 

0  "2 

73 

1  ' 

7-1 

Rolf,  Daniel 

I 

i  :  10 

8 

14  :  0 

15  :  10 

Rood,  Ezra 

2 

I 

5  :  10 

7 

9  :  15 

1 5 

5 

Roth,  Benjamin 

I 

1  :  10 

1 

10 

Sabin,  Barnabas 

2 

12  :  10 

7h 

'5  :  7 

27 

17 

Smith,  Alexander 

3 

2 

3 

1 

8 

17  :  2 

35 

66  :  0 

83 

Smith,  Chiliab 

1 

3  :  I0 

4 

13  :  i3 

l7 

3 

Smith,  David 

2 

3 

10  :  10 

10 

32  :  0 

42 

10 

Smith,  Edward 

3 

2 

1 

9 

8:17 

22 

27  :  0 

35 

17 

Smith,  Elisha 

20  :  0 

l3 

21  :  9 

4i 

9 

Smith,  Jonathan 

2 

4 

2 

21  :  16 

37 

73  :  1 

94 

17 

Smith,  Martin 

1 

10  :  10 

12 

27  :  0 

37 

10 

Smith,  Moses 

I 

3 

3 

9 

1 1  :  1 

3° 

50  :  0 

61 

1 

Smith,  Nathaniel  A. 

1 

6 

6:6 

11 

20  :  15 

22 

1 

Smith,  Noadiah 

2  :  0 

15 

21:0 

—j 

0 

Smith,  Noah 

2 

4 

6 

12:  18 

25 

48:5 

61 

3 

Smith,  Peletiah 

3 

1 

1 1 

S:  11 

20 

34  :  j 

42 

16 

Smith,  Peter 

3 

6 

5  =° 

5 

14  :  10 

'9 

10 

Smith,  Simeon 

4 

2 

3 

16  :  10 

15 

24  :  5 

40 

15 

Smith,  Stephen 

1 

2 

3 

10 

12:0 

14 

23  :  0 

35 

0 

Smith,  Timothy 

Stockbridge,  David 

2 

13  :o 

6 

9  :  18 

22 

18 

Strong,  Simeon 

2 

3 

10:6 

20A 

5«  :  18 

69 

4 

Sturtevant,  James 

1 

1  :  10 

1 

10 

Taylor,  Ebenezer 

1 

2 

5  :° 

18 

33  :  ' 

38 

1 

Trumbull,  James 

Waite,  Richard 

Warner,  Aaron 

3 

1 

2 

3 

1 1 

i9:  i3 

40 

72  :  0 

9' 

•3 

Warner,  Hannah 

4 

7  :  - 

7 

Warner,  Jacob 

1 

2 

1 

7  :  10 

10 

16  :  io 

?4 

0 

Warner,  Jacob  (2) 

2 

1 

5  :  10 

8 

10  :  0 

'5 

10 

Warner.  Josiah 

1 

2 

2 

9:0 

26 

36  :  10 

45 

10 

Warner,   Mary 

1 

2 

5:0 

40 

76  :  0 

Si 

0 

Warner,  Moses 

1 

1 

1 

1  :  10 

1 

10 

Warner.  Noadiah 

1 

2 

1 

4 

8:2 

14 

19  :  4 

27 

16 

Williams.  Ebenezer 

2 

2 

4 

1 

4 

15:0 

24 

44  :  0 

59 

0 

Williams,  John 

I 

1 

7 

2:11 

iS 

29  :  0 

3i 

11 

Williams,  Joseph 

3 

1 

1 

3:  10 

8 

41  :  8 

44 

18 

Williams,  Justus 

1 

2 

2 

1 

9:3 

36 

61  :  0 

7° 

3 

Yale,  Nathaniel 

604 


HISTORY    OF     THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Appendix     D. 


POPULATION.     FAMILIES.     VOTERS'  LIST,    180: 


CENSUS  STATISTICS— 1765-1895. 

The  Massachusetts  state  census  report  for  the  year  1895   gives  the   following 
■statistics  concerning  the  population  of  Amherst : 

Families,  1064  :  males,  2427  ;  females,  235S  ;  population,  47S5.     The  division 
by  villages  is  as  follows  : 

Families.  Males.  Females.  Population. 

Center,  Amherst.  770  1S73  1782  3655 

North  Amherst,  186  327  361  688 

South  Amherst,  108  227  215  442 

The  following  table  gives  the  number  of  inhabitants  in  Amherst  and  adjoining 

towns  as  shown  by  provincial,  state  and  United  States  censuses  from  1765  to  1795  : 


£ 

u 

13 

rt 

E 

5 

XI 

4) 

s 

> 

0) 

nitesbu 

underla 

>< 

< 

PQ 

O 

a 

J 

Oh 

c/j 

tn 

1765 

645 

418 

573 

37' 

330 

409 

1776 

915 

972 

49  r 

681 

293 

729 

598 

409 

1790 

1233 

1485 

596 

8S2 

524 

IO4O 

674 

462 

1800 

■35S 

1878 

786 

f°73 

711 

I  144 

930 

537 

1810 

1469 

2270 

850 

1247 

769 

I  185 

939 

55' 

1820 

1917 

2426 

1066 

1 46 1 

857 

.278 

1029 

597 

1830 

2631 

2491 

1064 

1686 

939 

904 

986 

666 

1840 

2550 

2554 

97i 

1814 

875 

956 

987 

719 

1850 

3057 

2680 

1 104 

19S6 

948 

983 

912 

792 

1855 

2937 

2698 

1 00 1 

1928 

9S2 

789 

939 

839 

i860 

3206 

2709 

907 

2105 

964 

748 

798 

S39 

1865 

3415 

2636 

908 

2246 

914 

737 

788 

861 

1870 

4035 

2428 

863 

2301 

877 

673 

614 

832 

1875 

3937 

2315 

812 

2125 

831 

633 

55* 

860 

1880 

4298 

2  346 

753 

1938 

742 

614 

529 

755 

1885 

4199 

2307 

729 

1747 

779 

549 

4*5 

700 

1890 

451- 

2I20 

765 

1669 

702 

486 

453 

663 

'895 

4785 

2161 

748 

1704 

744 

486 

444 

696 

PROMINENT    FAMILIES.  605. 

PROMINENT   FAMILIES. 

A  list  of  fifty  families  that  have  been  most  prominent  in  Amherst  town  affairs- 
since  the  first  settlement  would  include  the  following  names  :  Adams,  Allen,  Baker, 
Belding,  Billings,  Blodgett,  Boltwood.  Bridgman,  Chauncey,  Church,  Clapp,  ClarkT 
Coleman.  Conkey,  Cook,  Cooley,  Cowls,  Cushman,  Cutler,  Dana,  Dickinson, 
Eastman,  Edwards,  Field,  Gaylord,  Goodale,  Green,  Hastings,  H^awley,  Ingram, 
Kellogg,  Lee,  Marsh,  Mattoon,  Merrick,  Montague,  Moody,  Morton,  Nash,  Nut- 
ting, Parker,  Parsons,  Peck,  Pomeroy,  Roberts,  Smith,  Strong,  Thayer,  Warner, 
Williams.  Of  these,  the  families  of  Boltwood,  Chauncey,  Church,  Cowls,  Dickin- 
son, Hawley,  Ingram,  Nash  and  Smith  had  representatives  among  the  "east  inhab- 
itants" in  1 73 1.  In  the  following  paragraphs  reference  is  made  to  the  person  of  a 
given  name  who  appears  to  have  been  the  first  to  settle  in  Amherst,  and  to  others 
who  have  given  distinction  to  the  family  name. 

Thomas  Adams  was  taxed  in  Hadley  Third  Precinct  in  1740.  Abner  Adams- 
was  married  May  9,  1754,  by  Rev.  David  Parsons.  John  Adams  owned  acorn-mill 
in  1770.     John  S.  and  Charles  Adams  were  well-known  printers  and  publishers. 

Samuel  Allen  was  among  the  minor  district  officers  in  1768  ;  Amasa  was  one  of 
the  "  minute  men"  in  1775  and  Phineas  was, in  1783,  one  of  the  incorporators  of 
the  Second  parish. 

Noah  Baker,  son  of  Capt.  John,  of  Northampton,  was  taxed  in  Hadley  Third 
Precinct  in  1742.  Elijah,  brother  to  Noah,  was  a  precinct  officer  in  1760.  Osmyn 
was  a  noted  lawyer  ;  Alfred  served  the  town  as  selectman  and  representative,  Mar- 
tin as  selectman. 

Samuel  Belding  had  a  part  in  the  division  of  lands  in  Hadley  Third  Precinct. 
Hezekiah,  son  of  Samuel,  was  a  soldier  in  the  French  war  in  1747,  became  a 
member  of  the  First  church  in  1755  and  held  various  town  offices.  Jonathan  served 
in  the  war  of  the  Revolution;  John  was  an  innkeeper  in  1787. 

John  Bihings  was  a  member  of  the  First  church  in  1759,  fought  in  the  war  of 
the  Revolution,  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Second  parish  in  1783.  Joel  took 
part  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution  and  in  the  Shays  rebellion,  and  was  in  1802  a 
tavern-keeper.  Aaron  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Second  parish,  a  captain  of 
militia  in   1801. 

David  Blodgett  came  to  the  settlement  between  1745  and  1763,  tookpart  in  the 
French  war  and  the  war  of  the  Revolution  ;  held  many  town  offices. 

Samuel  Boltwood  was  one  of  the  original  proprietors  of  Amherst  lands,  lived 
in  the  settlement  in  1731,  in  1735  was  chosen  one  of  the  committee  to  call  precinct 
meetings.  Solomon  came  to  the  precinct  before  1738,  took  part  in  the  French  war, 
was  an  innkeeper  in  1773.  William  came  to  the  precinct  before  1763,  took  part  in 
the  French  war.  Ebenezer  was  an  innkeeper  in  1782,  as  was  Elijah  in  iSo6and  for 
many  years  thereafter.     Lucius  was  a  noted  lawyer,  prominent  in  town  affairs. 

Jonathan  Bridgman  resided  in  Amherst  in  1793;  in  1S24,  was  one  of  the  organ- 
izers of  the  South  parish. 

Richard  Chauncey  resided  in  the  settlement  in  1731,  was  one  of  the  original 
members  of  the  First  church  at  its  organization  in  1739.  Charles  came  to  the 
settlement  previous  to  1738,  took  part  in  the  French  war  in  1758.  Josiah  took  part 
in  the  French  wars  in  174S  and  1760,  was  a  justice  of  the  peace  in  1758,  an  innkeeper 
and  trader  in  1759. 

Nathaniel  Church  was  a  resident  in  the  settlement  in  1731,  one  of  the  original 
members  of  the  First  church.     Benjamin  was  taxed  in  the  Third  Precinct  in  1735. 


<6o6  HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Joseph  was  a  resident  of  the  precinct  in  1754,  was  very  prominent  in  town  affairs. 

Preserved  Clapp  was  a  resident  in  the  Third  Precinct  in  1746.  Oliver  was  one 
of  the  "  minute-men  "  in  1775,  an  innkeeper  in  1778,  one  of  the  incorporators  of  the 
Second  parish.     Oliver  M.  was  a  well-known  manufacturer. 

Simeon  Clark  was  a  resident  of  the  Third  Precinct  in  1749.  was  a  deacon  of 
the  First  church,  held  many  town  offices.  Judah  fought  in  the  war  of  the  Revolu- 
tion. Elijah  was  among  the  incorporators  of  Amherst  Academy  in  1S16.  William 
S.  was  president  of  the  Agricultural  College. 

Nathaniel  Coleman  was  a  resident  in  the  Third  Precinct  previous  to  1745,  an 
innkeeper  in  1761.  Seth.  son  of  Nathaniel,  was  one  of  the  best-known  of  Amherst 
physicians. 

Ithamar  Conkey  came  from  Pelham  to  Amherst  about  1S17  ;  he  was  judge  of 
probate:  his  son.  Ithamar  P.,  served  as  district-attorney  many  years. 

Moses  Cook  was  one  of  the  original  proprietors  of  Amherst  lands,  a  resident 
of  the  precinct  in  1750,  an  innkeeper  in  1779.  Westwood,  Jr.,  came  to  the  precinct 
before  1745. 

Daniel  Cooley  was  an  innkeeper  in  1780,  a  representative  to  the  General  Court 
in  17S7. 

John  and  Jonathan  Cowls  resided  in  the  settlement  in  1731  :  they  were  among 
the  original  members  of  the  First  church.  Oliver  served  in  the  French  war  in 
1755  and  1758.  David  and  Simeon  served  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution  and  were 
among  the  incorporators  of  the  Second  parish.     Rufus  was  a  famous  physician. 

Ephraim  Cushmanwasa  resident  of  Amherstin  1789.  He  and  his  brother  John 
R.  were  prominent  among  the  earlier  manufacturers  of  the  town. 

Robert  Cutler  removed  from  Pelham  to  Amherst  in  1787 ;  he  and  his  son  Isaac 
G.  were  prominent  physicians. 

Amariah  Dana  resided  in  Amherst  in  1773.  Me  served  in  the  war  of  the  Rev- 
olution, was  among  the  incorporators  of  the  Second  parish. 

Ebenezer  Dickinson  resided  in  the  settlement  in  1731,  was  one  of  the  original 
members  of  the  First  church,  serving  as  deacon,  served  in  the  French  war.  was 
moderator  of  the  first  district  meeting.  Nathaniel  was  one  of  the  original  propri- 
etors of  Amherst  lands,  served  in  the  French  war  and  the  war  of  the  Revolution. 
Nathaniel,  Jr.  was  the  town's  first  delegate  to  the  Provincial  Congress.  Moses 
was  one  of  the  town's  committee  of  correspondence  during  the  war  of  the  Revo- 
lution. John  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill;  his  son,  John,  was  judge  of 
probate.  Joseph.  Noah  and  Simeon  served  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution  and  were 
among  the  incorporators  of  the  Second  parish.  Reuben  Dickinson  led  a  company 
to  Cambridge  at  the  time  of  the  Lexington  alarm.  Nathan  and  Jonathan  served 
in  the  French  war  and  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  Elijah  served  in  the  war  of 
the  Revolution  and  gave  the  land  for  the  site  of  the  first  buildings  of  Amherst 
College.  Samuel  F.  was  one  of  the  working  founders  of  Amherst  College. 
Edward  and  William  Austin  were  lawyers  and  served  each  as  treasurer  of  Amherst 
College.  Oliver  built  and  owned  the  North  church  meeting-house.  Azariah  was 
among  the  incorporators  of  the  Second  parish.  Chester  was  a  noted  innkeeper. 
Daniel,  Medad  and  Waitstill  served  the  town  as  representatives  to  the  General 
Court.  Zebina  was  for  a  long  time  deputy-sheriff.  Nathaniel  C.  was  deacon  of 
the  South  church.  Porter  served  as  selectman.  Enos  was  a  leading  man  in  the 
South  parish. 

Joseph  Eastman  was  a  resident  of  the  precinct  before  1745;  he  was  prominent 
in  town  affairs.     Ebenezer  served  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution  and  was  one  of  the 


PROMINENT    FAMILIES.  607 

founders  of  the  Second  parish.  John  was  among  the  liberal  contributors  to  the 
"charity  fund '*  that  served  as  the  foundation  of  Amherst  College.  Solomon  K. 
served  as  selectman. 

Jonathan  Edwards  resided  in  the  precinct  in  1735  ;  he  served  the  First  church 
as  deacon. 

Zechariah  Field  came  to  the  precinct  before  173S.  John  resided  in  the  pre- 
cinct in  1741,  was  an  innkeeper  in  1768. 

Samuel  Gaylord  resided  in  the  precinct  in  1754;  William  was  a  resident  of 
the  town  in  1831,  Eleazer  in  1835. 

Isaac  Goodale  was  a  resident  of  the  precinct  in  1754.  served  in  the  French  war 
and  war  of  the  Revolution. 

Timothy  Green  was  a  resident  of  the  precinct  in  176S,  served  in  the  war  of  the 
Revolution  and  was  one  of  the  incorporators  of  the  Second  parish. 

Thomas  Hastings  resided  in  the  precinct  in  1753,  served  in  the  war  of  the 
Revolution.  Elijah  was  an  innkeeper  in  1768.  Moses  served  in  the  war  of  the 
Revolution,  was  a  prominent  member  of  the  First  church,  served  as  selectman. 

Samuel  Hawley  resided  in  the  settlement  in  173 1,  was  moderator  of  the  first 
precinct  meeting  in  1735.  Joseph  served  in  the  French  war.  Zechariah  served  in 
the  war  of  the  Revolution  and  was  a  deacon  of  the  Second  church. 

John  Ingram  resided  in  the  settlement  in  1731,  was  one  of  the  original  mem- 
bers of  the  First  church,  served  in  the  French  war  and  war  of  the  Revolution. 
Elisha  was  a  trader  in  1760,  an  innkeeper  in  1789.  Samuel  served  in  the  French 
war  and  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  Peter  was  a  well-known  manufacturer. 
Ezra  served  the  town  as  selectman  and  representative. 

Ebenezer  Kellogg  was  a  resident  in  the  settlement  in  173 1 ,  an  innkeeper  in 
1734,  one  of  the  original  members  of  the  First  church,  serving  as  deacon,  a  trader 
in  1764,  served  in  the  French  war  and  war  of  the  Revolution.  Ephraim  was  an 
innkeeper  in  1744,  a  trader  in  1764.  Nathaniel  owned  a  corn-mill  in  1744,  was  one 
of  the  original  members  of  the  First  church.  Martin  was  an  innkeeper  in  1771. 
John  was  a  deacon  of  the  First  church  and  served  as  selectman.  Eleazer  served 
as  selectman  and  representative.  Chester  was  a  well-known  merchant.  Daniel 
held  many  town  offices.     James  was  a  leading  manufacturer. 

Abner  Lee  resided  in  the  district  in  1769;  John  and  Gideon  served  in  the  war 
of  the  Revolution,  the  latter  being  one  of  the  incorporators  of  the  Second  parish. 

Abner  Marsh  was  a  resident  of  the  town  in  17S8.  Jonathan  owned  a  mill  in 
1794. 

Ebenezer  Mattoon  was  a  resident  of  the  precinct  in  1739.  His  son,  Ebenezer, 
was  distinguished  for  his  many  public  services.  Noah  D.  was  a  distinguished 
lawyer. 

James  Merrick  was  a  resident  of  the  district  in  1760,  one  of  the  incorporators 
of  the  Second  parish.     Aaron  served  as  representative  to  the  General  Court. 

Zebina  Montague  resided  in  the  town  in  1786,  was  a  leading  merchant,  repre- 
sented the  town  in  the  General  Court.     George   served  the  first  church  as  deacon. 

Jonathan  Moody  resided  in  the  precinct  in  1743,  served  in  the  French  war. 
held  many  town  offices.  Asahel  served  in  the  French  war.  Lemuel  served  in  the 
war  of  the  Revolution,  was  one  of  the  incorporators  of  the  Second  parish.  Joel. 
Eldad  and  Medad  served  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  David  was  a  deacon  of 
the  South  church. 

John  Morton  resided  in  the  precinct  before  1738.  He  was  prominent  in  town 
affairs,  one  of   the  incorporators  of   the  Second  parish.     Thomas  served  in  the 


608  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

French  war  and  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  Joseph  was  one  of  the  incorporators 
of  the  Second  parish. 

John  Nash  was  one  of  the  original  proprietors  of  Amherst  lands,  resided  in 
the  settlement  in  1731,  was  the  first  precinct  clerk,  was  among  the  early  tavern- 
keepers.     Samuel  was  a  well-known  editor  of  the  Express. 

George  Nutting  resided  in  Amherst  in  1820,  was  prominent  among  the  organ- 
izers of  the  South  parish,  served  the  town  as  selectman  and  representative. 

Eli  Parker  resided  in  the  district  in  1769,  commanded  a  company  in  the  war  of 
the  Revolution. 

David  Parsons  came  to  the  precinct  in  1737,  was  the  first  minister  of  the  First 
church.  His  son,  David,  succeeded  him  in  the  pastorate.  Gideon  was  an  inn- 
keeper in  1777. 

Nathaniel  Peck  resided  in  the  district  in  1761,  served  in  the  war  of  the  Revo- 
lution, was  an  innkeeper  in  1785.  Simeon  served  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution, 
was  an  innkeeper  in  1782. 

Simeon  Pomeroy  resided  in  the  precinct  in  1747,  served  in  the  war  of  the 
Revolution. 

Reuben  Roberts  came  to  Amherst  about  1807,  served  the  town  as  representa- 
tive to  the  General  Court.  He  and  his  brother  Ephraim  were  the  pioneer  paper- 
makers  in  Amherst. 

Aaron  Smith  resided  in  the  settlement  in  1731.  was  one  of  the  original  mem- 
bers of  the  First  church,  served  in  the  French  war  and  war  of  the  Revolution. 
Nathaniel  resided  in  the  settlement  in  1731.  was  the  first  to  practice  medicine  in 
the  precinct.  Stephen  was  one  of  the  "east  inhabitants,"  in  1731,  served  in  the 
war  of  the  Revolution,  was  an  innkeeper  in  17S5.  Moses  was  an  innkeeper  in 
1758,  as  was  Peter  in  1759.  Chiliab  was  one  of  the  original  proprietors  of  Amherst 
lands,  fought  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  was  an  innkeeper  in  1788.  Peletiah 
served  in  the  French  war,  was  one  of  the  original  members  of  the  First  church. 
Simeon  served  in  the  French  war  and  war  of  the  Revolution.  Alexander  served 
in  the  French  war,  was  an  innkeeper  in  1768,  served  as  selectman.  David  served 
in  the  French  war,  was  a  member  of  the  First  church  in  1740.  Jonathan  was 
among  the  original  members  of  the  First  church,  served  in  the  French  war.  Elisha 
was  an  innkeeper  in  1780.  Noah  and  Martin  served  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution; 
the  latter  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  South  parish.  Eleazer  was  a  deacon  of 
the  First  church.  Timothy  introduced  the  culture  of  the  silk-worm  in  Amherst. 
Horace  was  a  deacon  of  the  First  church,  a  colonel  of  militia. 

Nehemiah  Strong  resided  in  the  precinct  in  1741.  His  son,  Simeon,  was 
judge  of  the  supreme  court.  Hezekiah  Wright  was  a  well-known  business  man, 
served  as  postmaster. 

Josiah  Thayer  resided  in  Amherst  in  1788.  Asahel  was  a  well-known 
manufacturer. 

Aaron  Warner  resided  in  the  precinct  in  1741,  was  the  first  to  set  up  a  black- 
smith shop  in  its  limits.  Moses  was  an  innkeeper  in  1757,  served  in  the  French 
war.  Jacob  served  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  was  one  of  the  incorporators  of 
the  Second  parish.     Josiah  was  an  officer  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution. 

Justus  Williams  came  to  the  district  before  1763,  served  inthewarof  the 
Revolution,  was  one  of  the  incorporators  of  the  Second  parish.  Joseph  was  one 
the  incorporators  of  the  Second  parish. 


VOTERS     LIST. 


609 


The  following  list  of 
manuscript : 

Abbe,  Mason 
Ayers,  Amos 

Baker,  Elijah 
Baker,  Enos 
Baker,  Isaac 
Baker,  Martin 
Ballou,  Amariah 
Bangs,  Enoch 
Belding,  Elihu 
Belding,  Hezekiah 
Billings,  Aaron 
Billings,  John 
Bissell,  Asahel 
Bixbee,  Rufus 
Blair,  Joseph 
Blodgett,  Asahel 
Blodgett,  Uavid 
Boltwood,  Ebenezer 
Boltwood,  Elijah 
Boltwood,  Elisha 
Boltwood,  Solomon 
Boltwood,  William 
Bond,  Solomon 
Bowman,  William 

Carpenter,  Richard 
Church,  Elijah 
Church,  Giles 
Church,  Joseph 
Church,  Joseph  (2) 
Clapp,  Oliver 
Clapp,  Oliver  (2) 
Clark,  Judah 
Clark,  Justus 
Clark,  Simeon 
Coleman,  Seth 
Coleman,  Seth  (2) 
Cooley,  Daniel 
Cowls,  David 
Cowls,  David  (2) 
Cowls,  Enos 
Cowls,  Joseph 
Cowls,  Levi 
Cowls,  Oliver 
Cowls,  Reuben 

39 


VOTERS'  LIST,  1802. 
voters  in  Amherst  in   1S02 

Cowls,  Simeon 
Coy,  Willis 
Cushman,  Ephraim 
Cutler,  Robert 

Draper,  Ichabod 
Dickinson,  Asa 
Dickinson,  Azariah 
Dickinson,  Ebenezer 
Dickinson,  Ebenezer  (2) 
Dickinson,  Elihu 
Dickinson,  Elijah 
Dickinson,  Elisha 
Dickinson,  Enos 
Dickinson,  Ezekiel 
Dickinson,  Gad 
Dickinson.  John 
Dickinson,  Jonathan 
Dickinson,  Joseph 
Dickinson,  Joseph  (2) 
Dickinson,  Martin 
Dickinson,  Medad 
Dickinson,  Moses 
Dickinson,  Nathan 
Dickinson,  Nathaniel 
Dickinson,  Noah 
Dickinson,  Perez 
Dickinson,  Roswell 
Dickinson,  Samuel  F. 
Dickinson,  Seth 
Dickinson,  Silas 
Dickinson,  Simeon 
Dickinson,  Simeon  (2) 
Dickinson,  Solomon 
Dickinson,  Stephen 
Dickinson,  William 
Dickinson,  William  (2) 
Dickinson,  Zimri 

Eastman,  Ebenezer 
Eastman,  John 
Eastman,  Joseph 
Eaton,  Morton 
Edwards,  Nathaniel 
Edwards,  Philip 
Elmore,  Simeon 


is  copied  from   the   original 

Fisk,  Stephen 
Franklin,  Nathan 
French,  Samuel 

Gamwell,  Samuel 
Gilbert,  Thaddeus 
Goodale.  Andrew 
Goodale,  David 
Goodale,  Elijah 
Goodale,  Isaac 
Goodale,  Thomas 
Gray,  David  D. 
Green,  Clark 
Green,  Timothy 
Green,  Timothy  (2) 
Green,  Zera 

Hastings,  Elijah 
Hastings,  Moses 
Hastings,  Samuel 
Hastings,  Thomas 
Hawley,  Zecheriah 
Heath,  Daniel 
Henderson.  Timothy 
Hendrick,  James 
Holmes,  Samuel 

Ingram,  David 
Ingram,  Ebenezer 
Ingram,  John 
Ingram,  Nathan 
Ingram,  Samuel 


Kellogg, 
Kellogg, 
Kellogg, 
Kellogg, 
Kellogg, 
Kellogg, 
Kellogg, 
Kellogg, 
Kimball, 


Daniel 

Elijah 

Ephraim 

John 

Jonathan 

Joseph 

Martin 

Martin  (2) 

Benjamin 


Lee,  John 
Lewis,  Elisha 


6io 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Marsh,  Jonathan 
Marshall,  Isaac 
Mattoon,  Ebenezer 
Mattoon,  Ebenezer  (2) 
Mattoon,  Ebenezer  (3) 
McMaster,  Joshua 
Merrick,  Aaron 
Merrick,  James 
Merrill,  Abraham 
Merrill,  Calvin 
Montague,  Luke 
Montague,  Zebina 
Moody  Aaron 
Moody,  Asahel 
Moody,  Daniel 
Moody,  Eldad 
Moody,  Joel 
Moody,  Jonathan 
Moody,  Lemuel 
Moody,  Lemuel  (2) 
Moody,  Medad 
Moody,  Rufus 
Moody,  Silas 
Moody,  William 
Morton,  John 

Nash,  Reuben 

Parker,  Eli 
Parker,  Eli  (2) 
Parsons,  David 
Parsons,  Gideon 


Peck,  Joseph  K. 

Smith,  Reuben 

Peck,  Nathaniel 

Smith,  Samuel 

Perkins,  Nathan 

Smith,  Seth 

Pomeroy,  David 

Smith.  Stephen 

Pomeroy,  Simeon 

Smith,  Thomas 

Pomeroy.  Simeon  (2) 

Smith,  Timothy 

Snow,  Ralph 

Rice,  William 

Stanley,  Edward  A. 

Robbins,  Isaac 

Stetson,  Gideon 

Robbins,  Joseph 

Strong,  Simeon 

Scott,  Israel 

Thayer,  Josiah 

Smith,  Asa 

Thomas,  Eliab 

Smith,  Benjamin 

Tuttle,  Nathan 

Smith,  Chester 

Smith.  Chiliab  (2) 

Warner,  David 

Smith.  David 

Warner,  Elisha 

Smith,  David  (2) 

Warner,  Jonathan 

Smith,  Eleazer 

Warner,  Josiah 

Smith,  Elijah 

Warner,  Samuel 

Smith,  Elisha 

Watson,  David 

Smith,  Ethan 

Watson,  Joseph 

Smith,  P>iend 

White,  Jarib 

Smith,  Hoyt 

Williams,  Chester 

Smith,  Ithamar 

Williams,  Elijah 

Smith,  John 

Williams,  John 

Smith,  Jonathan 

Williams,  Justus 

Smith,  Jonathan  (2) 

Williams,  Justus  (2) 

Smith,  Moses 

Williamson,  George 

Smith,  Nathaniel  Alex. 

Winslow,  Ezra 

Smith,  Noah 

Smith,  Noah  (2) 

Yale.  Elijah 

Appendix     E. 


SOLDIERS  OF  THE  REVOLUTION. 

In  chapters  XI  and  XII  of  this  History  lists  are  given  of  men  who  served  on 
Amherst's  quota  during  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  These  lists  are  copied  from 
the  original  muster-rolls  now  on  file  among  the  state  archives  at  Boston.  These 
rolls  are,  in  many  instances,  incomplete  as  regards  giving  the  particular  place  of 
residence  of  members  of  companies  and  regiments.  In  making  up  the  lists  of 
Amherst  soldiers  all  names  were  included  which  are  by  the  rolls  accredited  to 


SOLDIERS    OF    THE    REVOLUTION'. 


6n 


Amherst,  and  others  borne  by  Amherst  men  known  to  have  been  engaged  in  the 
service,  whose  names  appear  on  the  rolls  unaccompanied  by  place  of  residence. 
As  in  the  war  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union  so  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  men 
served  on  Amherst's  quota  who  were  not  natives  or  residents  of  the  town.  While 
it  seems  proper  to  give  in  this  volume  the  names  of  all  credited  to  Amherst,  it  also 
seems  desirable  that  a  distinction  be  made  between  those  of  known  residence  in 
Amherst  at  the  time  of  service  and  others  concerning  whom  nothing  is  to  be  found 
in  the  public  records  of  the  time.  With  this  end  in  view  two  lists  are  here  pre- 
sented, the  first  containing  the  names  of  Amherst  residents  who  served  in  the  war, 
the  second  those  of  persons  credited  to  Amherst  but  whose  residence  here  the 
publishers  have  not  been  able  to  establish.  The  first  list  is  made  up  of  names 
familiar  to  all  who  have  read  the  pages  of  this  History  :  the  second  contains  many 
previously  unknown  to  the  town's  records. 


Abbott.  Daniel 
Adams,  Thomas 
Allen.  Amasa 
Alvord,  Aaron 
Avers,  Amos 

Baker,  Elijah 
Bascom,  Thomas 
Belding,  Hezekiah 
Belding,  John 
Billings,  Joel 
Billings,  John 
Billings,  John  Jr. 
Billings,  Silas 
Blodgett,  David 
Boltwood,  Ebenezer 
Boltvvood,  John 
Boltwood,  Solomon 
Buckman,  Benjamin 
Buckman,  Samuel 

Church.  Daniel 
Church,  Giles 
Church,  Joseph 
Church,  Samuel 
Clapp,  Oliver 
Clark,  Levi 
Coffin,  Luke 
Cole,  Stephen 
Coleman,  Enos 
Cook,  Moses 
Cowls,  David 
Cowls,  Reuben 
Cowls,  Simeon 

Dana.  Amariah 
Dickinson,  Aaron 


Dickinson,  Azariah 
Dickinson,  Ebenezer 
Dickinson,  Elihu 
Dickinson,  Elijah 
Dickinson,  Elisha 
Dickinson,  Gideon 
Dickinson,  Joel 
Dickinson,  John 
Dickinson,  Jonathan 
Dickinson,  Joseph 
Dickinson,  Levi 
Dickinson,  Aledad 
Dickinson,  Nathan 
Dickinson,  Nathaniel 
Dickinson,  Noah 
Dickinson,  Reuben 
Dickinson,  Reuben  Jr. 
Dickinson,  Samuel 
Dickinson,  Seth 
Dickinson,  Shelah 
Dickinson,  Simeon 
Dickinson,  Solomon 
Dickinson,  Timothy 
Dickinson,  Waitstill 
Dickinson,  Zimri 

Eastman,  Ebenezer 
Eastman,  John 
Edwards,  Jonathan 
Edwards,  Nathaniel 
Elmore.  Elijah 

Field,  Ebenezer 
Field,  Samuel 
Forbes,  Simeon 
Fox,  John 
Franklin,  Henry 


Goodale,  Isaac 
Gould,  Noah 
Gould,  Samuel 
Green,  Timothy 

Hastings,  Elijah 
Hastings,  John 
Hastings,  Moses 
Hastings,  Samuel 
Hastings,  Thomas 
Hawley,  David 
Hawley,  Noah 
Hawley,  Zecheriah 
Henderson,  Gideon 
Henderson,  Timothy 
Hendrick,  James 
Hodden,  John 
Hubbard,  Elihu 
Hubbard,  Isaac 

Ingram,  John 
Ingram,  Philip 
Ingram,  Reuben 
Ingram,  Samuel 

Johnson.  Silas 

Kellogg.  Ebenezer 
Kellogg,  Ebenezer  (2) 
Kellogg,  Jonathan 
Kellogg,  Martin 

Lee,  Gideon 
Lee,  Henry 
Lee,  John 
Lewis.  Noadiah 


6l2 


HISTORY    OF     THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Marshall,  Clement 
Marshall,  Isaac 
Marshall,  Thomas 
Mattoon,  Ebenezer 
May-  William 
Moody,  Eldad 
Moody,  Elisha 
Moody,  Joel 
Moody,  Lemuel 
Moody,  Medad 
Moore,  Gideon 
Morton.  Thomas 

Nash,  Abner 
Nash,  Amos 
Nash,  Joseph 
Nash,  Levi 

Parker,  Eli 
Peck,  Nathaniel 


Peck,  Simeon 
Peck,  Simeon  (2) 
Perkins,  Nathan 
Perkins,  Nathan  (2) 
Pettis,  Joseph 
Pomeroy,  Simeon 
Prutt,  Caesar 

Rice,  Adam 
Rice,  William 
Robbins,  Joseph 
Rolf,  Benjamin 
Rolf,  En os 
Rood,  Ezra 
Root,  Lemuel 

Smith,  Chiliab 
Smith,  Elias 
Smith,  Levi 


Smith,  Martin 
Smith,  Noah 
Smith,  Reuben 
Smith,  Simeon 
Smith,  Stephen 
Smith,  Timothy 

Waite,  Richard 
Warner.  Elisha 
Warner,  Jacob 
Warner,  Jonathan 
Warner,  Josiah 
Warner,  Reuben 
Williams,  Ambrose 
Williams,  Justus 
Woods,  Firmin 
Wright,  Silas 

Yale.  Nathaniel 


Adams.  David 
Alden,  Elijah 
Aldrich,  Joseph 
Allen.  Jonathan 
Anions,  Robert 

Barnes,  James 
Bartlett,  Aaron 
Belding,  Jonathan 
Benjamin,  Daniel 
Bigelow,  Noah 
Billing's,  Ethan 
Bishop,  Reuben 
Blackmail,  David 
Briggs,  Oliver 
Briggs,  Preserved 
Brown,  Robert 
Brown,  Samuel 
Burns,  John 

Chandler,  Henry 
Clark.  Lemuel 
Cody,  Jeremiah 
Cole.  Adonijah 
Cole,  Hezekiah 
Cole,  Israel 
Cole,  John 


Coleman,  Lewis 
Conant,  Lemuel 
Cook,  Enos 
Cook,  Samuel 

Coy.  Willis 
Crary,  Roger 

Darby,  Daniel 
Darby,  William 
Dike,  Adam 
Dunton,  Thomas 
Dyer,  Henry 

Ewing,  William 

Field,  Zechariah 

Gaylord,  Eliphalet 
Gilbert,  Thaddeus 
Goodale,  Joseph 
Gould,  Daniel 
Gould,  David 
Gould,  Edmund 
Gould,  Edward 
Gould,  Isaac 
Gould,  Josiah  B. 
Gould,  Samuel  (2) 


Harper,  Samuel 
Hastings,  Oliver 
Heart,  Isaac 
Hills,  Stephen 

Ingraham,  Elijah 
Ingraham,  Jonathan 
Ingram,  Timothy 

Kellogg,  Enos 
Kellogg,  Moses 
Kibbee,  John 
Kief,  Michael 
Kimball,  Joseph 

Lane,  Asaph 
Lane,  Daniel 
Lampson,  Jeremiah 
Leach,  Benjamin 
Lee,  Silas 
Leonard,  Archelas 
Leonard,  David 
Lord,  David 

McClench.  Joseph 
McGrath,  Daniel 
Moody,  Matthew 


OLD    DOCUMENTS. 


6l3 


Moore,  Hezekiah 
Moore,  William 
Morton,  Simeon 

Nash,  Enos 
Nichols,  John 

Pettis,  David 
Pettis,  Ebenezer 
Pomeroy,  Ebenezer 
Prince,  Daniel 
Putnam,  Jepthah 


Rolf,  Daniel 

Sanglere,  John 
Shay,  James 
Smith,  Aaron 
Smith,  Amasa 
Smith,  Caleb 
Smith,  Nathan 
Smith,  Timothy  (2) 
Squier,  Daniel 
Squier.  Thomas 
St.  Clair,  John 


Thayer,  Enoch 

Warner,  Eleazer 
Warner,  Elihu 
Warner,  Sewal 

Weston,  

Williams,  Thomas 
Woodbury,  John 
Workman,  John 
Wright,  Carmi 

Young,  Joseph 


Appendix     F. 


OLD  MANUSCRIPTS. 


From  the  large  number  of  ancient  documents  that  have  been  submitted  to  the 
publishers  two  are  here  printed  as  of  special  interest  and  value.  The  first  contains 
a  vote  passed  at  town-meeting  in  1S09,  showing  the  temper  of  the  inhabitants  of 
Amherst  in  the  days  immediately  preceding  the  war  of  18 12,  the  second  gives  a 
graphic  account  of  the  burning  of  a  small-pox  hospital,  one  of  the  first  established 
in  this  section. 


TOWN  VOTE  IN   1S09. 

At  a  legal  Town  meeting  of  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  town 
of  Amherst,  holden  on  the  30  day  of  January  1809,  for  the  purpose  of  considering 
the  alarming  state  of  the  country,  the  following  resolves  were  passed:   viz. 

Whereas  it  is  the  right  as  well  as  the  duty  of  citizens  peaceably  to  assemble,  and 
express  their  opinion  of  public  men  and  public  measures;  as  well  as  petition  the 
government  for  redress  of  grievances,  while  they  suffer  : 

And  whereas  the  exercise  of  this  right  and  this  duty  become  all  important. 
At  this  awful  crisis  of  our  public  concerns,  when  grievous  and  embarrassing 
restraints  are  laid  upon  our  commerce;  when  we  are  forbidden  the  use  of  the 
ocean,  that  great  highway  of  nations,  which  we  have  inherited  from  our  Fathers, 
and  which  the  God  of  Nature  hath  given  us,  in  common  with  others  of   mankind. 

When  the  natural  and  lawful  traffic  among  ourselves  is,  under  the  sanction  of 
law,  shackled  in  almost  every  possible  manner:  when  in  consequence  thereof, dis- 
tress and  embarrassment  are  felt  by  every  class    in  the  community,  and  many 


614  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

thousands  of  our  valuable  citizens  thrown  out  of  employment,  and  themselves, 
their  wives,  and  children,  thereby  reduced  to  want  and  beggary  :  When  we  are 
threatened  as  a  nation,  with  hostility  from  abroad,  and  with  a  military  despotism 
from  within;  In  fine,  when  one  universal  ruin  threatens  to  swallow  up  the  rights 
liberties  and  independence  of  our  country,  the  dearest  birthright  inherited  from 
our  ancestors,  and  the  choicest  blessings  which  the  God  of  Nature  hath  been 
pleased  to  bestow  upon  us. 

We  the  people  of  this  town,  feeling  a  deep  and  solemn  sense  of  the  calamities 
and  disastrous  situation,  into  which  these  United  States  are  plunged;  and  the 
duty  lying  upon  us  and  all  good  citizens,  to  rally  round  the  Constitution  of  our 
country,  and  bear  public  testimony  to  our  rights;  and  our  abhorrence  of  all  such 
whether  in  or  out  of  power,    who  dare  to  invade  them,  do  hereby  resolve  : 

i.  That  we  are  firmly  and  inviolably  attached  to  the  constitution  of  the 
United  States,  and  to  that  charter  of  our  liberties,  under  God,  and  a  faithful 
adherence  to  its  principles,  under  the  administrations  of  Washington  and 
Adams,  do  we  ascribe  our  unexampled  prosperity,  as  a  nation,  during  the  first 
twelve  years  of   its  existence. 

2.  That  in  all  countries,  a  distinction  ought  to  be  made  between  the  govern- 
ment and  the  administration  of  the  government.  The  constitution  of  govern- 
ment may  be  pure,  and  the  administration  corrupt.  And  in  our  own  country, 
while  we  admire  our  national  constitution,  and  the  republican  principles  contained 
therein,  as  explained  and  illustrated  by  the  administration  of  a  WASHINGTON; 
we  are  constrained  to  believe,  and  with  sorrow  to  express  this  belief,  that  the 
measures  pursued  by  our  present  administration,  for  these  eight  years,  have  an 
anti-republican  tendency,  and  are  contrary  to  the  spirit  and  genius  of  our  excellent 
constitution.  Eight  years  ago,  we  were  respected  abroad,  we  were  happy  at 
home,  at  peace  with  ourselves,  and  with  all  the  world  ;  we  were  engaged  in  a:  lucra- 
tive commerce,  our  treasury  and  our  storehouses  were  full,  and  we  were  strangers 
to  the  cries  of  want.  But  through  the  unskilfulness  of  our  present  administra- 
tion, as  a  nation,  we  are  despised  abroad,  among  foreign  nations  ;  we  are  in  distress 
at  home  :  we  are  in  a  state  of  warfare  among  ourselves,  and  with  all  the  world. 
Our  commerce  is  destroyed,  our  treasury  and  our  pockets  are  empty;  and  our 
poverty  continually  increasing  upon  us. 

3.  That  the  reason  assigned  by  the  government  for  passing  the  catalogue  of 
Embargo  Laws,  are  in  our  estimation  totally  insufficient  for  a  measure,  so  doubt- 
ful in  principle,  and  so  ruinous  in  its  consequences  to  the  people  of  these  United 
States. 

4.  That  whatever  reasons  might  have  existed,  at  the  commencement  of  the 
Embargo  system,  they  must  now  be  done  away,  as  the  prohibitions  thereby  laid  on 
our  commerce  are  known  to  be  pleasing  to  France  and  harmless  towards  Great 
Britain,  and  to  generate  evils  for  the  people  of  these  United  States,  incalculably 
greater  than  for  any  nation  on  earth,  and  that  therefore,  a  continuance  of  the 
Embargo,  by  the  administration,  is  a  wanton  sacrifice  of  the  interests  of  the 
people,  and  an  abandonment  of   the  principles  of   the  Constitution. 

5.  That  the  rights  and  privileges  guaranteed  to  us  by  our  national  and  state 
constitutions  and  bill  of  rights,  are  essential  to  the  security  of  freedom,  and  that 
any  laws  annulling  or  infringing  those  important  immunities,  is  contrary  to  the 
Constitution;  and  not  obligatory  upon  the  citizen.  And  that  therefore,  the  late 
act  of  Congress  making  further  provision  for  enforcing  the  embargo,  strikes  at  the 


OLD    DOCUMENTS.  615 

root  of  civil  liberty,  and  is  a  gross  and  violent  outrage  of   the  most  essential  pro- 
vision of  the  Constitution,  and  the  rights  of  the  people. 

6.  That  we  view  with  alarm,  the  increase  of  the  standing  army  of  the  United 
States  and  the  numerous  detachments  from  the  militia,  as  we  can  see  no  reason 
therefor,  unless  it  be,  to  enforce  obedience  to  a  wicked  and  obnoxious  law.  at  the 
point  of  the  bayonet. 

7.  That  we  view  with  deepest  concern,  the  obstinate  determination  of  the 
administration,  to  persist  in  a  measure  once  adopted  against  the  prayers  and 
remonstrances  of  a  large  portion  of  their  constituents,  and  we  believe  against  the 
true  interests  of  our  country.  Most  of  all  do  we  deplore  that  cool  and  deliberate 
tyranny,  which  at  present  pervades  our  public  councils,  and  which,  unless  arrested, 
by  the  genius  of  New  England,  will  inevitably  lead  to  a  more  confirmed  despotism, 
or  to  a  division  of  these  United  States. 

8.  And  that  we  will  use  all  constitutional  measures  to  procure  redress  of  the 
evils  and  calamities  which  we  in  common  with  our  fellow  citizens  of  the  United 
States  suffer,  and  inasmuch  as  our  former  petitions  to  the  President  of  the  United 
States  have  been  unattended  to,  we  will  confide  in  the  wisdom  and  patriotism  of 
the  Legislature  of  our  own  state,  to  devise  such  methods,  as  they  may  deem  con- 
sistent with  the  Constitution,  to  restore  the  sinking  interests  and  honor  of  our 
common  country. 

Samuel   Gamwell,   Moderator. 
Attest     Sam.    F.  Dickinson,  Town  Clerk. 


THE    PROCEEDINGS    OF    BURNING    THE    HOSPITAL. 

Hadley  November  the  7  1776  on  thursday  the  7  day  of  November  Sun  about 
one  hour  high  at  night  there  came  to  us  as  we  were  In  the  hospital  of  Doct  Col- 
mans  erecting  three  men  who  were  said  by  those  who  knew  them    that   they   were 

Paterson  and Cofrin  of  Pelham  and toon  of  Amherst  and  orderd 

us  to  leave  the  hospital  and  go  of  or  we  must  take  the  fate  of  staying  we  told  them 
that  we  should  Not  leave  the  house  for  we  came  In  by  order  and  we  meant  to 
Stay  they  told  us  that  the  house  should  not  stand  one  hour  and  half  and  went  away 
and  In  the  fore  part  of  the  evening  of  the  above  mentiond  day  there  came  the 
above  mentined  Paterson  and  asked  If  we  did  not  Intend  to  go  of  and  leave  the 
house  we  told  him  we  did  not  there  Immediately  apeard  a  larg  body  of  men  I 
Judge  Not  less  than  forty  and  cried  out  fire  It  Some  Says  not  yet  but  within  two 
or  three  minutes  there  was  a  general  voice  fire  Immediately  upon  that  Reuben 
Dickinson  Junr  Benjamin  Buckman  and  Samuel  Buckman  run  Into  the  house  and 
took  fire  from  the  herth  and  put  It  Into  a  slawbunk  and  knoct  the  slawbunk  to 
peices  and  put  on  the  fire  In  the  slaw  bunk  and  gatherd  other  fuel  and  put  to  the 
fire  and  knoct  the  windows  to  peices  and  soon  got  the  house  all  In  aflame  besides 
the  above  mentioned  Names  I  saw  In  the  Body  Noah  Dickinson  Noadiah  Luis 
James  hendrick  all  of  Amherst  a  true  account  of  the  Proceedings  of  this  Burning 
fiveteen  of  us  out  of  our  house  who  were  under  Enoculation  according  to  my 
observation. 

Nathaniel  White. 


Index  of  Part  I 


Abbe,  Mason  79.  609 
Abby,  Samuel  204 
Abbott,  Daniel  95,  611 
Abbott,  J  S  C  466 
Abbott,  Jacob  170,  599 
Abbott,  Nathaniel  84 
Abbott,  Widow,  600 
Abercrombie, Isaac  277,430 
Abercrombie.  Robert  189 
Adam,  M  T  201 
Adams,  Abner  20,   63,   85, 

113,  599.  600,  605 
Adams,  Allen  J  440 
Adams,  Asa  22,  289,  352 
Adams,  Charles   273,    280, 

290,   311,   312,   318,   331, 

338,362,368,449,584,585, 

605 
Adams,  Charles  B  177.  1S0, 

490,519.527 
Adams.  Charles  D  26S,  412. 

582 
Adams,  David  83.  612 
Adams,  Edward  H  519 
Adams,  Elizabeth  C  154 
Adams,  Geo  E  201 
Adams,  Mrs  H  H  254 
Adams,  Henry  473 
Adams,  Mrs  Henry  523 
Adams,  Herbert  B68,  351, 

412 
Adams,  Isaiah  599,  600 
Adams.  J  G  356 
Adams,  John  59,  74,  605 
Adams,  John   S    154.   290, 

305.   310.  312,   315.    316. 

33i»337,338»  3S7.S76, 587. 
588,  605 

Adams,  J  S  &  C   193.    305. 

339-   34i,    342,   346,  347, 

367,  449 
Adams,  Louisa  191 
Adams,  Nathan  443 
Adams.  Nathaniel  D  582 
Adams,  Rufus  265 
Adams,  Sylvester    H   490, 

5i4,  520" 
Adams,  Thomas,  94.    133. 

605,  611 


Adams,  William  463 
Agassiz,  Louis  554,  555 
Agawam  3 

Ainsworth,  Forester  414 
Ainsworth,  Forester  P  334, 

336,351 
Aitcheson,  John  S  494 
Albee,  Charles  I  516,  520 
Albee,  Earl  3S6 
Albee.  John  E  387 
Aid  en,  Elijah  So,  612 
Alden,  F  E  327 
Aldrich,  C  C  320 
Aldrich,  C  P  387 
Aldrich,  Joseph  S^,  92,  612 
Aldrich,  S  N  326 
Alexander  6 
Alexander,  C  L  304 
Alexander,  Hannah  25 
Alexander.  Nathaniel  25 
Allen,  Amasa  80,   83,    133, 

605,  61 1 
Allen.  1)  W  40>j.    437,   450, 

496 
Allen.  Benjamin  300.  3S8 
Allen,  Benjamin  P491.  516 

520 
Allen,  B  F  297 
Allen,  Mrs  E  H  254 
Allen,  Edward  600 
Allen,  Hiram  H  334.  337 
Allen.  Henry    F     247,  352 

456 
Allen,  Jonathan  93,  612 
Allen.  L  H  297.  411.  413 
Allen,  Lewis  W  251 
Allen,  M  A  450,   452,    496, 

585 
Allen,  Paul  357 
Allen,  Phineas  113,  605 
Allen,  Rufus  152 
Allen,  Samuel  605 
Allen,  Timothy  349 
Allis.  Elijah  470 
Allis,  John  20.  598 
Almy,  Eliza  188 
Alvord,  Aaron  85,  61 1 
Alvord.  Henry  E  552,  555, 

563 


Alvord.  Moses  84 

Ames,  J  T  549 

Amherst  Academy  143-160, 

162-164,  1S0,  181.  186,  187. 

1S9,    192,    194,    196,    197, 

260,   262,    271,    273,    278, 

357-558 
Amherst    &    Belchertown 

R  R  193,    195,    197,    314- 

3i8,  383 
Amherst  College   58,    141, 

144,  I47-H9.  J53.  155-182, 
186-196, 198,  200, 204, 206- 
212,  225-227,231-235,271, 
272,   274,   275,   304,   333, 
341,    346,     352-354,    524- 
531,  533.   538.   539-   542, 
547,558,559,  56r 
Amherst,  Jeffery  6S-73 
Anions,  Robert.  95.  612 
Anderson,  E  237 
Anderson,  William  5 13.520 
Andrews,  Benjamin  391 
Andrew,  John  A  474,   475, 

536o37-539,544,558 
Andrews,  Salvader 239.585 
Appleton,  Samuel  177 
Arms,  G  W  469 
Arthur,  Louis  A  247 
Ashley,  Joseph  1 10 
Atherton,  Jonathan  18,  59 
Atkins,  G  E  414 
Atkins,  Edward  440 
Atkinson,  Edward  320 
Austin,  L  236 
Ayres,  Amos  85,   113.   600. 

609.  6  r  1 
Ayres,  Josiah  349,471,578. 

584,  585 
Ayres,  Matilda  576 

Backus,  Simon  1 10 
Bacon,  Andrew  4 
Bacon,  Henry  S  387 
Baggs,  John  335,384 
Bailey.  Winthrop  145 
Baker,  Alfred  279,  280,  362, 

376.  53S.  576.  5°4-  585 
Baker,  Asahel  504,  520 


6i8 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Baker,  Catherine  W  437 
Baker,  Charles  K  4S0.  490, 

505,  520 
Baker,  Dorothy  150 
Baker.  E  J  426,  427 
Baker,  Elijah  20,28,55,63, 

80,  83.  92,  107,    i2i,   573, 

5S5,   588,    598,   600,  605, 

609,  61 1 
Baker,  Elisha  85 
Baker,  Enos  28.    145,    159, 

193,207.277,575.585,609 
Baker,  Mrs  Enos  76 
Baker,  Ezra  490,    505,    520 
Baker,  Hannah  28 
Baker,  Isaac  609 
Baker,  J   A    247    379,   471, 

509,  520 
Baker,  Joanna  150 
Baker.  John  28,  605 
Baker,  Martha  28 
Baker,  Martin  28,  35 S,  404. 

573.  584,  585.  605,  609 
Baker,  Noah  18,  605 
Baker,  Osmyn  55,  150, 190, 

191,  193.    194,   335-    336, 

340,   358-   375-    376,  402, 

453-  579.  584,  58S,  605 
Baker,  Sarah  28.  29 
Baker,  Simeon  600 
Baker.  William  L   194 
Ball,  Albert  W  355,  393 
Ball,  Edwin  W  516.  520 
Ball.  Henry  C4S5,  490,513, 

520 
Ball.  John  I)  512.  520 
Ball,  Loren  384,  413 
Ball,  Eurintha  578 
Ball,  Mason.  236,  237 
Ball.   Nelson    O   480.   488, 

490,  501, 512.  520 
Ball,  Silas  393,  471 
Ballard.  Jeremiah  84 
Ballentine,  William  G  43 
Ballou.  Amariah  609 
Ballon,  Hiram  244 
Bangs,  Azubah  D   150 
Bangs,  Charles  H  302 
Bangs,  D  K  539 
Bangs,  E  U  332,  336,   419, 

424,  587,  588 
Banes,  Enoch  609 
Bangs,  O  C  302 
Bangs,  Win  F  449 
Banister,  D  K  243 
Banister,  Marchia  150 
Bardwell,  Alonzo  312 
Bardwell,  A  F  365 
Bardwell,  Mrs  A  M  306 
Bardwell,  H  J  297,505,520 
Barnard,  Alvan  265 
Barnard,  Francis  156 


Barnard,  Samuel  13,  15 

Barnard,  Selah  63 

Barnard,  Wm  444 

Barnes,  James  83,  92.  612 

Barnum,  H  N  52S 

Barrett.  Benjamin  525 

Barrett,  Catherine  27 

Barrett,  Rachel  457 

Barrows.  Ash  lev  W  490, 
505,520 

Barrows,  W  450 

Barrows,  William  Jr  548 

Barry,  M  E  250 

Bartlett,  Aaron  94,  95,  612 

Bartlett,  D  J  450 

Bartlett.  Dwight  385 

Bartlett,  Edward  513,  520 

Bartlett,  Joab  3S5 

Bartlett,  Joseph  F  512,  520 

Bartlett,  Lewis  A  510,  520 

Bartlett,  Milo  A  490,  510, 
520 

Barton,  Austin  4S0,  490, 
501,  514,  520 

Barton,  Charles  H  480,  4S8, 
490,  505,  520 

Barton,  George  H  510,  520 

Barton,  Morrison  490,  516, 
520 

Barton.  \\  alter  220 

Bascom,  Francis  149 

Bascom,  Moses  19 

Bascom.  Thomas  20,  58, 
80,  106,  600,  61 1 

Bassett,  Andrew  L 548, 554 

Bassett,  Austin  B  561,  562 

Bassett.  W  G  440 

Bassett,  Wyett  M  379 

Bates,  Samuel  P  151 

Beaman,  Mina  D  ^S3-  595 

Beaman,  Warren  H  256, 
258 

Beebe,  N  S  382 

Beecher,  Henrv  Ward  271, 
528 

Beecher,  Lyman  272 

Beecher.  Sarah  184 

Beers,  Capt  6,  7 

Begley,  John  43S 

Belchertown,  10.  14.  15,  17, 
47,62.77,84,  112,  114,  159, 
160,  198,  216,  225,  236, 
244,  258,  279,  280,  284, 
315-317,  321,  322,  325, 
328,  331,  332,  335,  376, 
378,  386,  387,  388.  411. 
431,453,460,530,572.575 

Belden,  John  57 

Belden,  Joseph  28 

Belden.  Mary  28 

Belden,  Aaron  577 

Belden,  Pomeroy  210.  357 


Belden,  Rufus  577 
Belding.  Abigail  29 
Belding,  Elihu  29,  609 
Belding,  Elizabeth  29 
Belding,  Hepzibah  29 
Belding,  Hezekiah    20.  21. 

28.  61,  86,  106,  1 13.  1 14, 
182,  183.  598,  600,  605, 
609,  61 1 

Belding,  John  29,   95,   605. 

611 
Belding,  Jonathan  94,  605, 

612 
Belding,  Martha  29 
Belding,  Mary  29 
Belding.  Mehitable  25 
Belding.    Samuel    26,    28. 

605 
Belding.  Samuel  Jr  13 
Belding,  Stephen  13,  28 
Belding.  Submit  29 
Bell,  Frederick  R  48S,  490r 

498. 508, 520 
Bell,  George    H    379,  395, 

510,  548 
Bement,  J  E  473 
Bemis  Heights  85,  90,  98 
Benjamin,  Daniel   85,   612 
Bennett,  C  F  366 
Bennett,  S  J  331 
Bennington,  85 
Bent,  Josiah  153,  201,  256 
Bentley.  Bradford  360 
Benton,  Clara  575 
Beston,  Dennis  508,  520 
Beston,  John   Jr   293.  490, 

49S,  508,  520 
Beston,  Patrick   48S.   490. 

508,  520 
Bevins,  William  242 
Bigelow,  Frank  B  255 
Bigelow,  Noah  92,  612 
Bigelow,  O  F  470 
Billings,  Aaron  29,  1 13,  133, 

190.  370,  371,  605,  609 
Billings,  Ame  29 
Billings,  David  29,  133 
Billing,  Ebenezer  13 
Billings,  Elizabeth  R  577 
Billings,  Ethan  81,  612 
Billings,  Frederick  529 
Billings,  Hannah  29 
Billings,  Israel  426 
Billings,  James  242 
Billings,  Jerusha  29 
Billings,   Joel    21,    29,   8o, 

106,    123,    127,    133,   385. 

585,  600,  605,  61 1 
Billings,  Joel  Jr  133 
Billings,    John    20,  21,    28, 

29.  31,  46.    63.  74,  So,  81, 


INDEX    OF    PART    I. 


619. 


87,  97,    106,    113,    I  14,  121, 

126.       I37,       182-184,  5S4, 

585,     588.     599.     600,  605, 
609,  6l  I 

Billings,  John  Jr  83,  61 1 
Billings,  Joseph  63 
Billings,  Lois  29 
Billings.  Lucy  190 
Billings.  Martha  29 
Billings,  Moses  29 
Billings,  Prudence  28 
Billings,  Richard  29 
Billings,  Sarah  29 
Billings,  Silas  83,  95,    125, 

611 
Billings,  Ursula  29.  184 
Birnie,  William  424 
Bishop,  Reuben  80,  612 
Bissell,  Asahel  609 
Bissell,  Amy  24 
Bixbee.  Dolly  150 
Bixbee.  Rufus  609 
Bixby,  Maria  574 
Blackmail.  David  94.  612 
Blair.  Charles  296,  297 
Blair,  Joseph  460,  609 
Blanchard,  L  R  357 
Blanchard.  Loren  299 
Bliss,  Ebenezer  47,  349 
Bliss,  Edwin  E  153 
Bliss,  George  335 
Bliss.  George  L  499 
Bliss,  Homer  344 
Bliss.  Wm  L  510,  520 
Blodgett.  Asahel  609 
Blodgett.  David  20-22,   60, 

63,  80.  84-86,  89,  106.  133. 

598,  600,  605,  609.  61 1 
Blodgett,  David  Jr  113 
Blodgett,  Jerusha  99 
Blodgett,  Minerva  577 
Bloody  Brook  7 
Blynn,  Joseph  449 
Bogue,  Elisha  240 
Boice.  Sanford  136 
Boles,  Joseph  600 
Bolio.  Cephas  B   490,  517, 

520 
Bolio.  Charles  C  505,  520 
Bolio,    Levi    M    488,    490, 

495,  505-  520 
Bolles,  Joseph  106 
Bolster.  Frank  E  505,520 
Bolter.  E  G  251 
Boltwood,  Abigail  25 
Boltwood.  Charles  S  190 
Boltwood,  Charles  U   190 
Boltwood.  Ebenezer  25.  58, 

87,  S9,  93,  101.    102,    134, 

'44-    336-    572,    585,    588, 

600,  605,  609,  61 1 
Boltwood,  Edmund379.4.So, 


490.  494,  504,  520,  523 
Boltwood,  Edward  190 
Boltwood.  Eleazer  125 
Boltwood,  Elijah  145,   159, 

185,   18S,    205,    263,    277. 

312,   336.   358.   372.   374. 

3S1,   382.   404,   471.   584, 

585,  605,  609 
Boltwood.  Elisha  609 
Boltwood.  Fanny  S  190 
Boltwood,  George  S  190 
Boltwood,  Harriet  150 
Boltwood.  Hannah  25,  36, 

102 
Boltwood,  Jemima  25 
Boltwood.  John  87.  89,  94, 

95,611 
Boltwood.  Lucius    1 51-154, 

1S0,    190,   253,    273,   330. 

335,   336,   393-   448.   47°. 

588,  605 
Boltwood,  Mrs  Lucius  425 
Boltwood,  Lucius    M    190. 

'92.  333:  453 
Boltwood.  Lydia  25 
Boltwood,  Martha  25,36 
Boltwood.  Mary.  25.  36 
Boltwood,  Robert  25.  97 
Boltwood.  Ruth  25,  36 
Boltwood,  Samuel    13,    17. 
25,  29,  34,  40,  87,  89,   102, 
125,    188,    190.    3S2.   600, 
605 
Boltwood.  Sarah  25 
Boltwood,  Solomon  15,  18, 
25.  40,  46,  49.  50.    55'.    58, 
61.  62.  75.  82.  95.  1 01,  102. 
107,    125,    141,   3S'<   572. 
585,   598.   600.   605,   609, 
611 
Boltwood,  Solomon  Jr  10 
Boltwood,  Thomas  K  190 
Boltwood,  William    9,    20. 
21.  25,  55.  61,  62.  82.   101. 
102,    106.    190,    263,    598. 
600,  605,  609 
Bond,  Solomon  3S4.  609 
Bond,  Wrilliam  316 
Boston,  4.  25,  31.  33.48.  56, 
64,  75^  77,  79-  87.100,101, 
102.    123.    133.    135,    136, 
140.  142-144.  169,  185,  188. 
189,    231.  232.    236,    246, 
248.288.305-307,309.312, 
314,    316,    321,    323-327, 

332,  336, 339.373-375. 377. 

386,   387,  434,   438.   456. 

459,    466,     474-477,    479, 

528,551,560 
Bowdoin,  E  G  310,  312,  337 
Bowdoin,  William  312 
Bowers,  Charles  G  436 


J  Bowman,  Henry  488.   490. 

5i3-52o 
Bowman,  James   480.   490, 

505.520 
Bowman.  Truman  510,  521 
Bowman,  William  609 
Boyd,  H  W221 
Boyden.  James  W  280,  313,. 

335-   337-   376.   377-   379, 
408,453,579,  587,  5S8 
Boyden.  Wyatt  C  579 
Boynton,  Charles  P  519 
Boynton,  H  enry  E  488.  490. 

516,521 
Bradford,  \\  illiam  197 
Bragg.  S  A  245 
Brattle,  William  66 
Branch.  C  F  470 
Breck.  Robert  no,  11 1 
Breed,  Walter  M  248 
Brennan.  Francis  250 
Brewer,  Stephen  308 
Brewster,  John  H  344 
Bridgman,  Augustus  216 
Bridgman,  Calvin  330,  331 
Bridgman,  E  357 
Bridgman.  E  S  356,  357 
Bridgman.  Erastus  S  391, 

465 
Bridgman.  H  P  413,  414 
Bridgman,  Harriet  578 
Bridgman,  J  G  356 
Bridgman,   Jonathan    216, 

349-  385-  579-  585, 605 
Bridgman.  R  B  219,  579 
Bridgman,  Solon  H  438 
Bridgman.  Theodore  385 
Bridgman.  Victor  H  560 
Brigham,  Francis  320,  322 
Briggs,  Oliver  93,  94.  612 
Briggs,  Preserved  83.  612 
Brooks,  John  598 
Brookfield,   6,    n.    12.   46, 

75-  112 
Brooks.    \\  illiam     P     ^57. 

564,  565 
Brown,  A  H  306 
Brown.  Amariah  L  483 
Brown.  J  B  414 
Brown.  Joseph  315 
Brown.  Perez  R  511,  521 
Brown,  Robert  81.  388.  612 
Brown,  Samuel  86.  612 
Drown.  William  73 
Bruce,  C  C  22  1 
Brush,  A  L  254 
Bryant.  Horatio  152 
Bryant,  James  W  519,  521 
Bucklin,  Julia  579 
Bucknam,  Benjamin  63.80. 

84,  86,  93.  611.  615 
Bucknam,  1'eletiah.  63 


620 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Buckman,  Samuel   79,  So, 

"83.  92,  61 1,  615 
Buel,  A  P  238 
Buffum,  Emma  0  275 
Buffum,  Miss  V  W  275 
Buffum,  Thomas  H  549 
Bullard,  Amos  Jr  152 
Bullman,  W  F  369 
Bunker  Hill  81,  98 
Burchit,  John  84 
Burgess,  Ebenezer  149,152 
Burke,  Samuel  H  518.  521 
Burnett,  G  B  293 
Burnett,  Jonathan  84 
Burnham,  George  246,247, 

295,  301,  302,  436 
Burnham,  John  462 
Burnham,  Sylvester  23S 
Burns,  John  81,  712 
Burns,  William  520 
Burroughs,  George  S  232 
Burt,  Henry  584 
Burt,  Huldah  28 
Burt,  Joshua  84 
Burt,  Thomas  28 
Bush,  John  84 
Bussev,  Benjamin  536 
Butterfield,  Nathaniel  84 
Butler,  Abel  A  449 
Butler,  Jonathan  H  308 

Cadwell,  F  A  431 
Calhoun,   William    B    176, 

274 
Cannon,  Owen  513,  521 
Carley,  Peter  600 
Carpenter,  Addison  438 
Carpenter,  E  W  346,  472 
Carpenter.  Malcolm  A  252 
Carpenter,  Richard  609 
Carter,  Nathaniel  576 
Carter,  Samuel  C  318,  331, 
333.     337-341,    346;    352, 
354,   39°,  455,  485,  486, 
492,   576,   578,  584,   587, 
5  88 
Cary,  W  H  548 
Casey,  M  F  54S 
Casson,  Henry  518,521 
Caswell,  William  B  303 
Cate,  H  J  352,  353,  368 
Cates,  Albert  490,  495.505. 

521 
Caulkings.  Elizabeth  579 
Chadbourne,  Paul  A   545, 

547,  56°,  56i,  562 
Challiner,  William  520 
Chamberlain,     A    Juliette 

154 

Chamberlain.    G    M    251, 

252,  366,  367 
Chamberlain,  Mrs  G  M  255 


Champlin,  Jason  488,  490, 

502.515,521 
Chandler,    Aaron    M    263, 

585 
Chandler,  Henry  93,  612 
Chandler,  Henry  85,  86 
Chandler,  John  51,415 
Chapin,  Alanson  439 
Chapin,Mrs  Chester  W529 
Chapin,    Franklin    P    211, 

213 
Chapin,  Horace  B  216,  217, 

221,256 
Chapin,  Philo  320 
Chapin,  Samuel  1,  5 
Chapin,  Silvanus  84 
Chase,  Lorenzo  383,  384 
Chauncey,  Abigail  26 
Chauncey,  Catharine  26 
Chauncey,  Charles  18,    26, 

63,  101,  605 
Chauncey,  David  26 
Chauncey,  Dorothy  26 
Chauncev,    Elizabeth     26. 

36 
Chauncey,  Elizabeth  B  26 
Chauncey,  Eunice  26 
Chauncey,  Isaac  26,82,  96, 

97,  101 
Chauncey,  Israel  599 
Chauncey,  Jerusha  26 
Chauncey,   Josiah   20,   26, 

53,  55,5s,59,6o,   62.   63, 

81,  82,  87,  89,96,  101,  102, 

106,    107,    138,    585,    587, 

588,598,  600,605 
Chauncey,  Medad  26 
Chauncey,  Mary  26 
Chauncey,  .Moses  26 
Chauncey,  Oliver  26 
Chauncey,  Rev  Mr  31,  32 
Chauncey,  Richard  17,  26, 

36.  46,59,  1 01,  59S,  605 
Chauncey,  Samuel  26 
Chauncey,  Sarah  26 
Chays,  James  600 
Chickwallop  1,  2,  3 
Child.  J  B  238 
Childs.  Hannah  23 
Childs,  Samuel  23 
Church,  Aaron  150 
Church,  Abigail  26 
Church,  Benjamin  26,  605 
Church,  Daniel  26,85,600, 

611 
Church,  David  26 
Church,  Eber  26 
Church,  Edward  13,  15 
Church,  Edwin  P  439 
Church,  Elihu  S  394 
Church,  Elijah  609 
Church,  Eunice  26 


Church,  Experience  26 
Church,    Giles   26,  80,  85, 

113,    114-    133,    349,   600. 

609,  61 1 
Church,  Jesse  26 
Church.  John  349 
Church,  Jonathan  26 
Church,  Joseph  13,   19,  26, 

43.    87,  94,   107.  572,  585, 

588,    598,    600,  606,   609, 

611 
Church,  Joseph  Jr  145,  159, 

609 
Church,  Josiah  13 
Church,  Malachi  26 
Church.  Margaret  26 
Church,  Mary  26 
Church,  Moses  150 
Church,  Nathaniel  17,    26, 

3°,  33,  36,  5[-  58,  605 
Church,  Nathaniel  Jr  9,61, 

62 
Church,  Rachel  26 
Church,  Richard  9 
Church,  Ruth  26 
Church,  Sally  574 
Church,  Samuel  13,  iS,  19, 

26,   54,   63,   81.  470,  572, 

599,  600,  61 1 
Church,  Sarah  26 
Church,    Spencer   Jr    484, 

490,  491,511,  521 
Church,  Sylvanus   26,    145 
Church,  Thankful  26 
Church,  Timothy  26 
Church,  William  H  26 
Clapp,  Charles  136 
Clanin,  William  555 
Clapp,    Charles    379.    510, 

521 
Clapp,  Charles  D  297 
Clapp,  Henry  W  308 
Clapp,  Irene  27 
Clapp.  Lucy  24,  27 
Clapp,  Mary  27 
Clapp,  Miriam  27 
Clapp,    Oliver    19,   27,   57, 

80,  113,  114,  133-  !36,  '94- 

303,   374,   460,   600,   606, 

609,  611 
Clapp.  Oliver  Jr  609 
Clapp,  Oliver  M    190,   194, 

298,    306,    375,    443,   444, 

606 
Clapp,    Preserved    iS.    19, 

20,    24,   27,   62,  136.  182, 

606 
Clapp  &  Rust  298,  443,445 
Clapp,  Sarah  27,  59S 
Clapp,    Timothy    27,    106. 

600 
Clapp,  William  27,  133,600 


INDEX    OF    PART    I. 


621 


Clapp.  Winthrop  227 
Clapp,  Zenas  149 
Clark,  Achsah  150 
Clark,  Albert  423 
Clark,  Asahel  28,  133 
Clark,  Atherton  547 
Clark,  Daniel  A    148,    160, 

186,    199.   200.   205,    224, 

253,  256,  339,  389 
Clark,  E  L  217 
Clark,  E  W  450 
Clark.  Elijah  145.  349,  374, 

606 
Clark,  Eunice  28,  1S8 
Clark,  Harriet  E  154 
Clark.  Harriet  S  547 
Clark,  Henry  James  555 
Clark,  Increase  28 
Clark.  J  M  243 
Clark,  Jerusha  28 
Clark.  John  26 
Clark,  Joseph  S  253 
Clark.  Judah    28,   84.    101, 

349,  606,  609 
Clark,  Justus  28.  609 
Clark.  Samuel  85,  612 
Clark,  Levi  28,  Si,  600,  611 
Clark,  Lois  28 

Clark,  Lucy  197 

Clark,  Lucy  C  198 

Clark,  Mary  28 

Clark,  Matthew  127 

Clark,  Myron  D  518,  521 

Clark,  Sarah  26 

Clark,  Simeon  20,  21,  28, 
31,  40.  55,  74,  106.  133, 
190,    197,    198,   323,   337, 

350,  357^  360,  394<  402, 
476,  585,  598,  600.  606, 
609 

Clark,  Simeon  Jr  585,  600 

Clark,  W  S  275,   283,   284, 

336i   369-   405-   406,   416, 

424,  445,    476.    477-    481, 

487,   513,    521.    526,    527, 

535,   539-   54o,   541.   542. 

547,   548,  549,   550,   551. 

553-559^  584,  606 
Clarke, John  308 
Clary,   Joseph    18,   36.  46, 

56,  61,  62 
Clary,  Elisha  599 
Clary.  Sarah  36 
Cleary,  Joseph  598 
Clement.  Foster  R  336 
Clizbe,  Jay  211 
Clough,  Benjamin  84 
Clutia,  Samuel  P  306 
Cobb.  Henry  538,  539,  405 
Cody,  Jeremiah  85,  612 
Coffin.  Luke  79,  80,  84,  85, 

94.  600,  61 1 


Cogswell.  William  99 
Cole,  Adonijah  84,  612 
Cole,  Hezekiah  So,  600, 612 
Cole,  Israel  84,  612 
Cole,  John  84.  612 
Cole,  Stephen  21,  80.    113, 

133,  600,  61 1 
Coleman,  Azubah  27,  572 
Coleman,  Enos  27,  80,  611 
Coleman,  Fanny  184 
Coleman,  Eliphalet  184 
Coleman,  John  27 
Coleman,  Lewis  94,  612 
Coleman,   Lyman   149,   151 
Coleman,  Nathaniel  18,  19, 

-7,  43-  5°'  55' 58.  106,184, 

585,  599,  600,  606 
Coleman,  Sarah  1S4 
Coleman.  Seth  19,   27,   60, 

102,    107,    182,    1S4,   587, 

5S8,  600,  606,  609,  615 
Coleman,  Seth  Jr  349,  609 
Coleman.  Thankful  27,  184 
Coleman,  Thomas  27 
Coleman,  William  184 
Coles,  D  S  244,  245 
Coles.  Mrs  D  S  395 
Collins,  Levi  289,  336 
Colt,  Henry  537 
Colton.  Aaron  M  201,  256, 

393'  394 
'Colton,  Alpheus  127,  134 
Colton,  Chauncey  271 
Colton,  Eli  20.  63,  598 
Colton,  Esther  28 
Colton,  James  A  520 
Colton,   Joseph    278,    357, 

377' 378,471 
Colton,    Simeon    149,   152, 

253 
Committee  of  Safety.   87. 

8S,  89 
Conant,  C  A  21 1.  352 
Conant,  Lemuel  95,  612 
Coney,  Ephraim  81 
Coney,  Oliver  95 
Conkey,  Benjamin  F   516. 

521 
Conkey,  Edward  336,  3S3 
Conkey,  Ithamar  153,  154, 

185,    189,    212,   314.   315, 

33^-   335'   336,   357.  394, 

402,  443,  470,  471,  5S0, 
587,  588,  606 

Conkey.  I  F  246,  247,  283, 

33^   333-   335'   337-  357' 

359>   360,   361,   376,  377. 

378.   379'   382,   408,  409, 

455-  47i,  476,  477-  481, 
538,  580,  584,  5SS.  606 

Conkey,  John  64,  189 

Conkey.  Joshua  64 


Conkey  Tavern,  134,  135 
Conkey.  William  134.   135. 

422 
Continental  Service,  81,  92, 

93,  94,  95 
Connors,  John  50S,  521 
Converse,  Daniel  585 
Cook,  Aaron  13,  14,  27 
Cook,  Austin  S  512,  521 
Cook,  Benjamin  0512,521 
Cook,  Capt  49 
Cook,   E    F   247,  331,  368, 

382,  387,   408,   409,   422. 

424,  433 
Cook,  Enos  84,  S5,  612 
Cook,  F  D  472,  473 
Cook,  Homer  A  343 
Cook,  Jane  27 
Cook,  James  3S5 
Cook.  Joanna  27 
Cook,  Joannah  2/ 
Cook,  Levy  125 
Cook,  Martin  125 
Cook,  Mary  27 
Cook,  Moses  13.  19.  27.  32, 

55,  58,  81.  87.89,  106,  125, 

i33'    182,    183.   584,   585, 

598,  600,  606,  61 1 
Cook,  Moses  Jr  600 
Cook,  Samuel    13,   84,  85, 

90,  612 
Cook,  Westwood  13.  27 
Cook,  Westwood  Jr  18,  19, 

27,  606 
Cook,  Willard  S  379,   508, 

52! 

Cooke,    George    225,    226, 
256,   266,   274,   305.   455. 
476,  477,  481,  486 
Cooke.  George  E  488.  490, 

498,  508,  521 
Cooke,  Widow  13 
Cooley,  Charles  225,  355 
Cooley,  Daniel  57,  96,   1S2, 

l85,    336,    349,   45 1'    584, 

5S8,  606,  609 
Cooley,  Ebenezer  133 
Cooley,  George  B485,  490, 

5i9 
Cooley,  Henry  M519 
Cooley,  Mercy  150 
Cooley,  Russell  383 
Cooper,  Charles  W  470 
Cooper,  James  I  336 
Cornish,  L  W  472 
Cotting,  John  B  179 
Cotting,  John  R  339 
Couch,  O  G  246.  247,   333. 

352,  353,  364,  368 
Cowls,  Abia  24 
Cowles,  Almon  E  351 
Cowles,  Chester  539 


<622 


HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Cowles,  Clinton  J  414 
Cowles,  Mrs  D  S  454 
Cowls,  David  24,   86,    ri3, 

600,  606,  609,  61 1 
Cowles,  Uavid  Jr  609 
Cowls,  Eleazer  24,  600 
Cowls,  Eli  236 
Cowls,  Enos  24,  349,  609 
Cowls,  Hezekiah  83,  92 
Cowles,  H  T  331,  472,  473 
Cowls.  Irene  150 
Cowls,  Israel  24 
Cowles,  J  355 
Cowles,  James  385 
Cowls,  Jerusha  24 
Cowls,  John  13 
Cowles,  John  17.  24,  35.  36, 

40,  588,  606 
Cowles,  John  Jr  19 
Cowls,    Jonathan     17,    21, 

24,  25,  *35,  36,  43,  54,  106, 

225,   230,   303,   585,   588, 

598,  600,  606 
Cowls,  Jonathan  Jr  585 
Cowles,  Joseph  225,  609 
Cowles,  L  D  409,  539 
Cowls,  Levi  609 
Cowls,  Martha  24 
Cowls,  Mary  24,  36 
Cowles,  Moses  253 
Cowles,  Myra  197 
Cowls,  Oliver  19,    21,   24, 

62,  63,  133,  1S6,  598,  600, 

606,  609 
Cowls,  Porter  150 
Cowles,  Ransom  355,    422, 

465 
Cowles,  Reuben  21,  24,  80, 

106,  133,  600,  609,  61 1 
Cowls,     Rufus     144,     145, 

159,    185,    186,    207,   277, 

448,   451,   469,   470,  585, 

588,  606 
Cowls,  Sarah  24,  25,  36 
Cowls,  Simeon  24,  86,   113, 

133,  606,  609, 61 1 
Cowls,  Sylvester  391 
Cowls,  William  349 
Cowls,  W  U  351,  585 
Cowles,  William  L  530 
Cowles,    Watson    W   364, 

510,521 
Coy,  Erastus  413,  519 
Coy,  Henry  488,  490,   512, 

521 
Coy,  Willis  86,  609,  612 
Crafts,  Rhoda  196 
Craft,  Widow  13 
Crary,  Roger  95,  612 
Cressy,  Noah  556 
Cribbin,  Timothy  439 
Crocker,  Beal  470 


Crocker,  Zaccheus  83,  98 
Crosby,  Daniel  201 
Crosby,   Joshua    143,    150, 

151,  160,  162,  172 
Crossett,  Merritt  364 
Crossman,  Barton    E    505, 

521 
Crossman,  Elisha  436 
Crouch,  Dr  60 
Crow.  Samuel  13,  15 
Crowell,  E  P  526,  584 
Crouch,  J  S  539 
Cummings,  Mrs  E  255 
Cummings,  E  A  237,  273 
Cullick,  John  4 
Curtiss,  E  O  285 
dishing,  Thomas  134 
Cushman,  A  D  377 
Cushman,   Avery    R    288, 

33'.   363-   433,   476,   542, 

584,  585      ,      , 
Cushman,  Charles  S  415 
Cushman.  Edward   P   307, 

336 
Cushman.     Ephraim     195, 

287,  28S.  575,  606,  609 
Cushman.  Henry  W  308 
Cushman.  John  £336,480, 

490,494,505,  521 
Cushman,  Jonn  R  190,  195, 

196,   287,   288,   337,   362, 

405,   438,   457'    575-    584, 

585,  606 

Cushman,  Marshall  B  336 
Cushman,    Martha    F    251 

252 
Cushman,  Moses  E  364 
Cutler,  Esther  354 
Cutler,   George    192.     193, 

291,   331.   336,   368»  406, 

424,  448,  476 
Cutler,  George  Jr  472,  473 
Cutler,    Horace   333,    334. 

336,  355 
Cutler,  Isaac  G   469,  470, 

573,  584,  588,  606 
Cutler,  Luthera  580 
Cutler,  Pomeroy  283 
Cutler,  Robert  60,  134,  141, 

145,    150,    1S2,    184,    277, 

375,    47°,    573,    5S5,   606, 

609 
Cutler,  Samuel  62 
Cutler  Samuel  F  31S 
Cutler,   William    192.    193, 

306,  448,  462,  463 
Cutler,  W  M  305 
Cutter,  C  B  377 
Cutter,  Edmund  P  395 
Cutter,  Ptolemy  P  488,  490, 

495.503,52  1 
Cutter,  Wealthy  575 


Cutter,  William  Y  520 
Cutting,  C  A  321 

Dadmun.  Charles  379 

Dadmun,  J  W  242 

Dana,  AmariahSi,  85,  113. 

114,    133-   575-   6°o.   606. 

611 
Dana,  Eleazer  133 
Dana  Gideon  217,  256 
Dana,  Horace  D  439 
Dana.  Mrs  H  I)  472 
Dana,  Joseph  143,391,413. 

465,575. 
Dana,  Josiah  1 10 
Dana,  Mrs  J  W  254 
Danahey,  Birdie  441 
Danahey,  Mary  E  439 
Danahev,  Patrick  43S.  441. 
Daniels,"  W  H  245 
Darby,  Daniel  93,  612 
Darby,  William  93,  612 
Darrigan,  Thomas  437 
Davis,  Amasa  384 
Davis.  Charles  G  537 
Davis,  E  A  425,  427 
Davis,  Henrv  384 
Davis,  J  W  t  365,  436 
Davis,  John  B  440,  441 
Davis,  John  S  436 
Davis,  M  A  425,  427 
Davis,  Nathan  63 
Davis,  Samuel  333 
Day,  Benjamin  52 
Day,  Elijah  127 
Day,  Enos  84 
Day,  Luke  124.  127-129,132 
Deady,  Timothy  438 
Dean,  E  L  293 
Deane,  Samuel  84 
Deerfield,  3,  7,  8,  9,  11,  16, 

23,  100,  121,  175, 186,210, 

325,  386,  401 
Delano,  Charles    193,   335. 

336,    357-   394,   477.    579- 

588 
Delano,  Gideon  579 
Delano,  William  471 
Demond,  J  H  565 
Dennison,  Ami  R  494.503, 

521 
Dening,  Edward  320 
Denslow,  William  W  552 
Derby,  William  P  495 
Deuel,  Charles  246 
Devereaux,  G  H    376,   377 
Devi ne,  Thomas   505,   521 
Dewey,  Julius  A  150 
Dewey,  Solomon  447 
Dexter,  Abigal  150 
Dexter,    David    216,    300, 

36°.  393.  575.  585 


INDEX    OF    PART    I. 


Dexter,  James  437 
Dibble,   Lorenzo   243,   244 
Dickerman,  George  S  203 
Dickinson,  Aaron   22,    81, 

185,  600,  61 1 
Dickinson,  Abigail  22 
Dickinson,  Adolphus  374 
Dickinson,  Appleton  150 
Dickinson,   Amariah    510, 

521 
Dickinson.    Asa    113,    133, 

196,  609 
Dickinson,    Aurelius    ^6-?, 

383 
Dickinson,  Austin  470 
Dickinson,  Azariah  20,  23, 

79,  80,84,85,95,113,  133, 

185,    191,   585,   600,   606, 

609,  61 1 
Dickinson,  Azariah  Jr  600 
Dickinson,    Bela    U     213, 

337,  585 
Dickinson,  Benjamin  51 
Dickinson,  Caroline  150 
Dickinson.  Catharine    1S7 
Dickinson,  Charlotte  22 
Dickinson,  Charles  283 
Dickinson,  Chester  225,  336 

337.   385-   393,   47i,   573, 

584.  585,  606 
Dickinson,  Chester  J  r  488, 

490,  495,  504,  521 
Dickinson,  Chloe  22 
Dickinson,  D  A  377 
Dickinson,    Daniel  18,   19, 

22.    23,    50,   54,   190,  191, 

225,    22S,    254,    264,   336, 

394,   584,   585,   599,   600, 

606 
Dickinson,  Daniel  W  585 
Dickinson.    David    20.  23, 

62.  63>599,  600 
Dickinson,    David    L  488, 

490,  517,521 
Dickinson,  Dorothy  23 
Dickinson,  Dwight  E  244 
Dickinson,  E  A  251 
Dickinson,  E  B  142,  472 
Dickinson,   E    Baxter  488, 

490.  495-504,  521 

Dickinson,  E  N  472 

Dickinson.  PIbenezer  9.  17, 
22,  23,  36,  37,  40,  49,  50- 
53,  55,  61,  62,  68,  79,  85, 
86,  98,  107,  113,  133,  288, 
289,  585,  588,  598,  600, 
606,  609,  61 1 

Dickinson,  Ebenezer  Jr  20, 
598,  600,  609 

Dickinson,  Ebenezer  3d  20, 

113 
Dickinson,  Edward  22.150, 


154,  187.  190,  194,  195. 
278,  279,  310,  314,  315. 
322,  323,  328,  335,  336, 
359,  408,  416,  448,  453, 
463,  467,  472,  477,  478, 
480,  481,  485.  538,  572, 
5S0,  584,  588,  606 
Dickinson,  Edward  P  517, 

521 
Dickinson,  Edwin  E  303 
Dickinson,  Eleanor  1S5 
Dickinson,  £1122,294,300, 

3°3,  577 
Dickinson,  Eli  O   505    521 
Dickinson,  Elihu  22,  23,79, 

80,  S3,  85,  86,94,  113,  196, 
600,  609,  611 

Dickinson,  Elijah  22,  23, 
84,  86,  92,  156,  180,  181, 
182,203,358,370,430,572. 
585,  606,  609, 61 1 

Dickinson,    Elisha   22,  80, 

81,  85,  93,  133,  609,  611 
Dickinson,  Elizabeth  187 
Dickinson.  Emily  192,  467 
Dickinson,    Enos    21,    23, 

133,    142,    185,    188,    216. 
222,    223.    336,    358,   373. 

374,   391,   394,  525,    584, 

585,  600,  606,  609 
Dickinson,  Enos  J  r  5S5 
Dickinson,  E  P  297 
Dickinson,  Esther  22,   185 
Dickinson,  Experience   22 
Dickinson,  Ezekiel  133,  609 
Dickinson,  Fanny  150,  575 
Dickinson,  Fannie  194 
Dickinson,  Prancis  E  514, 

521 
Dickinson,  Francis  H  478, 

490,513,  521 
Dickinson,  Frank  E  379 
Dickinson,  F  N  414 
Dickinson,  Frederick    187 
Dickinson,  Friend  150 
Dickinson,  ( .ad  113,609 
Dickinson,  George  491,5 10, 

521 
Dickinson,  Gideon  19,  21, 

22,  So,  106,  585,  59S,  600, 

611 
Dickinson,  Gideon   Jr    21, 

106,  133.  601 
Dickinson,  Hannah  23,185, 

437. 
Dickinson,  Henry  22 
Dickinson,  Henrv    C    517, 

521 
Dickinson,  Ira  22 
Dickinson,  Irene  23 
Dickinson,    Israel    21,    22, 

133.  601 


Dickinson,  Jerusha22,  180, 

573. 
Dickinson,  Joanna  23 
Dickinson,  Joel  23,  83,  381, 

611 
Dickinson,  John  18,  19,  21, 
22,  25,41,55,  73,    79.   80, 
Si,    85,  9S,  101,  1 13,  141 , 
144,    180,    185,    188,  336, 

385,   47i-   573-   585,   599- 

601,  606,  609,  61 1 
Dickinson,   John    Jr    313, 

31S,  330,402,  585,606' 
Dickinson,  John  3d  585 
Dickinson,  John    W    490, 

510,521 
Dickinson,  Jonathan  18,20, 
22,  23,  28,  50,  52,   55,   62, 
63-  73,  85,  101,    106,    188. 

349,   37i,   391,   572,   574. 

585,   58S,   598,   601,  606, 

609,  61 1 
Dickinson,  Jonathan  Jr  20, 

106,  572,  585,  601 
Dickinson,  Joseph    20,    22. 

63,  79,  85,  106,    1  13,    133. 

336.   405,  406.   5S5.   601. 

609, 61 1 
Dickinson,  Airs  Joseph  405 
Dickinson,  Joseph  Jr  609 
Dickinson,  Josiah  22,  23 
Dickinson.  Judah  22,  349 
Dickinson,  Judith  23 
Dickinson,  Julia  185 
Dickinson,  S  E  303,  436 
Dickinson,  Lavinia  142 
Dickinson,  Levi  23,84,  85. 

95,  "3-  '33,  611 
Dickinson,  Levi  P  508,521 
Dickinson.  Lieut  21 
Dickinson,  Lois  22,  23,  189. 

574 
Dickinson,    Lucretia    150, 

1S7 
Dickinson,  Lucy  22,  23 
Dickinson,  Luther  22 
Dickinson,  Lydia  22 
Dickinson,  Lucinda  150 
Dickinson,  Lucius  585,  436 
Dickinson,  Lucius  M  439 
Dickinson.  M  A  473 
Dickinson,  M  F   350,   362, 

377,  379,428,545,585 
Dickinson,  M  I*  Jr 355,-456 
Dickinson,  Martha  22,  23 
Dickinson,  Martin  609 
Dickinson,    Mary    22.    23, 

28,  100,  150,  187 
Dickinson,  Mary  Ann   150 
Dickinson,  Medad  22.   85, 

114,    133,    185,   336,  349. 

385.   584,   5S5.   5SS,   606, 


624 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


609,  61 1 
Dickinson.  Mehitable  25 
Dickinson,  Mercy  22,  578 
Dickinson,     Morton     140, 

374,  375 

Dickinson,  Moses    18,    19, 

22,  41,  60,  79,  82,  89,  107, 
113,  114,  133,  144,  180- 
183,  185,  336,  358,  572, 
5S4,  585,  588,  599.  601. 
606,  609 

Dickinson,    Moses   Jr  134, 

601 
Dickinson,  Moses  B  439 
Dickinson,  N  S  356 
Dickinson,  Nancy  150 
Dickinson,  Naomi  22 
Dickinson,  Nathan  iS.   19, 

21,  22,  23.51,  52,  53,    54, 

62,  86,  106,  113,  138,  453, 
598,  601,  606,  609,  61 1 

Dickinson,  Nathan    Jr    20 

63,  113.  !33-  598i  6o> 
Dickinson,    Nathaniel    13, 

15,  22,23,57,  62,   63.   75, 

78,  80,  85,   99,    133,    187, 

336,   5S5,   598,   601,   606, 

609,  61 1 
Dickinson,    Nathaniel     Jr 

57,  60,  78,  S2,  96,   98,   99, 

.44.  584,   586,   587,   588, 

601,  606 
Dickinson,     Nathaniel     C 

216,   217,   219,   222,    254, 

574, 586, 606 
Dickinson,    Nathaniel   2d 

113,  114,  133,  601 
Dickinson,    Nehemiah    9, 

13,  14,  20,  22,  23,  46,   61, 

63,  3S5,  601 
Dickinson,    Noah   20,    22. 

23,  80,  84,  85,  86,  106, 
113,  114,  136,  306,  443, 
452.  598,  601,  606,609,61 1, 
615     ' 

Dickinson,  Olive  185 
Dickinson,  Oliver  23,    182, 
185,    210,    2j6,    225,  227- 

230,   375,   385,   578,   584, 

586, 606 
Dickinson,  Perez  133,  609 
Dickinson,  Philomela  573 
Dickinson,  Pliny  185 
Dickinson,  Porter  295,457, 

477,  577-  586,  606 
Dickinson,  R  T  368 
Dickinson,  Rachel   22,   23 
Dickinson, Ransom  225,588 
Dickinson,  Rebecca  23 
Dickinson,  Reuben  19,  21, 

22,  54,   62,   78-81,83,85, 


86,  92,   98,    107,  1 13,  121, 

133,   586,   598,   601,   606, 

611 
Dickinson,  Reuben  Jr  79, 

81,  83,  113,  611,  615 
Dickinson,  Roswell  22,371, 

372,373,471,609 
Dickinson,  Rufus  375,  471 
Dickinson,  Ruth  22 
Dickinson,  S  W  368 
Dickinson,  Sally  185 
Dickinson,  Salmon  391 
Dickinson,  Salome  23 
Dickinson,  Samuel  13,    22, 

23,94,572,6n 
Dickinson,  Samuel  I  owler 

141,    142,    144,    145,    156, 

158,    159,    164,    185,    187, 

189,    190,    194,    253,   263, 

275.   277,   289,   335,   336, 

43°,   584,   587,   588,   606, 

609,  615 
Dickinson,  Sarah  22,  36 
Dickinson,  Selah  84 
Dickinson,    Seth    86,    609, 

6r  r 
Dickinson,  Shelah  23,   80, 

611 
Dickinson,  Silas  609 
Dickinson,  Simeon  20,  23, 

46,  84,   85,   93,    101,   113, 

336,   586,   698,   601,   606, 

609,  61 1 
Dickinson,  Simeon  Jr  609 
Dickinson,     Solomon    22, 

94,  95,  113,  609,  611 
Dickinson,  Sophia  221 
Dickinson,  Stephen  23,  609 
Dickinson,  Stoughton  23, 

125 
Dickinson,  Susan  574 
Dickinson,  Susanna 99,  573 
Dickinson,  Sybil  22 
Dickinson,  Sylvanus  22 
Dickinson,   Thankful    185 
Dickinson,  Thankful  F  150 
Dickinson,  Thomas  13,  15 
Dickinson,    Timothy     84, 

85,  93,  l87.  611 
Dickinson,  W  M  355,  377 
Dickinson,  Waitstill  22,  79, 

113,    133,   334-   578,   584, 

5S6,  601,  606,  61 1 
Dickinson,  Walter  99 
Dickinson,  Walter  Mason 

363. 
Dickinson,    William     150, 

1S7,    218,    302,    377,    379, 

449,  586,  609 
Dickinson,  William  Jr  609 
Dickinson,  W  Addison  285 


Dickinson,  William  Austin 

'95,    33i,   335,   336,  369, 

406,   408,   409,   410,   417. 

424,   480,   527,   580,  588, 

606 
Dickinson,  Willard  R  505, 

521 
Dickinson,  William  W  213 
Dickinson,  Zebina336,  337, 

358,47i,573,584,5S6,6o6 
Dickinson,  Zimri  22,  84,  85, 

93,  94,  95,  "3,  609,  611 
Diggan,  John  437 
Dike,  Adam  83,  612 
Dillon,  John  C  336,  554 
Dinsmore,  Abel  127 
Dodge,  Allen  W  537 
Dodge,  Orry  436 
Dole,  John  470 
Donahue,  John  539 
Donahue,  Patrick  427 
Douglass,    Henry    F   480, 

490,  501,  514,  521 
Douglas,  Lucy  L  149,   150 
Douglass,  Robert  289 
Donovan,  P  T  384 
Dorrance,  Gardner  470 
Dow,  Charles  518,  521 
Doyle,   Michael   488,   490, 

5i5,52i 
Draper,    George    A     488, 

490,495,505,  521 
Draper,  Ichabod  115,   256, 

336,  609 
Draper,  James  S  320,  321 
Draper,  Lorenzo  379 
Draper,  Miss  J  273 
Draper,  Leprelate  384 
Draper,  L  L  244.  265 
Drennan,  J  B  250 
Dudley,  Henry  248 
Dudley,  L  J  322 
Dudley,  W  H  359 
Dunbar,  Azell  448 
Dunbar,  Oliver  H   150 
Dunakin,  Charles  512,  52 [ 
Dunton,  Thomas  81,  612 
Durfee,  Nathan   540,  546, 

549, 556 
Dwight,  Asahel  302 
Dwight,  Edward  S  154,  202 
Dwight,  Elijah  94, 448,  587, 

588 
Dwight,  Joseph  62 
Dwight,  Josiah  145,  150 
Dwight,  Leonard  448 
Dwight,  Nathaniel  302 
Dwight.  Timothy  67 
Dwight,  Seth  61 
Dwight,  William  470 
Dyer,  Henry  81,  612 


INDEX    OF    PART    I. 


625 


Dyer,  S  O  226 

Dyer,  Thomas  140,  448 

Eames,  Ebenezer  Jr  449 
Eastman,  Austin  239,  362, 

476,  548,  578,  586 
Eastman,  Baxter  336,  355, 

393,584,586 
Eastman,  David  154 
Eastman,  Dea  32 
Eastman,  Ebenezer  27,  79, 

84,  86,  113,  114,  601,  606, 

609,611 
Eastman,  Elijah   114,  2S9, 

578 
Eastman,  G  H  548 
Eastman,  Hannah  27 
Eastman,  Hepzibah  150 
Eastman,   John  27,  79,  85, 

113,    114,    159,   358,   575, 

586,  601,  607,  609,  611 
Eastman,  John  Jr  150 
Eastman,  Jonathan  336 
Eastman,  Joseph  27,  45,51, 

73,  113,  121,  182,  183,  230, 

584,  586,   588,   598,   601, 

606,  609 
Eastman,  Joseph  Jr  18,  19, 

27,  113,  586,  601 
Eastman,  Lydia  27 
Eastman,  Mary  27 
Eastman,  Mercy  27 
Eastman,  Ruth  27 
Eastman,  Sarah  27 
Eastman,  Solomon  K  264. 

575,  586,  607 
Eastman,  Susan  573 
Eastman,  Tilton  27 
Eastman,  Tammy  191 
Eastman,  Timothy  13,  15 
Eaton,  Amos  177,  178 
Eaton,  Morton  609 
Eddy,  Barnabas  601 
Edson,  Francis  320 
Edson,  Jacob  263,  448 
Edson,  Levi  488,   490,  505, 

521 
Edwards,  A  F  312 
Edwards,  Bela  B  179 
Edwards,  Charles    H   587, 

588 
Edwards,  H  B  431 
Edwards,  Hannah    22,  27, 

28 
Edwards,  Jonathan  20,  28, 

40,  81,  87,  106,   586,  598, 

601,  607,  611 
Edwards,  Lydia  28 
Edwards,  Martha  28 
Edwards,  Mary  28 
Edwards,     Nathaniel     22, 

84,  609,  61 1 

40 


Edwards,  Oliver  497 
Edwards,  Philip  28,  609 
Edwards,  Rebecca  28 
Edwards,  Sarah  28 
Edwards,  Thomas  62 
Eldredge,  Julia  A  576 
Eliot,  Samuel  A  533 
Ellis,  Daniel  96 
Ellis,  John  599 
Ellis,  Rebecca  188 
Ellsworth,  Benjamin  24 
Ellsworth,  Hamutal24 
Elmer,  Edward  24,  46,  67, 

106,  598,  601 
Elmer,  Elijah  81 
Elmer,  Mary  24,  572 
Elmer,  Samuel  19 
Elmore,  Edward  2 
Elmore,  Elijah  80,  61 
Elmore,  Simeon  609 
Ellwell,  Jonas  84 
Ely,  Samuel  121 
Emanuel,  S  H  297 
Emerson,  Miss  A  E  274 
Emerson,  B  K  406,  526 
Emerson,  Miss  F  J  274 
Emerson,    Forrest  F  202, 

205 
Emerson,  J  H  246 
Emerson,  John  M  246,  336, 

587,  588 
Emerson,  Sarah  E  141 
Emmons,  Robart   599,  601 
Estabrook,      Joseph    148, 

149,  162,  167,  178.  253 
Esty,  William  C  526 
Everett,  Otis  312 
Ewing,  William  93,  612 

Fahay,  William   488.   490, 

498,  508,  521 
Fairbanks,  Francis  J  212 
Fairchild,  Ezra  165 
Fairfield,  Samuel  93 
Fairley,  James  253 
Falbe,  Guisseppe  440 
Fales,  William  B  510,  521 
Fargo,  A  J  335 
Farnsworth,  Isaac  D  555 
Fearing,  H  D  241,  293, 295, 

296,  353.  4io 
Ferguson,  E  C  245 
Fernald,    Charles    H    563, 

565,  567, 569 
Field  &  Dickinson,  449 
Field,  Abigail  36 
Field,  Alpheus  330 
Field,  Asa  L  280 
Field,  A  R  319 
Field,  Mrs  E  C  472 
Field,  Ebenezer  26,  81,611 
Field,  Eugene  274,  467 


Field,  John    18,  26,  58,  73, 

82,  87,  89,  101,    102,    106. 

133,    182,    183,  586,  588; 

598,  601,  607 
Field,  John   Jr   20,   21,  87, 

89,  107,  601 
Field,  Jonathan,  21,  133 
Field,  Lucius  471 
Field,  Martha  28 
Field,  Mary  26,  27 
Field,  Mary  Ann  149 
Field,  Pindar  165,  253 
Field,  Rebecca  26 
Field,  Roswell  470,  471 
Field,  Rufus  470 
Field,  Samuel  80,  81,  611 
Field,  Sarah  26,  36 
Field,  Thomas  P  178,  231, 

526 
Field,  Zebina  310 
Field,  Zechariah  18,  26,  33, 

59,95,  102,  125,  607,  612 
Filield,  Lebbeus  B  346 
Fellows,  Francis  271,  272 
Ferry,  Aaron  301 
Finnemore,  Charles  A  488, 

490,502,515,521 
Fish,  Asa  127 
Fish,  Cummings  244,   245, 

323>47i 
Fish,  D  B  N  266,  336.  350, 

353.  461,  470.  496,  5°3. 

521,523,581 
Fish,  P  rancis  W  508,  521 
Fish,  John  150 
Fish,    Seth    143,   239,  336, 

470,  47i.  581 
Fisher,  Ellen  E  229,  351 
Fisher,  Edward  473 
Fisher,  George  E  211,212, 

226,395,411 
Fisher,  G  L  515,  521 
Fisher,  Homer  L  515,  521 
Fisk,  Ebenezer  448 
Fisk,  Stephen  609 
Fiske,  Helen  M  466 
Fiske,  Nathan  W  151,  167, 

170,  178,  466 
Fitch,  George  C  441 
Fitch,   Newton    309,    310, 

336.  394,   449.   47 '.    577. 

587,  588 
Fitch,  Joseph  2,  577 
Fitts,  E  B  302,  367,  457 
Fitts,  E  B  Jr  472 
Fitzsimmons,  John  520 
Flanders,  Henry  438 
Flanders,  Moses  L  515,  521 
Fletcher,  William   I  530 
Flint,  Charles  L   537,   552, 
,558 
Pobes,  Simeon  601 


626 


HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Foote,  Mr  16 
Foot,  Obed  127 
Forbes,  Daniel  152 
Forbes,  Simeon  Si,  611 
Forbush,  Martha  150 
Ford,  George  316 
Forgate,  M  G  449 
Frost,    Edward    321.    322, 

323 
Fowler,  William  C  101,  178, 

179,  280,  409,  584 
Fox,  Dexter  303 
Fox,    Hiram  294,301,359, 

449 
Fox,  Hiram  E  391 
Fox,   John   83,   84,   92,  95, 

133,  6n 
Fox,  Luther  216,  301,   303, 

375.  376 
Franklin,  B  1-1379,508,521 
Franklin,    Henry    80,    85, 

86,  113,  133,  572,601,611 
Franklin,  Julia  A  395 
Franklin,  Mary  150 
Franklin,  Nathan  114,216, 

572,  584,  586,  609 
Frazier,  J  D  480 
Freeman,  Samuel  518.  521 
French,  G  F  327 
French,  Henry  F  541,  545 
French,  Mary  H  574 
French,  Neutrals  59 
French,  Samuel  609 
Frink,  Henry  337,  383 
Frink,  Henry  A  529 
Frisbee,  Selah  154 
Gage,  William  L  226 
Gager,  Samuel  599 
Gale,  Amory  273 
Gale,  Emeline  S  153 
Gale,  Nahum  149,  153 
Gallaudet,  T  H  272 
Gallond,  George  B  337 
Gallond,  George  J  365 
Gamwell,  Samuel  60,   435, 

471,  609,  615 
Garland,  Adeline  395 
Garman,  Charles  E  529 
Gates,  Aaron  217,  223 
Gates,  Electa  B  580 
Gates, Merrill  Edwards  531 
Gates,  Sumner  384 
Gavin,  J  H  250 
Gay,  Amelia  195 
Gaylord,  Eber  W  227 
Gaylord,  Eleazer  574,  586, 

607 
Gaylord,  Eliphalet  84,  612 
Gaylord,  Flavel   2S5,    337, 

I  !424,  433.  45°>  586 
Gaylord,  O  P  101,  136,  411, 

454 


Gaylord,  Samuel  13,52,54, 

607 
Gaylord,  Sarah  24 
Gaylord,  Mary  26 
Gaylord,  William  13,  607 
Gardner,  Henry  79 
General  Assembly  82 
General  Court,  1,  3,  4,  5,  6, 
10,  11,32,  33,44,   46,  47, 
51,  53,  60,  63,  64,   67,   68, 
71,  73,82,   87-90,   92,   93, 
96-103,  105-108,  1 12,*  1 13, 
1 17,  120-123,  I25"I28, 130, 
132,    139,    144,    145,    156, 
158,    167-169,     171,     174, 
176,     179,     183-189,    191, 
193-197, 207, 208,  215,216, 
224,  230,259,272-274,277, 
.  279,289,299,306,  308-310, 
313-315,317-320,322,324, 
325,  328,  330,   331,   334, 

335,   338,   381,  382,    399, 
400,   408,   412,   416,   421, 
422,   429,   430,   453,   461, 
525,532,533,535-542,544- 
546,  55o-554,556-559,56i- 
563,  565,  567-569 
Genung,  G  t  238 
Genung,  John  F  529 
Gerrish,  Rufus  243 
Gilbert,  Harvey  391 
Gilbert,  J  F  251,  473 
Gilbert,  Susan  H  581 
Gilbert,  Thaddeus  94,  609, 

612 
Gilbert,    Thomas   383,  463 
Giles,  Joel  529 
Gilpatrick,  Charles  327 
Gibson,  Nathan  289 
Glazier,  John  A   488,   490, 

498,508,521 
Gleason,  J  F  221 
Gleason,  Thomas  520 
Goessmann,  Charles  A  250, 

379,551,556,569 
Goffe,  William  7 
Goodale,  Andrew  609 
Goodale,  C  L  300,  379 
Goodale,    Charles    L   514, 

521 
Goodale,    David    28,    133, 

609 
Goodale,  Eleanor  2S,  191 
Goodale,  Elijah  609 
Goodale,  Frederick  436 
Goodale,  Hosea  391,  586 
Goodale,  Isaac  20,  28,  62, 

80,  Si,  107,  133,  191,  373, 

386,   598,   601,  607,  609, 

611 
Goodale,    Joseph    84,    94, 

612 


Goodale,  Mercy  28 
Goodale,  Nathaniel  47 
Goodale,  S  H  300 
Goodale,  Thomas  28,    133 
Goodell,  Henry  H  523,  550, 

551,   562.   563,   565,   567. 

581,584 
Goodell,  Thomas  392,  609 
Goodman,  Enos  84 
Goodman,  John  13,  15 
Goodman,  Thomas  13,  15, 

45 
Goodman,  Timothv  S  448, 

586 
Goodsell,  Dana  217,  256 
Goodspeed,  F  L  203 
Goodspeed,  James  384 
Goodwin,  William  4 
Gorham,    William    O    153, 

173 
Goss,    Philip    L    140,217, 

221,448 
Gough,  John  B  207 
Gould,  Daniel  84,  94,  612 
Gould,  David  93,  612 
Gould,  Edmund  95,  612 
Gould,  Edward  94,  95,  612 
Gould,  Isaac  84,  612 
Gould,  John  63 
Gould,  Josiah  B  95,  612 
Gould,  Nahum  148 
Gould,   Noah  83,  92,  601, 

611 
Gould,  Samuel  80,  81,  83, 

86,  106,  601, 61 1 
Gould,  Samuel  Jr  S3,  612 
Gould,  Solomon  21,  599 
Gibbs,  Elijah  302 
Gilbert,  Hervey  304 
Gilbert,   Stephen   W   301, 

307 
Graham,  Samuel  63 
Granby,  10,  18,  47,   74,   78, 

84,  101,  1 10,  1 12,  1 14,  216, 

258,   280,   284,   320,   453, 

454,  468 
Granger,  Caroline  H  194 
Granger,  L  N  305,  331 
Graves,  Dwight  302 
Graves,  Edward  302 
Graves,  Mrs  E  254 
Graves  &  Field,  448,  449 
Graves,  Frederick  W    150 
Graves,  George   366,  394, 

434,  45° 
Graves,  George  G  548 
Graves,  George  W  150 
Graves,  James  439 
Graves,  John  13 
Graves,  Martha  M  150 
Graves,  Mary  Ann  150 


INDEX    OK    PART    I. 


627 


Graves,   Rufus     145,    148, 

i5i>    155-    '57-    163-    164. 

165,  170,  336 
Graves,  William  13555,560 
Graves,   William     O    509, 

521 
Gray,  David  D  470,  609 
Gray,  Edward   P   517.  521 
Gray,  Harrison  79 
Gray,  Horace  253 
Green,  David  149 
Green,  Joel  216 
Green,  Thomas  329 
Green,  Timothy  21,  79,  85, 

86,  93,  113,  133,  586,  601, 

607,  609,  61 1 
Green,   Timothy.   Jr     133, 

601,  609 
Green.  Zera  609 
Greene,  Clark  577,  609 
Greene,  Moses  13  154,  577. 

584 
Greenfield,    no,    112,    127, 

157,   226,   299,   302,  308, 

311,   319,   401,   479,   481, 

483,  484,  486.  493,  499 
Greenleaf,  H  S  499 
Greenough,  James  C  562 
Greenwich,  54,56,  127,  140, 

221,  258,  321,  322,325 
Gridley,  Elijah  145 
Gridley,   Timothy    J    1S5, 

1 89,   309,   330,   336,  378, 

453,  584,  588 
Gridley,  Richard  81 
Gridley,  Sarah  B  579 
Grinned,  George  B  555 
Grout,  Martin  308 
Grover,  Frederick  517,  521 
Grover,   Joseph   490,    505, 

521 
Grover,  Ihomas  127 
Guernsey,  Esther  184,  185 
Guernsey,  Isaac  184 
Guild,  George  358 
Guill,  Alexander  133 
Guilford,  Micah  63 
Guilford,  Paul  63,  598 
Gunn,  Cephas  W  510,  521 
Gunn,  Charles  S  509,  521 
Gunn,  Jemima  184 
Gunn,  Lucretia  187 
Gunn,  Lyman  586 
Gunn,  William  L  383 

Hadley,  1, 3-12,  14-18,  21-27, 

29-35.37,  41-47, 49"55,  58- 
62,  66,  67,  78,  82,  99-102, 
104,  1 10,  1 12,  130-132, 146, 

147,  159,  i79,l83-l87,  i9°- 
192, 196,  198,211,  216,  228, 
242,250,  256,258,276,280, 


281,  284,302-305,308-314, 
319,320,322,331,339,343, 
346,376,379,3^6,390,401, 
403,   404,   430,   436,  441, 

457-47°,    487,    572,    574, 

576,578,  580,615 
Hale,  Abigail  24 
Hale,  Thomas  24 
Hall,  A  W  300,  302,  414 
Hall,  F  A  548 
Hall,  Ruth  399 
Haley.  William  437 
Haling,  Horace  510,  521 
Halligan  and  Daly  101 
Haliock,  Gerard  148,  149 
Hallock,  Leavitt.  190,  191 
Haliock,  Moses  191 
Hamilton,  C  447,448 
Hamilton,  Clarence  395 
Hamilton,  J  U  447 
Hamilton,  Mary  M  395 
Hamlin,  Wolcott  336 
Hammond,  Moses  576 
Hammond,  Salem  576,  586 
Hannum,  Elijah  84 
Hardaker,  James  437,  440, 

441, 510, 521 
Harper,  Samuel  83,  92,612 
Harrington,  Charles  L  560, 

56i 
Harrington,  F  W  302 
Harrington,  James  427 
Harrington,  Moody  584 
Harrington,    Samuel    361, 

47i 
Harrington,  S  449 
Harrington,  S  E  291,  302 
Harris,  Elijah  P  526 
Harris,  J  M  421 
Hartling,  Stake  38,  54,  55, 

468 
Harwood,  Benjamin  19,  63, 

598 
Harwood,  Ebenezer  63 
Harwood.  Eleazer  62,  63, 

598 
Harwood,  Peter  598 
Harwood,  Zechariah  63 
Hascall,  J  M  244 
Haskell,  Eliza  C  154 
Haskell,  E  H  297 
Haskell,  Hannah  574 
Haskell,  Louis  R  489,  490, 

501,  514,  521 
Haskins,    Henry    W   414, 

586 
Haskins,  Ira  C  306 
Haskins,  J  C  306  457 
Haskins,  John  H  283,  476 
Hastings,  Aaron  28 
Hastings,  Edmund  188,427 
Hastings,    Elijah    58,    80, 


I25,   349,   37',   601,   607, 

609,  611 
Hastings,  Elisha  28,  374 
Hastings,  Esther  28 
Hastings,  Henry  B  506,  521 
Hastings,  James   215,  331, 

586 
Hastings.  John  80,  83,  430, 

611 
Hastings.   Joseph    C    510, 

521 
Hastings,  Judith  574 
Hastings,  Lucius  371 
Hastings,  Lucy  28 
Hastings,  Mary  28 
Hastings,  Moses  28,  So,  81, 

133,   207,    349,   371,  572, 

586,  607,  609,  61 1 
Hastings,  Nancy  573 
Hastings,  Oliver  84,  612 
Hastings,    Samuel   28,  84, 

133,  586,  601,  609,  61 1 
Hastings,  Sarah  28 
Hastings,  Sybil  28 
Hastings,  Tabitha  28 
Hastings,  Thomas   20,  28. 

80,  106,  188,316,349,371, 

572,    586,   598,   601,  607, 

609,  61 1 
Hastings,  Thomas   Jr    21, 

28,  106,  145,  188,349,586, 

601 
Hastings,  Thomas  E  320 
Hastings,  Waitstill  28,  107 
Hastings,  Willard  D  506, 

521 
Hatch,  jason  243,  259 
Hatfield,  3,  4,  6,8-11,  16-18, 

22-29,  51,   I02,   I2i,  122, 

136,   157,   184,    188,  193, 

25S,   3J4,   3!9,   320,   400. 

401,  402,  430,  460 
Hawes,  James  F  506,  521 
Hawes,  John  L  327 
Hawkins,  William  395 
Hawks,  Sarah  100 
Hawley,  Caroline  R  580 
Hawley,  Chester  W  211 
Hawley,  David  80,  83,  106, 

601,  611 
Hawley,  Dorothy  25,  26 
Hawley,  Elijah  63 
Hawley,  G  S  471 
Hawley,  Harrison  213 
Hawley,  Henry  £488,490, 

495,  506,521 
Hawley,  Isaac  394 
Hawley,  John  26 
Hawley,  Joseph  18,  25,  26, 

62,  607 
Hawley,  Lydia  26,  27 
Hawley  Mary  26 


628 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Hawley,  Mehitable  36 
Hawley,  Moses  18,  26,  59, 

85,  601 
Hawley,  Noah  83,   94,   95, 

1 13,  611 
Hawley,  Rebecca  36 
Hawley,  Samuel  17,  25-27, 

33,  36,  182,  183,  588,  598, 

607 
Hawley,  Samuel  Jr  18,  62 
Hawley,  Sarah  36 
Hawley,  Thankful  25 
Hawley,  Thomas  25 
Hawley,  W  S  472 
Hawley,  Zechariah  80,  85, 

114,  133,601.607.609,611 
Hawley,  Zebina  586 
Hay,  Samuel  520 
Hayden,  Joel  320,  322 
Haynes,  Aaron  84 

Hay  ward,    C    E    294,   300, 

510,52' 
Hay  ward,  Charles    F   300, 

334,  438 
Hayward,  Walter  450 
Heald,  Charles  A  515,  521 
Heath,  Daniel  609 
Hebard,  Story  149 
Heart,  Isaac  96,  612 
Henderson,  A  R   350.   409 
Henderson,    Elizabeth   29 
Henderson,  Gideon  20,  21, 

28,    29,    80,    Si,    106,  586, 

601,  611 
Henderson,  Gideon  Jr  601 
Henderson,     Horace    280, 

312,  43^ 
Henderson,  Mary  29 
Henderson,   Mehitable   29 
Henderson,  Sarah  29 
Henderson,  Susanna  29 
Henderson,    Timothy    29, 

83,  101,  574,  609,  61 1 
Henderson,  Thomas  519 
Hendrick,  James   80,    133, 

601,  609,  611,  615 
Henry,  Aaron  223 
Henry,  Samuel  113,601 
Hervey,    Eugene    P    488, 

490,  494,  506, 521 
Herrick,   William    D    226, 

352 

Herrick,  Mrs  W  D  275,338 

Hewlett,  S  M  394 

Hill,  Abraham  97 

Hill,  Dwight  N  506.  521 

Hill,  Samuel  127 

Hills,  Henry  F  292,  293, 
295,  296,  305,  320,  322, 
406,  416,  417,  419,  425, 
476,487,545,546,555,581 

Hills,  Hervey  294,  375 


Hills,  John  517,  521 

Hills,    L    D    292,  331,  417, 

424,  433 
Hills,  L   M    140,    190,  195, 
292,293,295-297,299,301, 
3 '9,   330,   33i,   336,   384, 
449,   457,   477,   542,   546, 
555,581,586 
Hills,  Leonard  195 
Hills,  Lewis  448 
Hills,  Samuel  210,  216,  294 
Hills,  Stephen  81,  612 
Hilyard,  John  13 
Hilyard,  Timothy  84 
Hillyer,  Winthrop  30S 
Hinckley,    Samuel    L  274, 

308,313 

Hinckley,  Mabel  R  437 

Hinds,  Joseph  127 

Hitchcock,  Edward  170, 
172,175-177,  179,231,273- 
275.  278,  314,  330,  347, 
393>  394, 407, 466-468,  47°, 
524,533-535,538,544,550, 
557 

Hitchcock,  Edward  Jr  177, 
232,  233,  470,  526, 528 

Hitchcock,  R  D  527,  528 

Hitchcock,  Samuel  A   176, 

525 
Hobart,  Charles  H  334 
Hobart,  Edmond  599 
Hobart,  Edmund  285,   586 
Hobart,  F  A  414 
Hobart,    George    M    504. 

521 
Hobart.  Joshua  385 
Hobart,   William    E    517, 

521 
Hobbs,  F  A  337 
Hobbs,  S  L  233 
Hock,  Robert  517,  521 
Hodden,  John  79,, S3,   601, 

611 
Hodges,  Joseph  236 
Holden,  Eva  May  440,  441 
H  olden,  Freeman    L   510, 

521 
Holden,  J   Harry  252,  255 
Holland,  Henry   350,   362, 

364,  367,  409,  449 
Holland,  Mrs  Henry  350 
Holland,  H  D  367 
Holland,  J  G  16,  121 
Holland,  Jonas  575 
Holland,  Seneca  350.  367, 

449, 575 
Holmes,  Jennie  E  355 
Holmes,  Samuel  609 
Holman,  G  W  238 
Holt,  Henry  D  436 
Holton,  Chloe  22 


Hoi  ton,  Isaac  F  152 
Holton,  William  5 
Hooker,  John  W  526 
Hooker,  Thomas  4 
Holyoke,  Elizur  1,  5 
Hopkins  Academy  146, 147 

192 
Hopkins,  Edward  5,  6,  147 
Hopkins,  Erastus  379 
Hopkins,  Samuel  no 
Hopkins,   William   J   488, 

490,  494,  506,  521  - 
Horton,  Wesley  W  5 17, 521 
Hosmer,  Judith  23 
Houghton,  E  J  361 
Houghton,  George  322 
Houghton,  Jonas  449 
Houghton,  Merrick  444 
Hovey,  Thomas  13 
How,  Abner  62,  63 
How,  Nehemiah  63 
Howard,  Aaron  438 
Howard,  Hezekiah  106,601 
Howard,  Hiram  C  336, 487 
Howard,  Roswell    D   304, 

457 
Howe,  Abner  598 
Howe,   Albin    P    190,  196, 

335,  336,   302,  382,  402. 

441,538,586,587,588    • 
Howe,  H  A  476,  477 
Howe,  George  232,  527 
Howe,  Mary  187 
Howe,  Samuel  95 
Howe,  Sidney  Walker  527 
Howes,  Charles  O  510,521 
Howes,  George  E  302,  5 10, 

521 
Howland,  Henrietta  577 
Howland,   J    W   433,   473, 

5'7,  521 
Howland,   W    S    190,  198, 

205,212,263,358,375,586 
Hoyt,  U  W  238 
Hubbard,  Ashley  225 
H  ubbard,  Caleb  470 
Hubbard,  Daniel  13 
Hubbard,  Edmund  15,   52 
Hubbard,  Eli  362 
Hubbard,  Elihu  80,86,611 
Hubbard,  Elizabeth  183 
Hubbard,  Giles  196 
Hubbard,  Henry  510,  521 
Hubbard,  Isaac  19,  31,  46, 

61,   67,   85,  133,586,598, 

601,  611 
Hubbard,  John  1 10. 183,432 
Hubbard,  Phineas  470 
Hubbard,  R  B  190,  196,  274 

467 
Hubbard,  Rhoda  D  579 
Hubbard,  Stephen  A  357 


INDEX    OF    FART    I. 


629 


Hubbard,  Timothy  21,  107, 

298 
Hubbard,  W  M  243 
Hubbell,  H  L  202,485,523 
Huckel,  Oliver  203 
Hudson,  George  243 
Hudson,  John  520 
Humphrey,  Edward  P  201. 

528 
Humphrey,    Heman     166, 

167,  169,  170, 172-175, 178, 

209,   225,   231,   256,    272, 

273,  347,  466, 524 
Humphrey,  Helen  153 
Humphrey,  James  154 
Humphrey,  Leonard  154 
Humphreys,  George  F  226, 

355 
Hunt,  Edward  B  466 
Hunt,  George  W  379 
Hunt,  Helen  467 
Hunt,  James  413 
Hunt,  John  101,  140 
Hunt,  Melzar  371-373.  47' 
Hunt,  Obed  96 
Hunt,  O  D   406,   409,   582, 

586-588 
Hunt,  Peter  601 
Hunt,  W    A   337,  472,  582, 

587,  588 
Hunt,  WW   43,    225,   229, 

256,   35  h   353,  363,  389, 

409,  424,  433,  434,  449, 

464,  586 
Hunt,  Mrs  William  W  254, 

472 
Hunt,  Zebina  312 
Huntington,    Frederick  D 

246,  249,  464 
Huntington,  T  G  346 
Hunter,  Betsey  195 
Hunter,  John  128 
Hurley,  M  E  473 
Hurley,  Patrick  325 
Hutchins,  Waldo  528 
Hutchinson. Charles  E  363, 

450,  486 
Hyde,  Alpheus  H  384 
Hyde.  Andrew  586 
Hyde,  Jennie  580 
Hyde,  John  M  141,  304 

Ingraham,  Ebenezer  113 
Ingraham,  Elijah  95,  612 
Ingraham,  Ebenezer  113 
Ingraham,  John  17,  113 
Ingraham,  Philip  46,  67 
Ingraham,  Reuben  46,  67, 

113 
Ingraham,  Samuel  113 
Ingram,  Aaron  323 
Ingram,  David  609 


Ingram,  Ebenezer    17,  25, 

i33»  385,  575-  586,  609 
Ingram,  Elisha  iS,  19,    25, 

57.   5s,   59-   74,   106,  182, 

586,  59S,  601,  607 
Ingram,  Elizabeth  25 
Ingram,  Experience  25 
Ingram,  Ezekiel  133 
Ingram,  Ezra  336,402,435, 

575,  584,  586,  607 
Ingram.  F  H  355 
Ingram,  Gershom  133 
Ingram,  Gideon  133 
Ingram,  Hannah  25 
Ingram,  Harrison  351,579, 

586 
Ingram,  John 23,  29,  32,  34, 

36,  62,  79,  80,  84-86,  579, 

598,  601,  607,  609.  611 
Ingram,  John  Sr  13,  17,  25, 

59 
Ingram,  John  Jr  13,  17,  21, 

25,  40,  225 
Ingram,  John  2d  133 
Ingram,  John  3d  20 
Ingram,  Jonathan  13, 25,  85 
Ingram,  Lydia  36 
Ingram,  Mary  601 
Ingram,  Martha  572 
Ingram,  Mehitable   23.  25, 

36 
Ingram,  Nathan  609 
Ingram,  Nathaniel  13 
Ingram,  Peter 264,291,367, 

467,  575,  607 
Ingram,  Phillip  17,  20,  25, 

62,  63,  85, 92,  598,  602,61 1 
Ingram.  Rebecca  25 
Ingram,  Reuben  17,  20,25, 

94,  133,  598,  602,  611 
Ingram,  Robert  133 
Ingram,  Samuel  13,  17,  18, 

22,25,61,81,85,133,586, 

598,  607,  609,  61 1 
Ingram.  Sarah  25,  26,  27 
Ingram,  Timothy  94,  612 
Ingram,  Wells  W  435 
Ingram,  Widow  21 
Irish,  P  E  353 

Jackson,  Elizabeth   D  576 
Jackson,  Henry  291 
Jackson,  Jarvis  490 
Jackson,  Jarvis  W  490.  518. 

521 
Jackson,  Sanford  490,  516, 

521 
Jackson,  Windsor  518,  521 
Jackson.  William  S  467 
Jacobs,  Nathaniel  448 
J  agger,  N  S  243,  244 
James,  D  Willis  529 


Jameson,  John  240.  333,  336 
Jenkins,  J  L  202,  233,   352, 

364 
Jennings,   Francis    N  516, 

52J 
Jennings,  William  516.521 
Jennings,  William     H     H 

516,  521 
Jewell,  Aaron  127 
Jewett,  F  S  450 
Jilson,  Riley  471 
Jillson.  Eunice  H  578 
Jones,    Elnathan  290,  367, 

574 
Jones,  George  513,  521 
Jones,  John  243,  244,  425 
Jones,  Levi  586 
Jones,  Mary  H  246 
Jones,    Thomas    290,   291, 

311,379,  574,  584 
Johnson,  Adam  171 
Johnson,  Dwight  H  510 
Johnson,  Ebenezer  M  480, 

490,  500,  512,  521 
Johnson,  Eli    H    490,  496, 

506,  521 
Johnson,   George    H    226, 

227,254 
Johnson,  George  L  516,521 
Johnson,  Henry  364 
Johnson,     Martin    S    485, 

490,  500,  516.  521 
Johnson,  Peter  520 
Johnson,  Silas  94,  101,  61  r 
Johnson,  Silas  O   570,  521 
Johnson,  W  F  379,  511,521 
Joslyn,  Eugene  440 
Joy,  Frederic  150 
Joy,  Philo  360 
Judd,  Sylvester  15,  16,   24, 

34-  37,4i-  43,  44,   46,   48, 

54,  55,  57,  63,  67.   71,   74, 

75,  82,  98,  log.  141 
Judkins,  Eliza  M  153 

Keefe.  Thomas  520 
Keet,  John  20.  55,  59S 
Keet,  John  Jr  63 
Keith,  W  H  305 
Kellogg,  Aaron  25,  59 
Kellogg,  Abraham  19,  25 
Kellogg,  Abigail  25 
Kellogg,  Albert  H  509,  521 
Kellogg,  Ansel  W  355 
Kellogg,  B  F  302,  511,  521 
Kellogg,  C  449 
Kellogg,  C  H  355 
Kellogg,  Charles  393,  432 
Kellogg,  Charles  F  477,488, 

490. 511,  521 
Kellogg.  Charles  H  395 


630 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Kellogg,  Chester  263,  330, 

358,  574,  607 
Kellogg,  Clarissa  150 
Kellogg,  Daniel  19,  25,  54, 

59)  75'  87,  106,    182,    183, 

203, 586, 598, 602, 607,  609 
Kellogg,  Daniel  Jr  133,586, 

602 
Kellogg,  David  25 
Kellogg,  Dexter  436 
Kellogg,  Dorothy  25 
Kellogg,    Dwight    H    331, 

333 
Kellogg,  Ebenezer   17.    25, 

30,  33,  36,  38,  40,   49.   5°, 

56,  59,  62,  64,  79,   80,   84, 

106,   588,   598,   602,   607, 

611 
Kellogg,    Ebenezer   Jr    19 

80,  602,61 1 
Kellogg,  Edward  13 
Kellogg,  Eleazer  428,   576, 

584,  586, 607 
Kellogg,  Elijah  609 
Kellogg,  Elizabeth  36 
Kellogg,  Enos  94,  612 
Kellogg,  Ephraim    18.    19, 

25.  54.  56.  58,  59,    61,  62, 

87,  133,572,59^602,607, 

609 
Kellogg,  Ephraim   Jr   106, 

133,  602 
Kellogg,  Experience  25 
Kellogg,  Ezekiel  25 
Kellogg,  Giles  C  277 
Kellogg,  Hattie  395 
Kellogg,  Henry  C  450 
Kellogg,  Horace  102,   205. 

280,  358,  360 
Kellogg,  James     140.    294. 

303,  336,  6o7 
Kellogg.  James  1!  506,  521, 
Kellogg,  John  13,    25,    133, 

572,  576,  586,  607,  609 
Kellogg,  Jonathan   25,   95, 

574,  609,  611 
Kellogg,  Joseph  13,25,609 
Kellogg,  Justin  P  499,  509, 

521 
Kellogg,  Martin  25,57,  74, 

85,  121,  133,586,602,607, 

609,  61 1 
Kellogg,  Martin  Jr  609 
Kellogg,  Mary  25 
Kellogg,  Moses  81,  85,  612 
Kellogg,  Nathan  101 
Kellogg,  Nathaniel  13,  18, 

19,  25,  36,49,  51,   52,   54, 

59,607 
Kellogg,  Nathaniel  Jr  45, 

5° 
Kellogg,    Rufus  332,   384, 


471,586 
Kellogg,  Rufus  B  351 
Kellogg,  Samuel  25 
Kellogg,  Sarah  25,  36 
Kellogg,  Sybil  25 
Kellogg,  Tryphena  574 
Kellogg,   W    M   280,    332, 

336,  5«6 
Kellogg,  William  294,  586 
Kellogg,   William  Jr   290, 

331,449 
Kelly,  James  517,  518,  521 
Kelsey,  Ezra  490,  495,  506, 

521 
Kelsey,  H  S  220 
Kendall,  Henry  C  515,  521 
Kendall,  S  D  325 
Kendrick,  B  F  368 
Kendrick,  D  H  383 
Kendrick,  G  S  472 
Kenfield,  C  R  365 
Kennedy,  John  517,521 
Kent,  Ebenezer  95 
Kentfield,  Ebenezer  84 
Kentfield,  F  379 
Kibbee,  John  84,  85,  612 
Kibbe,  Seth  18,  19 
Kid,  Robert  C  299 
Kidder,  Corbin  225 
Kief,  Michael  81,  612 
Kimball,    Andrew   44,    58, 

113,  384,602 
Kimball,  Andrew  Jr  133 
Kimball,  Benjamin  101,609 
Kimball,  Joseph  93-95,  612 
Kimberly,  Sarah  J  273 
King,  Charles  388 
King,  E  A  285,  454,  586 
King.  E  P  245 
King,  Emma  255 
King, Jonas  170 
King,  Peter  244 
King,  Peter  Jr  516,  521 
King,  Warren  K  496,   504, 

521 
Kingman,  P  rancis  382 
Kingman,  Matthew  426 
Kingsbury,  Howard  202 
Kingsley,  E  A  305 
Kittredge,  William  60 
Knowles, -Lyman  140,  298, 

448 
Knowles  &  Thayer  195,297 

298, 299 
!  Knowlton,  William  K  552, 

557 
Kunckquachu,  1,  2 
Kunckkiunk-qualhick,  2 

Lamb,  Amos  84 
Lamb,  George  E  438 
Lam  son,  D  F  238 


Lampson,  Jeremiah  Si,  612 
Lane,  Asaph  94,  612 
Lane,  Daniel  83,  612 
Lane,  Frank  327 
Latham,  O  S  244,  255 
Latham,  William   W   4S8, 

49°,  495,  5°6,  521 
Latham,   Alonzo    W    480, 

490,  5 '3,  521 
Lathrop,  Capt  6,  7 
Lathrop,  Paoli  280,  537 
Lathrop,  Wells  330 
Lawrence,  Abbott  176 
Lawrence,  Myron  279,  314, 

3i5 
Lawry,  Uranus  520 
Lawton,  Charles  285 
Lawton,  Clark  133 
Lawton,  George  W  454 
Lawton,  Robert  415 
Lawton,  Mrs  Robert  415 
Lawton,  W  H  377 
Leach,  Benanuel   113,   602 
Leach,  Benjamin  95,  612 
Leach, Joseph  A  232 
Leach,  Levi  602 
Leach,  Timothy  602 
Leach,  Ouartus  472 
Lear,  John  520 
Learned,  Henry  B  437 
Learned,  S  D  359,  449 
Leavitt,  Jonathan  576 
Leavitt,  Joshua  465 
Ledoux,  Louis  P  154 
Lee,  Abner2i,599,  602,607 
Lee,  Gideon  83,    113,  602, 

607,  61 1 
Lee,  Henry  80,  84,  133. 602. 

611 
Lee,  Horace  C  493 
Lee,  John  80,  81,   133,  349, 

602,  607,  609,  611 
Lee,  John  W  243,  244,  395 
Lee,  N  H  417 
Lee,  Silas  84, 94,  612 
Leggett,  John  A  488,   490, 

499,5°9.  521 
Leggett,William  !•  489,490, 

509,  521 
Leland,  John  152,  170,  1S0, 
190,    197,    205.  311,    312, 

336,  35S.  453.  584 
Leland,  John  Jr    159,    197. 

205.  253 
Leland,  J  H  M  344,  425 
Leonard,  Aaron  598 
Leonard.  Archelas  80.   83. 

612 
Leonard,  Cordelia  A  194 
Leonard,  David  93,  612 
Leonard,  Joanna  23 
Leonard,  Moses  387 


INDEX    OF    PART    I. 


631 


Leonard,  Noadiah  80,  81, 

84,  i34 
Lessey,  Alanson  581 
Lessey,  C  W  20S,  581,  584, 

586 
Lessey,  Flora  E  255 
Leverett,  87,  159,  229,   248, 

258,265,279,280.284,310, 

3*5,   33i.   375,   387,   468, 

470,  471,499,  578 
Lewis,  Edward  R  470 
Lewis,  Elisha  609 
Lewis,  Noadiah  20,  21,  63, 

86,  107,  113,  133,599,602, 

611,  615 
Lewis,  William  4 
Lexington,  540 
Lexington  Alarm,    79,   80, 

98,  183 
Libby,  E  H  346 
Lincoln,  Benjamin  127-132, 

.'34,  136 
Lincoln,  Levi  444 
Lincoln,  R  S  364,  3S3,  539 
Lincoln,  Rufus  P  4S8,  490, 

497,  49s,  5°7,  521 
Lippett,  J  C  316 
Lobdell,  Henry  525 
Locke,  Betsey  245 
Loomis,   Richard    B    488, 

490, 502,  514,  521 
Long,  Daniel  252 
Long,  John  D  560 
Longley,  O  S  364,  422 
Lord,  David  85,  94,  95,  612 
Loring,  George  B  537,  554 
Louisburg,  9,  62,  63,  69-71 
Lovell,  George  M  247 
Lovell,  J  L  352,  450 
Lovell,  N  G  236 
Lovett,  Addison  439 
Lovett,  E  B  476 
Lovett,  H  B  366 
Lovett,  Henry  C   517,   521 
Lovett,  Murray  B  490,  512, 

Lovett,  Wheaton  494,  506, 

521 
Lyons,    Edward   490,  515, 

Luddington,  Daniel  134 
Lyman.  Caleb  462 
Lyman,  Elizabeth  M  574 
Lyman,  Francis  A  454 
Lyman,  George  220,  275 
Lyman,  Horace  309 
Lyman,  Joseph  157 
Lyman,  Luke,  527 
Lyman,  Oliver  84 
Lyman,  Richard  5 
Lyman.  R  W  335 
Lyman,  Theodore  444 


Lyman,  William  62 
Lynde,  Benjamin  66 
Lyon.  Mary  148,  273 

Mack,  David  185,  187,  305, 

33°,  336,  393,  449 
Mack,  Samuel  305,  449 
Mack,  Samuel  E  357,  588 
Mackie,  Andrew  247 
Macomber,  H  L  473 
Magill,  William  A  285.  423. 

438 
Maloney,  Michael  511,  521 
Maltby,  Lafayette  320 
Manley,    Edward   W  490, 

506,521 
Mann,  C  H  417 
Mann,  Jerusha  573 
Manning,  John  519,  521 
Marston,  George  537 
Marsh,  Abner  607 
Marsh,  Charles 346 
Marsh,  Daniel  1 1,  15 
Marsh,  D  W  226,  233,  456 
Marsh,  E  D  333,  406.   431, 

449,  472,  473 
Marsh,  Ebenezer  99 
Marsh,  Emerson  140 
Marsh,  Henry  A  246,   247, 

336,  344,  481,  483,  485 
Marsh,  Job  32,  50 
Marsh,  Jonathan    13.   607. 

610 
Marsh,  M  M  246,  449 
Marsh,  R  A  346 
Marsh,  Samuel  13 
Marsh,  Sarah  99 
Marshall,   A    C   330.    355. 

579, 5S6 
Marshall,  Chester  579 
Marshall,  Clement  79,   So, 

1 13,  602,  612 
Marshall,  E  B  243 
Marshall,  Isaac  85,  410,612 
Marshall,  Thomas  86,  113, 

612 
Martin  Frank  520 
Mass  Agricultural  College, 

190,221,275,333,345,346, 

354,53?-57i,59°,  591-  594 
Massasoit,  6 
Marvin.  C  B  Jr  336 
Mason,  Jeremiah  157 
Mather,  Cotton  23 
Mather.  R  H  527,  530 
Mather.  William  470 
Mathers,  Elijah  397 
Mattabaget,  2 
Matthews,  Charles  515,521 
Matthews,  Francis   J    515, 

521 
Matthews,  Sarah  29 


Matthew,  Silas,  21.84,  107, 

602 
Matthews,  Titus  133 
Matthews.  William  29 
Mattoon,  Dorothy  S  100 
Mattoon,  Ebenezer  19,  20, 
27,  100,  113.  584,598,607, 
610 
Mattoon,  Ebenezer  Jr 
55,  58,  60,  79,  84,   85,  tP90- 
93,   96,   98-101,  in,  113, 
"4,    125,    133,    134,    136, 
i39,H2,  144,  189,214,289, 
299,   336,   337,   358,   370, 
372,   373,   443,   452,   453, 
460-463,  471,  5S4,  586,588, 
602,  607,  610,  612 
Mattoon,  Ebenezer  2d  100, 

585,  587,610 
Mattoon,  Eleazer    18,    19, 
27,  36>  39,  45,  58,  62,   100 
Mattoon,  Elizabeth  27,  36, 

136 
Mattoon,  Fanny  150 
Mattoon,  Mary  D   100 
Mattoon,  Noah  D  100,185. 

l89,  335,  336,  471,607 
Mattoon,  Philip  27.  100 
Mattoon,  Roxana  572 
Mattoon,  Sarah  27 
Maxwell,  Solomon  149,151, 
May,   William   79,   85,  86, 

602,  612 
Maynard,  Hannah  F  153 
Maynard,  Jonathan  133 
Maynard,   Samuel    T  555, 

559,  565, 569 
Maynard,  Mrs  S  T  472 
McCallum,  Patrick  520 
McClellan.  W  C  325 
McClench,  Joseph  81,  612 
McCloud,    H    M    337,345, 

352,   402,   456,   473,   519, 

5?3-  5si 
McCranney,  Rachel  26 
McCullock,  Henry  134 
McDaniel,   Jacob    58,   79, 

602 
McDonald.  John  515,   521 
McElwain,  Albert  437 
McGinley,  Charles  520 
McGuirk,  Bernard5i9,52i 
McGrath,  Daniel  81,  612 
McKay,  H  S  434 
McLoud,  Lewis  391 
McMaster,  Charles  362 
McMaster,  Mrs  C  A  255 
McMaster.  John  385 
McMaster,  Joshua  385,  610 
McSweeney,    Dennis   518, 

521 


632 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OK    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Merrick,  Aaron  28,  133, 
167,  185,  187,  349,  577, 
578,  585,  586,  607,  610 

Merrick,  Allen  P  577,  586 

Merrick,  J  E  285,  337,  356, 
476,  578,  586 

Merrick,  James  20,  21,   28, 

133.    l67,    187,   586,   599) 

602,  607,  610 
Merrick,  James  2d  113 
Merrick,  James  L  154,217- 

220,  477 
Merrick,  Esther  28 
Merrick,  Leander  449 
Merrick,  Lucy  28 
Merrick,  Mary  28 
Merrick,  Samuel  28 
Merrick,  Sarah  28 
Merrick,  William  586 
Merrill,  Abner  H  555,  556 
Merrill,  Abraham  610 
Merrill,   Calvin    144,    145, 

159,    190,    194,    207,   277, 

470,  471,  586,  588, 610 
Merrill,  Chauncey  150 
Merrill,  Henry  35S 
Merrill,  Horace  277 
Merrill,  Lucy  150 
Merrill,  Nancy  150 
Merritt,  Howard,  472 
Messinger,  H  E  380 
Metcalf,  Leonard  569 
Mighill,  Samuel  41 
Miles,  Charles  330 
Miles,    Marcus   T    C   485, 

490,513,521 
Miles,  Manley  562 
Miles,  Reuben  490,  519 
Miles,  William  B  519 
Miller,  Mrs  E  C  254 
Miller,  S  F  422.  551,  554 
Mills,  George  F  451,  565 
Minute  Men,  79-81,  98 
Mings,  Moses  B  133 
Minot,  George  R  119-.  123, 

124, 130,  131 
Minot,  James  51 
Mitten,  A  F  473 
Montague,  31,  127, 139,  187, 

227,   236,   308,   309,   312, 

3i3,   3i5:   3i8,   3'9,   343. 

387,  388,  499 
Montague,  Abigail  26 
Montague,  George  150,208, 

576,  607 
Montague,  Harriet  150 
Montague,  John  13,  15 
Montague,  Luke  184,  576, 

610 
Montague,  Moses  312 
Montague,  Peter  13,  15 
Montague.  Richard  184 


Montague,  William  84 
Montague,  Zebina  58,  134, 

141,182,184,203,336,585, 

586,  588,  607,  610 
Montague,  Zebina   C    100, 

461 
Moody,  Aaron  610 
Moody,  Abigail  27,  36 
Moody,  Asahel  20,  27,  63, 

602,  607,  610 
Moody.  Daniel  610 
Moody,    David    216,    349, 

404,  607 
Moody,  Ebenezer  13 
Moody,  Eldad  27,   79,   94, 

602,  607,  610,  612 
Moody,  Elisha  84,  133,  612 
Moody,  Huldah  27 
Moody,  Joel  80,  81,85,  I33» 

349,  586,   602,   607,    610, 

612 
Moody,  John  27 
Moody,  Jonathan  18,  19,  21, 

27,  63,  106,  133,  182,  183, 
586,  599,  602,  607,  610 
Moody,  Jonathan  Jr  20,62, 

599,  602 
Moody,  Josiah  27,  106,  599 
Moody,  Lemuel  21,  27,  63, 

80,  86,  113,  133,602,  607, 

610,  612 
Moody,  Lemuel  Jr  340,610 
Moody,  Mrs  Lyman  438 
Moody,  Lyman  E  519 
Moody,  M'atthew  84,  612 
Moody,  Medad27,  85,  133, 

602,  607,  610,  612 
Moody,  Nathan  18,  26,  27, 

106,  598,  602 
Moody,  Nathaniel  133 
Moody,  Perez  27 
Moody,  I'eris  602 
Moody,  Rebecca  573 
Moody,  Kufus6io 
Moody,  Samuel  13,  26 
Moody,  Silas    133,610 
Moody,  William  133,  610 
Moore.  Gideon  94,  95,  113, 

612 
Moore,  Hezekiah    94,    95, 

613 
Moore,  Samuel  127 
Moore,  William  94-96,  613 
Moore,  Zephaniah    S    143, 

158,    162,     163,    165-167, 

174,  178'  256,  524 
Moran,  John  519,  521 
Moran,  Thomas  513,  521 
Morehouse,  C    F  346,  472, 

473 
Morgan,  Henry  T  529 
Morgan,  Lewis  84 


Morgan,  Rhoda  24 
Morgan,  W  H  H  366,  367 
Moriartv,  John  J  385 
Morell,  j  F  336,  413 
Morell,  Mrs  J  F  414 
Morrill,  Henry  A  296 
Morrill,  Justin  S  515.   535, 

554, 566 
Morris,  Charles  557 
Morton,  Eleanor  185 
Morton,  Elijah  602 
Morton,  John  18, 26,  27,  50- 

54,  106,453,599,602,607, 

610 
Morton,  John  Jr  106 
Morton,  John  A  312 
Morton,  Joseph  18,  19,  27, 

107,  1 13,  602,  608 
Morton,  Lydia  27 
Morton,  Marcus  169 
Morton,  Rhoda  27 
Morton,  Richard  27 
Morton,  Ruth  27 
Morton,  Simeon  94,95,613 
Morton,  Thomas  20, 27,  63, 

79,  84,  113,  602,  607,  612 
Morse,  Anson  D   436,   529 
Morse,  Charles  E  449 
Morse,  Oscar  F  303,  366 
Morely,  Capt  7 
Mosman,  Silas  Jr  296,  297 
Mossman,  Abner  G  336 
Mt  Pleasant  Institute   271, 

272,  273 
Moyce,  P  J  250 
Mullen,  John  367,  473 
Mullett,  Charles  D  488,490, 

495,506,  521 
Munsell,  Charles  E  509,1521 
Munsell,  Miss  E  M  275 
Munson,  Parnell  413,  414, 

437,  586 
Murphy,  G  H  251 
Munson,   Norman    C   324, 

325 
Murphy,  Thomas    F    517, 

521 
Murray,  Hannah  36 
Murray,  William  18,55,62, 

599 
Murray,  William  Jr20.  599 

Nash,  Abigail  28 

Nash,  AbnerSi,  83,  85,602, 

612 
Nash,  Amos,  81,  602,  612 
Nash,  David  18,  26 
Nash,  E  84 

Nash,  Ebenezer  13,  15 
Nash,  Elijah  192,  578 
Nash,  Ephraim  13 
Nash,  Enos52,  94,613 


INDEX    OF    PART    I. 


(>33 


Nash,  Hannah  26,  36 

Nash,  Henry  C  192,  246, 
2477  -73.  4o8,  409 

Nash,  H  C  Jr  337 

Nash,  John  13,  26,  28,36, 
38-40,50-53,  58,63,66,82, 
87,  89,96,  107,  133,  182, 
183,  190,  5S6-589,  599, 602, 
608 

Nash,  John  Jr  17,  20,  26.  29, 

599 
Nash,  John  A  192,  273.  274, 

346 
Nash,  Jonathan  18,   19,  26, 

107,  599,  602 
Nash,  Jonathan  Jr  106 
Nash,   Joseph    13,   21,   81, 

602,  612 
Nash,  Levi  95,  612 
Nash,  Luther  216,  586 
Nash,  Oliver  437 
Nash,  Reuben  133,  610 
Nash,  Samuel  13,  15,    133, 

310,342,343,578,608 
Nash,  Timothy  26 
Nash,  Thomas  13 
Nash,  William  K  273 
Needham,  Daniel  560 
Neill,  H  H  406,  Addenda 
Neill,  William  145 
Nelson,  Edwin  368, 426.449 
Nelson,  Eliza  150 
Nelson,  Emilia  234 
Nelson,  Emilia  D  234 
Nelson,  Ephraim  R  234 
Nelson,  John  520 
Nelson,  Seth  586 
Nelson,  Stephen  S  234-236 
Nelson,  Sophia  150 
Nelson,  William  F  234 
Newell,  Caleb  W  448 
Newell,    George    W    4S0, 

490,  514,522 
Newell,  Henry  S  520 
Newman,  Mark  H  44S 
Newport.  Julia  395 
New  Salem,  25,    131,    1S6, 

187,  234,  235,  387,460 
Newton,  Elma  S  256 
Newton,  Henry  E  251 
Newton.  Joel  W  272 
Newton,  Roger  no 
Nichols,  H  M  243 
Nichols,  John  81,  613 
Nims,  Israel  192 
Nims,  Seth  190.    192.   333, 

337,  586 
Nipmucks  3,  6,  7 
Nolwotogg  1 
Nonotuck,  1,  3,  4 
Northampton,  3,  4,  5,  8-1 1, 

24-29.    34.   60,   73,  79,  82. 


90,   97-99,     101,     121-123, 

129,  134,  '39,  141,  142, 
158,  184,  193,  194,  196, 
235,236,250,284,307-311, 
313,  3 '4,  319,320,322-327, 

332,335,337,340,377-379, 
382,  386-388,  399,401-403, 

43°,   438,   440,   44i,  443, 
444,454,455,457-459-477, 
489,   493,   499,    525,    527, 
538,  540,  574,  579,  605 
Northampton  &   Amherst 

Street  Railway  Co  320 
Northfield,  7,  9,  11,  27,   40, 
61,  100,  no,  112,  134,310 
Northern  Army,  84,  85,  90, 

92,  98,  101 
Norton,  John  25 
Norwottuck,  1,  3,  68 
Noycoy  2 

Nutting,  Alonzo  377 
Nutting,  Ebenezer  295 
Nutting,  E  Porter  295 
Nutting,  Freeman   E   490, 

504,  522 
Nutting,  George  216,  221, 

374,  574,  585,  586,  608 
Nutting,  John  574 
Nutting,  Levi  337 
Nutting,  Mary  579 
Nutting,  Truman  586 

O'Donnell,  J  B  440 
O'Callahan,    Edward  511, 

522 
O'Callahan,  Jeremiah  511, 

522 
O'Connor,    Cornelius   48S, 

49°,  495,  496>  5°6,  522 
Olds,  Gamaliel  S  162,  178 
Olmstead,    Elizabeth    194, 

575 
Olmsted,  Frederick  L  410 
Olney,  Nathan  437 
Oliver,  Andrew  64 
Osgood,  C  M  293,  338,  473 
Osgood,  Samuel  109 
Osterhout,  J  V  23S 
O'Toole,  Patrick  F51 1,522 
Otis,  Asa  529 

Packard,  Dr  147 
Packard,  Henry  C  506,522 
Packardville,  258 
Padelford,  A  J  237,  238 
Paige,  Frank  E   336,   472. 

565,585 
Paige,  J  B  472,  565,  569 
Paige,  T  L  366 
Paine,  Daniel  334,  336 
Paine,  Elijah  149 
Paine,  Mary  385 


Paine,  Roswell  385 
Paine,  William  P   [49,  151 
Page,  Christopher  386 
Palmer.  Albert  R  198 
Palmer,  Dwight    W     198, 

24',   247,   331,   337,  402, 

417,419,  424,  433,  586 
Palmer,  Frederick  A    190, 

197,198,336,337,358,586 
Palmer,  I  b  305 
Palmer,  James  N  315 
Palmer,  Lucy  C  198,  579 
Palmer,  Sabra  D  198 
Panthorn,  Elizabeth  25 
Panthorn,  Philip  25 
Pantry,  Mary  25 
Pantry,  John  Jr  25 
Parents.  Charles  473 
Park,    E  A    175,    178,   179, 

528 
Parker,  Augustine  229 
Parker,  Deborah  183 
Parker,  Eli  21,  58,  80,  84, 

95,  96,  182,  183,  203,  471, 

585,   586,  602,   608,   610, 

612 
Parker,  Eli  Jr  133.  183,610 
Parker.  Elizabeth  183,  572 
Parker,  Francis  J  321 
Parker,  George  L  382 
Parker.  Hannah  183 
Parker,  Henry  W  554,  559 
Parker.  Levi  183 
Parker,  Mary  574 
Parker,  Samuel  183 
Parker,  S  P  246,  247,   249, 

255,522.523 
Parkhurst.  Charles  H  26S 
Parkhurst,  John  L  149,  150 
Parkinson,  W  D  269 
Parmenter,  C  O   307,   351, 

366,411,412,  585,  589 
Parmenter.  George  H  516, 

522 
Parmenter.  Jason  134 
Parsons,  Charles  B  436 
Parsons,  David  34 
Parsons.  Rev     David,    18, 

'9,    27.  28,    34-38,  40,43, 

58,  82,  86,  87.  96,  79,  99, 

100-102,     108.     109,    191, 

256,  381,  605,  608 
Parsons,  Dr  David,  99,  10S- 

113,  141,144-147,  155, 156, 

159,  160,  180, 198-200,  205. 

207.  373-  608,  610 
Parsons,  David  3d  358 
Parsons,  Eli  12S,  129,  132 
Parsons,  Eunice  28 
Parsons,  Harriet  200 
Parsons.    Gideon    28,     57, 

108,  381,  608, 610 


634 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Parsons,  John  D  379,   438, 

504,  522 
Parsons,  J  K  318 
Parsons,  Joseph  2,  34 
Parsons,  Leonard  28 
Parsons,  Mary  28 
Parsons,  Mary  A  577 
Parsons,  Salome  28 
Parsons,  Simeon  46 
Parsons,  Sophia  W  150 
Pascommuck  9 
Partridge,  George  C  149 
Partridge,  Harriet  273 
Partridge,  Oliver  4 
Partrigg,  Samuel  13,  15 
Partrigg,  Samuel  Jr  13 
Patterson,    Robert  E   149, 

151 
Paxon,  Howard  E  518.  522 
Payne,  John  216 
Payson,  Anne  C  273 
Payson,  Joseph  305 
Payson,  Joseph  R  377,  394 
Payson,  Thomas  E  533 
Peabody,  Selim  H  554,555 
Pease,  Lorin  H  470 
Pease,  Oliver  335,  336 
Peck,  Edwin  L  496 
Peck.  J  O  243.  336.  477 
Peck, Joseph  602 
Peck,  Joseph  K  610 
Peck,  Nathaniel  57,  58.  95, 

107,589,602,608,  610,612 
Peck,  Samuel  58 
Peck,  Simeon   58,   84,   93, 

106,  602,  608,  612 
Peck,  Simeon  Jr  S^:  612 
Peck,    Solomon    151,    170, 

235>  236 
Pel  ham,    10,    14.    15.  19-21, 

47,  49,  5°'  54,  56,  6°.  63, 
64,  79,  82,  98,  114,  124, 
126,  127,  129-131.  134-137, 
140,  141,  159.  171. 184, 189, 
198.  227,  242-244,  257. 
258,276,277.284,  296,298, 
306,  323,  376,  422,  424, 
425,  430,  453,  468,  47°- 
499,  545,  573-  575,  578. 
606,  615 

Penhallow,  David  P  557 

Percival,  Ansel  385 

Percival,  Erasmus  W  516, 

Perkins,  Harriet  150 
Perkins,  Justus  253 
Perkins,    Nathan    94,    95, 

1 13,  145,  602,  610,  612 
Perkins,    Nathan    Jr    113, 

115,    153,    196,    209,    210, 

215,    227,    228,    256.    373, 

612 


Perkins,  Thomas  G  150 
Perkins,  T  H  326 
Perletto,  Antonio  436 
Perrin,  Samuel  289,  448 
Perry,  U  W  C  296 
Perry,  H  B  470 
Perry,  John  18 
Persifield,  James  84 
Petersham,    131,    134,  238, 

321,575 
Peterson,  John  243 
Petowamachu,  1,  2 
Pettis,  David  80,  83,  86,  92, 

613 
Pettis,    Ebenezer   81,   602, 

613 

Pettis,  John  19,  21.  599,602 
Pettis,  Joseph   57,   58,   81, 

85,  125,612 
Phelps,  Charles  46,  277 
Phelps,  C  A  327 
Phelps,  George  W  316 
Phelps,  Lyman  D  490,  514, 

522 
Philip  6 

Phillips,  Grace  256 
Phillips,  Harriet  150 
Phillip,  S  A  441 
Pickering,  Josephine  E  439 
Pierce,  Amelia  M  251 
Pierce,  Chauncey  363 
Pierce,  Edwin  H  517,  522 
Pierce,  F  A  359,    362,  450 
Pierce,  E  S  450 
Pierce,  G  O  473 
Pierce,  J  A  364,  4S8 
Pierce,  James  520 
Pierce,  James  A   490,  516, 

522 
Pierce.  Josiah  41,  42.46,51 
Pike,  Jeremiah  84 
Pike,  John  242 
Pilcher,  E  F  244 
Pitkin,  Solomon   273,  328, 

33°-  449 
Pitman.  John  3S4 
Plumb,  Henry  C  490,   514, 

522 
Plumley,  Daniel  84 
Pocasset,  6 
Pocomtucks,  3 
Pomeroy,  Abigail  28 
Pomeroy,    David   28,    133, 

586, 610 
Pomeroy,  Dorcas  28 
Pomeroy,  Ebenezer  48,  S5. 

613 
Pomeroy.  Edward  P    439. 

586 
Pomeroy,  Elisha  63 
Pomeroy,  Eunice  28 
Pomeroy,  Harlan   476.  586 


Pomeroy,  Jerusha  28 
Pomeroy,  Lucy  28 
Pomeroy,  Mary  28 
Pomeroy,  Moses  28 
Pomeroy,  Samuel  28 
Pomeroy,  Simeon    20,   28, 

80,  81,  83,  101,    106,    133, 

182,    599,   602,   608.   6 ro, 

612 
Pomeroy,  Simeon  Jr  610 
Pomptucksett,  2 
Popham,  John  81 
Porter,  Alexander  18,  19 
Porter,  Mrs  C  M  385 
Porter,  Eleazer  32,  33,   50 

52,  127,  133,  320 
Porter,  Elihu  121  OC} 

Porter,  Elisha   85,   92,   93T 

95 
Porter,  Experience  13,  145 
Porter,  Hannah  13 
Porter,  Hezekiah  13,  15 
Porter,  Ichabod  13 
Porter,  John  13,  15 
Porter.  Samuel  273 
Porter,  Matthew   306,   444 
Porter,  Moses  52,  62 
Porter,  Samuel    11,    13-15, 

43° 
Potter,  E  S  242,  243 
Potwin,  Edwin  H  490,495, 

506,  522 
Potwin,  T  S  352 
Powers,  John  127 
Powers,  Josiah  25 
Powers,  Samuel  2S0,  312 
Powers,  Sarah  25 
Pownal,  Thomas  68 
Pratt,  C  M  529 
Pratt,  F  B  529,  531 
Pratt,  Giles  G  454 
Prentiss,  John  470 
Prescott,  134,  135,  257,  258, 

276,  453 
Presho,  Dwight  545 
Preston,  James  A  588,  490, 

495. 507,  522 
Preston,  John  13,  15 
Preston,    Simeon    E    488, 

490,  495,  504,  522 
Prince,  Daniel  95,  613 
Prince,  George  H  586 
Prince,  Henry  B  336,   504, 

522 
Prince,  Samuel  95,  96,  133, 

144 
Proctor,  Mary  273 
Prouty,    Edward   W    485, 

490,513,522 
Provincial  Congress  67,  78, 

79,99 
Prutt,  Caesar  59,63,80,612 


INDEX    OF    PART    I. 


635 


Purple,  Alice  A  395 
Purple,  Mrs  W  E  395 
Putnam,  Eli  58,  113 
Putnam,  George  L  480,490, 

500,  512,  522 
Putnam,  Jepthah  95,96,613 
Putnam,  Rufus  362,  363 
Putnam,  Warren  150 
Putney,  C  G  383 
Pynchon,   John    1-3,5,385 

Ouabbin,  54 
Ouaquachu,  2 
Quiggle,  Thomas,  64 
Ouonquont,  1-3 
Quunkwattchu,  5 

Rankin,  Cynthia  575 
Rawson,  G  W  470 
Rawson,  J  A  352 
Ray,  John  W  153 
Redding,  L  E  142 
Redding,  Merton  J  436 
Read,  H  L  269,  436 
Read,  S  T  436 
Read,  W  H  436 
Reed,  Daniel  84 
Reed,  Mary  A  194 
Reed.    Thomas    219,   254, 

334,  356,  465 
Reilley,  W  J  337 
Reynolds,  H  A  394 
Rhodes,  Benjamin  20,   21, 

64 
Rice.  Adam  79,  80,85,  113, 

602,  612 
Rice,  David  331 
Rice,  Jonathan  587 
Rice,  William  95,  349,  374. 

610,  612 
Rich,  Calvin  133 
Rich,  David  113 
Rich,  John  316 
Richards,  Joseph  515,  522 
Richards,    Samuel   W    Jr 

518,522 
Richardson,  Almira  575 
Richardson,  Henry  B  529 
Richardson,  M  L  220 
Richardson,  W  G  245 
Riley,  Charles  515,  522 
Risslev,  Esther  573 
River  Indians,  3 
Rockwood,  Harvey  382 
Robins,  Alva  391 
Robins.  Zebadiah  W  391 
Robbins,  Abigail  150 
Robbins,  Ephraim  133 
Robins,  Isaac  133,236,336. 

610 
Robins,  John  1 13 
Robbins,    Joseph    94,   95. 


113,  610,  612 
Robbins,  Samuel  465 
Roberts,  Albert  511,  522 
Roberts,   Charles  305,  465, 

587 
Roberts,  Ella  415 
Roberts,  Ephraim  2S7.  573, 

608 
Roberts,  Ephraim  Jr  465 
Roberts,  George  H  511,522 
Roberts,  James  W  516,522 
Roberts,  Joseph  573 
Roberts.  Manning  287,415 
Roberts,  Mrs  Manning  415 
Roberts,  Norman  490,  511, 

522 
Roberts.  Reuben  2S7,  573. 

585,  608 
Roberts,  Sally  M  576 
Roberts,  Susan  E  575 
Roberts,  W  265 
Roberts.    William    L    287, 

4i5 
Robinson,  A  J  300,  587 
Robinson,  D  A  251 
Robinson,  Ferdinand  337, 

465 
Robinson.  Mary  554 
Robinson,  William  H  333 
Rockwell,  Cornelia  194 
Rockwell,  J  328 
Rodgers,  S  L  243,  244 
Rogan,  D  H  220,  226,  477 
Rogers  Rangers,  63 
Rolf,  Benjamin  83,  612 
Rolf,  Daniel  80,  603,  613 
Rolf.  Enos  83.  92,  612 
Rolph,  Edward  M  511.522 
Rood,  Abigail  385 
Rood,  Benjamin  599 
Rood,  Ezra  44,  57.  79,  603. 

612 
Rood,  William  21 
Rooker,  William  13,  15 
Root,  Elihu  539 
Root,  Ezekiel  128 
Root,  Lemuel  94,  95,  612 
Root,  Luther  328,  329,  336 
Roper,  S  H  295,  296 
Roth.  Benjamin  603 
I  Roth,  Edward  133 
Roth,  Leonard  133 
Rowe,  Moses  58 
Rude,  Simeon  63 
Ruggles,  Edward  470 
Rush.  John  519.  522 
Russell.  Aaron  349 
Russell.  Charles  F  519 
Russell,  Daniel  Jr  225 
Russell.  Dwight   490,   507, 

522 
Russell.  Emerson  36S 


Russell,  John  Jr  5-7 
Russell,  Jonathan  13 
Russell.  R  C  362 
Russell,  R  Chauncey  450 
Russell,  Samuel  13,  15 
Rust,  Benoni  298.  391,574, 

587 
Rust,  Charles  3S4 
Rust,    Jacob   L  4S8,   490. 

495,  5°7-  522 
Rust.  Nelson  253.  306,  444. 

587 

Rust.  Oliver  574 
Ryan,  James  B  383 

Sabin,  Barnabas  106.  603 
Sabin,  Chandler  306 
Sabin.  E  T  433 
Sabin.  Herbert  413 
Salois,  Michael  507.  522 
Sage.  George  E  563 
Sambo,  Coon  398 
Sanders,  Benjamin  599 
Sanderson,  Fred  479.  480 
Sanderson,   James    K  488, 

490.  498.  509,  522 
Sandling,   John    489,   490, 

498,  509,  5^2 
Sacket,  Gad  127 
Samuel,  Thomas  133 
Sanderson,  George  W  337 
Sanderson.  J  E  251 
Sanford.  John  256 
Sanglere.  John  92,  613 
Saratoga,  90,  99.  136 
Sargent,  Charles  S  556 
Sargent.  G  W  357.  362,  393 
Sawtell,  Solomon  63 
Sewell,  D  SS 

Schatz.  Frederick  513.  522 
Scott.  Ephraim  244 
Scott,  John  58 
Scovil.  Ebenezer  17 
Schuyler.  Philip  90 
Scott,  George  W  480.  490, 

501,  514,  522 
Scott,  Israel  289.  610 
Scott,  Nelson  385.  451 
Scott,  Stephen  C  520 
Seabury,  Betsey  A  577 
Seabury,  J  B  23^ 
Sears,  Arthur  490.  507,  522 
Sears,  David  174.  176 
Sears,  E  B  379 
Sears,  Henry  B  488.   490, 

495,  507-  522 
Seelye,  Julius    H    231-233, 

258,390,407.417.421-424. 

452,   453,   466.   480.   487, 

523,  52S-531 
Seelye,  H  H  470 
Seelye,  L  Clark  526.  528 


636 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Seelye,  Sarah  M  577 
Selding,  John  13,  15 
Selding,  Thomas  13 
Selden,  Ebenezer  15 
Sellon,  William  F  451,  471 
Senter,  Oramel  S  337 
Shattuck,  E  B  322 
Shattuck,  G  W  517,  522 
Shays,   Daniel   79,   8a,  98, 

124-139,  132,  135-137,  374 
Shays    Rebellion,  79,   ri8- 

137,  139,143,  184,  185,381 
Shaw,  Charles  A  334 
Shay,  James  80,  613 
Shea,  Patrick  515,  522 
Shepard.    Charles   U    178, 

468 
Shepard,  Deborah  207 
Shepard,  Fanny  H  190 
Shepard,  George  175,  200 
Shepard,  Hannah  149 
Shepard,  Olive  3,  188 
Shepard,  William  124,  125, 

127-129 
Shepardson,  W  M  255 
Sheperd,  Thomas  256 
Shepherd,  George  C  248 
Sheppard,  Luther  D  246 
Sherman,  C  R  245 
Shoals.  John  480,  488,  490, 

504,  522 
Shumway,  Abijah  388 
Shumway,  Amasa  84 
Shumway,  Dan  388 
Shumway,  E  G  449 
Shumway,  Henrietta  F  154 
Shumway,  Loren  388 
Shumway,  Stephen  84 
Shutesbury,  17,  23,   81,  82, 

87,97-99,    127,    135,    143, 

185,   234,    236,   276,   306, 

386,   387,   468,   499,   572, 

574,  582 
Simmons,  "  Parson  "  388 
Simonds,  J    Franklin   504, 

522 
Simonds.  S  367 
Sisson,  Tabor  T  383 
Skeele,  J  P  202 
Skinner,  J  L  333.   344,  345, 

364,   456,   490,   493,   495, 

496, 503,  522,  523 
Skinner,    Linneus    C   490, 

494,  5°4-  522 
Skinner,    Lyman    W   490, 

507,  522 
Slate,  George  E  507,  522 
Slate,  Jonathan  S  360,362, 

377,  388 
Slater,  John  249 
Slauter,  George  T  395 
Slattery,  John  449 


Sloan,  F  W  365 

Sloan,  George  W  490,  504, 

522 
Sloan,  T  W  251,   252,  364, 

487,  493,  496,  503,  522 
Slocumb,  Robert  513,  522 
Smith,  Aaron  17,  23,  24,39, 

61,  62,  64.  84,  85,589,608, 

613 
Smith,  Aaron  Jr  63 
Smith,  Abigail  23,    24,   26, 

28,  36,  572 
Smith,  Achsah  24,  150,  184 
Smith,  Alexander  20,  24,57, 

63,  106,  133,182,  1S3.  587, 

589,  599,  603,  608 
Smith,  Amasa   23,   84,613 
Smith,  Andrew  24 
Smith,  Asa  24,  610 
Smith,  Austin  401,  402 
Smith,  Azubah  23 
Smith,  B  E  254,  357 
Smith,    Benjamin    24,    50, 

349,  610 
Smith,    Benjamin    F    336, 

470,  579,  585 
Smith,  Bridget  27 
Smith,  Caleb  84,  613 
Smith,  Catharine  23 
Smith,  Charles  K  355 
Smith,  Charles49i,  518.522 
Smith,  Charles  C  511,  522 
Smith,  Charles  S  285,  382, 

471,  473,580,  5S5,  587 
Smith,  Charles  V  485,  488, 

490,  515,522 
Smith,  .Mrs  C  S  472 
Smith,  Chester  587,  610 
Smith,  Chileab    13,   22-24, 

45,  49,   58,  80,    184,   574, 

603,608,  612 
Smith,  Chileab  Jr  610 
Smith.  Cotton  360, 387,  447, 

574,  587 
Smith,  Daniel    18,   23,   24, 

59,  66,  84,   143 
Smith,    David    18,    19,  23, 

24.  36,  47,  52,  62,  63,  106, 

133'  587,599,6o3, 608, 610 
Smith,  David  Jr  610 
Smith,  Dorothy  23,  100 
Smith,  E  W472 
Smith,  Ebenezer  13 
Smith,  Edward  20,  24,   43, 

599,  603 
Smith,  Eleazer  9,  19,  24.  40, 

61,  133,  587,  608,  610 
Smith,  Electa  24 
Smith,  Elias  24,  47,  80,  81, 

93,  133.  612 
Smith,    Elijah   58,   62,   64, 

133-  587-610 


Smith,  Elisha  24,   58,    182, 

184,    216,   217,   585,   587, 

589,  603,  608,  610 
Smith,  Elisha  Jr  349,  589 
Smith.  Elizabeth  23,26,  36 
Smith,  Ephraim  75 
Smith,  Erastus  T  312 
Smith,  Esther  25 
Smith,  Ethan  24,  133,   610 
Smith,  Francis  B  517.  522 
Smith,  Friend  470,  610 
Smith,  H  B  217,  220,  437 
Smith,  Hamilton  150 
Smith,  Hannah  23,  24,   36, 

198 
Smith.  Hewitt  24 
Smith,  Hiram  312 
Smith,    Horace    337,    573, 

608 
Smith,  Hoyt  610 
Smith,  Ichabod  13,    15,  23 
Smith,  lthamar  24.385,610 
Smith,  J  E  322 
Smith,  J  P  428 
Smith,  J  T  237 
Smith,  J  H  324 
Smith,  James  13 
Smith,  Jemima  23 
Smith,  Jerusha  24,  184,572 
Smith,  Joel  23 
Smith,  John  24,  25,  45,  244, 

610 
Smith,  John,  orphan  13 
Smithjohn,  son  of  Chileab 

13 
Smith,  John,  tailor  13 
Smith,  John  C  292 
Smith,  John  W  362 
Smith,  Jonathan  18,  19,23, 

24,  26,  28,  36,  40,   50,  53, 

61,   62,   64,   73,   106,  572, 

587,  599, 603,  60S,  610 
Smith,  Jonathan  Jr  20,  24, 

599,  610 
Smith,  Joseph   13,    24,   50, 

77,  280 
Smith,  Josiah  24,  133 
Smith,  Justin  24 
Smith,  Levi  24.  80,  84.   85, 

95,612 
Smith,  Lucina  24 
Smith,  Lucretia  1S4 
Smith,  Lucy  23,  24 
Smith,  Lydia  24 
Smith,  Luke  13,  24,  32 
Smith,  Lyman  384,  414 
Smith,  Margaret  26 
Smith,  Martha  29 
Smith,  Martin    19,    21,    23, 

24,   79,   81.   97,   106,  216. 

599,  603,  608,  612 
Smith,  Mary  23.  24.  573 


INDEX    OF    PART    I. 


637 


Smith,  Mehitable  36,  59 
Smith,  Mercy  27 
Smith,  Minnie  395 
Smith,    Moses    18,  23,   54, 

57.  75,  599,  603,  608,  610 
Smith,  Nathan  94,  189,613 
Smith,  Nathaniel  17,  24,30, 

33.  36,  58,  60,  75,  76,  100, 
106,  145,328-330,587,588. 
599,  608 

Smith,  Nathaniel  Alexan- 
der 24,  106,  610 

Smith,  N  Austin  331 

Smith.  Noah  19,  24,  38,  47, 
80,  107,  133,  572,587,603, 
608,  610,  612 

Smith,  Noah  Jr  225.  610 

Smith,  Noadiah  23,  133, 
603 

Smith,  Norman  454 

Smith,  Oliver  23,  85,   400, 

538 
Smith,  O  W  414 
Smith,  P  W  414 
Smith,  Paul  84 
Smith,  Peletiah  18,  23,  24, 

33.  36,40,  50,61,  113,589, 

599,  603, 608 
Smith,  Peletiah  Jr  20,  24 
Smith,  Peter  18,  19,  23,  24, 

58,  73,  184,  587,  599,  603, 
608 

Smith,  Philip  23,  24 
Smith,  Phinehas  18,  23.  24 
Smith,  Polly  24,  184 
Smith,  Preserved  13 
Smith,  Rachel  24 
Smith,  Rebecca  23,  24,  28 
Smith,  Reuben  24,  79,   84, 

85,  610,  612 
Smith,  Rhoda  24 
Smith,  Roxana  24 
Smith,  Sally  185 
Smith,  Samuel  15,   26,   28, 

133-    198,   352,   374,   580, 

610 
Smith,  Samuel  Sr  13 
Smith,  Samuel  Jr  52 
Smith,  Samuel,  Dea  13 
Smith, Samuel, son  of  Chil- 

eab  13.  23.  24 
Smith,  Sarah  24,  150 
Smith,  Sarah  2d  150 
Smith,  Seth    24,  349.    374, 

610 
Smith,  Silas  573 
Smith,  Simeon  20,    23,    24, 

63,   75,   79,   89,   133,  579, 

587,  603,  608,  612 
Smith,  Solomon  24 
Smith,  Stephen  17,21,    23, 

24.  36,  58.  79,  81,  86,  385, 


587,  603,  608,  610,  612 
Smith,  Sibyl  574 
Smith,  Sylvanus  24 
Smith,  Submit  574 
Smith,  Thaddeus  319 
Smith,  Thankful  22 
Smith.  Thomas  610 
Smith,  Timothy  24,81,  133, 

391,   442,   444,   465,   603, 

608, 610,  612 
Smith,  Timothy  2d  81,613 
Smith,  Titus  23 
Smith,  Trvphena  24 
Smith,  William  A  385 
Smith,  W  B  324 
Smith,  William  E  587 
Smith,  William  H  288,291, 

385 
Smith,  William  J  488,  490, 

498,  509,  522 
Smith,  William  P  330,331, 

387 
Smith,  W  H  367,  441 
Smith.   William    W     337, 

362,   409,   439,   441,   457, 

458, 487 
Smith,  Wright  24 
Snell,  Ebenezer  S  149,  165, 

170,    178,    179,   232,   275, 

311,   324,   342,   456,   457, 

528,530,551 
Snell,  Mary  L  456 
Snell,  Sabra  C  456 
Snelling,  Samuel  247 
Snow,  H  379 
Snow,  Jabez  63 
Snow,  Ralph  610 
Solomon,  Joseph  J  518,522 
Sophocles.Evangelinus  149 
South  Hadley,  10,    18,   25, 
33,4i,  45,  47,  54,   60, -6i, 
65,   74.   7S,   82,   101,  124, 
129,    139,    147,   257,   280, 
284.  308,310-312,320,343, 

453,  468,  469,  573 
Southworth, Constance  320 
Southworth,    Edward   305 
Southworth,  Wells  159 
Southworth,  William  S  537 
Sparhawk,  Nathan  93 
Spaulding,  A  P  383 
Spaulding,  Charles  B  480, 

488,  490,  495,  507,  522 
Spaulding,  Philip    D    283, 

285,427,  472 
Spear,  Mrs  A  J  472 
Spear,  Asa  A  499,  509,  522 
Spear,  E  312 
Spear,  E  M  472,  473 
Spear,  G  P  414,   485,  490, 

500,  511,  522 
Spear.  James  W  488,   490, 


495,  507,  522 

Spear,  Lewis  J  367 

Spear,  M  N  246,  336,  349, 
364,  408,  409,  449 

Spear,  Mary  578 

Spellman,  Timothy  488. 
490,  499,  509,  522 

Spencer,  Adelaide  581 

Spencer,  C  M  295,  296 

Spencer,  John  H  298 

Spicer,  Jabez  128 

Spofford,  Daniel  327 

Sprague,  David  248 

Sprout,  Josiah  384 

Sprout.  Nathan  101 

Springfield,  1-3,5,  8,  10,  n, 
26,  27,  52,  60,  90,  95,  100, 
109-112,  121,  124-129,  136, 
138,    185,    248,   250,   296, 

298,  305,  3°7-3ll^3H,3l6 

324,    343,    346,   347,    386, 

387,   398,    422,    476,   479, 

493,   495-497,     5°o,     5°«- 

538,  540,  555 
Squier,  A  L  245 
Squier,  Daniel  95,  613 
Squier,  Thomas  95,  613 
Squires,  Emorv  454 
St  Clair,  John  83,613 
Stack,  Patrick  438 
Stankoff,  Nicholas  517,522 
Stanley,  Edward  A  587,610 
Stanley,    Edward    H    490. 

512,  522 
Starbuck, J  H  368 
Stearns,  Frazar  A  479,490. 

501,514,  522,527 
Stearns,  John  507,  522 
Stearns,    William    A    154, 

231,   233,   476,   477,   479, 

481,   487,   524,   525,   526, 

528,  530,  539 
Stearns,    William    F    232, 

481,  482,  525 
Stearns,  Mrs  W  F  275 
Stebbins,  W  E  368 
Steele,  Elisha  84 
Stetson,  Gideon    101,   336, 

572,  586,610 
Stetson,  Jacob  391,  444 
Stetson,  Jacob  Jr  465 
Stetson,  William  B  150 
Stevens,  Charles  A  320, 452 
Stickney,  C  R  307 
Stickney,  John  206 
Stiles,  President  7 
Stillman,  George  13,  15 
Stockbridge,  Anna  472 
Stockbridge,     David    106, 

470,  471.  603 
Stockbridge,     Horace    E 

562,  563 


638 


HISTORY    OK    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Stockbridge,  Jason  313 
Stockbridge,  Levi  281,283, 
320,323,336,352,433,456, 

472,539,546,555-557.559, 

560,  585,  587,  589 
Stockbridge,  Mrs  Levi  472 
Stockbridge,  Sylvester   L 

487 
Stocking,  George  388 
Stockwell,  George  S  237 
Stockwell,  Timothy  84 
Stone,  Elizabeth  273 
Stone,  F  L  285,  429,  587 
Stone,  Francis  130 
Stone,  J  M  321-323 
Stone,  Samuel  4 
Stone,  Mrs  V  G  529 
Storrs,  C  L   345,   416,  504, 

522,523 
Storrs,  E  W  449 
Storrs,  Samuel  J    268,  499, 

509,  522 
Stoughton,  Amy  23 
Stoughton.  Dorothy  23,572 
Stoughton,  Eunice  23 
Stoughton,  John  23 
Stowell,  J  Jr  470 
Stowell,  Warren  M  522 
Stratton,  C  449 
Stratton,  RW  246,  247,410 
Street,  Whiting  403 
Strickland,  Catharine  578 
Strickland.  E  F  365 
Strickland,  Hannah  185 
Strickland,  Sibyl  574 
Strickland,  William  P  335 
Strong,  Caleb  134, 142,  143, 

370-373 
Strong,  Charles  L  150 
Strong,  Elijah  U  150 
Strong,  Frances  150 
Strong,  Hezekiah  60 
Strong,  H  Wright  140,  141, 
144,    145,    147,    150,    159, 
164,    181,    1S2,    185,    186, 
192,   253,   277,   332,   336, 
386,   448,    608 
Strong,  John  60,  277,  336 
Strong,  Martha  438 
Strong,  Mary  27,  158 
Strong,  Nathaniel  24,  28 
Strong,  Nehemiah    18,  19, 

27,  60,  75,  599,  608 
Strong,  Rachel  24 
Strong,  Rebecca  2S 
Strong,  Samuel  27 
Strong,  S  E  470 
Strong,  Sarah  S  147-150 
Strong,  Simeon    19,  20,  27, 
31,60,  75,  76,  82,   87,  89, 
96,  101,  102, 106,  108,  134, 
i38,   '39,    Hi,    142,    144, 


164,    186,    187,   203,   277, 

335,   336,   453,   5S5,   587- 

589,  608,  610 
Strong,  Simeon  Jr  141,  335 
Strong,  Simeon  E  150 
Strong,   Solomon   60,   144, 

335 
Strong,  Wright  150 
Sturtevant,  James  603 
Suchaw  2 

Sugland,  Lorenzo  518,  522 
Sunderland,  17,  18,  22,  23, 

27-29,  32,  33,  44,  46,  47, 
55,  61,  67,  82,87,110,  114, 
185,  194,  196,  236,  280, 
284,   309,   312,   313,  315, 

328,33i,375,430-432,438, 
468,  470,  499,  575,  579 
Sunmukquomuck  2 
Swan,  Josiah  9 
Swanger,  Melvina  581 
Sweetser  Charles  H  284 
Sweetser,  J    Howard   426, 

43°, 454 

Sweetser,  Joseph  A  192, 
328,  329,  448 

Sweetser,   Luke  140,  190, 

192,   205,   263,  273,  279, 

280,    291,   309,  310,  312, 

314,   315,   329,  330,  336, 

340,  342,  350,  448,  525> 
538,  5«5,  587 

Taft,  Ethan  A  490,  509,522 
Tappan,  John  231,  525 
Taylor,  Alexander  516,522 
Taylor,  Ebenezer  603 
Taylor,  Israel  H  364,   470, 

578 
l  aylor,  James  145,  151,  172 
Taylor,  Joseph  K  488,  490, 

498,  508,  522 
Taylor,  Samuel  S4 
Taumann,  John  513,  522 
Taylor,  John  Sr  13,   15,  46 
Taylor,  John  Jr  13,  15 
Temple.  Daniel  Jr  153 
Thayer,  Amy  M  579 
Thayer,  Asahel    140.    253, 

298,  299,  336,448,587,608 
Thayer,  Benoni  301 
Thayer,  Charles  438 
Thayer,  Dwight  450 
Thayer,  E  G  251,  380 
Thayer,  Enoch  84,  613 
Thayer,  Fiske  A  400 
Thayer,  George  E  140,  298, 

366,  4i3 
Thayer,  John  47,  349 
Thayer,  Jonathan  101,  450 
Thayer,  Joseph  448 
Thayer,   Josiah   480,    490, 


512,  522,  608,  610 
Thayer,  Lyman  R  507,522 
Thayer,  Martin  151,  272 
Thayer,  Nancy  572 
Thayer,  Reuben  47 
Thayer,  Samuel  M  509,522 
Thayer,  William  280 
Thompson,  E  A  293 
Thompson,  John  84 
Temple,  Isaac  63 
Thomas,    Edward   A  335, 

336,  352,  364,  366,   589 
Thomas,  Eliab  1 14,  253,610 
Thomas,  G  A  368 
Thomas,  Lydia  24 
Thomas,  Rowland  2 
Thompson,   Artemas     263 
Thompson,  Charles  H  518 

522 
1  hompson,  Christopher 

518,522 
Thompson,  Henry  490,518, 

Thompson,  James  516,  522 
Thompson,  John  490,   518, 

C22 
Thompson,    Samuel     101, 

133 
Thompson,  William   149 
Thornton,  William  P  444 
Ticonderoga,  63,  64,  83,84, 

98,  100,  183 
Tidd,  Hollis  237 
Tilden,  Elisha  358 
Tilley,  W  J  247,  248 
Tillson,  David  H  337 
Tilton,  Peter  13 
Titus,  W  N  327 
Todd,  David  244 
Todd,  David  P  529 
Todd,  Mabel  Loomis   467, 

472 
Torry,  David  202 
Totten,  C  A  L  556,  557 
Tower,  Frank  E  238 
Town,  David  84 
Towne,  W  G  365,  380,  472 
Towne,  William  84 
Towne,  William  2d  84 
Towenucksett  Brook,  1,    2 
Train,  Eva  441 
Treat,  Major  7 
Treat,  Selah  R  201 
Tripp,  B  H  320,  322 
Trowbridge,  David  57,  125 
Trumbull,  J  R  343 
Trumbull,  James  603 
Tuckerman,  Edward   249, 

468, 526 
Tuckerman,   Mrs  Edward 

58,  327 
Tufts,  George  H    507,  522 


INDEX    OF    PARI'    I. 


639 


Turner,  Charles   457.   518, 

522 
Turner,  Charles  F  488,490, 

498,  508,  522 
Turner,  Elizabeth  O  579 
Turner,  R  248 
Turner,  Rodolphus  361 
Turner,  William  100 
Turzo,  Leonard  440 
Turzo,  Pasquale  440 
Tuttle,  John  E  232,  274 
Tuttle,  Mrs  J  E  472 
Tuttle,  Nathan  385,  610 
Tuxbury,  Franklin  258 
Tyler,  John  M  354,  529 
Tyler,  Mason  W  488,  489, 

49°,  497,  498,  5°8,  5— 
Tyler,  Nathan  93 
Tyler,  William  S  141,  147, 

149,  '54-156,  163,  174,179, 
186,  233,  253,  256,  352, 
393,  466,  477,  480,  527-529 

Ufford,  H  355 
Ufford,  Andrew  J  518,  522 
Ufford,  H  L  472,  587 
Umpanchella,  1,  2,  3 
Underhill,  John  W  226 

Vaill,  Joseph  154.  174,  480 
Vinton,    Medad   397,   488 

490,  492,  496,  5°4,  522 
Vose,  J  G  330,  487,  526 
Vose,  Solomon  470 

Wadsworth,  Hiram  322 
Wait,  Abigail  23 
Wait,  Daniel  244 
Wait,  Seth  58 
Wait,  William  23 
Waite,  Jerusha  29 
Waite,  John  29 
Waite,  Luther  384 
Waite,  Richard  80,  603,612 
Waite,  William  84 
Wakefield,  Charles  E  585 
Wakefield,     Salmon     285, 

427,  429,  440,  587 
Waldo,  Milton  374,428 
Wales,  Jemima  23         . 
Wales,  Seth  57 
Walker,  C  S  220,  221,  254, 

413, 563,  570 
Walker,  F,meline  467 
Walker,  George  H  379 
Walker,  Ida  May  436 
Walker,  Simeon  63 
Walker,  W  J  524,  525,  526 
Walton,  Thomas  138 
Wampanoags,  6,  7 
Waranokes,  3 
Ward,  Artemas  107 


Ward,  Georgianna  582 
Ward, Horace  246,  247,  331, 

363,  402,  585 
Ward,  Isaac  46,  63,  64,  66. 

67,  599 
Ward,  John  S  312 
Ward,  N  ah  urn  51 
Ward,  Samuel  D   335,  386 
Ware,  Samuel  336 
Warner,  Aaron  18,  19,   21, 

27,  3°,  38,   59,    Io6,   278, 

599,  603,  608 
Warner,  Aaron  Jr  21 
Warner,  Aaron  E  336 
Warner,  Abigail  27 
Warner,  Andrew  5,  27 
Warner,  Anna  27 
Warner,  Clarence    D  562, 

565,  569 
Warner,  Daniel  13,  15 
Warner,  David  27,  610 
Warner,  D  S  377 
Warner,  Miss  E  264 
Warner,  Eleazar  13,15,84, 

613 
Warner,  Elihu  94,  613 
Warner,  Elisha  27,  95,  180, 

610,  612 
Warner,  Esther  27 
Warner,  Eunice  184 
Warner,  George  585 
Warner,  Hannah  27,  603 
Warner,  Isaac  13,  15 
Warner,  Jacob  13,    15,    19, 

27,  59,  80,   85,    113,  599. 

603,  60S,  612 
Warner,  Jacob  Jr  113,  133, 

603 
Warner,  Jonathan   27,    84, 

133,  186,  610,  612 
Warner,  Jonathan    C   221, 

349,  39 J 
Warner,  Josiah  85,  86,  207, 

587,  603,  608,  610,  612 
Warner,  Josiah  Jr  587 
Warner,  Lucy  27 
Warner,  Maribee  27 
Warner,  Mary  27,  603 
Warner,  Moses  18,    19,  27, 

42,  43,  55,  56,  63>  74,   106, 

182,  183,  599,  603,  608 
Warner,  Nathaniel  13,  15 
Warner,  Noadiah  27,603 
Warner,  Rebecca  24 
Warner,  Reuben  27,95,133, 

612 
Warner,  Ruth  27 
Warner,  Samuel  610 
Warner,  Sarah  27,  186 
Warner,  Sewal  84,  613 
Warner,  Stephen  52 
Warner,  Thankful  23 


Warner,  Wareham  27 
Warner,  Widow  13 
Warren,  Ely  533 
Warren,  George  W  312 
Washburn,  Royal  151,200, 

256 
Washburn,  William  B  545 
Waters,  Charles  518,  522 
Waters,  George  237 
Watson,  Caleb  6 
Watson,    David    196,    303. 

610 
Watson,  James  332 
Watson,  Joseph   332,   470, 

610 
Watson,  Mary  573 
Watson,   Oliver  190,   196, 

213,   299,  303,  304,   362, 

411,585,587 
Webber,  George  N  154 
Webster,  Ariel  128 
Webster,  Daniel  157 
Webster,  Gov  4 
Webster,  Edward    E   336, 

589 
Webster,  Eliza  S  150 
Webster,    Noah    141,    142, 
145,    147,    148,    160,    162, 
185,   207,   253,   336,   347, 
367,  383,  466,  585,  589 
Webster,  William  G  150 
Weeks,  Edward  C  393 
Weeks,  Henry  145 
Weeks,  Polly  150 
Weeks,  Stephen  150,  384 
Welch,  F^arrell  514,  522 
Welch,  Redmond  517,  522 
Wellington,  Charles  563 
Well  man,  Mrs  A  255 
Wells,  Ebenezer  13 
Wells,  Cornelius  470 
Wells,  Eunice  28,  34 
Wells,  Gideon  28,  34 
Wells,  John  17,  33 
Wells,  Joseph  17 
West,  Christopher  27 
Westcott,  J  T  330,  336 
Westcott,  R  J  D  331 
Westcott,  Stephen  R  512, 

522 
West,  George  L  316 
West,  Henry  C  285 
West,  Parsons  309,  310 
West,  Sarah  27 
Wetherell,  Leander  562 
Wethersfield,    Conn  4,   5, 

10,  22,  28,  34 
Whalley,  Edward  7 
Whately,  17,  196,  401,  577 
Wheeler,  Adam  130,  132 
Wheeler,  Capt6 
Wheeler,  H  E  473 


640 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OP"    AMHERST,     MASS. 


Wheeler,  George  513,  522 
Wheeler,  William  557,  560 
Wheelock,  Dana  290 
Wheelock,  James   HJ511, 

522 
Wheelock,  John  P  W  490, 

511,522 
Wheelock,  Mary  457 
Wheelock,  R   T   349,  587, 

588 
Wheelock,  Wealthy  457 
Whipple,  Edward  150 
Whipple,  William  W    153 
Whitcomb,  J  M  290 
White,  Anna  B  154 
White,  Cornelius  520 
White,  George  150 
White,  Hannah  273 
White,  Harvey  366, 472, 523 
White,  James  134,  310,  311 
White,  Jarib  159,  336,  610 
White,  Jay  140,  332,  588 
White,  John  485,  490,  500 

511,  522,  579 
White,   John    C   246,   247, 

327,425,427,  451,  473 
White,  Joseph  545,  552 
White,  Mary  A  273 
White,  Nathaniel  13,15,615 
White,  Orra  149 
White,  Pliny  H  344,  579 
White,  Mrs  P  H  395 
White,  Samuel  488,490,519 
White,  Samuel  N  154,  273 
White,  Sarah  197 
White,  S  V  265 
White  William  H  490,501, 

514,522 
Whitefield,  George  40 
Whiting,  Dorothy  185 
Whiting,  Enoch  304 
Whiting,  Hannah  150 
Whiting,  Henry  L  545 
Whitman,  F  E  473 
Whitney,  Joshua  84 
Whitney,  SW  331,  383,384, 

487 
Whiton,  John  256 
Wilbur,  Mrs  C  S  415 
Wilde,  Silent  386 
Wilder,    Marshall   P    280, 

533,537,549,550,555,564 
Wilder,  Robert  H  243 
Wiley,  Catherine  D  575 
Wiley.  John  81,  288,  312 
Willard,  Joseph  115,  470 
Williams,  Abijah  113 
Williams,  Ambrose  79,  80, 

612 
Williams,  Arthur  2 
Williams,    Byron     H    333, 

337,426,431,472,518,  522 


Williams,  Charles  H  109 
Williams,  C  H  S  226 
Williams,  Chester  358,370- 

374,  587,  610 
Williams  College,   60,  156- 
158,  162-164,  168,  178,  182, 
188,    190,   225,   226,   536, 

538,  545,  546,  561 
Williams,  Ebenezer  18,  55, 

113,   374,   573,  580,   585, 

587,  599,  603 
Williams,   E   D   330,    452, 

580, 585, 587 
Williams,  Mrs  E  J  223 
Williams,  Elijah  610 
Williams,     Frederick     150 

188 
Williams,  Israel  62,63,  l5^ 
Williams,   John  9,  21,  603, 

610 
Williams,  John  E  327,  345, 

346 
Williams,  Jonathan  186 
Williams.   Joseph  96,   113, 

587,  589,  603,  608 
Williams,  Justus  20,  21,  63, 

85,  1 13,  144, 185, 186,471, 

573,   587,   599,   603,   608, 

610,612 
Williams,    Justus    Jr    145. 

349,358,6io 
Williams,  L  A  457 
Williams,  Mary  A  186 
Williams,  Mary  Ann  150 
Williams,  Onam  186 
Williams,  Oren  186 
Williams,  Ralph  308 
Williams,  Mrs  R  G  275 
Williams,  T  W316 
Williams,  Thomas  85,  613 
Williams,  William  13,  62 
Williams,  W  F  304,  370 
Williams,  Zebadiah63,  186 
Williams,  Solomon  H  480, 

490,  507,  522 
Williamson,  Charles  385 
Williamson,    George    385, 

610 
Williamson,  John  437 
Williamson,   William  518, 

522 
Willis,  John  365 
Williston,  Samuel  176 
Williston,  Samuel    L   525, 

528 
Wilson,  Charles  E  472 
Wilson,    Robert   461,  463, 

490,511,  522 
Windsor,  Conn  1.4,  5,  23, 

24,  572,  574, 575 
Winkley,  Henry  529 


Winslow,  E  C  275 
Winslow,  Ezra  470,  610 
Winter,  Jonas  H  337 
Witherell,  David  519,   522 
WTitt,  Benjamin  280 
Wolf  pit  Brook,  31 
Wood,  Frank  519.522 
Wood,  Frank  P  383,  426 
Wood,  J  B  383 
Wood,  Seth  133 
Wood,  Mary  C  582 
Woodbrady,  Enos  84 
Woodbridge,  Joshua  93 
Woodbridge,  John  145,150, 

216,  228 
Woodbridge,  Rebecca   M 

i54 
Woodbury,  John  92,  613 
Woodbridge,  Ruggles  80, 

83,  85,  93,  124,  129 
Woods,  Abel  "8 1 
Woods,  Firmin  83,  612 
Woods.  Henry  326 
Woods,  J  B  280 
Woodworth,  C  L  154,  210, 

212,  266,  478,   480,    487, 

493,  494,  496,  5°3>  522 
Worcester,  56, 1 19, 123.  126, 

127,   140,    175,    226,  302, 

3°7,   3l6,  387,   476,  478, 

497,  5QI 
Worcester,  Samuel  M  152, 

167.    170,    178,    179,    253, 

34i 

Workman,  John  83,  613 
Worthington,  Col 60 
Worthington,  David  84 
Worthington,  Harvey   448 
Wright,  Aaron  97 
Wright,  Benoni  23 
Wright,  Carmi  94,  613 
Wright  Charles  18,  19,   61, 

63,  599 
Wright,  Hannah  23 
Wright,  John  H  152 
Wright,  Noah  388 
Wright,  Samuel  2 
Wright,  Silas  Sr  191 
Wright,  Silas  46,  94,    190, 

191,  612 
Wright,  Sylvanus    M    334, 

39i 
Wunnaquicksett,  2 

Yale,  Elijah  349,610 
Yale,  Mrs  Lucius  438 
Yale,  Nathaniel  83,  92,603, 

612 
Yerrington,  James  B  341 
Young,  J  J  368,  387 
Young,  Joseph  86,  93,  613 


ADDENDA. 


While  the  attempt  has  been  made  to  include  in  this  volume  all  mat- 
ters of  interest  pertaining  to  the  town's  history  there  have  doubtless  been 
omissions.  The  publishers  regret  that  the  following  matter  did  not  find  a 
place  in  the  general  text. 

To  the  history  of  the  Universalist  church  on  page  252,  should  be 
added  that  Rev.  J.  C.  Dickerson  was  installed  as  pastor  of  the  church  Oct. 
7,  1896. 

On  page  275,  mention  should  have  been  made  of  the  long-established 
and  very  successful  school  for  children  conducted  by  the  Misses  Howland 
at  their  home  on  North  Prospect  street. 

Among  the  members  of  the  Amherst  College  faculty  during  the 
administration  of  President  Stearns  and  his  successors  mention  should 
have  been  made  of  Prof.  H.  H.  Neill,  whose  work  has  added  greatly  to 
the  efficiency  of  the  department  of  rhetoric,  oratory  and  English  literature. 

In  February,  1877,  the  Amherst  Cooperative  association  received  a 
charter  from  the  state,  and  in  March  of  that  year  opened  what  has  since 
been  known  as  the  Grange  store.  The  business,  which  was  a  success 
from  the  beginning,  was  bought  out  in  1889  by  W.  G.  Towne  and  Mason 
A.  Dickinson. 

To  the  chapter  on  railroads  should  be  added  a  few  words  concerning 
the  Amherst  &  Sunderland  street  railway  company.  In  the  fall  of  1895 
the  project  of  building  an  electric  street  railway  between  Amherst  and 
Sunderland,  was  agitated;  subscription  papers  were  circulated  and  nearly 
$30,000  was  subscribed  in  Amherst  and  Sunderland  to  stock  of  the  road. 
A  charter  was  obtained  in  the  spring  of  1896.  The  company  was  organized 
under  its  charter  but  owing  to  a  defect  in  the  original  subscription  paper 
it  was  found  impossible  to  collect  the  amounts  subscribed.  A  new  organ- 
ization has  since  been  formed  under  the  charter. 

In  1836,  Knowles  &  Thayer,  the  carriage-makers,  built  at  their  fac- 
tory in  East  Amherst  a  handsome  landeau,  using  in  its  woodwork  discarded 
timbers  from  the  famous  frigate  "  Constitution."  This  landeau  was  pre- 
sented to  President  Andrew  Jackson,  and  he  rode  in  it  to  Nashville  with 
James  K.  Polk  when  the  latter  was  a  candidate  for  the  presidency. 

The  Mary  Mattoon  chapter  of  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revolu- 
tion was  instituted  in  1894. 


ERRATA. 


Several  minor  errors  have  been  discovered  since  these  pages  were 
printed.     Attention  is  called  to  the  following : 

Page  19,  line  10 — For  "  Elihu ''  read  Elisha. 

Page  100,  line  36 — For  "  1776  "  read  1796. 

Page  118,  3d  line  in  chapter  heading — For  "Contentions"  read 
Conventions. 

Page  143 — For  further  matter  concerning  the  War  of  1S12  see  chap- 
ter on  Militia. 

Page  171,  line  31 — For  "  1859"  reac^  185 7. 

Page  184,  line  10 — For  "Jemina"  read  Jemima. 

Page  185,  line  33 — For  "  Daniel  "  read  David. 

Page  250 — For  Rev.  P.  "V."  Moyce  read  P.  J. 

Page  377,  line  37 — For  "pompous"  read  pompons. 

Page  490 — For  "  Sylester  "  H  Adams  read  Sylvester. 

Page  520 — For  Charles  "  C."  Baker  read  Charles  K. 

Page  521 — For  "  Edward  "  P.  Hervey  read  Eugene. 

Page  521 — For  Henry  "  L."  Lovett  read  Henry  C. 

Page  521  —  For  Charles  "C."  Munsell  read  Charles  E. 

Page  586 — For  Timothy  "  (Greenfield  "  read  Creen. 


PART   II. 


RECORDS   OF 

Hadley  Third  and  Second  Precinct, 

I73cr_I75'9- 


A  Warrant  for  the  first  Meeting  in  Hadley  third  Presint  Anno  Dom  1735. 

Hampshere  ss.  In  perseuance  to  the  Request  of  several  freholdersof  the  third 
or  East  Precinct  of  Hadley  for  the  Calling  of  a  precinct  Meeting — To  Ebenezer 
Kellogg  of  sd  precinct  these  are  In  his  Majesties  name  to  will  and  Require  you 
forth  with  to  notefy  the  free  Holders  and  other  Inhabetance  of  sd  Precinct  quallefyd 
for  Voating  in  Town  Meeting,  that  they  Convean  &  meet  to  gethere  at  the  House 
of  Mr.  Zachr  Feild  In  sd  Precinct  on  the  Eaight  day  of  October  next  at  Eaight  of 
ye  Clock  in  the  fore  noone  in  order  to  Make  Choyce  of  all  nesessary  Precinct 
offecers:  a  Committie  for  the  Calling  of  Precinct  Meatings  for  the  future  and  to  do 
act  or  agree  on  what  may  be  thought  proper  Respecting  hireing  a  Menester 
Building  a  Meeting  house  and  agreeing  on  a  place  to  Set  it  in  and  in  finding  out 
what  Lands  may  be  Taxed  for  the  Defraying  Charges  About  the  same  Given  under 
my  hand  and  Seale  this  22"'1  Day  of  September  1735 

Elezer  Porter  Justis  Peace 

Hadley  Septr  23rd  1735  In  Persuanceof  the  above  written  worrant  thease  are  to 
notefy  all  parsons  of  ye  third  precint  of  Hadley  afore  sd  qualified  as  above  sd  to 
Conveane  and  meate  to  gether  at  the  Time  and  place  and  on  ye  Ocation  above  said 
Given  under  my  hand  the  Date  above  said  September  23  :  1735 

Ebenezer  Kellogg 

At  a  Meeting  Persuant  to  above  written  warrant  October  the  Eaight  1735 

Voted  Samuel  Hauley  sen  Moderator  Voated  John  Nash  Clark  Voated  John 
Ingram  sen  Sam11  Boultwood  Sam"  Hauley  Comm7  for  Calling  Precinct  Meatings 
Voted  Ebenezer  Dickenson  Aaron  Smeth  Jno  Nash  Assessors  Voted  Ebenezer 
Kellogg  Collector    Voted  to  Hiere  a  Menestor  half  a  yeare 

Voted  that  Jno  Ingram  Jr  Jno  Coles  Nath11  Smith  Comte  to  hire  a  Minester 
Voted  to  Build  a  Meating.  House  voted  sd  house  forty  five  foot  in  Length:  and 
thirty  five  in  Bredth 

Voted  sd  meating  house  to  be  Covered  with  quarter  boards  of  Spruse  Voted 
also  to  Cover  ye  Roofe  Spruce  Shingles  with  out  sap  and  twenty  one  Inches  in 
Lenth.  Voated  to  Set  sd  house  upon  the  Hill  East  of  Jno  Nashs  House  in  ye  most 
Convenient  place 

Voted  that  Sam"  Boultwood  Ebenr  Dickinson  John  Cole  Peletiah  Smith  Jno 
Ingram  Jr  a  Commete  to  order  ye  Building  ye  Meating  House 
1 


2  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

At  a  Meating  Novemb1'  the  25  :  1735 — Voted  John  Ingram  senr  Moderator — 
Voted  that  the  former  Vote  Respecting  seting  of  the  Meating  House  upon  the  I  (ill 
East  of  John  Nash  House  to  be  Revoaked  also  Voted  that  the  Meating  House  be 
set  in  the  most  Convenient  place  neare  the  Hartling  Stake  so  Called — Voted  that 
John  Ingram  Senr  Sam11  Boultwood  John  Nash  Ebeaezer  Dickinson  Aaron  Smith 
to  be  a  Commety  to  Order  ye  Building  ye  meating  House 

Att  a  Meating  December  25:  1735 — Voted  Ebenezer  Dickinson  Moderator: 
Voted  to  make  Void  a  former  Vote  of  seting  ye  Meating  House  att  ye  Hartling 
Stacke  also  Voted  to  Set  it  upon  ye  East  End  of  Noah  Smiths  Lot — 

At  a  Meating  in  March  the  10:  1735 — Voted  John  Nash  Clark:  Voted  John 
Ingram  sen  Sam"  boultwood  Sam"  Hauley  Commete  to  Call  meatings  Voted 
Ebenezer  Dickinson  John  Nash  Aaron  Smith  Assessors  Voted  Nath"  Smith 
Collector  Voted  to  Rais  fifteen  pounds  of  money  to  be  paid  towards  ye  menisters 
Rate  Voted  y'  the  Remainder  of  s'1  Rate  be  paid  out  of  ye  Nonresedent  Money  and 
ye  Remainder  of  sd  Money  to  be  Improved  for  ye  Building  of  ye  Meating  House 
Voted  that  ye  High  way  work  be  done  by  heads  and  Teams  and  y*  a  Team  shall 
be  Equal  to  a  hand  per  day 

Sam'll  Hauley  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  Septem1'  ye  16th  1736  Voted  1  to  Hire  a  Minister  six- 
months — Voted  2  Sam"  Hauley  Ebenezer  Kellogg  to  hire  a  Minister 

Sam'll  Hauley,  Modera1' 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  Janer  ye  30  1736  Voated  to  give  Ebenezer  Kellogg  five 
pounds  to  [go]  to  Salem  to  Collect  Non  Resident  money  also  to  pay  said  money 
out  of  the  same. 

Sam'll  Boultwood  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  March  ye  17th  1737  Voated  1  John  Nash  Clark  Voated  2 
John  Ingram  Sam"  Boultwood  Sam"  Hauley  Committy  to  Call  Meeting  Voated  3 
John  Ingram  Jr  John  Coles  Solomon  Boultwood  Assessors  Voated  4  John  Nash 
Precinct  Tresurer  Voated  5  Jonathan  Authorton  Collector  Voated  6  to  Cover  ye 
Meeting  House. 

Ebenezer  Dickconson  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  March  ye  22  1737  Voated  1  to  fram  Raise  &  Cover  ye 
Meeting  House  this  year  Ensuing  Voated  2  Sam"  Hauley  Ebenezer  Kellogg 
Ebenezer  Dickconson  Jonathan  Atharton  Aaron  Smith  a  Committy  to  se  to  ye 
Building  ye  Meeting  House     Voated  3  to  do  Highway  work  by  heads 

Aaron  Smith  (moderar 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  April  ye  13  1737  Voated  1  to  give  Mr  David  Parsons  Jr 
a  Call  to  settle  in  ye  Ministry  Voated  for  his  settehnent  to  give  him  tow  Lots  of 
Land  that  was  Granted  heartofore  by  the  town  of  Hadley  for  the  Settlement  of  the 
Gospel  in  this  Preceinct  Voated  2  to  give  him  Eaighty  pounds  ye  first  year  &  five 
pounds  to  be  yearly  added  until  it  amounts  to  one  Hundred  Voated  3  also  towards 
Building  a  Dwelling  House  to  set  him  up  a  frame  forty  foots  in  Length  in  Breth 
twenty  one  foots  &  two  Storys  high  and  Cover  s'1  House  and  Build  ye  Chimney  & 
Cellor  John  Ingram  Jr  (Moderar 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  on  July  ye  4 :  1737  Voated  1  y1  in  order  to  Enable  us  to 
mak  sum  further  offer  to  Mr  Parsons  for  to  Settle  among  us  we  will  try  to  get  more 
Lands  for  his  Settlement 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  3 

Yoated  2  that  John  Nash  &  Ebenezer  Dickconson  should  seek  after  sd  Lands 
&  Voated  3  that  thay  shall  be  paid  for  there  pains 

Sam'll  Hauley  (Moderater 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  Septemr  ye  20 :  1737  Voated  1  to  Give  Mr  David  Parsons 
Jnr  one  Hundred  and  twenty  Pounds  sallery  &  for  Settlement  as  was  Voated  heare 
to  fore     Voated  2  John  Nash  Aaron  Smith  Assessors  for  this  yeare 

Ebene'r   Dickconson  (Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  Novembr  ye  22  1737  Voated  1  to  hire  a  Minister  for  five 
Months     Voated  2  to  Give  a  Minister  forty  shillings  a  sabbath 

Voated  3  John  Nash  Richard  Chauncey  a  Committy  to  seek  after  a  Minister 

John  Nash  (Moderator 

Att  a  preceinct  Meeting  held  March  ye  16  1738  Voted  1  John  Nash  Clark  for 
sd  Preceinct  Voated  2  Ebenezer  Dickinson  John  Cowls  John  Nash  aCommitte  to 
Issu  out  worrants  for  Meetings 

Voated  3  John  Nash  Preceinct  Tresurer  Voated  4  Ebenezer  Dickconson  John 
Cowls  Stephen  Smith  Assessors     Voated  5  pelitiah  Smith  Collector 

Voated  6  sam"  Hauley  Ebenezer  Kellogg  Ebenezer  Dickconson  Aaron  Smith 
Jonathan  Arthonton  Committy  to  Build  ye  Meeting  House 

Voated  7  to  do  high  way  work  by  pools  [i.  e.  polls]  Voated  8  to  give  Josiah 
Chauncey  teen  shillings  for  going  to  Mr  Barbar  Yoated  to  John  Nash  for  servis 
done  for  ye  preceinct  &  money  paid  out  two  pound  five  shillings  Voated  to 
Ebener  Dickson  for  services  one  pound  teen  shillings 

Voated  to  Aaron  Smith  fifteene  shillings  Voated  to  John  Cowls  for  Keepin°- 
Mr  Parsons  hors  five  shillings 

Yoated  to  Jonathan  Cowls  for  Keeping  Mr  Parsons  upon  the  Sabbath  Eai°iit 
Shillings 

Voated  to  Moses  Smith  five  shillings  paid  for  ye  precinct 

Yoated  to  pay  theas  Bills  out  of  ye  11011  resident  money 

,    Ebene'r  Dickinson  (Moderator 

Att  a  Preceinct  Meeting  held  November  ye  14  1738  Voated  1  to  Mak  Void  a 
former  Voate  of  seting  the  Meeting  house  upon  Noah  Smiths  Lot  Voated  2  to  set 
ye  Meeting  House  upon  ye  Hill  East  of  John  Nashs  house 

John  Nash   (Moderator 

Att  a  Preceinct  Meeting  held  Decern1' ye  15  :  1738  Voated  1  to  Raise  Nine- 
teene  pounds  for  Thomas  Temple  for  frameing  ye  Meeting  house 

Yoated  2  to  Ebenezr  Kellogg  for  Rum  &  Suger  three  pounds  seventeen 
shillings  Voated  3  to  Raise  one  Hundred  pounds  for  Mr  David  parsons  for 
preaching  the  yeare  past 

Yoated  4  y'  Each  head  &  teame  be  Improved  to  get  fire  wood  for  Mr  Parsons 

Eben'r  Dickinson  (Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  held  on  ye  25  of  Jenewr  1738-9  Voated  1  that 
we  will  sell  ye  Lot  granted  to  this  preceinct  in  ye  yeare  1738  Voated  2  Ebenezer 
Dickinson  Jonathan  Smith  John  Nash  Docr  Natha"  Smith  &  Solomon  Boultwood 
a  Committyto  sell  and  Dispose  of  ye  afore  s'1  Lot  in  ye  Behalf  of  ye  afore  s'!  Lot  in 
behalf  of  ye  afore  s'1  preceinct  and  to  Dispose  ye  affects  of  sa  Lands  as  ye  preceinct 
heare  after  se  Best 

And  the  Committy  before  Named  are  hearby  Impourd  to  Convey  a  title  to  ye 
afore  s'1  Lot 

John  Cowls  (Moderator 


4  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  held  in  Hadley  third  preceinct  March  ye  14th 

1738-9 

Voated  1    John    Nash    Clark   for   ye   yeare    Ensuing     Voated  2    John    Nash 

preceinct  Tresurer 

Voated  3  Jonathan  Smith  Solom"  Boultwood  Jona"  Cowls  for  a  Committy  to 
Issu  out  worrants  for  ye  preceinct  Meetings  Voated  4  John  Nash  Ebenez1  Dick- 
inson Aaron  Smith  for  Assessors  for  ye  yeare  Ensuing:  and  to  make  ye  Non 
resident  tax  that  is  still  be  hind  Voated  5  Solomon  Boultwood  :  Collector  Voated 
yl  John  Nash  Ebenezer  Dickinson  to  get  ye  Ministers  Lots  Laide  out  Voated 
Solomon  Boultwood  John  Nash  Eben''  Dickinson  David  Smith  John  Cowls  a 
Committy  to  order  ye  Building  ye  Meeting  House 

Peletiah  Smith  (Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  held  in  Hadley  third  preceint  ye  29  of  June  1739     Voated 

yl  the  present  Commity  for  the  Carrying  on  ye  Building  ye  Meeting  House  Shall 

Dispose  of  ye  first  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  y*  is  and  shall  be  paid  by  De"  Eleazor 

Matton  as  they  think  best 

Ebene'r   Dickinson  (Moderator 

A  Warrant  for  a  preceinct  Meeting  I  [adley  Third  preceinct  June  ye  7th  1739 

This  is  to  Notifi  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  Ouallified  According 

to  Law  to  Voat  in  preceinct  Meetings  that  they  Convean  together  at  ye  Dwelling 

House  of  ye  Wid"  Hannah  Boultwoods  in  this  preceinct  on  ye  twenty  sixth  of  this 

present  June  at  one  of  the  Clock  of  said  day :  then  &  thare  to  se  what  ye  preceinct 

will  do  to  settle  Mr  David  Parsons  Jnr  in  ye  Gospel   Ministry  in  this  preceinct  & 

what   may   be  thought   Best  towards   Building  a  house  for  ye  Minister:  also  how 

De"  Mattoons  first  Hundred  &  fifty  pounds  shall  be  dispos'1  with  all 

Given  under  oure  hands 

Solomon  Boultwood  |  ,■ 
Jonathan  Smith  (  Committee 

The  meeting  was  opened  &  Ajoyrnd  to  ye  fifth  of  July 
againe  Adjoyrnd  to  ye  12th  of  July 
A  Worrant  for  the  preceinct   Meeting  Hadley  third  preceinct  September  ye 

22nd    1739 

This  is  to  Notifi  all  ye  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  this  preceinct 
Ouallified  according  to  Law  to  Voat  in  towne  or  preceinct  Meetings  that  they  Meet 
together  at  ye  Dwelling  House  of  Doc''  Natha"  Smiths  in  sd  preceinct  upon  ye 
twenty  eaith  day  of  this  Instant  Septem1  at  two  of  the  Clock  in  ye  after  noone  then 
&  there  to  do  what  may  be  thought  necisary  for  to  Encorage  Mr  David  Parsons  in 
ye  Work  of  ye  Ministry  in  this  place  :  and  also  to  do  what  may  be  thought  necisary 
in  order  to  ordaine  Mr  Parsons. 

( riven  under  oure  hands 

Jona'n  Smith      |  r. 
Jona'n  Cowls     \  Commi"y 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  in  Hadley  third  preceinct  apointed  by  them  as  ye  Law 
Directs  in  shuch  Cases  on  ye  fifteenth  day  of  June  1739:  <Si  after  two  Adjor'nments 
first  to  the  fifth  day  of  July  :  &  then  to  the  twelvth  of  July  instant :  they  came  to 
the  following  Voats : 

Voated  1  to  give  Mr  David  Parsons  Jim'  an  Invitation  to  settle  with  us  as  oure 
Gospell  Minister 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  5 

For  his  Settlement : 

Voated  i  to  give  him  two  Lots  of  Lands  granted  by  the  Town  of  Hadley  for  a 
Minister  in  this  preceinct  one  lying  in  the  Second  Division  the  other  in  ye  third 
Voated  2  for  to  give  him  one  Hundred  and  Seventy  five  pounds  of  money  towards 
Building  his  House.  Attested 

Ebene'r  Dickinson  }* Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  held  by  ye  Inhabitants  of  Hadley  third  Preceinct  Sep- 
tembr  ye  28  :  1739  as  an  Addition  to  oure  former  voats :  for  Mr  David  Parsons  to 
Settle  among  us:  to  Enable  him  to  Support  in  ye  Work  of  the  Ministry  among  us 
they  came  into  ye  following  Voats 

For  his  Salary 

Voated  1  To  pay  him  one  hundred  pounds  ye  first  yeare  and  to  make  yearly 
Aditions  as  ye  poles  and  Rateable  Estates  shall  Encreass  till  ye  salary  Amounts  to 
one  hundred  and  sixty  pounds  (that  is  to  say)  those  poles  &  Estates  that  are  found 
in  this  precienct  when  ye  last  List  was  taken  which  was  in  January  1738-9  shall  pay 
ye  hundred  pounds — &  ye  Adition  sixty  pounds  salary  shall  be  livyed  &  raised  upon 
ye  Encrease  of  the  polls  and  Estates  in  ye  preceinct  this  Sixty  pounds  to  be  Grad- 
ually Augmented  as  ye  poles  &  Estates  shall  gradually  Encrese  :  this  Salary  we 
propose  to  pay  in  Province  Hills  of  ye  old  Tenour  or  one  third  so  much  of  ye  New: 
which  is  to  be  ye  onely  fixed  standard  until  the  yeare  1741 

Voated  2ly  that  after  ye  yeare  1741  ye  Salary  shall  be  paide  in  Money  if  any  be 
passing  or  Some  Comodity  which  shall  be  Equivalent  to  money  upon  the  footing 
money  now  stands  (that  is  to  say)  if  the  Country  makes  Good  the  Credit  of  Province 
Bills  agreeable  to  promiss  at  the  Rate  of  six  shilling  &  Eaight  pence  new  tennor 
for  one  ounce  of  silver  or  twenty  shillings  old  tennor  the  ounce  :  then  the  abovesd 
sums  mentioned  to  be  setteled  by  that  standard:  but  if  the  Country  fails  of  theire 
promiss  of  the  Vallue  of  Money  above  s'1  then  the  salary  to  be  setteled  at  ye  Rate 
of  twenty  six  shilling  ye  old  tenor  the  ounce  or  a  third  part  so  much  ye  New:  the 
tru  Intente  of  this  Voate  is  to  set  forth  the  Value  of  money  as  it  now  stands  :  & 
how  it  shall  stand  in  all  future  payments  Voated  3lv  to  Provide  him  all  his  firwood 
Voated  4th1*  to  pay  him  his  Salary  Annually  in  ye  Month  of  March 

Attest  Elezer  Mattun  ^Moderator 

Hadley  3d  Preceinct  Septembr  ye  28th  1739  Compiled  with  the  Request  of  the 
Inhabitants  of  ye  third  preceinct  in  Hadley. 

Pr  me  David  Parsons  Jn'r 

At  a  Legal  Meating  held  in  Hadley  third  preceinct  March  ye  18th  1740  Voated 
1  John  Nash  preceinct  Clark  for  ye  yeare  Ensuing  Voated  2  John  Nash  Ebener 
Dickinson  Aaron  Smith  Assessors  for  ye  preceinct  ec  non  resident  taxes 

Voated  313'  John  Cowls  preceinct  treasurer     Voated  4  Joseph  Clary  Collector 

Voated  5  Richard  Chauncey  &  Doct  Natha"  Smith  &  David  Smith  a  Commity 
to  Issu  out  Warrants  for  preceinct  meetings 

Voated  6  y'  ye  former  Commity  to  Build  ye  Meeting  House  to  go  on  w'  ye  work 

Voated  7  to  do  high  way  work  by  Poles 

After  Ajoyrnment  to  ye  19"'  of  this  Instant 

Voated  1  to  pass  ye  Bills  of  Charge  of  Building  ye  Met  ting  House  with  other 
preceinct  Charges 

Voated  2lv  granted  Ebener  Dickinsons  and  John  Cowls  Bill  for  Making  Kates 
Voated  3  to  John  Nash  Eleven  pounds  for  provideing  for  ye  ordenation  of  Mr 
Parsons 

Attest  Ebene'r  Dickinson  ^Moderator 


6  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

An  acount  of  ye  Standard  of  Raising  ye  Revd  Mr  Parsons  rate 

Wharas  in  the  agreement  between  the  Revd  Mr  David  Parsons  and  this  Pre- 
ceinct  att  ye  time  of  his  Settelment  it  was  proposd  that  an  adetion  of  sixty  pounds 
shoold  be  made  to  his  salery  of  one  Hundred  pounds  which  adetional  sixty  pounds 
was  to  be  Levied  &  Raised  yearly  att  proportion  to  ye  Encreas  of  pools  and  Rata- 
bles  as  they  ware  then  found  in  this  Preceinct  which  was  in  ye  yeare  1738  which 
was  to  be  ye  rule  or  Standard  of  Encreas. 

Therfor  ye  following  is  an  account  of  ye  Number  Quantity  and  Valuation  of 
ye  Pools  &  Ratabl  Estats  as  they  ware  found  &  taken  in  ye  yeare  [738 

Which  is  to  be  ye  onely  Rule  for  ye  Regulateing  ye  Avance  of  this  Hundred 
pounds  Salery  till  it  aMounts  to  one  Hundred  and  Sixty  pounds 

Number  of  Pools  35     Each  Valued  at  i£  5s  6d 

Ratable  Estats  Vallud  att  1  ioi^  ios6d  and  one  Shilling  was  Laid  upon  ye  pound 
Attest  Eben'r  DICKINSON  )  Assessors 

John   Cowls  \ 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  held  in  Hadley  third  Preceinct  March  ye  16th  1741  Voated 
1  John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark  Voated  2  Jonath"  Smith  Ebenr  Dickinson  John 
Cowls  Assessors  for  this  Preceinct  Voated  3  John  Cowls  Preceinct  Tresurar 
Voated  4  Ephraim  Kellogg  Collector:  Voated  5  Natha11  Smith  Richard  Chauncey 
David  Smith  a  Commity  to  give  out  Worrants  for  Preceinct  Meetings  Voated  6 
Solomon  Boultwood  John  Nash  &  Ebenezer  Dickinson  a  Committy  to  proceed  in 
finishing  ye  Meeting  House  so  farr  as  tliay  think  best  Voated  7  that  ye  s'1  Com- 
mitty Build  a  Pue  for  ye  Ministers  Wife  and  sd  Pue  whare  ye  Revd  Mr  David 
Parsons  shall  chuse  :  Voated  (8)  y'  ye  Standard  for  ye  Raising  the  Revd  Mr  Parsons 
Rate  for  this  Present  yeare  shall  be  att  ye  Rate  of  twenty  six  shillings  the  ounce  of 
silver  ye  old  Tenner  or  one  third  so  much  ye  New  Voated  9  John  Nash  twenty 
shillings  for  Recording  voats  for  time  past  Voated  (10)  to  pay  ye  Rev'1  Mr 
Parsons  Rate  upon  or  before  ye  teenth  of  March  Annually 

Attest  John  Cowls  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  Held  in  Hadley  third  Preceinct  June  ye  16th  1741  : 

Voated  1  to  sell  to  Aaron  Warner  fifteen  Rods  in  Breeth  of  ye  High  way  Lying 
in  ye  second  Division  of  Lands  in  this  Preceinct  Bounded  upon  Moses  Warner 
south  by  Libarty  from  ye  Town  of  Hadley 

Voated  2  to  Cive  thirty  seven  pound  teen  shillings  of  sd  Money  Due  for  above 
sd  Lands  to  Jonathan  Arthonton 

Voated  3  to  Dispose  of  ye  Remainder  of  sd  Money  toward  finishing  ye  Meeting 
House 

Voated  4  yl  John  Nash  &  Ebenezr  Dickinson  take  security  for  ye  abve  sd  Money 
Attest  Eben'r  Dickinson  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  in  Hadley  third  Preceinct  March  ye  ntb 
1742  :  by  ajurnment  to  ye  House  of  Nath11  Smith  in  sd  preceinct 

Voated  1  John  Nash  preceinct  Clark 

Voated  2  De  Eberir  Dickinson  Preceinct  Tresurer 

Voated  3  John  Nash:  Ebenezer  Dickinson  Richard  Chauncey  Assessors 

Voated  4  Joseph  Hauley  Collector 

Voated  5  Aaron  Smith  Nath"  Smith  Richard  Chauncey  to  Ishue  out  Worrants 
for  Preceinct  Meetings 

Voated  6  y'  ye  Revd  Mr.  Parsons  Wood  for  this  yeare  shall  be  proportion15  upon 
pools  &  Estates :  and  that  one  Load  of  wood  shall  be  Valued  at  Eaight  shillings 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  7 

Voated  7  to  do  high  way  work  by  pools  and  Estates  for  this  yeare 

After  Ajornment  to  ye  25th  of  this  Instant  to  the  Meeting  house 

Voated  1    An   aquittance   to  John    Nash  as   to   ye  Disposal  of  I)e"  Eleazor 

Mattons  Bond  of  300  pounds 

Voated  2  to  Make  a  tax  or  Rate  to  Answar  all  the  preceinct  Debts  now  Due : 

Voated  (3)  y'  ye  Assessors  take  a  List  and  Make  this  Above  granted  tax — 

Attested  Ekene'r  Kellogg  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  In  Hadley  3'1  preceinct  November  ye 
16th  1742— 

Voated  1  to  provid  for  ye  Revd  Mr  Parsons  sixty  Loads  of  fire  wood  for  this 
yeare 

Voated  2  y'  ye  Rev'1  Mr  Parsons  Rate  to  be  Made  by  ye  same  List  yl  is  to  be 
taken  to  keep  his  wood 

Voated  3  John  Nash  Ebene1'  Dickinson  to  observe  ye  Loads  of  Wood 

Attested  Solomon  Boultwood  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  in  Hadley  third  Preceinct  March  ye  21  : 
1743:  opend  &  Ajornd  to  ye  25"'  of  this  Instant  to  ye  Meeting  Hous  att  teen  of  ye 
Clock  of  s'1  day 

After  Ajornement  said  Meeting  held  upon  ye  25th  of  sd  March  and  Voated  as 
follows — 

Voated  1     John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark  for  ye  yeare  Ensuing 

Voated  2     De  Ebenr  Dickinson  Preceinct  Tresurar 

Voated  3     De  Elezer  Mattoon  :  Ebener  Kellogg  :  John  Cowls  Assessors 

Voated  4  Aaron  Smith  Nath11  Smith  Richard  Chancey  a  Committy  to  Issue 
out  warrants  for  preceinct  Meetings 

Voated  5  that  ye  Assessors  shall  go  and  Viue  ye  Ratable  Lands  in  this  Pre- 
ceinct to  Enable  them  to  make  Just  Valuation 

Voated  6     y'  High  way  work  shall  be  Brought  into  a  Rate 

Voated  7  to  Provid  70  Loads  of  wood  for  ye  Revd  Mr  Parsons  also  to  rais  sd 
wood  by  a  Rate. 

Voated  8  to  Build  a  pound  and  to  set  sd  pound  upon  or  near  the  midle  High 
way  in  ye  First  Division  in  ye  most  Convenient  place 

Voated  9    that  Solomon  Boultwood  &  De  Ebenr  Dickinson  order  the  Building 
sd  pound 

Voated  10  to  provide  fastening  for  ye  Meeting  Hous  Dors  and  to  secure  ye 
windows:  Voated  n  that  Solomon  Boultwood  &  Westwood  Cook  see  y4  sd  work 
be  done 

Voated  12  to  give  Aaron  Wornar  thirty  shillings  to  sweep  the  Meeting  Hous 
and  to  give  a  Signe  when  to  go  to  Meeting  for  one  yeare 

Voated  13     Jonath"  Moodey  Collector 

Attest  Aaron  Smith  Moderar 

Hadley  Third  Preceinct  Decemr  ye  21  1743  In  a  Legal  Meeting  being  open'1  & 
Ajornd  to  De  John  Nashes  House  Voated  to  add  teen  Loads  of  wood  to  the 
Seventy  Voated  in  the  Spring  past  for  the  Revd  Mr  Parsons  Each  Load  to  be  set 
at  Eaight  Shillings 

Voated  2     that  all  the  Bills  then  Broughting  [brought  in]  to  be  alowed 

Attest  Eben'r  Dickinson  Moderator 


8  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  held  upon  the  second  Fryday  in  March  1743-4 

Voated  1     John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark 

Voated  2  Peletiah  Smith  De  Nath"  Smith  Richard  Chauncey  Committy  to 
Issu  out  warrants  for  Preceinct  Meetings 

Voated  3     Lt  Jonathan  Smith  De  John  Nash  Peletiah  Smith  Assessors 

Voated  4     De  Ebenr  Dickinson  Precinct  Tresurar — 

Voated  5     High  way  work  to  be  brought  into  a  Rate — 

Voated  6     to  Bring  ye  Geting  of  ye  Rd  Mr  Parsons  wood  into  a  rate 

Voated  7  to  provide  Mr  Parsons  Eaighty  Loads  of  wood  for  this  year  and 
that  Each  Load  to  be  Vallued  at  8  Shillings 

Voated  8     to  Lt  Jona"  Smith  De  Elezo  Mattoon  John  Nash  to  Vew  ye  Loads 

Voated  9  to  give  De  Nath11  Smith  teen  shillings  ould  tennor  to  sweep  ye 
Meeting  House  this  yeare 

Voated  10     to  give  Jonath"  Nash  twenty  Eaight  Shillings  old  tenor  to  sound 

ye  Signal 

Attest  Ebene'r  Kellogg   Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  Nove1  the  3d  1744 

Voated  1     to  Leave  it   whith  ye  present  Assessors  to  state   the  Money  for  ye 
Raising  ye  Revd  Mr  Parsons  Sallary  for  this  present   yeare    (Voated)  2'1  to  Build 
two  pues  in   ye  Meeting  House:    one  upon  the  womans  side  upon  ye  North  West 
Corner  and  one  upon  ye   North  End  upon  ye  Mens  side:    also  to  finish  ye  outside* 
of  s'1  House 

Voated  3     De  John  Nash  De  Ebener  Dickinson  to  se  s'1  work  is  done 

Voated  4  Libarty  to  some  particular  parsons  to  Build  pues  upon  th'are  one 
Charg  in  those  places  as  the  preceinct  [?  may  approve]  s'1  parsons  giving  up  s'1  pues 
to  ye  Disposal  of  ye  preceinct  upon  thare  demand  sd  preceinct  paying  ye  cost  of 
srt  pues 

Voated  5  to  Build  a  pound  :  and  that  s1  pound  shall  be  thirty  feet  square 
(Voated)  6  De  Ebenezr  Dickinson  &  Westwood  Cook  to  Build  sd  pound 

Voated  7  that  Lt  Jona"  Smith  De  Ebener  Dickinson  John  Cowls  John  Nash  : 
a  Commity  to  agree  or  Let  out  to  men  places  for  pues 

Attest  John  Nash  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  Decern]/  the  11"'  1744 

Voated  1  to  Revoak  all  ye  form ar  [voats]  respecting  ye  Building  two  pues : 
or  Letting  particular  parsons  Build  pues 

Voated  2     to  Build  all  ye  pues  Round  ye  Sids  of  ye  meeting  House 

Voated  3  Lt  Jona"  Smith  Solom"  Boultwood  De  Ebene*  Dickinson  John  Nash 
Ens  Ebener  Kellogg  John  Cowls  a  Committee  to  see  said  work  affected 

Voated  4     and  past  ye  Bills  of  preceinct  Debts  then  Brought 

Att  John  Nash  Moderator 

att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  March  ye  19"'  1745 

Voated  1     John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark 

Voated  2     De  Ebener  Dickinson  Preceinct  Tresurar 

Voated  3     Ens"  Ebene1'  Kellogg:  John  Cowls  De  Ebene'r  Dickinson  Assessors 

Voated  4  Joseph  Hauley  Westwood  Cook  Aaron  Warner  a  Committy  to  Give 
out  Worrants  for  Preceinct  Meetings 

Voated  5     to  Answar  High  way  work  by  a  Rate  this  yeare — 

Voated  6     to  Provide  Eighty  Loads  of  wood  for  ye  Rvd  Mr  Parsons 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  g 

Yoated  7     to  Kais  forty  Pounds  of  Money  old  tennor  to  Provide  sd  wood 
Voated  S     to  Give   thirty  shillings  to  Give  ye   signel  when  to  meet  upon  ye 

sabbaths  and  Lecturs  for  this  yeare 

Yoated  9     that  John  Nash  se  y*  ye  Meeting  House  be  swept  this  yeare 
Yoated  io'-v      That   John    Nash    Ens    Eben'r   Kellogg   John  Cowls   make    up 

acompts  wl  ye  Tresurar  Ebene'r  Dickinson  of  the  preceinct  Rat[e]s  that  are  not 

Cleard  up:  and  Mak  a  Returne  to  ye  Preceinct 

Attes't  Ebene'r  Dickinson  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal   Preceinct  Meeting   Held  in  ye  third  Preceinct  of  Hadley  Held 

March  ye  18  1746 

Yoated  1     Peletiah  Smith  Moderator 

Yoated  2  John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark  for  this  year 

Yoated  3     De  Ebene'r  Dickinson  Preceinct  Tresurar  for  this  year 

Yoated  4     YVestwood  Cook  Joseph  Hauley  Aaron  Warner  a  Committy  to  Issue 

out  Worrants  for  Preceinct  Meetings. 

Yoated  5     Lt  Jonan  Smith  John  Nash  De  Nath"  Smith  Assessors 

Yoated  6     to  Give  John  Nash  forty  shillings  to  sound  ye   Kunk  for  this  yeare 

Yoated  7     to  Give  ye   Rv'd   Mr  Parsons  but  thirty  three   shillings  upon  the 

Ounce  for  his  sallary  tin's  yeare — 

Yoated  S     to  Petition  ye   General  Cort  for  a  tax  upon  the   Nonresedent  Pro- 

priators  Lands  Lying  in  this  third  Preceinct 

Yoated  9     Lt  Jona"  Smith    De   Ebene'r   Dickinson   John    Nash    Lt   Ebene'r 

Kellogg  a  Committy  to  advise  and  Promote  ye  so  Petitioning 

Attest  Peletiah  Smith  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  Held  In  Hadley  third  Preceinct  April  ye  21  :  1746 
Yoated  1     to  Revoak  a  [voat]  taken  att  Meeting   Held  March  ye  18th  1746  to 
Give  ye  Rv'd  Mr  Parsons  but  thirty  shillings  ye  ounce  for  his  Sallary 

Yoated  2lv     to  Give  ye  Rv'd  Mr  Parsons  thirty  five  shillings  ye  ounce 

Attest  Nath'll  Smith  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  att  ye  Meeting  House  Novem'brye3d  1746 
Yoated  1     to  aLow  ye  Debts  of  ye  Preceinct  as  they  stand  in  ye  Bills 
Yoated  2     that  ye  Present  Assessors  and  Lt  Ebene'r  Kellogg  and  Peletiah 

Smith  a  Committy  to  agree  w'  ye  Rv'd  Mr  Parsons  how  money  shall  beV  alued  In 

order  to  Raise  his  sallary  this  yeare 

Voated  4     to  Build  a  pound      Voated  511  y'  De  Ebene'r  Dickinson  and  Moses 

Worner  build  sd  pound 

Voated  6     to  Raise  ye  Rv'd  Mr  Parsons  wood  this  yeare  as  it  was  ye  Last  yeare 
Voated  7     that  Lt  Jona"  Smith  John  Nash  De  Eben'r  Dickinson  :  In  ye  Behalf 

of  this  Preceinct  do  Give  Aaron  Worner  for  this  Preceinct  security  of  High  way 

Granted  to  this  Preceinct  to  sell  to  sd  Aaron  Worner 

Att't  Eben'r  Kellogg  Moderator 

At  a  Precenct  Meeting  Held  In  Hadley  third  Preceinct  March  ye  i6,h  1747 
after  chois  of  a  Moderator  Voated  as  follows 

Voated  1     John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark 

Voated  2     Dn  Ebenez'r  Dickinson  Preceinct  Tresurar 

Voated  3  Nehamiah  Strong  De  Ebenez'r  Dickinson  Nath"  Coleman  assessors 
for  this  present  yeare 


IO  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voated  4lj  David  Nash  John  Field  Alexand'r  Porter  a  Committy  to  Ishue  out 
Warrants  for  Preceinct  Meetings 

Attested  by  Ebene'r  Dickinson  Moderator. 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  Decembr  ye  2d  1747  After  Choise  of  a 
Moderator  they  Voated  as  follows 

Voated  1     grant  Eaight  shillings  a  day  for  a  hand  :  and  for  a  Team  a  Day 

Voated  2  to  grant  seven  shillings  Pr  Day  for  a  hand  and  also  seven  shillings 
Pr  Day  for  a  team 

Voated  3     the  Assessors  Eaight  shilling  Pr  Day 

Voated  4  Lt  Jona"  Smith  John  Nash  Richard  Chancey:  Solomon  Boultwood 
Nehamiah  Strong  Den  Eben  Dickinson  Nath11  Coleman:  a  Commity  to  Agree 
with  the  Revd  Mr  Parsons  how  his  sallery  shall  be  this  yeare 

Voated  5  to  Give  De  Ebenez'r  Dickinson  36^  to  provide  the  Rev'1  Mr  Parsons 
fire  wood  for  this  present  yeare  Beginning  the  sixteenth  of  this  present  Month 

Attested  by  Ebene'r  Dickinson  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  in  Hadley  third  Preceinct  March  ye  15th: 

1748 :  After  ye  Choise  of  a  Moderator  they  Came  into  the  Following  Voats — 
Voated  1     John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark  for  this  yeare 
Voated  2     De  Ebene'r  Dickinson  Preceinct  Tresurar  for  this  yeare 
Voated  3     Lt  Jona"  Smith  John  Nash  De  Ebene'r  Dickinson  Assesors 
Voated  4     Ephraim   Kellogg   Eben'r   Mattoon    Sam11  Ingram  a  Committy  to 

Islui  out  warrants  for  Preceinct  Meetings 

Voated  5     to  Give  De  Nath1'  Smith  five  shillings  adition  for  sweeping  the 

Meeting  House  for  this  yeare  past 

Voated  6     to  alow  pay  for  ye  work  Done  att  ye  East  End  of  Jona"  Dickinsons 

Lot  the  yeare  past 

Attested  by  Jona'n  Cowls  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  Held  In  Hadley  third  Preceinct  Novem'r  ye  16"'  1748: 
after  ye  Choise  of  a  Moderator  they  Came  Into  the  folowing  Voats 

Voated  1  to  Give  Nehamiah  Strong  51^  to  Provid  firewood  for  the  Revd  Mr 
Parsons  for  the  yeare  Ensuing 

\ dated  2  to  Raise  one  Hundred  pounds  of  Money  to  be  Improv'1  toward 
Building  Pues  in  ye  Meeting  House 

Voated  3  Lt  Jona"  Smith  Solomon  Boultwood  Eben'r  Kellogg  De  Eben'r 
Dickinson  John  Nash  a  Commity  to  see  ye  sd  work  Done 

Solomon  Boultwood  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  Janaw'r  ye  27"1  1748  After  Choise  of  a 
Moderator  they  Came  Into  ye  following  Voats 

Voated  1  to  Build  a  pound :  also  to  Build  s'1  pound  thirty  one  feet  and  one 
half  square :  and  to  Make  three  Lengths  Each  side 

Voated  2     to  set  sd  Pound  In  the  street  Joining  upon  John  Nashs  North  Fence 

Voated  3lv  Solomon  Boultwood  Ebenr  Dickinson  John  Nash  to  Build  sd 
Pound 

Voated  4     Lt  Jona"   Smith   De   Ebenr   Dickinson  John    Nash  a  Commety  to 
agree  with  ye  Revd  Mr  Parsons  what  his  sallary  shall  be  for  this  Present  yeare 
Voated  6     to  Make  this  tax  by  the  Last  List 

Attested  by  me  John  Nash  Moderator 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  I  I 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  March  ye  13th  1749 

After  the  Choies  of  a  Moderator  they  Came  Into  ye  following  Voats 

Voated  1     John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark  for  this  yeare 

Yoated  2     De  Ebenr  Dickinson  Preceinct  Tresurar  for  this  yeare 

Voated  3     John  Nash  Moses  Smith  Joseph  Eastman  Assessors  for  this  yeer 

Yoated  4  Jona"  Nash  Semeon  Clark  Daniell  Kellogg  a  Committy  to  Issu  out 
Worrants  for  Preceinct  Meetings 

Voated  5  that  the  Present  Assessors  agree  w*  the  Revrt  Mr  Parsons :  what  his 
sallary  shall  be  this  yeare 

Voated  6  that  John  Nash  Eben'  Dickinson  Nathaniel  Smith  a  Committy  to 
Hire  three  scool  Dames  for  three  or  four  Months  In  the  Summer  Seson  to  Larne 
Children  to  Read  :  sd  Scools  to  be  In  the  Most  Convenient  Places  In  the  Preceinct 

Yoated  7  NehanV  Strong:  Lt  Ebenr  Kellogg  a  Committy  to  Hire  sutable 
Parsons  to  Blow  ye  Kunk  &  sweep  ye  Meeting  Hous  for  this  yeare 

Attested  By  Eben'r  Kello(;g  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meating  Held  In  Hadley  third  Preceinct  Agust  ye  3'1 
1749  After  ye  Choise  of  De  Eben'r  Dickinson  Moderator  they  Came  Into  the 
following  Voats 

Yoated  1  to  seate  ye  Meeting  House :  and  to  seate  ye  Males  together  and 
Femals  to  Gether  Except  ye  two  pues  next  ye  East  End  the  Pulpit 

Voated  2  that  the  seators  are  Guided  by  the  following  Ruels— that  is  to  say : 
by  Age:  Estate  and  Oallifications :  and  for  Estates  to  be  Guided  by  the  Last 
years  List 

Yoated  3     to  Make  Choise  of  five  meat  Parsons  to  seat  ye  Meeting  House 
Attested  by  Ebene'r  Dickinson   Moderator 

At  a  legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  Agust  ye  25th  1749 — After  they  Mad  Choise 
of  De  Eben'r  Dickinson  Moderator  they  Came  into  ye  following  Voats 

Voated  1     to  Make  Choise  of  five  meat  parsons  to  seat  ye  Meating  House 

Voated  2     to  Leave  the  Deaming  the  seats  with  the  seators 

Yoated  3 

Lt  Jonau  Smith  "| 

Solomon  Boultwood 

John  Nash  ^Committy  to  seat  the  Meeting  House 

De  Ebene'r  Dickinson  | 

Lt  Ebene'r  Kellogg      J 

Attested  by  Eben'r  Dickinson   Moderator 

Att  A  Legal  Preceinct  [Meeting]  Held  In  Hadley  third  Preceinct  October 
1749:  After  they  Mad  Choise  of  a  Moderator  they  Came  into  the  following  Voats 

Voated  1  to  Provide  ye  Rev'  Mr  Parsons  Ninty  Loads  of  fire  wood  for  this 
Present  yeare — 

Voated  2  to  Raise  one  Hundred  twenty  two  pounds  teen  shillings  to  procure 
ye  Rev'3  Mr  Parsons  fire  wood  for  this  yeare 

Yoated  3  Mr  Sam11  Hauley  Lt  Jona"  Smith  Richard  Chancey  a  Committy  to 
Vieu  ye  Loads  of  wood 

Attested  by 

Att  A  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  JanaV  ye  18th  1749-50 

After  ye  Choise  of  De  Ebene'r  Dickinson  Moderator  they  Came  into  the 
following  Voats 

Voated  1  John  Nash  :  Moses  Smith  Joseph  Eastman  a  Committy  to  agree 
with  the  Revd  Mr  Parsons  what  his  sallery  shall  be  the  yeare  past 


12  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voated  2     to  Build  a  Pound 

Voated  3  to  Give  Ebene'r  Mattoon  Nine  teen  pound  teen  shillings  to  Build  s'1 
Pound :  as  follows :  to  Build  it  thirty  one  feet  and  one  half  square  three  Length 
on  Each  Side  and  six  Rails  In  Each  Length  &  a  cap  peace  upon  ye  top :  temented 
upon  Each  post  &  ye  Posts  Set  Neare  three  feet  in  the  Ground  &  to  find  Iron 
Hangings  &  to  finish  s'1  pound  workman  Like 

Voated  4     to  seat  the  Meeting  House  A  Nue 

Voated  5  that  Lt  Jona"  Smith  Solomon  Boultwood  John  Nash  Lt  Ebene'r 
Kellogg  De  Eben'r  Dickinson  Nehamiah  Strong  Moses  Smith  John  Dickinson 
Joseph  Eastman  a  Committy  to  seat  ye  Meeting  House 

Voated  6  that  the  seaters  Make  it  thare  Rule  In  seating:  by  Estates  Age  & 
Qualifications 

Attest  Ebene'r  Dickinson  ^Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  In  Hadley  third  Preceinct  March  ye  12"' 
1750  they  Came  into  the  following  Voats  after  the  Choise  of  De  Eben'r  Dickinson 
Moderator 

Voated  1     John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark  for  this  1 'resent  yeare 

Voated  2     De  Eben'r  Dickinson  Preceinct  Tresuror  for  this  yeare 

Voated  3  Capt  Jonan  Smith  De  Eben'r  Dickinson  John  Dickinson  Assessors 
for  this  Preceinct  for  this  present  yeare 

Voated  4  Alexan'r  Smith  Jona"  Edwards  Moses  Cook  a  Committy  to  Issu 
out  warrants  for  preceinct  Meetings  this  yeare 

Voated  5  to  add  to  ye  Re'1  Mr  Parsons  sallery  which  was  made  att  fifty  seven 
shillings  &  Eaight  pence  the  ounce  to  three  pound  ye  ounce  this  yeare 

Voated  6  to  Give  Neha™  Strong  two  pounds  fifteen  shillings  to  Blow  the 
Kunk  for  this  yeare 

Voated  7  John  Nash  Richard  Chancey  a  Committy  to  agree  with  some 
parson  to  sweep  ye  Meeting  House 

Attes't  Eben'r  Dickinson  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  [Meeting]  Held  in  Hadley  third  preceinct  Novem'r  ye 
15th  1750  after  ye  Choise  of  De  Eben1'  Dickinson  Moderator  they  Came  into  ye 
Following  Voats — 

Voated  1  to  Raise  thirteen  pounds  teen  shillings  Lawfull  Money  to  procure 
ye  Red  Mr  Parsons  fire  wood  for  the  yeare  Ensuing 

Voated  2  that  any  Parson  shall  have  Libarty  to  pay  his  parportion  of  above 
said  thirteen  pounds  teen  shillings  in  wood  att  three  shillings  pr  Load  att  ye 
Judgment  of  a  Committy  for  that  purpus 

Voated  3     to  provide  Glass  to  Mend  ye  Meeting  house  windows 

Voated  4  that  John  Nash  Lt  Ebenr  Kellogg  Moses  Smith  a  Comm'ty  to 
J  udg  the  Loads  of  wood — 

Voated  5  that  John  Nash  De  Ebenr  Dickinson  provide  ye  Glass  for  ye 
Meeting  house  &  put  it  up 

Atte't  Ebene'r  Dickinson  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  In  Hadley  third  prec'nt  March  ye  28th 
1751:  After  ye  Choise  of  De  Ebenr  Dickinson  Moderator  they  Came  into  the 
following  Voats — 

Voated  1     John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark  for  this  present  yeare 
Voated  2     Alexan,ir  Smith  &  David  Nash  William  Boultwood  a  Commi'ty  to 
Issu  out  warrants  :  for  preceinct  Meetings 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  1 3 

Voated  3     De  Ebenr  Dickinson  Preceinct  Tresurar  for  this  yeare 

Voated  4  John  Nash  Ebener  Dickinson  Nath11  Coleman  Assessors  for  this 
Present  yeare 

Voated  5  to  Raise  fifteene  pounds  Lawful  Money  to  procure  the  Rev1  Mr 
Parsons  fire  wood  for  the  yeare  Ensuing  &  that  Each  Good  Load  shall  be  Vallued 
att  three  shillings 

Voated  6  John  Nash  Solomon  Boultwood  De  Ebener  Dickinson  a  Comm" 
to  prise  ye  Loads  of  sd  wood 

Voated  7  to  Give  Richard  Chancey  one  pound  fifteen  shillings  to  sweep  ye 
Meeting  House  ye  yeare  Ensuing— 

Voated  8  to  Give  John  Nash  Jn  foure  pounds  old  tennor  to  Blow  the  Kunk 
ye  yeare  Ensuing 

Attest  Eben'r  Dickinson  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  held  In  Haclley  third  Preceinct  December  ye  2 

1751  :    After  the  Choise  of  John  Nash  Moderatore  they  Came  into  ye  following 
Voats 

Voated  1  to  Mak  the  Rev1  Mr  Larsons  Rate:  &  ye  wood  Rate  by  the  same 
List  to  be  Taken  this  Instant  Decem,,r  also  that  sa  Rate  to  be  Made  twnty  five  pounds 
biger  than  to  Answare  ye  Rev'1  Mr  Parsons  sallary  :  that  s'1  twnty  five  pounds 
to  [be]  Loged  In  the  Tresurers  offis  to  Answar  the  Debts  of  this  preceinct  for  this 
yeare 

Voated  2     to  finish  ye  Meeting  House  this  yeare  Ensuing 

Voated  3  that  Capt  Jona"  Smith  &  De  Ebenr  Dickinson  John  Nash  Lt 
Eben'' Kellogg:  Joseph  Eastman  a  Committy  to  provide  ye  Matter  and  to  se  s'1 
House  finished 

Voated  4  that  De  Ebenr  Dickinson  preceinct  Tresurar  see  and  git  a  Bond  for 
the  Money  Du  to  this  preceinct  for  ye  Equiveland  sold  by  ye  townd  of  Hadley 

Attes't  John   Nash    Moderator 

At  A  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  In  Hadley  third  Preceinct  March  ye  <)"' 

1752  they  Came  into  the  following  Voats — 

Voated  1     John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark  for  this  presant  yeare 

Voated  2     Dea  Eben1"  Dickinson  Preceinct  Tresurar  for  this  yeare 

Voated  3  Capt  Jona"  Smith  De"  Eben1'  Dickinson  Lt  Ebenr  Kellogg  Assesors 
for  this  preceinct  for  this  yeare 

Voated  4  Nath"  Dickinson  Eben1'  Kellogg  Jacob  Worner  to  serve  a[s]  Com- 
mitty to  Issu  out  Worrants  for  Preceinct  Meetings 

Voated  [$]  to  alow  John  Nash  Jn  teen  shillings  &  Eaight  pence  to  Give  ye 
signal  upon  ye  sabbath  for  this  yeare 

Voated  6  to  Raise  fifteene  pounds  to  provide  ye  Revd  Mr  Parsons  fire  wood 
for  ye  Ensuing  yeare  :  that  a  Load  shall  be  valued  att  three  shillings 

Voated  7lv  that  John  Nash  Dea  Ebenr  Dickinson  Lt  Ebenr  Kellogg  a  Com- 
mitty to  Vallu  ye  Loads  of  wood  &  also  to  appoint  one  Day  or  More  to  Bring  sd 
wood — 

Voated  8  that  De"  Ebenr  Dickinson  to  treat  with  ye  Owers  and  se  if  he  Can 
Get  ye  Money  Due  to  this  preceinct  upon  Bond 

Attest  Ebex"r  Dickinson  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  [Meeting]  Held  In  Hadley  third  Preceinct  April  ye  9th 
1752  they  Came  into  the  following  Voats 


14  HISTORY   OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voated  i  that  ye  first  thirty  pounds  that  was  Granted  to  this  preceinct  for 
scooling  be  Improved  to  hire  a  scoole  Master  att  ye  fall  of  ye  yeare 

Voated  2  that  the  other  therty  pounds  Granted  ye  Last  Janar  by  the  Town  to 
be  Improv'1  to  hire  Scool  Dames  In  the  Summer 

Voated  3lv  that  John  Nash  Mr  Solomon  Boultwood  Richard  Chancey  En8 
Josiah  Chancey  Joseph  Eastman  John  Field  Moses  Smith  Nath"  Coleman  &  John 
Dickinson  to  Hire  Scooling  and  order  whare  s'1  scoole  shall  be  keept 

Voated  4  that  De  Ebenr  Dickinson  to  Receive  ye  first  thirty  pounds  above 
Mentioned  &  to  Let  it  out  to  Interest  &  take  Bond  for  sd  Money  upon  Demand 

Attest  Eben'r  Kellogg  Moderator 

At  A  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  In  Hadley  third  Preceinct  March  the  21 

1753 — 

After  they  made  Chois  of  De  Ebenezr  Dickinson  Moderator  they  Came  into 
the  following  Voats 

Voted  1     John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark 

Voted  2     De  Ebenr  Dickinson  Preceinct  Tresurar 

Voted  3  John  Nash  Alexandr  Smith  Elisha  Ingram  Assessors  for  the  yeare 
Ensuing 

Voted  4  Selneon  Dickinson  Solomon  Boultwood  Jn  &  John  Nash  Jn:  a 
Committy  to  Issu  out  warrants:  &  warn  preceinct  Meetings:  for  the  yeare 
Ensuing 

Voted  5  to  Raise  fifteene  pounds  Lawfull  Money  to  provide  the  Revd  Mr 
Parsons  fire  wood  for  ye  present  year 

Voted  6     to  alow  three  shillings  a  Load  Lawfull  Money 

Voted  7  John  Nash  Jona"  Dickinson  Moses  Smith  a  Commity  to  Vallu  ye 
Loads  of  wood 

Voted  8'y  Capt  Jonath"  Smith  John  Nash  Jonath"  Dickinson  a  Commity  to 
take  advice  of  sum  Gentelman  Concerning  the  Lands  sequestred  for  High  ways  In 
this  preceinct 

Voted  9  to  Hire  foure  Bulls  In  this  preceinct  &  that  the  present  Assessors 
to  Hire  s'1  Bulls  for  ye  use  of  this  preceinct  for  ye  space  of  one  yeare 

Voted  10  Semeon  Clark  &  Aaron  Worner  a  Committy  to  Hire  sum  parson  or 
parsons  to  Give  the  Signal  upon  the  sabbath  :  &  to  sweep  the  Meeting  House  for 
this  present  yeare 

Attest  Ebene'r  Dickinson  Moderar 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  In  Hadley  third  Preceinct  Jenewr  ye  23: 

1753  after  they  Made  Choise  of  John  Nash  Moderator  they  Came  Into. ye  following 

Votes- 
Voted  1     to  Raise  teen  pounds  Lawfull  Money  to  Answer  the  matter  that  is 

provided  for  finishing  the  Meeting  House  &  for  midlin  Bords  8  pound  thousan 

Voted  2     that  ye  Bills  of  charge  that  was  then  Brought  In  at  this  Meating 

was  alowed  &  past 

Voted  3     that  John  Nash  &  De  Ebenr  Dickinson:  a  Committy  to  Examin  ye 

state  &  take  advice  Concerning  the  High  ways  in  this  preceinct 

Voted  4     to  Raise  foure  pounds  Lawfull  Money  to  promote  scooling  in  this 

place 

Voted  5     to  Ajorn  this  Meeting  to  fifth  of  Febrewary  next 
Sd  Ajornment  not  attended 

Attes't  John  Nash  Moderator 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  1 5 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  In  Hadley  third  Preceinct  July  ye  5th  1753 
they  Came  into  ye  following  Votes  after  ye  Choise  of  De  Ebenr  Dickinson 
Moderator 

Voted  1  that  the  Committy  Made  Choise  of  the  Last  March  Meeting  that 
they  proceed  &  take  advice  of  sum  Gentelmen  Concerning  ye  Lands  that  was 
sequestered  for  Highways  in  this  preceinct  by  ye  town  of  Hadley  &  act  In 
that  affaire  according  to  thare  best  Judgment  for  the  Interest  of  this  preceinct 

Voted  2  y'  the  foure  pounds  y*  was  Granted  by  this  preceinct  for  scooling  & 
ye  twenty  pounds  Granted  by  ye  townd  of  Hadley  for  ye  same  purpos  be  Disposed 
to  provid  three  scools  In  this  preceinct  Equaly  Devided  according  to  ye  number 
of  scollors 

Voted  3  En8  Josiah  Chancey  John  Field  Joseph  Eastman  a  Committy  to 
provide  a  scool  in  ye  North  part  of  this  preceinct  In  ye  Most  Convenient  place 

Voted  4  that  Semeon  Clark  David  Nash  &  Aaron  Worner  provid  scooling  in 
ye  Most  Convenient  place  In  ye  Midele  of  this  preceinct 

Voted  5  that  Moses  Smith  John  Dickinson  &  Alexander  Smith  a  Committy 
to  provid  scooling  att  ye  South  part  of  this  preceinct 

Voted  6     to  seat  the  Meeting  House  In  this  preceinct 

After  Ajornment  to  ye  9th  of  Agust  they  Came  to  the  following  Voats — 

Voted  1  to  Make  foure  pues  In  ye  Meeting  House  whare  the  Hind  seats  are 
and  to  Move  ye  other  seats  forward  to  make  more  rome  for  sd  pues 

Voted  2  that  En8  Josiah  Chancey  John  Field  &  David  Nash  a  Committy  to 
provid  matter  &  to  Build  sd  pues 

Voted  3  that  Capt  Jonath"  Smith  John  Nash  De  Ebenez1"  Dickinson  Richard 
Chancey  Jonath"  Moodey  Nath11  Coleman  John  Dickinson  a  Committy  to  seat  the 
Meeting  House 

Voted  4     that  these  Ruels  in  seating  be  by  mens  age  Estats  &  Ouallifications 
Attested  by  Ebenez  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  A  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  Jenewary  30th  1754  After  they  Made 
Choise  of  De  Ebener  Dickinson  Moderator  they  Came  into  the  following  Voats 

Voated  1  to  Devide  the  Money  Belonging  to  this  preceinct  for  the  Equevelant 
Lands  sold  by  Hadley  Town  to  be  Divided  by  a  List — which  the  townd  mad  for  a 
Rule  to  Divide  it  to  Each  preceinct 

Voated  2  to  add  to  the  Revd  Mr  David  Parsons  salery  for  this  yeare  Ninty 
two  pounds  teen  shillings  old  tennor 

Voated  3  Moses  Smith  a  Committy  man  with  John  Nash  and  Lt  Ebener 
Kellogg  to  Examin  the  Tresurar  of  this  preceinct  Concerning  preceinct  Debts  that 
are  yet  behind 

Voated  4  that  Jona"  Cowls  Joseph  Eastman  John  Field  Jona"  Dickinson 
seators  with  those  that  was  Chosen  Before 

Attest  Ekene'r  Dickinson  Moderar 

Att  A  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  in  Hadley  second  preceinct  March  ye 
22'1  1754  After  they  Had  Made  Choise  of  John  Nash  Moderator  they  Came  Into 
the  following  Voats — 

Voated  1     John  Nash  preceinct  Clark 

Voated  2     De  Ebenr  Dickinson  preceinct  Tresurar  for  this  yeare 

Voated  3  De  Ebener  Dickinson  De  Nath"  Smith  Nath"  Coleman  Assesors 
for  this  preceinct 

Voated  4     to  Rais  fourteen  pounds  Lawfull  money  to  procure  the  Revd  Mr 


1 6  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

parsons  firewood  for  this  yeare 

Voated  5  that  peletiah  Smith  Jr  &  Noah  Dickinson  EbeiV  Dickinson  a  Com- 
mitty  to  Issu  out  warrants  for  preceinct  Meetings  that  any  parson  that  shall  bring 
a  good  Load  of  wood  to  Mr  parsons  shall  be  aLowed  three  shillings  towards  his 
proportion  In  the  above  fifteen  pounds 

Voated  6  that  Mr  Solomon  Boultwood  Nehamiah  Strong  Jonathan  Dickinson 
a  Committy  to  vew  the  Loads  of  wood 

Voated  7     to  Raise  foure  pounds  Lawfull  money  to  provide  Scooling 

Voated  8  that  Joseph  Eastman  John  Field  Moses  Warner  Jonathan  Nash 
John  Dickinson  Peter  Smith  a  Committy  to  Provide  Scooling  Equally  in  all  parts 
of  this  preceinct  as  they  Can :  so  far  as  the  foure  pounds  above  Granted  and  what 
may  be  Granted  this  yeare  by  the  town'1  for  Scooling  in  this  preceinct 

Voated  9  to  Raise  thirty  two  pounds  old  tennor  to  Hire  Pulls  for  the  servis 
of  this  preceinct  for  this  yeare  and  that  the  Assessors  Hire  Bulls  as  they  think 
most  Convenient  for  all  parts  of  the  place  so  fai  as  the  above  thirty  two  pounds 
shall  Hire 

Voated  10  that  Ebenr  Dickinson  John  Nash  Jr  Noah  Dickinson  &  Joseph 
Church  have  Liberty  to  Build  a  pue  whare  the  two  hind  seats  are  in  the  front 
Galery  on  the  mens  side  upon  thare  own  Charge 

Voated  1  1  that  the  Late  Seators  of  the  Meeting  House  to  Consider  if  they 
Can  Resonably  make  any  alteration  in  seating  the  Meeting  House 

Voated  12  that  the  Late  Committy  Chosen  to  se  about  the  High  ways  that 
they  proceed  according  as  they  think  Best  upon  the  preceinct  Charge 

Voated  13  that  the[y]  Grant  Caleb  Bartlet  seven  pounds  old  tennor  to  Give 
the  Signal  and  sweep  the  Meeting  House  for  this  year  past 

Attest  John   Nash   Moderator 

thus  far  the  Recording  voats  answard 

At  A  Legal   Preceinct  Meeting  held  in  Hadley  Second  Preceinct  Decemr  ye 

'3'"  '754 

After  they  Had  made  Choise  of  De  Ebenezor  Dickinson  Moderator  they 
Came  into  the  following  Voats 

Voated  1  to  add  to  the  Rev'  Mr  David  I 'arsons  Sollary  for  this  yeare  ninty 
two  pound  teen  shillings  old  tennor 

Voated  2  that  De  Nath"  Smith  &  Joseph  Church  provide  Glass  and  put  it  up 
whare  any  is  wanting  in  the  Meeting  House  upon  the  preceinct  Charg 

Voated  3  that  the  Assessors  Mak  a  Rate  to  Raise  Money  to  Defry  the 
Charges  as  the  Bills  ware  now  passed 

Attest  Eben'k  Dickinson  Moderr 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  Held  in  Hadley  Second  Preceinct  March  the 
24th  1754  [1755] 

After  they  Mad  Choise  of  John  Nash  Moderator  they  Came  into  the  following 
Voats 

Voated  r     John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark 

Voated  2     De  Ebener  Dickinson  Preceinct  Tresurar 

Voated  3     John  Nash  Jona"  Dickinson  Peter  Smith  assessors  for  this  yeare 

Voated  4  that  the  present  Assessors  be  a  Committy  to  take  Care  of  the 
prudentials  of  this  preceinct 

Voated  5  to  Raise  fourteen  pounds  Lawfull  Money  to  procure  the  Rev'1  Mi- 
David  Parsons  fire  wood :  and  that  Each  good  Load  of  wood  shall  be  Vallued  att 
three  shillings  Lawfull  Money 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  1 7 

Yoated  6  that  Solomon  Boultwood  Jonau  Dickinson  :  John  Nash  a  Committy 
to  vallu  the  Loads  of  wood 

Voated  7  that  the  Committy  Last  Chosen  to  seat  the  Meeting  House  that 
they  Make  sum  alterations  :  as  to  provide  seats  for  sum  new  Cummors — 

Voated  8  that  oure  anuel  March  Meating  be  held  upon  the  second  Munday 
anually  upon  said  month 

Attest  John  Nash  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meating  held  in  Hadley  second  preceinct  Janawr  ye  12th 
1756  after  they  made  Choise  of  John  Nash  Moderator  they  Came  into  the  following 
Voats 

Voated  1  to  Grant  the  Revd  Mr  David  Parsons  thirteen  pounds  six  shillings 
&  eaight  pence  addetion  to  his  sollery  for  this  present  yeare 

Voated  2lv  that  the  Seaters  Last  made  Choise  of  that  they  Make  sum  alterra- 
tion  whare  sd  seators  think  proper 

Attest  John  Nash  Moder 

Att  A  Legal  Preceinct  Meating  held  in  Hadley  second  preceinct  March  ye 
Eaight  1756 — 

After  they  made  Choise  of  De  Ebenezr  Dickinson  Moderator  they  Came  into 
the  following  Voats 

Voated  1     John  Nash  preceinct  Clark  for  this  yeare 

Voated  2lv     De  Ebenez1"  Dickinson  preceinct  Tresurar 

Voated  3^  De  Ebenezr  Dickinson  Jonathan  Moodey  Jonathan  Edwards 
Assessors  for  this  yeare 

Voated  4lv  that  the  Assessors  now  mad  Choise  of  be  a  committy  to  take  Care 
of  the  prudenshall  of  this  preceinct 

Voated  5Iv  to  Raise  fifteen  pounds  Lawfull  Money  to  procure  the  fire  wood 
for  the  Revd  Mr  Parsons  for  the  next  yeare 

Voated  6     that  a  good  Load  of  wood  Shall  be  Vallued  att  three  shillings 

Voated  71'  that  the  Assessors  now  Chosen  be  a  commity  to  Vallue  the  Loads 
of  wood 

Attest  Ebene'r  Dickin'n    Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meating  Held  In  Hadley  Second  Preceinct  Janewr  the 
io,h  1757  After  they  made  Choise  of  John  Nash  Moderar  they  came  into  the 
following  Voats 

Voated  1  that  the  Debts  as  they  have  been  considered  and  have  been  past 
and  the  assessors  are  Directed  to  make  a  Rate  to  answer  said  Debts 

Voated  2  to  add  to  the  Revd  Mr  David  Parsons  Sollery  for  this  year  that  is 
to  his  original  Sollery  fifteen  pounds  Lawfull  money 

Attest  John  Nash  Modera' 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  Meeting  held  in  this  preceinct  March  ye  14th  1757 

Aftere  they  had  made  Choise  of  John  Nash  Moderator  they  Came  into  the 
following  Voats 

Voat  1     John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark 

Att  a  Legal  Preceinct  meating  held  in  Hadley  second  Preceinct  March  ye 
14th  1757 

After  they  made  choice  of  John  Nash  Moderar  they  came  into  the  following 
Voats 

Voted  1     John  Nash  Preceinct  Clark 
3 


1 8  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  2     John  Nash  De  Nath11  Smith  Nath11  Dickinson  Assessors 

Voated  3     Jona"  Dickinson  Preceinct  Tresurar 

Voated  4  to  raise  fifteen  pounds  lawfull  money  to  procure  the  Rev'1  Mr  David 
Parsons  fire  wood  and  that  the  s'1  fifteen  pounds  to  be  Levied  in  the  Same  Rate 
with  ye  Revd  Mr  Parsons  Rate 

Voated  5  that  the  assessors  now  made  choise  of  to  be  a  Committy  to  provide 
ye  Reva  Mr  Parsons  wood  as  they  think  best 

Voated  6  that  the  present  Assessors  a  Committy  to  take  Care  of  the  pruden- 
tials of  the  preceinct  for  this  one  year 

Attest  John  Nash  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  Held  in  this  Preceinct  Decern  ye  8th  1757  After  they 
Made  Choise  of  John  Nash  Moderator  they  Came  into  the  following  Voats 

Voated  1     granted  y1'  preceinct  Debts  as  they  was  Brought  in  and  Considered 

Voated  21'  to  add  to  the  Rev'1  Mr  David  Parsons  Sollery  so  much  as  to  make 
it  to  amount  to  sixty  pounds 

Voated  31''     that  ye  Assessors  make  a  tax  to  Defry  sd  Debts 

Attest  John  Nash  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Precint  Meeting  held  in  Hadley  Second  Precint  March  ye  13  175S 
after  they  made  choise  of  Dec  Ebez''  Dickinson  Moderator  they  Came  into  the — 

Voat  1     Josiah  Chauncy  Precint  Clark 

Voted  2     Joseph  Easman  Precint  tresurer 

Voted  3     Dea  Ebezr  Dickinson  Mosses  Dickinson  Dan11  Kellogg  Assessors 

Voted  4  fifteen  Pounds  to  Procure  the  Rev  Mr  Parsons  fire  wood  the  year 
Ensuing 

Voted  5  that  the  forsd  fiveteen  Pounds  be  Levied  in  the  same  tax  with  the 
Revd  Mr  Parsons  Sallary  &  the  Presant  assessors  [be]  a  Com1  to  Procure  forsd 
wood  As  they  think  Proper 

Voted  6  the  Presant  assesors  a  Com*  to  take  Care  of  the  Prudentials  of  the 
Precint 

Attest  Ebz'r  Dickinson*  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Precint  Meeting  held  in  Hadley  Second  Precint  April  3  1758  after 
they  Made  Choise  of  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator  they  Came  in  into  the  following 
Vote 

Voted  1  Alexdr  Smith  Richard  Chauncy  Dan1'1  Kellogg  Peter  Smith  Joseph 
Easman  Com*  to  settle  Acounts  with  all  former  treasurers  &  Committes  that  have 
been  In  this  Presint 

Voted  2  to  Chuse  a  Committe  to  take  advice  &  Proceed  &  take  such  Measure 
as  they  think  Propper  to  be  set  of[f]  to  be  a  destrict 

Voted  3  John  Nash  Ebezr  Dickinson  Josiah  Chauncy  A  Committe  for  the 
foresd  Purpose 

Attest  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 

at  A  Legall  Meetting  held  in  hadley  2d  Precint  June  29  1758  after  Dea  Ebezr 
Dickinson  was  Chossen  Moderator  they  Came  into  the  following  Vots 

Voted  1  to  send  some  Meet  Person  to  the  Generall  Court  to  appear  in  behalf 
of  the  Precint  Respecting  A  petition  sd  Precint  have  Entered  sd  Court  to  be  set  of 
to  be  a  Destrict 

Vot  2'1  Josiah  Chauncy  to  be  the  Person  to  appear  in  Behalfe  of  the  Parrish 
at  the  Generall  Court  for  the  fores'1  Purpose 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS. 


*9 


Vot  3d  that  the  Com"  Chossen  at  a  Legal  Meeting  in  April  3d  1758  by  the  2d 
Parrish  to  take  such  Measures  as  they  thought  Proper  to  be  set  of  to  be  A  Destriet 
should  be  the  Com"  to  Draw  out  of  the  treasurers  office  What  Money  their  is 
belonging  to  the  Precint  to  Defray  the  Charges  the  forsd  Com"  have  Expended  in 
the  forsd  Servise  of  the  Parish 

Atest  Ebez'r  Dickinson  Moderator 

[By  an  act  passed  February  13,  1759,  the  second  precinct  in  the  town  of  Hadley 
was  erected  into  a  district  by  the  name  of  Amherst.  4  Acts  and  Resolves,  1759, 
ch.  12.] 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  held  In  Amherst  at  the  Meeting  House  on  March  19  1759 
after  Dea  Ebezr  Dickinson  was  Chosen  moderator  they  Came  Into  the  followino- 
Vots 

Vote  1     Josiah  Chauncy  Destriet  Clerck 

Vo'  2     Joseph  Easman  treasurer 

Vo'  3     Dec  Ebezr  Dickinson  sessor 

Jonath  Dickinson  sesor 

Dec  Nath11  Smith  ,     , 

T-      t  1      t->-  1  •  selectmen 

Ens  John  Dickinson 

Mosses  Dickinson  sesor 
Vo'  4     Pelitiah  Smith  sworn  Constables 

Isaac  Goociale  sworn 
Vo'  5     Joseph  Easman  sworn        ,  „ 

Jona"'  Edwards  sworn    ' 
Vo'  6     Gideon  Dickinson  sworn 
Dan11  Dickinson  sworn 
Ebezr  Mattoon  sworn     Surveyors 
Nath"  Dickinson  sworn 
Jacob  Warner 
Vo1  7     Simeon  Clark  sworn         fence 

Nath11  Coleman  Vi  ewers 

Vo1  8     Joseph  Church  sworn 

John  Petty  sworn  Hog  Rifts  [i.  e.  Reeves] 

Reuben  Ingram  sworn 
Vo1  9     Alexdr  Smith  Clerk  market 

Vo  10     that  Hogs  Rung  &  Yoakt  Acording  to  Law  may  Run  at  Large 
Vo  11     That  the  High  way  work  Be  Done  this  Year  By  a  tax    Vo1  to  adjourn 
the  meeting  to  the  20  of  March  Instant  then  met  and  Came  Into  the  following  Vots 
Vo'  12     to  Hire  Six  Bulls  for  the  District  Service  this  Year 
Vo'  13     the  Select  men  to  Hire  said  Bulls 

Vo'  14  to  Give  the  Rev'  Mr  David  Parsons  Sixty  Six  Pounds  thirteen 
shillings  and  four  Pence  Lawful!  Money  Including  the  Bond  for  the  year  Past 
Service — 

Vo'  15  that  anually  the  first  Day  of  May  the  time  To  Pay  Mr  Parsons 
Sallary 

Vo'  16  that  from  the  twenty  first  Day  of  March  To  the  first  Day  of  May  that 
Mr  Parsons  Sallary  Shall  Be  Levied  In  the  Presant  Tax  &  Paid  him  and  the. 
Interest  for  the  foresaid  time 

Vo'  17     to  Raise  twenty  Pounds  for  this  Years'  Scooling  In  the  Next  Years  tax 

Vo'  18     to  Discontinue  one  Rod  in  Width  twenty  Rods  In  Length  In  the  East 

Street  of  the  High  Way  Upon  the  East  Side  of  that  Land  the  town  of  Late  Dis- 


20  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

continued  Begining  at  the  South  Side  of  Dan"  Kelloggs  Lot  &  Extending  North 
the  forsaid  twenty  Rods 

Vol  19  To  Raise  fiveteen  Pounds  to  Procure  the  Rev"  Mr  Parsons  fire  wood 
for  the  year  Ensuing 

Vol  20  to  Allow  for  Work  Done  at  the  Highways  from  the  twenty  ninth  Day 
of  March  To  October  the  tenth  Sixteen  Shillings  Pr  Day  for  a  hand  &  fores'1  sum 
for  teme  &  the  Remainder  Part  of  the  Year  twelve  Shillings  Fr  Day  for  hand  & 
said  sum  for  teme 

Vo'  21  that  Ephraim  Kellogg  Ebezr  Dickinson  3d  thomas  Mortton  John  Field 
Junr  Noah  Smith  have  Liberty  to  Build  a  pew  over  the  Stairs  In  the  Gallery  the 
Mens  Side  if  it  Don't  Hinder  Passing  In  the  Attics  &  Up-  and  Down  Stairs 

Attest  Ebez'r  Dickinson  Moderator 

April  8  1759  John  Ellis  &  Ruth  Keet  Both  of  Amherst  have  Had  their  Inten- 
tion of  Mariadge  Made  Publick 

februwary  20  1759  then  Solomon  Rood  &  Sarah  Could  Was  Ioyned  in 
Miriadge  By  Me  test  Josiah  Chauncv  Jus  Peace 

feb  22  1759  then  John  Young  &  Margeret  Conkey  Was  Ioyned  in  Mariadge 
By  Me  test  Josiah  Chauncy  Jus  Pa 

feb  22  1759  then  Aaron  Gray  &  Isabel  Lucore  was  Ioyned  In  Mariadge  By  Me 

test  Josiah  Chauncv  Jus  Pea 

April  24  1759  then  Benj"  Harwood  &  Cathirine  Chauncy  Was  Ioyned  In 
Mariadge  By  Me  test  Josiah  Chauncv  J  Pa 

At  a  Legal  meeting  Held  in  Amherst  at  the  meeting  House  on  Wednesday  the 
twenty  first  day  of  November  1759  After  Dec  Ebezr  Dickinson  was  Chosen  Mod- 
erator they  Came  Into  the  following  Vots 

Vot  1  to  Chuse  a  Com"  to  take  such  Measures  as  they  think  Proper  in 
Makeing  answer  to  the  Generall  Court  why  the  Petition  that  John  Mortton  & 
Nathan  Dickinson  Hath  Preferd  to  said  Court  should  Not  Be  Granted 

Vot  2  Josiah  Chauncy  Dea  Ebezr  Dickinson  Joseph  Easman  a  Com"  for  the 
fores'1  Purpose 

test  Ebez'r  Dickinson   Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  Held  in  amherst  at  the  Meeting  House  on  Wednesday  ye 
twenty  third  Day  of  Janawary  1760  after  Josiah  Chauncy  was  Chosen  moderator 
they  Came  Into  the  following  Vots  > 

Vol  1  two  Pounds  Lawful!  money  To  Be  Raised  &  the  Select  men  have 
Liberty  To  Pay  Part  or  all  Said  two  Pounds  To  Reuben  Ingram  for  Keeping 
Dan11  Smith  if  Determined  By  them  this  Due  from  the  Destrict 

Vo1  2'1  that  the  Bills  as  they  have  Been  Read  &  Considerd  are  Passed  &  the 
Presant  assessors  to  Raise  s'1  sums  In  the  Presant  years  tax  &  order  the  same  to 
be  Paid  where  it  is  Due 

Vo1  3'1  To  Give  the  Rev  Mr  David  Parsons  this  Year  for  his  Sallary  Sixty 
Six  Pounds  thirteen  Shillings  &  four  Pence  To  Be  Levied  in  the  Presant  years 
tax — 

Vol  4  to  Raise  ten  Pounds  thirteen  Shillings  &  four  Pence  L  M  for  the  Use 
&  Benifit  of  Scooling  to  Be  Levied  in  the  Preasant  years  tax 

test  Josiah  Chauncv  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  held  in  amherst  februwary  11  1760  after  Doctor  Nath" 
Smith  was  Chosen  Moderator  they  Came  Into  the  following  Vots 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  2  1 

Vo  i  Mr  Jonathan  Dickinson  Ens  John  Dickinson  Josiah  Chauncy  agents 
for  the  Destrict  of  Amherst  to  Comence  an  action  in  Law  with  the  town  of  Hadley 
respecting  the  maintenence  of  Dan"  Smith 

atest  Nathaniel  Smith  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  in  amherst  Held  at  the  Meeting  House  on  Wednesday  the 
18th  Day  of  March  1760  after  Dec  Ebezr  Dickinson  was  Chosen  Moderator  they 
Came  into  the  following 

Vots  1     Josiah  Chauncy  Clerk  sworn 

Vro  2  Joseph  Easman  treasurer  Alexander  Smith  Simeon  Dickinson  Constable 
sworn  Ebezr  Mattoon  sworn  Mosses  Cook  tythingmen  Jonth  Modey  Joseph  Church 
thomas  Hastings  Surveyers  Sworn  John  Petty  Joseph  Clary  fence  Viewers 

Jonathan  Smith  Nathan  Dickinson  Sworn  Edward  Smith  Simeon  Smith 
Reuben  Ingram  Hogrifts  Sworn  Noah  Dickinson  Elijah  Baker  Moses  Dickinson 
Dearifs  [/.  e.  deer-reeves\  Alexdr  Smith  Cleark  8f  the  Markit  Packer  Gager 

Vot  2  Hogs  Rung  &  Voakt  acording  to  Law  may  Run  at  Large  the  Year 
Ensuing 

Vo  Jon"1  Edwards  Nath11  Colman  Jona,h  Modey  Josiah  Chauncy  Dan11  Kellogg 
Selectmen  taken  the  Previous  oath  Josiah  Chauncy  Jon"1  Edwards  Jona"1  Modev 
assessors 

Yo'  to  Raise  thirteen  Pound  Six  Shillings  &  Eight  Pence  for  Scoolling  in  the 
Next  tax 

Vo1  to  Raise  fifteen  Pound  to  find  the  Revd  Mr  David  Parsons  fire  wood  for 
this  year 

Vo'  Decon  Ebezr  Dickinson  Josiah  Chauncy  John  Dickinson  A  Com"  to 
View  the  High  way  in  the  East  Street  &  fortriver  &  make  tryal  to  Exchange  Land 
with  Some  Parsons  &  make  Return  to  this  Meeting — 

Yo  Josiah  Chauncy  John  Dickinson  Joseph  Easman  A  Com"  to  View  &  Judge 
what  Damiges  Mr  Jon"'  Dickinson  Has  Received  By  the  County  Road  Bein°-  Laid 
across  his  Land  &  make  Return  to  this  Meeting 

Vo1  to   adjourn   this   Meeting  to   monday  the   twenty  fourth   Day  of  March 

Currunt  at  three  of  the  o  Cloack  in  the afternoon  then  met  &  the  meetin°- 

opened  &  Came  Into  the  following  Vots 

Vo  to  Build  a  Bridge  over  fort  River  in  the  East  Street  or  Near  thereabouts 
Upon  the  Destrict  Charge 

Yo'  Solomon  Boultwood  Peter  Smith  John  Billings  a  Com"  to  Build  the  Said 
Bridge 

Yo'  to  Seat  the  Meeting  House 

Vo'  Jona"1  Dickinson  Capt  Jonathan  Smith  Josiah  Chauncy  Dec  Ebezr  Dick- 
inson Mosses  Dickinson  a  Com"  to  Seat  the  Meeting  House  Yo'  that  Age  & 
Qualifications  &  Estate  upon  the  two  Last  Lists  the  Rule  or  Standard  wherbv 
the  foresd  Com"  are  to  Seet  Said  meeting  house 

Yo'  to  Raise  Eight  Pounds  to  hire  Bulls  for  the  Destrict  Service  this  Year 

Yo'  that  the  high  way  work  this  year  Be  Done  By  a  tax 

Vo'  to  allow  for  work  Done  at  the  High  ways  from  the  29"1  of  March  Currunt 
to  October  io'h  sixteen  shillings  Pr  Day  for  hand  &  said  sum  for  teme  &  the 
Remainder  Part  of  the  Year  12  Shillings  Pr  Day  &  Said  Sum  for  teme 

At  a  Legal  meeting  Held  in  amherst  at  the  meeting  House  on  tuesday  the  29"' 
Day  of  april  1760  after  Josiah  Chauncy  was  Chosen  Moderator  they  Came  into  the 
following  Vots 


2  2  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Vol  i  that  the  two  fore  Seats  in  the  weomans  Gallary  in  the  front  Shall  Be 
Seated  with  men  &  to  Build  a  Pew  for  the  weomen  upon  the  Back  Part  of  the 
front  Vo1  to  Build  a  Pew  over  the  Stairs  for  the  weoman  upon  the  Destrict 
Charge 

Voted  to  take  Some  advice  in  the  County  Respecting  the  Land  formerly 
Sequestered  for  Highways  in  this  Destrict 

Vo'  that  Mr  Jon"1  Dickickinson  &  Mr  Dan"  Kellogg  a  Com"  for  S'1  Purpose 

test  JOSIAH   CHAUNCEY   .Moderator 

at  a  Legal  Meeting  Held  in  amherst  on  Monday  the  fifth  Day  of  Janawary 
1761  after  Josiah  Chauncy  was  Chosen  Moderator  they  Came  Into  the  following. 
Vots 

Vo'1  1  the  Deats  as  they  Have  Been  Read  &  Considered  are  Voted  Vo'  2 
the  Assessors  To  Raise  s'1  Deats  in  this  years  Tax  &  order  the  Payment  where  Due 

Voted  To  Build  two  Scool  houses  in  this  Destrict  at  the  Charge  of  Destrict 

Vot'1  that  Simeon  Cleark  Ens  John  field  Peter  Smith  Lev'  John  Dickinson 
Nath11  Dickinson  Mr  Jonathan  Dickinson  a  Com"  To  View  &  Consider  Whether 
it  Be  Best  To  have  two  or  three  Scool  Houses  &  Where  they  Judg  it  most  Con- 
venient To  Place  them  &  make  Report  to  the  Next  March  Meeting 

Vot1'  Sixty  Six  Pound  thirteen  Shillings  &  four  Pence  To  Be  Raised  in  this 
years  tax  &  Paid  To  the  Revd  Mr  David  Parsons  for  this  Years  Sallary 

attest  Josiah  Chauncy   Moderator 

at  a  Legal  meeting  held  in  Amherst  at  the  meeting  house  on  Monday  the 
Second  Day  of  March  1761  after  Josiah  Chauncy  was  Chosen  Moderator  the[y] 
Came  Into  the  following  Vots 

Voted     Josiah  Chauncy  Cleark  Sworn  Joseph  Easman  Treasurer  sworn 

Voted  Mr  Jonathan  Dickinson  Lev'  John  Dickinson  Peter  Smith  Joseph 
Easman  Ens  John  field  Selectmen 

Voted     Mr  Jonathan  Dickinson  Peter  Smith  Ens  John  Field  asesors 

Voted     Serg'  Thomas  Hastings  &  Serg1  ( '.ideon  Dickinson  Constables  ^Sworn 

Voted    Jonathan  Modey  Mosses  Cook  Noah  Dickinson  Surveyers  ^Sworn 

Voted     Joseph  Church  John  Pettee  Tythingmen  J^Sworn 

Voted     Sam11  Ingram  Sam"  Church  Fence  Viewers  |>S\vorn 

Voted  Hezikiah  Beldin  David  Smith  Simeon  Pomroy  Phillip  Ingram  Asael 
Modey  Hogrifs  ^-Sworn 

Voted  Sollomon  Boltwood  Junr  Nath"  Coleman  Ebezr  Mattoon  ^-Dearifs  J> 
Sworn 

Voted     Alexander  Smith  Cleark  of  the  Markit  }>Sworn 

Voted  Moses  Dickinson  Dan"  Kellogg  Lev*  William  Boltwood  [> Wardens  )> 
Sworn 

Voted  to  Raise  fourteen  Pounds  to  he  Levied  in  the  Next  years  Tax  for 
S  cooling 

Voted  to  acept  of  the  Report  of  the  Com"  Respecting  the  Places  where  the 
Scool  houses  Shall  Be  Built 

Voted     the  highways  Shall  Be  Done  this  Preasant  Year  by  a  Tax- 
Voted     that  the  Select  men  hire  Bulls  for  this  Year 

Voted  that  the  Select  men  be  Impowered  to  Draw  out  of  the  Treasurer  so 
much  Money  as  is  Due  to  the  Province  for  Last  years  Tax  &  Pay  it  out 

Voted  that  Mr  Jonathan  Dickinson  have  Four  Acres  &  three  Quarters  of  the 
Town  Land  Lying  Between  Mosses  Warner  &  the  high  way  that  Leads  to  Pelham 


RECORDS    OF     TOWN    -MEETINGS.  23 

Begining  at  the  East  End  of  the  said  town  Land  taking  the  whole  Breadth  & 
Extending  so  Far  West  as  to  make  up  the  fores'1  Quantity  wich  is  For  Sattisfaction 
to  the  aboves'1  Dickinson  for  Damiage  Done  to  him  By  a  County  Road  Being  Laid 
across  Part  of  his  Land 

Atest  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 

at  a  Legal  Meeting  held  at  Amherst  at  the  meeting"  house  on  the  twelth  Day 
of  October  1761  at  two  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon  after  mr  Jonathan  Dickinson 
was  Chosen  Moderator  they  Came  into  the  following  Vots 

Voted  the  Destrict  will  be  at  the  Cost  of  mending  the  Road  from  the  Sawmill 
through  Edmunt  Hubbards  Land 

Voted  the  Select  men  Be  a  Com"  to  Make  Trial  to  See  how  they  Can 
Exchange  Land  for  a  high  Way  with  Jon"1  Coles  &  Make  Report  to  the  Next 
Meeting  Test  Jon'th  Dickixsox  Moderator 

at  a  Legal  meeting  Held  in  Amherst  at  the  meeting  house  the  22'1  Day  of 
December  1761  after  Peter  Smith  was  Chosen  Moderator  they  Came  into  the 
following  Vots 

Voted  1  to  Build  a  Scool  House  in  the  highway  that  Leads  to  Pelham  Near 
the  Place  where  Moses  Warners  house  formerly  stood  and  John  Billing"  Dan11 
Kellogg  Lev1  Willm  Boltwood  a  Com"  to  Build  said  House 

Voted  2'1  to  build  another  Scoolhouse  in  the  highway  that  Runs  East  and 
West  between  Joseph  Church  and  Jon"'  Coles  Near  the  midle  of  the  Length  of 
said  way  and  Ens  John  Field  and  Joseph  Easman  and  Sam11  Ingram  a  Com"  to 
build  said  house 

Voved  3d  to  Build  another  Scool  house  in  the  high  way  South  of  Nath11 
Colmans  Lot  East  of  Plum  Brook  upon  the  hill  &  Mosses  Dickinson  Peter  Smith 
Lev'  John  Dickinson  a  Com"  to  build  said  house 

Voted  4d  that  a  midling  Load  Caried  to  mr  Parsons  Shall  Be  allowed  in  the 
Parsons  Rate  that  Caries  it  0-2-4-3  &  tne  Selectmen  are  to  Prise  said  Loads 

Voted  5"1  to  Give  the  Revd  mr  David  Parsons  for  his  Sallary  this  year  Sixty 
Six  Pounds  thirteen  Shillings  &  four  Pence 

Voted  6th  to  Raise  ten  Pound  to  find  mr  Parsons  with  fire  wood  the  Ensuing- 
year 

Voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  the  first  monday  in  februwary  Next  at  Nine 
of  the  Clock  in  the  morning  februwary  1  1762  then  Mett&  Came  Into  the  following 
Vots 

Voted  S  to  allow  for  Sumer  Work  Done  at  the  high  way  Be  two  shillings  Pr 
day  &  Eighteen  Pence  for  fall  work  &  the  Bills  as  they  have  Been  Considered  & 
Now  Stand  are  Voted 

Voted  9     that  the  assessors  make  a  Tax  to  answer  the  above  said  Bills 

Voted  10"'     to  Raise  five  Pound  more  for  Scooling 

Voted  11  to  Give  to  the  Rev1  mr  David  Parsons  thirteen  Pound  Six  Shilling 
&  Eight  Penc  as  a  further  aditition  to  his  Sallary 

Voted  12  John  Field  Agent  to  Northampton  Court  to  make  Answer  to  said 
Court  why  the  Petition  that  Ephraim  Kellogg  hath  Exhibited  to  said  Court  for 
altering  the  high  way  ought  Not  to  be  Granted 

Voted  13     to  Seet  the  meeting  house 

Voted  14"1  Lev*  John  Dickinson  Doc'  Nath"  Smith  Dec  Jon"'  Edwards  Peter 
Smith  John  Field  a  Com"  to  Seet  the  meeting  house 


24  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  y1  the  Last  List  age  &  Ouallifications  be  the  Rules  the  Seet  the 
meeting  house  by 

Voted  15"1  to  Revoak  the  former  Vote  that  was  taken  Respecting  the  Place 
to  Set  the  midle  Scool  house  in  this  Destrict 

test  Peter  Smith  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  held  in  Amherst  at  the  Meeting  house  October  18  1762 
after  Josiah  Chauncy  was  Chosen  Moderator  they  Came  Into  the  following  Vots 

Vote  1  to  Chose  a  Com"  to  Inspect  the  bridge  Near  James  Merricks  house 
and  order  Such  Repairs  to  said  Bridge  as  is  Nessasary  Dec  John  Nash  Doc' 
Nath11  Smith  Dan11  Kellogg  Ens  John  Field  Simeon  Clark  a  Com"  for  the  afores'1 
Purpose 

Vo'  2     to  Build  three  Scool  houses  in  Amherst 

Vo'  3     to  Refer  the  Matter  to  a  Com"  Where  said  Scool  houses  Shall  Be  Set 

Vot  4  Capt  Savage  Capt  Root  Dec  John  Gun  a  Com"  to  Determin  Where 
the  afores'1  Scooll  houses  Shall  Stand 

Vot  Dan"  Kellogg  Dec  Azariah  Dickinson  Mosses  Dickinson  Simeon  Cleark 
a  Com"  to  wait  on  the  afors'1  Com" 

Vot  to  Chuse  a  Com"  to  Build  the  afors'1  Scool  housses  Where  the  Com" 
Apointed  Shall  order  and  Joseph  Easman  Nath"  Dickinson  Ens  John  Field  Dan" 
Kellogg  John  Billings  Simeon  Cleark  Mosses  Dickinson  Peter  Smith  John  Dick- 
inson a  Com"  for  said  Purpose 

attest  Josiah  Chauncy  moderator 

Att  a  Legal  meeting  held  in  Amherst  at  the  Meetting  house  in  March  1762 
after  Josiah  Chauncy  was  Chosen  moderator  they  Came  Into  the  following  Vots 

Vtd  Josiah  Chauncy  mr  Simeon  Strong  Alex'1  Smith  Dan"  Kellogg  Mosses 
Dickinson — Select  men  Josiah  Chauncy  mr  Simeon  Strong  Mosses  Dickinson 
Assessors 

Vot     Josiah  Chauncy  Cleark  Joseph  Easman  treasuerer 

Vo*     Peter  Smith  Sollomon  Boltwood  Elijah  Baker  Surveyors 

Vot     Isaac  Goodale  Jon"'  Modey  Junr  Simeon  Cleark  tythin  men 

Vo1     Jon"1  Coles  Benjamin  Roads  Fence  Viewers 

Vo'  Reuben  Ingram  Simeon  Smith  Simeon  Pomroy  Ebez  Mattoon  Aaron 
Warner  Reuben  Dickinson  Hogrifs 

Vo'     Lev1  Will"'  Boltwood  Ebezr  Dickinson  Junr  Dearifs 

Vo*     Alexdr  Cleark  of  the  Markit 

Vo'     Mosses  Warner  Nath"  Dickinson  Dan"  Dickinson  Wardens 

Vo'     Joseph  Church  Surveyor  of  timber 

Vo'     Isaac  Goodale  Sealer  of  Leather 

Vo'     to  do  the  High  way  work  a  Tax 

Vo'  that  Hogs  may  Run  on  the  Commons  Yoak'  &  Rung  from  the  First  of 
May  to  the  first  of  Semtember  Next 

Vo'     to  Allow  Josiah  Chauncy  Bill 

Vo'     to  Stop  all  Proceedings  Respecting  the  Scool  houses  another  Year 

Vo'  to  Accept  the  Doings  of  the  Sellect  men  in  Exchanging  Land  with  Jon"1 
Coles  for  a  high  way 

Vo'  that  Joseph  Easman  &  Peter  Smith  a  Com"  to  Setle  with  the  town  of 
hadley  Attest  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  held  in  Amherst  at  the  Meeting  house  in  April  28  1762 
after  Mr  Simeon  Strong  was  Chosen  Moderator  they  Came  Into  the  following  Vots 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  25 

Vot  i     thirteen  Pound  Six  Shillings  &  Eight  Pence  for  the  Use  of  Scooling 
Vot  2d    to  Chuse  a  Com"  to  Setle  with  the  Former  Com"  that  was  Chosen  by 
the  Town  of  Hadley  to  apear  in  behalfe  of  S'1  town  Respecting  the  high  ways 

Yo'  Peter  Smith  Alexdr  Smith  Dan11  Kellogg  Mosses  Dickinson  Lev'  John 
Dickinson  a  Com"  to  Setle  with  the  Town  Com" 

Yo  to  Impowr  s'1  Com"  to  Pay  the  Destricts  proportion  of  Charge  to  the  hadley 

Com"  and  to  borrow  money  on the  Destricts  Credt  to  Pay  the  same  or  to  P^ind 

any  way  to  Setle  the  Same  acording  to  their  Discresion 

test  Simeon  Strong 

at  a  Legal  Meeting  held  in  amherst  at  the  meeting  house  on  tuesday  the  fourth 
day  of  Janawary  1763  after  mr  Simeon  Strong  was  Chosen  moderator  they  Came 
Into  the  following 

Yots  1  Sumer  work  from  the  First  day  of  May  to  the  First  Day  of  October 
two  Shillings  Pr  day  the  Remaining  Part  of  the  Year  Eleven  Shillings  &  three 
Pence  Pr  day 

Vo*  to  Raise  fourteen  Pound  for  mr  Parsons  Fire  wood 

Yo'  twenty  two  Pound  for  Scooling  Vo'  to  Pass  the  Bills  as  they  have  Been 
Read     Yo'  to  Give  mr  David  Parsons  thirteen  Shillings  &  four  Pence 

test  Simeon  Strong  Moderator 

At  a  legal  meeting  holden  in  Amherst  on  the  23d  Day  of  March  A  D  1763 
After  Simeon  Strong  chosen  moderator  voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  District  Clerk  Joseph  Eastman  Treasurer 
Yot'1  Elisha  Ingram   John  Billings   Joseph  Eastman    Moses  Dickinson   and 
Simeon  Clark  Select  men  for  the  Ensuing  year — 

Voted  Moses  Dickinson  Joseph  Eastman  &  John  Billings  Assessors — 
Voted  Ebenezer  Mattoon  and  Aaron  Warner  constables 

Voted  Ebenezer  Dickinson  Junr  Reuben  Dickinson  John  Nash  Junr  Pelatiah 
Smith  Junr  David  Smith  &  Jacob  Warner  Surveyers  of  Highways 
voted  David  Blodgett  Moses  Cook  and  Elijah  Baker  Tithingmen 
voted  Alexander  Smith  Clerk  of  the  Market 
Voted  Isaac  Goodale  Sealer  of  Leather 

Voted  Jonathan  Coles  and  Nathaniel  Coleman  Fenceviewers 
voted  Noah  Dickinson   Jonathan  Moody  Junr    Nehemiah  Dickinson    Nathan 
Dickinson  Junr  Oliver  Cowls  Hog  Reeves 

voted  Joseph  Williams  Asahel  Moody  Reuben  Dickinson  Deer-Reeves 
voted  Joseph  Church  Surveyer  of  Timber 

voted  Simeon  Dickinson  Azariah  Dickinson  and  Alexander  Smith  Wardens 
voted  that  Hogs  yoked  and  ringed  according  to  Law  may  run  at  large  from 
the  first  of  May  to  the  first  of  September  next  and  after  the  Middle  of  October 
next  till  winter 

Voted  To  grant  the  Rev'1  David  Parsons  thirteen  pounds  Six  Shillings  and 
Eight  pence  in  Addition  to  what  has  been  before  Granted  for  his  years  Salary 

Attest  Simeon  Strong  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  holden  in  Amherst  on  the  twenty  first  Day  of  April  A  D 
1763  after  Moses  Dickinson  Chosen  moderator  voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Votd  to  approve  of  the  Jurors  offerd  by  the  Select  men  to  Supply  the  Box  for 
the  insuing  year 

Vot'1  To  adjourn  this  meeting  to  monday  the  24"1  Day  of  April  Cur'  at  4  of  the 
Clock  afternoon 

4 


26  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

April  24th  then  the  District  met  by  adjournment  and  voted  as  follows  (viz) 

vot'1  To  Choose  a  Com"1  with  power  to  make  what  Repairs  they  shall  think 
proper  in  the  fort  River  Bridge  below  the  Gristmill  or  to  build  another  if  they 
Shall  think  proper 

vot'1  That  Deacon  John  Nash  Lieu'  John  Dickinson  John  Billings  be  the 
Com'" 

votrt  to  choose  a  Com,ee  to  build  a  Bridge  over  the  Mill  River  where  they  Shall 
think  most  proper 

Vot'1  Joseph  Eastman  Ins"  John  Field  Lieut  W"  Boltwood  Josiah  Chauncy 
Esqr  &  Daniel  Kellogg  be  the  Com"' 

Attest  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  holden  at  amherst  on  the  271"  Day  of  August  A  D  1763 
Voted  Simeon  Clark  moderator 

Voted  that  John  Dickinson  John  Field  Daniel  Kellogg  William  Boltwood  be 
Surveyors  of  wheat  for  the  District  of  Amherst  for  the  Ensuing  year 

attest  Simeon  Clark  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  at 
the  meeting  house  there  on  the  19th  Day  of  December  A  D  1763 
Voted  Joseph  Eastman  moderator 

Voted  To  raise  Sixteen  Pounds  for  Supplying  the  Rev'1  David  Parsons  with 
Firewood 

Voted  That  the  price  of  ordinary  Load  of  wood  carried  to  the  Rev'1  David 
Parsons  be  Eighteen  Shillings  old  Tenor 

Voted  To  adjourn  the  said  meeting  for  one  hour  &  then  to  meet  &  hold  the 
same  at  the  House  of  Moses  Warner 

Afterwards  being  met  at  Said  warner's  House 

Voted  To  allow  those  that  have  laboured  at  Building  the  Bridge  near  Ephraim 
Kellogg's  mill  one  Shilling  &  Eight  pence  pr  Day 

Voted  To  allow  Gideon  Dickinson   John   Field   &    Ebenezer  Dickinson  Junr 
two  Shillings  pr  Day  for  their  labour  in  falling  Timber  for  the  above  Said  Bridge 
Voted  To  allow  the  Common   Labourers  at  building  the   Lower  Bridge  near 
the  mill  one  Shilling  &  Eight  pence  pr  Day 

Voted  To  allow  Deacon  John  Nash  Eighteen  Shillings  old  Tenor  pr  Day  for 
Eight  Days  work  at  the  Last  said  Bridge 

voted  To  allow  the  Bills  brought  into  this  meeting  as  they  have  been  read  & 
Corrected 

voted  That  the  Assessors  of  this  District  be  impowered  to  raise  money  by  a 
Tax  for  payment  of  Said  Bills  &  to  order  payment  of  the  Same  to  the  persons 
respectively 

voted  To  grant  to  the  Rev11  David  Parsons  such  addition  to  his  Stated  Salary 
for  this  year  as  to  make  in  the  whole  Eighty  pounds 

voted  To  Clear  &  Fence  the  Burying  yard  in  Said  District 
voted  That  Daniel  Kellogg  William  Boltwood  Josiah  Chauncy  Esq'  Jn"  Field 
John   Dickinson    Moses  Dickinson   Sam"  Ingram    be  a  Committee  to  Clear  said 
Burying  yard  &  to  Fence  the  Same  with  Stone  or  Timber  or  partly  with  Each  at 
their  Discretion 

voted  To  raise  twenty  four  pounds  for  Schooling  this  year 
voted  To  grant  Liberty  to  Joseph  Nash  Gideon  Dickinson  Jim'  John  Morton 
Jun1'   Joseph    Eastman   Junr    Israel    Dickinson    Alexander   Smith   Jun1'   Thomas 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  27 

Hastings  Junr  Josiah  Cowls  Eneas  Dickinson  Joel  Billing  Oliver  Clap  Jonathan 
Nash  Jim1'  to  build  a  pew  in  the  Place  of  the  two  hind  Seats  in  the  upper  Teer  in 
the  Gallary  in  the  Meeting  House  on  their  own  Cost  on  Condition  that  they  resign 
the  Same  Pew  when  the  District  require  it  on  the  Districts  paying  back  the  Charge 
of  Building 

Attest  Joseph  Eastman  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  at 
the  Meeting  House  there  March  i2tl1  1764 

Voted  Moses  Dickinson  moderator 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  Clerk  for  the  said  District  the  ensuing  year 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  Treasurer  for  said  District  the  ensuing  year 

Voted  Peter  Smith  Nathanael  Dickinson  Jonathan  Edwards  Jonathan  Dickin- 
son John  Dickinson  Select  men 

Voted  Jonathan  Edwards  Nathanael  Dickinson  &  Peter  Smith  Assessors 

Voted  Joseph  Church  &  Noah  Dickinson  Constables 

Voted  Simeon  Clark  Samuel  Church  Ebenezer  Dickinson  Jun1'  John  Billing- 
Samuel  Ingram  Jonathan  Moody  Junr  Surveyors  of  Highways 

Voted  To  amend  &  Repair  the  Highways  by  a  Tax  the  following  year 

voted  Lemuel  Moody  Jonathan  Cowls  Junr  Ebenezer  Dickinson  the  third 
Hogreeves 

voted  Azariah  Dickinson  John  Dickinson  Isaac  Goodale  Fenceviewers 

voted  Nehemiah  Dickinson  Reuben  Dickinson  &  Peter  Smith  Tythingmen 

voted  Gideon  Henderson  Sealer  of  Leather 

voted  Hezekiah  Belding  and  John  Nash  Junr  Deer-reeves 

voted  Alexander  Smith  Surveyor  of  Timber 

voted  Daniel  Kellogg  William  Boltwood  John  Dickinson  &  Samuel  Ingram 
Surveyors  of  Wheat 

voted  Nathanael  Coleman  Solomon  Boltwood  Samuel  Ingram  wardens 

voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  Wednesday  the  fourteenth  Day  of  March 
Current  to  be  holden  at  said  Meeting  House 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  at 
the  meeting  house  there  by  adjournment  on  the  fourteenth  Day  of  March  A  D  1764 

Voted  To  provide  a  Book  for  Records  &  a  grave  Cloth  for  the  use  of  the 
District 

voted  that  the  Price  of  a  Daywork  at  Highways  in  Summer  be  two  Shillings 
&  five  pence 

voted  that  a  Day  work  in  the  Fall  be  one  Shilling  &  Eight  pence 

voted  to  Release  to  Cap*  Ebenezer  Kellogg  his  Rates  that  are  unpaid 

voted  That  Simeon  Strong  prefer  a  Petition  to  the  Court  of  general  Sessions 
of  the  Peace  in  Behalf  of  the  District  for  discontinuing  the  Kings  Highway  at  the 
burying  yard 

voted  that  the  present  Select  men  Settle  &  agree  with  Noadiah  Lewis 
respecting  the  Road  that  lyes  through  his  Lot 

voted  To  Establish  the  Highway  laid  out  by  the  Select  men  at  the  Mills  at  the 
north  part  of  the  District  which  said  way  is  laid  out  &  Return  thereof  made  to  this 
meeting  as  follows  (viz)  "The  following  Highway  was  laid  out  by  us  the  Sub- 
••  scribers  in  the  District  of  Amherst  Novr  the  8th  1763  (viz)  Beginning  at  a  Rack 
"  at  the  End  of  Mr  FarnswortrTs  House  &  Runs  South  300  East  Across  the  Bridge 
"above  the  Grist-mill  nine  Rods  to  the  End  of  s'1  Bridge  then  South  280  west  13 


28  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

"  Rods  then  South  6°  East  36  Rods  to  a  black  oak  Staddle  with  a  heap  of  Stones 

"  about  it  on  the  County  Road — 

Surveyed  pr    Ebenezer  Guilds 
Elisha  Ingram     "] 
Joseph  Eastman   ^Select  Men 
Moses  Dickinson  [ 
Simeon  Clark       J 

voted  To  choose  a  Committee  to  Treat  with  the  Rev1  David  Parsons 
respecting  the  Settlement  of  his  Sallary 

voted  That  Peter  Smith  Deacon  John  Nash  Deacon  Ebenezer  Dickinson 
Jonathan  Dickinson  Joseph  Eastman  Josiah  Chauncy  Esq''  Moses  Smith  Samuel 
Ingram  John  Dickinson  Moses  Dickinson  Jonathan  Edwards  William  Boltwood 
Cap*  Jonathan  Smith  Pelatiah  Smith  Doct1'  Nathanael  Smith  &  Jonathan  Cowls 
be  the  Committee  for  the  purpose  abovesaid  &  make  their  Report  to  this  meeting 

voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  Wednesday  the  twenty  Eighth  Day  of  March 
Current 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  by 
adjournment  at  the  meeting  house  there  on  the  twenty  Eighth  Day  of  march  A  D 
1764 

voted  That  Hogs  being  yoked  &  Ringed  according  to  Law  may  run  at  Large 
in  Said  District  from  the  first  of  May  next  untill  the  first  Day  of  September  next 

voted  to  abate  &  Release  to  Tom  Negro  all  Rates  that  have  been  assessed  to 
him  in  this  District  that  are  now  unpaid 

The  Committee  chosen  on  the  fourteenth  Day  of  March  Current  by  the  afore- 
said Inhabitants  to  treat  with  the  Rev'1  David  Parsons  respecting  the  Settlement 
of  his  Sallary  now  make  Report  &  cause  to  be  read  to  this  meeting  the  Proposals 
of  Settlement  made  &  directed  to  the  said  Inhabitants  by  the  said  David  Parsons 
in  writing  under  his  hand  in  the  following  words  (viz) 

To  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  at  their  District  Meeting  holden 
by  adjournment  on  Wednesday  the  twenty  Eighth  Day  of  March  A  D  1764 
Brethren  &  Friends 

Whereas  at  your  meeting  holden  on  the  14"1  Day  of  march  Curr'  you  chose 
your  Com10'1  to  treat  with  me  respecting  the  Stating  &  Settlement  of  my  Sallary  for 
the  future  &  to  know  on  what  Terms  I  am  Content  to  Settle  the  same  I  do  there- 
fore hereby  offer  &  propose  to  you  the  following  Terms  of  settlement  (viz)  that 
vote  &  Grant  me  a  Sallary  of  Eighty  pound  lawful  money  to  be  my  annual  Stated 
Sallary  for  the  future  during  my  ministry  with  you;  &  in  Case  money  Should 
become  so  Scarce  as  not  to  be  a  common  Sufficient  medium  of  Trade  then  I  agree 
to  accept  the  value  of  that  Sum  in  Grain  &  other  necessaries  of  Life  and  that  you 
provide  my  Firewood  annually  as  you  have  done  heretofore — Also  in  Case  the 
above  proposal  of  providing  my  Fire-wood  is  not  agreeable  to  you  I  make  you  the 
following  proposal  instead  thereof  (viz)  That  you  grant  &  vote  my  Sallary  to  be 
annually  for  the  future  during  my  ministry  with  you  the  sum  of  ninety  three 
pounds  Six  Shillings  &  Eight  Pence  lawful  money  &  in  Case  money  Should 
become  So  Scarce  as  not  to  be  a  common  Sufficient  medium  of  Trade  then  I  agree 
to  accept  the  value  of  that  sum  in  Grain  &  other  necessaries  of  Life  &  in  Case  you 
Grant  the  Last  mentioned  Sum  then  my  proposal  is  that  you  are  forever  freed  from 
an\  obligations  to  provide  my  Fire-wood 

Yr  affectionate  Pastor   David  Parsons 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  29 

N.  B.  My  Proposal  is  that  in  Case  the  above  said  Scarcity  of  money  should 
happen  then  said  Sallary  should  be  paid  at  the  following  Rate  (viz)  wheat  at  the 
Rate  of  three  Shillings  &  Seven  pence  one  Farthing  pr  Bushel  &  Rye  at  the  Rate 
of  two  Shillings  &  five  pence  pr  Bushell — 

After  the  Reading  of  which  Proposals  the  Said  Inhabitants  proceed  to  vote  in 
maner  following  the  same  vote  being  reduced  to  writing  &  read  to  said  Inhabitants 
&  taken  in  the  following  words  (viz) 

voted  To  grant  &  comply  with  the  Rev'1  David  Parsons's  second  Proposal 
(viz)  that  the  District  vote  &  Grant  said  David  Parsons's  sallary  for  the  future 
during  his  ministry  with  Said  District  the  Sum  of  ninety  three  pounds  Six  Shillings 
&  Eight  pence;  &  in  Case  money  Should  be  So  Scarce  as  not  to  be  a  Common 
sufficient  medium  of  Trade  then  said  Sum  Should  be  paid  in  Grain  &  other  neces- 
saries of  Life  and  the  District  be  freed  from  any  obligations  to  provide  said 
Parson's  Firewood  &  in  Case  Said  Scarcity  of  money  should  happen  then  said 
Sallary  to  be  paid  at  the  Rate  of  wheat  at  three  Shillings  &  Seven  pence  one 
Farthing  pr  Bushel  and  Rye  at  the  Rate  of  two  Shillings  &  five  pence  pr  Bushel 

Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  at  the 
Meeting  House  in  Said  District  on  the  Seventeenth  Day  of  December  A  D  1764 
at  9  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon 

Votd  Peter  Smith  Moderator 

Vot'1  to  adjourn  this  Meeting  for  the  Space  of  one  Hour  then  to  meet  at  ye 
Same  Place -Met  at  said  Meeting  House  after  s'1  Space  and 

Vot'1  to  Release  to  Deacon  Ebenezer  Dickinson  his  Note  of  about  six  pounds 
old  Tenor  payable  to  the  District  Treasurer  for  his  Service  in  ye  office  of  Treasurer 
ten  years 

Vot'1  to  Allow  two  Shillings  pr  Day  for  Labour  done  for  the  District  in  Summer 

Vot'1  to  allow  one  Shilling  &  Six  pence  pr  Day  for  fall  Work 

Vot'1  to  allow  all  the  Bills  as  they  have  been  read  &  Corrected 

Vot'1  to  impower  the  Assessors  to  levy  a  Tax  on  y '  Inhabitants  of  this  District 
for  Defraying  the  Debts  arising  on  said  Bills 

Vot'1  to  allow  the  Rev'1  Rob'  Abercrombie  twenty  Shillings  for  preaching  here 
one  Sabbath 

Vot'1  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  the  House  of  Moses  Warner  to  meet  there  as 
soon  as  may  be — met  accordingly  there  and 

vot'1  to  raise  twenty  Pounds  for  the  use  of  Schooling 

Vot'1  to  impower  the  Assessors  to  lay  a  Tax  on  the  Inhabitants]  of  Said 
District  for  Said  twenty  pounds 

Vot'1  to  build  four  School  Houses  in  this  District 

Vot'1  to  Choose  Several  Comll"'s  to  determine  the  Places  where  said  Houses 
Shall  be  built 

Vot1  Moses  Dickinson  Peter  Smith  &  Lieu'  John  Dickinson  be  a  Com"'1'  to  fix 
the  Place  for  the  North  School  Hous.e 

Vot'1  Josiah  Chauncy  Esqr  Joseph  Eastman  Ens"  John  Field  be  a  Com'"'  for 
fixing  the  Place  of  the  South  School  House 

Vot'1  Daniel  Kellogg  Gideon  Dickinson  John  Billing  be  a  Com"'1'  to  fix  the 
Place  of  the  west  Middle  School  House 

Vot'1  Lieut  Wm  Boltwood  Isaac  Goodale  Simeon  Strong  be  a  Com"'1'  to  fix  the 
place  of  the  East  Middle  School  House 


30  HISTORY    OF  /THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Vot'1  that  the  District  will  abide  the  Determination  of  the  aforesaid  Com"'"s 

Vot'1  to  choose  four  other  Com"'3  to  build  said  Houses  where  the  afores1' 
Comteea  Shall  determine 

Vot'1  Elijah  1  laker  Samuel  Ingram  Nathanael  Dickinson  be  a  Com"1'  to  build 
the  north  School  House 

Vot'1  Simeon  Clark  Deacon  Nash  Ins"  John  Held  be  a  Com'"'  for  building  the 
west  middle  School  House 

Vot'1  Daniel  Kellogg  Jonathan  Dickinson  &  Thomas  Hastings  be  a  Com10'  for 
Building  the  East  middle  School-House 

vot'1  Nathanael  Coleman  Lieut  John  Dickinson  Peter  Smith  be  a  Com1'1'  to 
build  the  South  School  House 

Vot'1  that  the  four  last  mentioned  Com1'"  be  one  Joint  Comtee  for  Determining 
the  Size  &  Dimentions  of  each  of  the  said  School  Houses 

Attest  Peter  Smith   Moderator 

At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  at  the 
Meeting  House  in  Said  District  on  the  Eighteenth  Day  of  .March  A  I)  1765  at 
9  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon 

Voted  Jonathan  Dickinson  Moderator 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  Clerk  of  said  District  for  the  Ensuing  year — 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  Treasurer  of  said  District 

Voted  John  Billing  Moses  Dickinson  Simeon  Clark  Joseph  Eastman  Azariah 
Dickinson  Select  Men 

Voted  Elijah  Baker  ec  Jonathan  Moody  Jun''  Constables 

Voted  Gideon  Henderson  Thomas  Hastings  &  Lieut  John  Dickinson  Wardens 

Voted  Ins"  John  Field  Lieut  William  Boltwood  Daniel  Dickinson  &  Daniel 
Kellogg  Surveyors  of  Highways 

Voted  Daniel  Kellogg  Isaac  Goodale  Joseph  Dickinson  Tithingmen 

Voted  Jonathan  Cowls  &  Peter  Smith  Fenceviewers 

Voted  Lieut  John  Dickinson  Samuel  Ingram  Daniel  Kellogg  &  Lieut  William 
Boltwood  Surveyors  of  Wheat 

Voted  Jonathan  Dickinson  Jun1'  Asahel  Moody  &  .Moses  Cook  Deer  Reeves 

Voted  Josiah  Moody  Edward  Smith  Ephraim  Kellogg  Jun1'  &  David  Cowls 
Hogreeves 

Voted  Gideon  Henderson  Sealer  of  Leather 

Voted  Joseph  Church  Surveyor  of  Timber  &  Lumber 

Voted  that  Hogs  yoked  &  ringed  according  to  Law  may  run  at  Large  from 
this  Time  to  the  first  Day  of  September  next 

Voted  to  raise  the  Sum  of  thirty  Pounds  for  repairing  Highways 

Voted  That  the  Assessors  Assess  said  Sum  on  the  Inhabitants  of  said  District 

District  Meeting  March  18th  1765 

Voted  That  from  this  Time  to  the  first  Day  of  September  next  the  price  of  a 
Days  work  at  Highways  Shall  be  two  Shillings  &  five  pence 

Voted  That  the  Price  of  Fall  Work  be  one  Shilling  &  nine  pence  p'  Day 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  next  Monday  at  one  o'clock 
afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place  Monday  March  25th  at  one  o'Clock 

met  by  Adjournment 

Jonathan  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  'of  Amherst  at  the 
Meeting  House  in  Said  District  on  the  6"'  Day  of  January  A  D  1766  at  9  oHTlock 
forenoon 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  3 1 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  Moderator  * 

Voted  to  remove  the  meeting  to  the  School  House  which  is  near  Landlord 
Warners  dwelling  House 

Voted  to  raise  the  Sum  of  twenty  seven  Pounds  for  the  use  of  Schooling 

Voted  That  the  Price  of  Summer  Work  at  the  School  Houses  be  two  Shillings 
by  the  Day 

Voted  That  the  price  of  Fall  Work  at  the  School  Houses  be  one  Shilling  and 
Six  Pence  by  the  Day 

Voted  That  Carpenter's  Fall  Work  be  two  Shillings  &  four  Pence 

Voted  That  Carpenter's  Summer  Work  be  two  Shillings  &  Fight  Fence 

Voted  To  allow  the  Bills  as  read  and  Corrected 

Voted  To  grant  the   Rev'1  David  Parsons  the   Present  year's  Sallary  ninety 
three  pounds  Six  Shillings  &  Eight  Pence 

Voted  That  the  Assessors  make  an  Assessment  on  the   Inhabitants  of  the 
District  for  Discharging  the  Debts  before  allowed 

Attest  Simeon  Strong  Moderator 

At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  at  the 
Meeting  House  there  on  the  10"'  Day  of  March  A  D  1766 

Voted  Josiah  Chauncy  Esq''  Moderator 

Voted  To  remove  the  Meeting  to  the   School  House  near  Moses  Warner's 
dwelling  House 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  Treasurer 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  Clerk 

Voted  Lieut  John   Dickinson    Deacon  Jonathan   Edwards    Ins"   John    Field 
Samuel  Ingram  and  Alexander  Smith  Select  Men 

Voted  Lieut  John  Dickinson    Ins"  John   Field    and    Deacon   Jon"1   Edwards 
Assessors 

Voted  Reuben  Dickinson  and  Justus  Williams  Constables 

Voted  John  Field   Gideon  Dickinson    Moses  Dickinson   and  John  Nash  Jun1' 
Surveyers  of  Highways 

Voted    Gideon    Dickinson    Aaron    Warner    and    Jonathan    Dickinson   Junr 
Tithingmen 

Voted  Jonathan  Cowls  and  Nathanael  Coleman  Fence  Viewers 

Voted  Gideon  Henderson  Sealer  of  Leather 

Voted    Warham   Warner    Robert    Emmons   James    Merick   and    Eli    Colton 
Hogreeves 

Voted  Peter  Smith  Moses  Cook  Elijah  Baker  Thomas  Hastings  Surveyors  of 
Wheat 

Voted  Joseph  Church  Surveyor  of  Timber 

Voted  Pelatiah  Smith  Junr  and  Joseph  Dickinson  Deer-Reeves 

Voted  Peter  Smith  Dr  Nathanael  Smith  &  Moses  Cook  Wardens 

Voted  To  repair  Highways  by  a  Tax  in  the   Same   Method  as  was  done  the 
last  year 

Voted  That  Swine  yoked  &  Ringed  may  run  at  large  from  the  first   Day  of 
May  next  till  the  first  Day  of  September  next 

Voted  To  allow  Mr  Benj"  Dickinson's  Bill  of  Eight  Shillings  for  the  Interest 
of  his  money  due  from  the  District 

Voted  That  ye  former  Com,tL'  for  fencing  the  Burying  Yard  proceed  to  get  the 
Highway  against  the  Burying  Yard  Discontinued  and  likewise  fence  the  Burying 


32  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

yard  assoon  as  may  be  by  collecting  the  Inhabitants   to   labour   at   said    Business 

Voted  To  allow  of  and  accept  a  Road  laid  out  by  the  Select-Men  returned  and 
certified  by  them  to  be  laid  out  as  follows  (viz)  "  These  may  certify  to  the  Meeting 
that  We  the  Subscribers  have  laid  out  a  Highway  three  Rods  Wide  across  the 
Sequestered  Land  beginning  at  Asahel  Moody's  South  Line  extending  one  Rod 
and  a  Half  E^ach  Way  from  said  Line  running  from  the  County  Road  West  To 
the  Town  Highway  running  West  ten  Degrees  North  attest  John  Billing  Moses 
Dickinson  Joseph  Eastman  Select  Men 

Attest 

At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  at  the 
Meeting  House  there  on  the  fifth  Day  of  January  AD.  1767 

Voted  Jonathan  Edwards  Moderator 

Voted  to  remove  this  Meeting  to  the  School  House  near  Moses  Warners 

Voted  to  grant  and  allow  (the  Bills  brought  in  as  read  &  Corrected 

Voted  to  impower  the  Assessors  to  make  an  Assessment  on  the  Inhabitants 
for  Payment  of  the  Bills  allowed  &  of  the  Rev'1  David  Parsons's  Sallary  for  the 
Current  year 

Voted  That  Dea"  Ebenezer  Dickinson  In"  John  Field  Joseph  Eastman  Moses 
Dickinson  and  Jonathan  Dickinson  be  a  Comtee  to  Consider  how  much  Land  Shall 
be  granted  to  Mr  Simeon  Strong  for  his  purchasing  for  the  District  the  Land 
where  the  Path  goes  from  hartling  Stake  to  ye  Boundary  near  Wolfpitt  Brook  and 
to  make  Report  to  this  Meeting  on  Adjournment 

Voted  To  Seat  the  Meeting  House 

Voted  Moses  Dickinson  John  Field  Joseph  Eastman  Jonathan  Edwards 
Solomon  Boltwood  be  a  Com'"'  for  that  Purpose 

Voted  That  for  the  Future  the  Annual  Meetings  of  January  and  March  be 
Warned  by  Notifications  posted  on  the  South  Door  of  the  Meeting  House  fourteen 
Days  before  the  respective  Meetings 

Voted  to  adjourn  this  Meeting  to  Monday  this  Day  Fort  night  to  Meet  at  this 
Place  at  one  o'clock  afternoon 

Voted  To  grant  and  raise  twenty  Seven  pounds  for  Schooling 

Voted  That  those  who  have  brought  in  Bills  to  this  adjourned  meeting  for 
Work  at  raising  the  West  Bridge  on  Fort-River  be  allowed  two  Shillings  pr  Day 

Voted  To  allow  those  that  wrought  at  the  East  Bridge  one  Shilling  and  four 
Pence  pr  Day 

Voted  That  those  that  laboured  at  the  West  Bridge  at  other  Labour  than 
raising  be  allowed  one  Shilling  and  Sixpence  by  the  Day 

Voted  To  allow  the  Bills  brought  into  this  adjourned  Meeting  as  read  & 
Corrected 

Voted  That  the  Assessors  make  Assessment  for  Payment  thereof 

Voted  That  Lieu'  John  Dickinson  &  Peter  Smith  be  Agents  for  the  District 
to  appear  in  their  Behalf  at  the  next  Court  of  general  Sessions  of  the  Peace  to 
make  Defence  against  the  Petition  of  John  Billing  &  others  for  a  Road 

Voted  To  take  of  the  Sequestration  from  and  Discontinue  the  Town  Highway 
between  Pelham  Road  &  the  Burying  Yard  for  the  whole  Breadth  thereof 

Voted  To  give  and  grant  to  Simeon  Strong  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever  a 
Certain  Parcel  of  Said  Highway  between  Said  Pelham  Road  and  the  Burying 
Yard  bounded  East  on  the  Line  bounding  the  East  Side  of  Said  Highway  north 
on  the   Burying  Yard,  South  on  Pelham   Road  and  Extending  so  far  West  as  to 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  $$ 

make  the  Quantity  of  Six  Acres,  upon  Condition  of — his  procuring  all  the  Land 
between  Harding  Stake  and  a  Boundary  near  to  and  South  of  Wolfpitt  Brook  and 
between  his  own  &  Solomon  Boltwoods  Fence  on  one  Side  and  the  Kings  High- 
way on  the  other  Side:  so  that  a  Kings  Highway  may  be  laid  out  from  said 
Hartling  Stake  to  said  Boundary  near  Wolf-Pitt  Brook  as  the  travelling  Path  now 
goes  without  any  Charge  to  the  District  of  purchasing  the  Land  or  rendring 
Damages  to  the  owner  thereof  and  in  Case  the  District  cannot  obtain  a  Discon- 
tinuance of  the  Kings  Highway  where  it  now  lies  and  a  Kings  Highway  laid  where 
the  Travelling  Path  now  goes  within  one  year  then  this  Grant  to  be  Void 

Voted  To  choose  Mr  Simeon  Strong  Agent  for  the  District  in  their  Behalf  to 
make  Application  to  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  for  a  Discon- 
tinuance of  the  Kings  Highway  from  Hartling  Stake  to  a  Boundary  near  Wolfpitt 
Brook:  and  for  another  Highway  to  be  laid  out  between  said  Limits  as  the  Path 
now  goes 

Attest  Jon'th  Edwards  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  at 
the  Meeting  House  there  on  Tuesday  the  twenty  Seventh  Day  of  January  AD.  1767 

Voted  Ins"  John  Field  Moderator 

Voted  To  make  Such  Amendments  and  Alterations  in  the  Meeting  House  as 
the  Com'1'-  Chosen  for  that  Purpose  have  Reported  to  this  Meeting  in  Writing 
under  their  Hand 

Voted  That  Ins"  Field  Gideon  Henderson  John  Billing  Lieu1  John  Dickinson 
and  Peter  Smith  be  a  Com"'1  to  make  Said  Alterations  and  Amendments 

Attest 

Record  of  the  Warrant  for  A  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  Janrv  5th 
1767  &  the  Return  thereof  which  is  omitted  in  Proper  Place  &  should  have  been 
recorded  before  the  Record  of  said  Meeting  3  Pages  Each 

[Seal]     To  the  Constables  in  Amherst  or  either  of  them   Greeting You 

are  required  in  his  Majesty's  Name  forthwith  to  warn  all  Freeholders  &  other 
Inhabitants  of  said  District  who  are  Qualified  by  Law  to  Vote  in  Town-Meetings 
that  they  Assemble  at  the  Meeting  House  in  said  District  on  Monday  the  fifth 
Day  of  January  next  at  nine  o'th  Clock  in  the  Morning  then  &:  there  after  the 
Choice  of  a  Moderator  to  do  as  follows : 

ist  to  Consider  &  pass  the  Debts  which  have  arisen  in  the  District  this  year 
past  &  to  raise  money  as  they  shall  find  occasion 

2m-v  To  determine  what  they  will  do  in  opposition  to  the  suit  of  a  Highway 
through  Deacon  Nashes  Lot  &  onward 

3cU-v  To  determine  whether  the  District  will  take  off  the  Sequestration  from 
and  discontinue  the  Town  Highway  or  any  Part  thereof  lying  between  the  High- 
way called  Pelham  Road  &  the  Land  sequestred  for  a  Burying  Yard  &  between 
the  first  &  Second  Divisions  of  Land  in  Amherst 

4thlv  To  determine  what  Lands  within  said  Limits  the  District  will  grant  to 
Mr  Simeon  Strong  on  Condition  of  his  procuring  the  Land  East  of  his  own  & 
Solomon  Boltwood's  Fence  &  between  said  Fence  &  the  west  Line  of  the  High- 
Way  as  it  now  lyes  of  sufficient  Width  for  a  King's  Highway  from  the  South-East 
Corner  of  said  Strong's  Fence  as  the  Travelling  Path  now  goes  to  a  boundary 
about  six  Rods  South  of  Wolf-Pitt  Brook  so  that  the  District  shall  need  be  at  no 
Charge  of  purchasing  said  Land 

5 


34  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

5,l,,v  To  choose  an  Agent  to  prefer  a  Petition  to  the  Honble  Court  of  General 
Sessions  of  the  Peace  next  to  be  holden  at  Northampton  that  the  King's  Highway 
between  the  Harding  Stake  &  Said  Wolf-Pitt  Brook  may  be  discontinued  and  laid 
out  where  the  Path  now  goes 

6iiii.v  Whether  they  will  discontinue  the  Town  Highway  on  a  Spot  of  Land 
lying  between  Simeon  Dickinson's  South  Line  and  the  County  Road  against  where 
Moses  Warner's  House  formerly  Stood  Suposed  to  be  about  two  Acres  giving 
Liberty  to  Preserved  Clap  to  take  Possession  thereof 

71111.V  Whether  they  will  give  Liberty  to  a  Number  who  desire  it  to  build  a  Pew 
or  Pews  in  the  Gallery  at  their  own  Cost 

gthiy  Whether  they  will  seat  the  Meeting  House  anew;  or  make  any  Altera- 
tion in  the  Sitting 

Qtiny     whether  they  will  allow  that  annual   Meetings  which  are  in  January  & 

March  be  warned  by  Notifications and  you  are  to  make  Return  of  this  Warrant 

&  of  your  Doings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before  said  Time Given 

under  our  Hand  &  Seal  this  29th  Day  of  December  1766 

John  Dickinson^ 

John  Field  !  , .  ,     .   .. 

Qaht'it    k„,>«>.    > Select  Men 
hAM  ll  Ingram   [ 

Alex'r  Smith     J 

Return  of  the  Constable  indorsed  thus  (viz) 

The  Directions  of  this  Warrant  hath  been  attended  by  Me 

Justus  Williams  a  Constable 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  on  Monday 
the  Sixteenth  Day  of  March  1767  at  the  Scool  house  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the 
Morning  after  Josiah  Chauncy  was  Chosen  Moderator  they  Came  Into  the 
following  Vots 

Votd  Josiah  Chauncy  Clark     Yot  mr  Simeon  Strong  Treasurer 

Vo1  Jon*h  Dickinson  Nath11  Collman  Joseph  Easman  Select  Men  and  Assessors 

Vo'  Mosses  Dickinson  Simeon  Clark  Select  men 

Vo'  Hezekiah  Beldin  Asael  Moody  Constables 

Vo'  Simeon  Pomroy  Joseph  Dickinson  Jon"1  Smith  Surveyors 

Vo'  Nath11  Colman  Jonth  Coles  fence  Viewers 

Vo1  Ebenezer  Dickinson  Junr   William  Boltwood   Martin  Smith  Tithing  Men 

Vo'  Mosses  Warner  Junr  Jon'h  Moodey  Junr  Jacob  Warner  Junr  Noah  Smith 
Jon"1  Dickinson  Junr  Hogrifs 

Vo'  Ebezr  Dickinson  Junr  Simeon  Smith  Dearifs 

Vo'  Peter  Smith  Elijah  Baker  Mosses  Cook  Thomas  Hastings  Surveyers  of 
Wheat  and  Flowr 

Vo'  Gideon  Henderson  Sealer  of  Leather 

Vo'  Joseph  Church  Surveyer  of  Lumber 

Vo'  Aaron  Warner  Isaac  Goodale  Pelitiah  Smith  Wardens 

Vote  to  keep  the  Scooll  one  Month  in  the  west  Street  North  End 

Vo'  Daniel  Kellogg  Surveyor 

Vo'  to  Do  the  high  ways  this  Year  by  a  Tax 

Vo1  to  adjourn  this  Meeting  to  the  twenty  third  Day  of  March  Currant  at 
4  o  Clock  in  the  afternoon 

Then  Meet  by  adjournment  &  Voted  to  Except  of  the  Return  of  the  Select 
Men  of  a  high  way  Laid  out  as  Follows  Amherst  March  ye  18"1  1767  we  the 
Subscribers  have  Laid  out  a  Town  highway  two  Rods  in  Width  from  the  Mills  to 


RECORDS    OF   TOWN    MEETINGS.  35 

Hadley  Line  we  Began  North  of  the  bridge  below  the  Mills  and  Run  South  twenty 
Nine  Degrees  west  thirty  Rods  thence  South  forty  Degrees  west  fifty  two  Rods 
thence  west  thirty  Seven  Degrees  South  twenty  Eight  Rods  thence  North  thirty 
two  Degrees  west  Eight  Rods  thence  west  thirty  one  Degrees  South  ten  Rods 
thence  west  about  Nine  Degrees  North  Seventy  four  Rods  thence  west  about 
Eight  Degrees  South  twelve  Rods  thence  west  Nine  Degrees  North  Sixty  Rods 
thence  west  thirty  Nine  Degrees  west  forty  Rods  to  hadley  Line 

Jonathan  Dickinson  ^ 
Nath'll  Colemam      ■  c  ,     ,  ,, 
Joseph  Easman  f Select  Men 

Mosses  Dickinson     J 
Test  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  held  in  Amherst  on  April  14  1767  after  Josiah  Chauncy 
was  Chosen  Moderator  they  Came  Into  the  following  Vots 

Vot  that  ye  Select  Men  order  out  of  the  Treasury  ye  Sum  of  fifty  two  Shillings 
for  the  Conveying  the  French  Neutrels  to  Canada 

Vo'  to  Chuse  a  Com""  to  Take  advice  Respecting  any  Measures  to  Prevent 
the  Establishment  of  the  Road  through  John  Nashs  Lot  Vo*  Peter  Smith  John 
Dickinson  be  the  Com,eL' 

Vot  the  Said  Comtee  Shall  Proceed  in  Law  Upon  advice  that  they  Shall  Recive 
from  Such  as  are  Skild  in  Law  acording  to  their  Direction 

Vo'  that  Money  be  Taken  out  of  the  Treasury  to  Defray  the  Cost  of  the  affair 

Vo*  Josiah  Chauncey  Esq1'  &  Jon"1  Dickinson  be  Comitty  Men  To  Joyn  a 
former  Com"'1'  to  Seet  the  Meeting  house 

Vo'  that  the  Comtoe  Chossen  to  Seet  the  Meeting  house  Shall  Seet  said  house 
by  Age  &  Estate  and  Ouallifications 

Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  held  in  Amherst  on  the  Eleventh  Day  of  June  1767  after 
Jon"'  Dickinson  was  Chosen  Moderator  Came  Into  the  following  Vote 

Vo'  to  Discontinue  Road  or  highway  Lately  Laid  out  by  the  Courts  Committy 
through  Decon  John  Nashes  Lot  he  Now  Lives  on  and  through  David  N ashes  Lot 
Jonathan  Nash  Lives  on  Near  the  South  Line  of  said  Lot 

attest  Jon'th  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  held  in  Amherst  on  Monday  the  fourth  Day  of  Janawary 
at  the  Scool  house  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  Morning  after  Josiah  Chauncy  Esqr 
was  Chosen  Moderator  they  Came  Into  the  following  Vots 

Vo'  Mosses  Dickinson  Dan11  Kellogg  Martin  Smith  a  Com"  to  Examine  the 
Acountsof  those  that  formerly  builded  Pews  in  the  Meeting  house  &  Make  Report 
of  the  Sum  to  the  Assessors 

[pass]  [been] 

Vo'  that  the  bills  as  they  have  Read  and  Considered  And  also  Six  Pounds 
Granted  by  the  District  to  John  Hubbard  for  Damiges  Done  him  by  Laying  a 
Town  Road  Crost  his  Land  and  Likewise  Mr  David  Parsons  Sallary  be  Raised  in 
a  Tax  on  the  District  by  the  assessors  &  Paid  out  where  Due 

Vo'  twenty  four  Pounds  further  to  be  Raised  for  the  Use  of  Scooling  &  Paid 
out  by  the  assessors 

Vo1  the  North  Scool  be  kept  one  halfe  the  Time- in  the  West  Street 

Vo'  that  the  Select  Men  Build  a  New  Pound  Near  Hartling  Stake  or  Repair 
the  old  Pound  as  they  think  Best 

attest  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 


36  HISTORY   OF    THE   TOWN    OF   AMHERST,    MASS. 

[Seal]  Hamshere  St.  to  the  Constables,  or  Constabe  of  the  Destrict  of 
Amherst  or  Either  of  them  Greeting — In  his  majesties  Name  you  are  requir,d 
forthwith  to  warn  all  the  freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  Qualified  for  voting  in 
Destrict  metings  that  they  Assemble  &  meet  at  the  Schoolhous  near  the  hartling 
Stake  in  the  west  Street  in  s'1  Destrict  on  the  first  monday  in  March  Next  which  is 
the  7th  day  of  s.d  March  at  nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  Morning  viz  to  act  upon  the 
following  articles 

Ist    to  Chuse  a  Moderator 

2d'y     to  Chuse  Destrict  officers 

3'ilv  to  see  if  the  Destrict  will  get  sum  body  to  undertake  to  keep  the  buriing 
yard  fence,'1  and  Clear,'1  for  Liberty  to  feed  it  and  for  land  next  to  it 

to  see  if  the  Destrict  will  take  of  the  Sequestoration  from  any  highway  Land 
by  the  buriing  yard 

to  Chuse  a  Committy  to  agree  with  some  Person  About  Keeping  the  buriing 
yard  well  fensed  and  Cleard  for  Land  joining  to  it  and  for  liberty  to  feed  the  yard 
and  to  give  deed  and  take  obligations  of  them  that  they  Agree  with 

4,hlv  to  see  if  the  Destrict  will  Except  of  a  highway  Laid  out  by  the  Select 
men  beginning  north  of  Elijah  Bakers  Running  into  the  Sawmill  in  Joseph 
Churches  Land  and  Continuing  Said  Rhode  through  Mr  Sharps  Land 

t-thiy  jo  see  if  the  Destrict  will  Lay  a  highway  through  the  first  Division  from 
the  west  Street  to  the  Sawmil  in  Joseph  Churches  Land  Where  they  shall  see  fit 

gthij  To  see  what  mesures  we  Shall  Come  into  to  keep  the  highways  in  Repair 
for  the  year  insuing 

7,hlv  To  se  if  the  Destrict  will  Except  the  Rhode  Laid  through  the  middle 
Division  on  the  South  Side  of  Pelletiah  Smiths  Lot  from  the  Est  End  to  mill  River 

8thlv  To  hear  Mr  Strongs  request  to  Answer  him  the  money  which  he  paid 
the  Committy  for  altering  the  highway  against  the  Inning  yard 

And  make  returne  of  this  worrant  and  your  Doings  to  one  of  us  before  S'1  Day- 
Given  under  our  hands  and  seal  this  fifteenth  Day  of  February  1768 

Jon'th  Dickinson  "] 
Nath'll  Coleman  | 
Moses  Dickinson    (r Selectmen 
Simeon  Clark         | 
Joseph  Easman      J 

Return  of  the  Constable  Indos'1  thus  viz  Hams1'  ss.  This  may  Certify  that  the 
Directions  of  this  Worrant  hath  ben  attended  by   Posting  a  Notification  fourteen 

days  before  a  meting  according  to  the  Vote  of  the  Destrict Hezekiah  Belding 

Constable  for  Amherst 

Att  a  Legal  meting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  Destrict  of  Amherst  on  monday 
the  seventh  clay  of  March  176S  at  the  school  hous  near  the  hartling  Stake  at  Nine 
of  ye  Clock  in  y'  morning  After  Josiah  Chauncy  Esq  was  Chosen  Moderator  they 
Came  into  y1'  following  Vots 

Votd  Seth  Coleman  Clerk  for  the  S'1  District  the  Ensuing  year 

Vota  Mr  Simeon  Strong  Treasurer 

Votd  Lev'  John  Dickinson,  Alexander  Smith  Dea"  Jonathan  Edwards  Insn 
John  Field  Moses  Dickinson  Select  Men 

Vot'1  Dean  Jonathan  Edwards  Moses  Dickinson  Alexander  Smith  assesors 

Votd  to  adjurn  for  the  space  of  one  hour  and  Meet  at  this  Place 

Met  at  said  School  hous  after  s,'1  Space  and 

Votd  Nehemiah  Dickinson  John  Nash  jun1  Constables 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  37 

Yotd  Jonathan  Cowls  Peter  Smith  Jonathan  Xasli  fens  vewers 

Vot'1  Joseph  Esman  Roburb  Emmons  Jonathan  Smith  John  Field  junr 
Teithing  Men 

Vot'  Pheilup  Ingram  Samuel  Ailing  Joel  Moody  Oliver  Clap  Chileab  Smith 
Hog-reeves 

Vot'1  Moses  Cook  Elijah  Baker  Deer  reeves 

Yotd  Thomas  Hastings  Gideon  Handerson  Timothey  Green  |ohn  Billings 
Surveyers  of  highways 

Vot1  Joseph  Church  surveyer  of  lumber 

Vot'1  Gideon  Honderson  Sealer  of  Leather 

Yotd  Elishar  Ingram  Dean  Simeon  Clark  Ins"  John  Field  wardens 

the  following  Votes  were  Committed  to  riting  and  red  in  the  audience  of  the 
destrict  of  Amherst  which  are  as  follows  viz 

Amherst  District  meting  March  7"'  1768 

Vot'1  To  take  of  the  Sequestration  from  the  Land  in  the  town  Highway 
adjoining  to  the  Burying  Yard  Northward  as  far  as  Thomas  Bascoms  Fence 

Vot'1  to  Dispose  of  and  Grant  Said  Land  the  Highway  adjoining  to  the 
Burying  Yard  &  as  far  North  as  Thomas  Bascombs  Fence  to  U"  Seth  Coleman  in 
Fee  he  giving  Good  Security  for  Erecting  and  Maintaining  a  Good  &  sufficient 
Fence  about  said  Yard  forever  &  keeping  the  same  well  Clear,'1 

Vot'1  that  Ins"  John  Field  Dea"  Simeon  Clark  Joseph  Eastman  Daniel 
Kellogg  &  Mr  Simeon  Strong  be  a  Com""  in  behalf  of  District  to  Dispose  of  el- 
Grant  Said  Land  to  Said  Seth  Colem".  &  to  Grant  him  Right  of  Feeding  and 
Pasturing  the  Burying  Yard  in  such  manner  &  for  so  long  time  as  Sd  Com'"  shall 
think  Proper  and  that  said  Com1™  be  impowered  to  make  and  Execute  in  Behalf 
of  the  District  a  Good  Deed  or  Deeds  for  the  Effecting  the  Purpose  aforesaid  to 
Sd  Colman,  &  to  take  &  receive  of  him  in  like  manner  such  securities  &  join  in 
making  such  obligations.  Covenants  Indenters  or  to  receive  the  same  of  him  as 
Shall  be  affectual  to  secure  the  Performance  of  the  Engagements  on  his  part 
Respecting  the  making  Maintaining  said  fence  and  for  Keeping  said  Yard  always 

well  Clear'1 and  the  said  Com'"'  are  to  use  their  Discretion  as  to  what  Quantity 

or  part  of  said  Land  they  will  Dispose  of ;  and  at  what  Price  they  will  Sell  the 
Same  for  over  and  above  the  Consideration  of  fencing  &  Clearing  as  aforesaid  in 
Case  on  Yiew  of  the  land  they  shall  find  it  of  more  Value  than  is  now  apprehended 

Test  Josiah  Chauncy   Moderator 

Yotd  To  Repare  the  High-ways  this  year  by  a  Tax 

Vot1  that  hogs  should  run  from  the  tenth  of  may  next  to  the  first  of  September 
Ensuing  being  ring,d  and  yoked  according  to  law 

Vot'1  To  Allow  Mr  Simeon  Strongs  his  bill  for  altering  the   highway  againsl 
the  buriing  yard  :  which  is  as  follows 
May  1767 

To  pd  for  Record  of  Altering  the  highway  North  of  Harding  stake  £-      3     10 

To  p'1  for  Entry  of  Caution  at  Crb  s 

To  p'1  Capt  Dwight  for  laying  out  v1'  way  17       n 

£'     2     3 

Vot'1  To  adjurn  this  meting  to  raunday  the  28th  of  march  Currant  at  the  School 
hous  near  the  Harding  stake 

At  a  Legal  meting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  hold  at  the 
meting  hous  on  Wednesday  the  16"'  day  of  march  AD  [768  at  1  of  the  Clock  in  y 
afternoon  &c 


38  HISTORY    OF    THE   TOWN    OF   AMHERST,    MASS. 

Vo1  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

Vo'  to  remove  to  the  School  hous  near  Landlord  M  Warners 

Vo'  that  all  Persons  that  have  Either  Children  or  Prentices  or  any  under  their 
Care  that  have  seats  aseined  them  in  the  meting  hous  see  to  it  that  they  take  and 
keep  their  respective  seats  unless  at  any  particular  time  they  were  for  some 
speatial  reason  invited  into  an  nother  seat  by  the  oner  or  oners  of  the  same 

On  Monday  y1'  28"'  of  March  1768  the  Inheabitants  of  the  Destrict  of  Amherst 
met  by  adjurnment  at  the  School  hous  Near  the  hartling  Stake  at  fore  of  the  Clock 
in  y   afternoon  but  paist  no  Votes 

Test  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Meting  of  the  Destrict  of  Amherst  Holden  at  y1'  Meting  hous  on 

Monday  ye  16th  of  May  AD   1768  at  two  of  y1'  Clock  in  ye  afternoon after  the 

choice  of  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator  Came  into  ye  following  Vots 

Votd  To  adjurn  this  meting  for  yc'  Space  of  a  quater  of  an  hour 

Vot'1  To  Come  into  some  Measures  to  Clear  off  the  incumbrences  from  the 
high  way  runing  East  and  west  between  Moses  Warners  and  Simeon  Dickinsons 
on  that  Side  next  to  Sd  Dickinsons  Land 

Vot'1  To  Chuse  a  Committe  to  agree  with  Jonathan  Dickinson  &  Simeon 
Dickinson  about  the  Incumberrence  on  y  highway  adjoining  to  Simeon 
Dickinsons  Land 

Vot'1  That  Esq  Chauncy  Peter  Smith  and  Solomon  Boltwood  be  the 
Committe 

Vot,'1  To  Adjurn  this  meting  to  Munday  y1'  23'1  of  May  Currant  at  y''  Meting 
hous  at  fore  of  yr  Clock  in  ye  afternoon 

On  Monday  the  23'1  of  May  1768  the  Inheabitants  of  ye  Destrict  of  Amherst 
met  by  adjurnment  at  >"  Meting  hous  at  Fore  of  y''  Clock  in  ye  afternoon 

Amherst  meting  May  23'1  1768 
Voted  To  Take  of  the  Sequestration  from  a  Sartain  peas  of  town  high-way 
Cut  &  bownded  as  follows  viz  Beginning  at  a  black  oake  Staddle  markt  at  about 
thirty  seven  rods  East  (as  the  line  of  y''  lots  run)  of  Simeon  Dickinsons  South  East 
Corner  thence  running  East  upon  the  line  of  Simeon  Dickinsons  lot  twenty  three 
rods,  thence  South  seven  rods  to  a  Stake  thence  westwardley  twenty  three  rods  to 
a  stake  Thence  North  Eleven  rods  to  the  former  markt  Black  oake  Steadle 

Vot,'1  That  the  above  bounded  lot  of  land  be  granted  to  Preserved  Clapp  in 
fee  he  Paying  or  giving  good  security  for  the  Sum  of  Six  Pound 

Test  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meting  of  ye  Destrict  of  Amherst  at  the  school  hous  on  Monday 
y  2'1  Day  of  January  AD  1769  at  nine  of  y"  Clock  in  y"  Morning  after  Josiah 
Chauncy  was  Chosen  Moderator  Come  Into  the  following  Votes  viz 

Voted  To  Allow  John  Nash  jun'  his  Bill  for  Money  Expended  for  advice  in 
ye  affare  of  y1'  Highway  on  his  lot  viz  fifteen  Shillings 

Vot,'1  To  adjurn  this  Meting  for  the  Space  of  one  hour  and  to  meet  at  this 
place the  Inheabitants  being  met  after  s'1  space 

Vot,'1  To  Chuse  a  Committe  to  agre  with  Mrss  Nashes  about  the  Damage  dun 
them  by  a  highway  laid  out  through  their  land 

Vot,'1  To  Chuse  five  men  for  a  Committe  for  ye  Purpus  above 

Vot,'1  To  that  Josiah  Chauncy  Esq  Peter  Smith  Alex1"1  Smith  Ins.  John  Field 
and  Moses  Dickinson  be  the  Committe 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  39 

Yot,'1  that  if  the  Committe  Cannot  agree  with  Mrss  Nashes  they  Shall  Nomi- 
nate three  men  out  of  town  to  agree  with  the  s,'1  Nashes &  their  judgment  to 

be  Disciscive 

Yot,'1  That  Josiah  Chauncy  Esq  Ins  John  Field  Daniel  Kellogg  be  a  Committe 
to  settle  the  line  between  our  Destrict  and  the  Equevolent  land 

Yot,'1  To  Chuse  a  Committe  to  Exzeamin  the  bridge  Near  Mearicks  and  if 
wanted  to  build  a  new  one 

Yot,'1  That  Solomon  Boltwood  John  Nash  jun'  and  John  billings  be  a  Com- 
mitte for  the  Purpus  above 

Yot,'1  To  Rebulde  or  repear  that  bridge  Near  Nathan  Dickinson  junr  as  a 
Committe  shall  think  best 

Yot;'  That  Peter  Smith  Daniel  Kellogg  Noah  Dickinson  be  a  Committe  for 
the  Purpus  above 

Yot,'1  That  Simeon  Strong  Esq  Josiah  Chaun[cy]  Esq  Moses  Dickinson  be  a 
Committe  to  assertain  the  Bounds  of  the  Town  Ways  in  this  District  and  to  Erect 
Sufficient  Boundaries  Whereby  Such  Ways  may  be  Clearly  Known  for  the  future 
and  to  Prosecute  Such  Persons  as  have  Made  Incroachments  Thereon  Eccept  in 
Such  Cases  Wherein  they  Shall  think  Expedient  to  Delay  Prosecution  in  order  for 
the  Person  to  Appley  to  the  Town  for  Discontinuance 

Vot,'1  To  Pay  the  Bills  as  they  have  bin  Red  &  Consider'1 

Yot,'1  That  the  Assesors  Shall  be  impowered  to  rais  the  money  that  the  Com- 
mitte shall  allow  to  the  Nashes  and  for  ye  Highway  acros  their  Land 

Yot,'1  To  rais  twenty  seaven  pound  ten  Shillings  for  Schooling 

Yot,'1  To  allow  Mr  Parsons  ninty  three  pound  six  and  eaigh  Pence  for  his 
sallery  and  assesors  impowerd  to  rais  the  same 

Test  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  Destrict  of  Amherst  on  Monday 
ye  13"'  Day  of  March  1769  at  the  Meting  Hous  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  y'  Morning 
After  Josiah  Chauncy  Esq  Was  Chosen  Moderator  Came  Into  the  following  Votes 

Vot,d  Seth  Coleman  Clerk 

Vot,'1  Simeon  Strong  Esq  Treasurer 

Yot,'1  Simeon  Strong,  Joseph  Eastman,  Aloses  Dickinson,  Nath11  Coleman, 
Jonathan  Dickinson,  Selectmen 

Vot,'1  to  Adjurn  this  meeting  for  the  space  of  one  Hour  and  then  to  Meat  at 
the  School  House  Near  Hartling  Stake 

the  Inheabitants  being  met  at  time  &  place  Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Vot,'1  Joseph  Eastman,  Moses  Dickinson  Simeon  Strong  Assesors 

Vot,'1  Simeon  Pomeroy  Ebenezah  Dickinson  Junr  Constables 

Vot,d  Jonathan  Coles,  Natha11  Coleman  Fens  Vewers 

Yot,*1  Joel  Moody,  John  Nash  junr  Isaac  Goodale  Teithingmen 

Yot,'1  Henery  Jonson  Frankling,  Thomas  Hastings  junr  Jonathan  Coles  junr 
Joseph  Eastman  junr  Gideon  Dickinson  junr  Thomas  Baskcum  Hogreeves 

Vot,d  that  Hogs  Shall  run  sum  Part  of  the  year  hampered  according  to  law 

Vot,'1  that  Hogs  shall  run  well  rung  and  Yok'1  from  ye  first  of  May  to  the  Midle 
of  August  Next 

Vot,d  Nathaniel  Dickinson  2d  Moses  Coock  Dear.  Reeves 

Vot,'1  Lev1  John  Dickinson,  Alex1"1  Smith  Elijah  Baker  Samuel  Ingram,  Daniel 
Kellogg,  Peter  Smith  Surveyers  of  Highways 

Vot'1  to  do  the  Highway  worke  this  year  by  the  Pole 


40  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Vot'1  Joseph  Church  Surveyer  of  Lumber 
Votd  Isaac  Goodale  Sealer  of  Leather 
Votd  Ebezer  Mattoon  Eli  Parker  Jonathan  Coles  Vordens 
Vot'1  To  Cheuse  a  Committe  to  Inspect  the  ways  from  the  west  Street  to  the 
East  from  the  Highway  by  Jonathan  Coles  Lot  to  the  Sawmil  that  was  formerly 
Joseph  Clareys  &  see  Where  is  the  best  place  for  a  Heighway  to  be  laid 

Vot'1  Peter  Smith  Dec"  Jonathan  Edwards,  John  Billings,  be  a  Committe  for 
the  Purpus  above,  and  to  Make  reporte  to  the  Select  Men 

Test  Josioh  Chauncy  Moderator 

Seal  Hampehire  ss.  To  the  Constables  of  the  District  of  Amherst  or  Either 
of  [them]  Greeting 

You  are  hereby  requir'1  in  his  majestys  Name  forthwith  to  warn  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  s'1  District  that  are  Legally  Quallified  to  Vote  in  town  Metings  that 
they  assemble  at  the  Meeting  Hous  in  Sd  District  on  Monday  the  twenty  third 
Day  of  October  Currant  at  one  of  the  Clock  afternoon  then  and  there  after  Mod- 
erator Chosen  to  Consider  of  and  Act  on  the  following  things  (viz  ist  To  Hear  the 
Report  of  the  Com"'1  Chosen  in  March  Last  [to]  Ascertain  the  bounds  of  the  town 
ways  in  said  Distrect  2'1  To  Give  said  Com"'  what  farther  Instructions  they  may 
think  Proper  respecting  Clearing  said  Ways  and  prosecuting  such  as  have  made 
Incrochments  thereon 

3'1  To  Hear  the  application  of  such  as  may  apply  to  the  Distrect  to  have  any 
part  of  said  Ways  Discontinued  and  act  and  Determin  thereon 

4th  To  Give  Such  Instructions  as  they  shall  think  proper  to  the  Select  Men 
for  Laying  out  or  altering  town  Ways 

5"'  To  Determin  What  Methods  shall  be  usd  for  obtaining  or  securing  any 
1  )ebts  due  to  the  Distrect 

6"'  To  Determin  Whether  the  Distrect  will  allow  fore  month  Schooling  in 
the  North  Part 

Hereof  fail  not  and  Make  due  Return  hereof  with  your  Doing  herein  to  us  or 
Some  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  time  herein  before  Appointed  for  opening  & 
holding  said  Meting  Dated  at  amherst  the  Sixth  Day  of  October  in  y''  Ninth  year 
of  his  Majestys  Reign  A.  D.  1769 


Simeon  Strong 

Jon'th  Dickinson  \  Select  men 


^  [  Sel 
Moses  Dickinson  ) 

Return  of  the  Constables  Inclors'1  thus  viz  the  Directions  of  this  Worrant  has 
bin  attended  by  us 

Simeon  Pomeroy         }  ,-■      .  , , 
Ebenezer  Dickinson  [  Constables 

Att  a  Legal  Meting  of  the  Distrect  of  Amherst  at  yc  Meeting  Hous  on  Monday 
ye  23'1  of  October  A  D  1769  at  one  of  the  Clock  afternoon  After  Choice  of  Josiah 
Chauncy  Esq  Moderator  Came  into  yr  following  Votes  Viz  Voted  To  adjurn  to 
the  School  hous  by  ye  Hartling  Stake 

Voted  To  Allow  the  North  and  South  Schools  their  Proportionable  Part  of 
Money  for  Schooling  with  the  Middle  Schools 

Voted  That  Simeon  Strong  Esq  Treasurer  of  ye  District  be  Impowerd  & 
Directed  to  Serve  the  Debts  Due  from  John  Keetto  the  District  Either  by  Taking 
Land  Security  or  otherwise  at  his  Discretion 

Voted     That  the  Committe  Chosen  to  Clear  of  Incumberences  from  the  town 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  4 1 

highway  shall  postpone  the  Prosecution  of  those  Persons  that  have  made  incroch- 
ment  till  ye  ist  Day  of  October  A.  D.  1770 

Voted  To  Adjourn  this  Meting  to  the  first  of  November  Next  at  this  Place 
at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  morning 

Att  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  holden  by  Adjurnment  on  the 
first  Day  of  November  being  Monday  at  nine  o'Clock  in  the  Forenoon 

The  Comtee  Chosen  in  March  last  for  Assertaining  and  Clearing  of  Incum- 
brances from  the  town  Ways,  And  afterwards  at  this  Meeting  begin  and  Holden 
on  the  twenty  third  Day  of  October  Laist,  Instructed  to  hear  the  Applications  of 
Such  as  desird  or  should  Desire  any  Part  of  Said  Ways  Discontinued  for  their  own 
Perticular  Accomodation  and  to  make  their  Report  to  this  Meeting  Now  Holden 
by  Adjournment ;  heaving  according  to  their  said  Instructions  heard  and  Carefully 
Consider11  the  Several  Applications  to  them  made  and  the  Reasons  Pleas  &  Alli- 
gations of  the  Several  Parties  thereon  do  Now  accordingly  Make  their  Reporte  as. 
follows  viz 

The  Following  Petitions  and  Reports  were  Each  Seperately  Voted  according 
as  follows  viz 

Voted  Upon  the  Petitions  of  Daniel  Kellogg  according  to  the  Comtees 
Reports  that  the  after  described  Piece  of  Land  adjoining  to  the  front  of  his  Lot  be 
discontinued  from  being  of  the  town  Way  (viz)  Beginning  at  the  South  East 
Corner  of  His  Lot  and  thence  running  Easterly  in  the  Line  of  his  Lot  Continued 
Six  Rods  from  the  said  Corner  thence  Northerly  to  a  Station  one  rod  Easterly  of 
and  Directly  against  the  Southerly  Side  of  his  Hous  Then  Still  Northerly  leaving 
the  Breadth  of  one  Rod  against  Said  House  to  the  North  East  Corner  of  Sd  House 
thence  Northerly  to  the  Stone  Wall  Which  begins  at  the  North  Easf  Corner  of  his 
Corn  house  thence  Northerly  by  the  Said  Wall  to  the  End  of  the  same,  and  thence 
Northerly  to  fall  in  with  the  Line  of  the  way  at  the  Distance  of  Six  Rods  from  the 
North  End  of  Said  Wall 

The  above  Piece  is  to  be  understood  to  Include  within  it  all  Former  Discon- 
tinuances at  the  Front  of  the  same  lot  Said  Peace  Containing  Sixty  Rods  and  that 
he  pay  therefor  the  Sum  of  Thirty  Shilling 

Voted  Upon  the  Petition  of  Nathan  Dickinson,  according  to  the  Comtees 
reporte  that  the  after  Decsrib'1  Part  of  town  way  at  the  Front  of  his  Lot  be  Discon- 
tinued (viz)  Beginning  at  a  station  one  rod  north  of  the  North  West  Corner  of  his 
Barn  and  three  rods  West  of  the  Line  of  the  townway  thence  a  Line  North  to  fall 
in  with  the  Line  of  the  way  at  the  Distance  of  Ten  Rods  and  Running  from  Said 
Station  South  one  rod  Westerly  of  his  Dwelling  Hous  till  the  Line  Comes  Against 
the  South  West  Corner  thereof  then  turning  Easterly  to  fall  in  with  the  Line  of 
the  way  at  the  Distance  of  twelve  Rods  the  Same  Containing  Ninety  two  Rods  of 
Land ;  and  that  he  Pay  therefor  the  sum  of  forty  six  shillings 

Voted  Upon  the  Petition  of  Gideon  Dickinson  for  Discontinuing  a  part  of 
the  Way  at  the  Front  of  his  Lot  in  the  third  Division  Where  Moses  Hawley 
Now  Dwells:  according  to  the  Comtees  Report  that  the  following  Piece  be 
Discontinued  (viz) 

Beginning  at  a  Birch  Stake  a  Rod  Westerly  of  the  South  Side  of  the  Lot 
thence  to  the  west  Side  of  a  Small  apple  Tree  Marked  and  Standing  between  the 
House  &  the  Travelled  Road  thence  to  a  Station  half  a  rod  West  of  the  Northwest 
Corner  of  the  Barn  thence  Northerly  twenty  three  rods  to  fall  in  with  the  Line  of 
the  way,  the  Same  Piece  Containing  one  Hundred  &  fore  Rods  and  that  he  pay 
therefor  the  Sum  of  forty  four  Shillings 
6 


42  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS* 

Voted  Upon  the  Petition  of  Ebenezar  Mattoon.  according  to  the  Comtees 
report  that  all  that  part  of  the  Way  which  Lies  within  his  fence  at  his  front  from 
the  South  Side  of  his  Lot  that  he  Lives  on  to  his  barn  and  within  on  Easterly  of 
the  Line  of  Said  fence  Continued  to  the  North  Side  of  the  Lot  be  Discontinued 
and  the  Comtee  being  fully  Satisfied  that  Said  Land  has  been  once  Purchased  & 
paid  for  to  the  town  of  Hadley  while  the  Land  belong'1  there,  Report  that  no 
Farther  Recompence  be  made  therefor 

Voted  Upon  the  Petition  of  Solomon  Boltwood,  according  to  the  Comtees 
Report,  that  All  that  Part  of  the  way  lying  between  his  Dwelling  Pious  &  his  hous 
on  the  hill  lately  owned  by  his  brother  William  Boltwood  that  is  to  say  all  that  lies 
within  the  grant  made  to  His  Father  by  Hadley  Committe  between  Said  houses  be 
Discontinued — and  that  he  make  no  Recompence  therefor  having  Proved  to  ye 
Comtee  that  the  Same  has  been  paid  for  to  y"  town  of  Hadley — 

Voted  Upon  the  Petition  of  .Moses  Warner,  according  to  the  Comtee  Report 
to  Discontinue  the  following  Part  of  the  way  at  the  Front  of  his  Lot  (viz)  Beginning 
one  Rod  north  of  his  House  and  Door  Yard  two  Rods  wide  from  the  Line  &  Con- 
tinuing the  same  Breadth  Southerly  to  the  South  Side  of  his  garden  thence  to  a 
Point  at  the  South  Side  of  his  Lot  the  same  Containing  fifty  four  Rods,  and  that 
he  pay  therefor  the  Sum  of  forty  Shillings — 

Voted  Upon  the  Petition  of  John  Nash  According  to  the  Comtee  Report  for 
Discontinuing  the  after  Discribed  Part  of  the  way  at  the  front  of  his  Lot  (viz) 
Begining  at  a  Stake  Erected  by  the  Comtee  at  ye  North  West  Corner  of  Said  Lot 
as  it  is  Now  Inclosed,  thence  Runing  a  Strait  Line  [to]  a  White  Oake  Tree  about 
three  Rods  South  of  his  Barn;  the  same  Peice  Containing  twenty  four  Rods  of 
Ground  and  that  he  paid  therefor  the  Sum  of  Fifteen  Shillings — 

Voted  Upon  the  Petition  of  Elisha  Ingram,  and  John  Billings,  and  for 
Straitning  as  much  as  may  be  the  Line  of  the  Way  on  that  Side  according  to  the 
Comtee  Report,  that  the  Line  of  the  Way  from  the  South  East  Corner  of  the  Revd 
Mr  David  Parsonss  Garden  run  Southward  as  his  Fence  now  Stands  to  a  Stake 
Erected  by  the  Comtee  thence  Running  to  a  Station  west  of  Said  Fence  and  one 
rod  East  of  High  black  Oak  Stump  or  Tree  Mark.'1  H.  W.  thence  to  a  Stake  about 
three  Rods  Southward  in  the  same  line  thence  to  a  Stake  Standing  ten  feet  East 
of  Ingrams  Ditch  thence  to  the  West  End  of  Said  Ingrams  Shop  thence  running 
to  a  Station  four  Feet  East  of  an  apple  Tree  Marked  in  John  Billings  Lot  and 
thence  falling  in  with  the  Line  of  the  Way  at  the  North  East  Corner  of  Said 
Billings  Shop  and  that  all  that  Part  of  the  townway  which  now  lies  on  the  west 
side  of  said  Line  be  Discontinued,  and  Also  the  Land  on  Which  Said  Ingrams 
Shop  stands  and  that  said  Ingram  pay  for  his  part  of  Said  Lands  being  Sixteen 
Rods  the  Sum  of  ten  Shillings  and  that  Said  Billings  pay  for  his  part  of  Said 
Lands  being  twenty  five  Rods  the  sum  of  fourteen  Shillings — 

Voted  Upon  the  Petition  of  Josiah  Moody  According  to  the  Comtees 
Opinion  that  whereas  the  Accomodating  of  Eli  Parker  with  Lands  about  his 
Dwelling  hous  according  to  the  Instructions  of  the  town  will  much  Deform  & 
Damnify  the  Front  of  Said  Moodeys  Lot  Lying  on  the  North  Side  of  Said  Parkers 
and  also  make  the  Line  of  the  way  in  Said  place  veary  Crooked  and  Inconvenient 
unless  they  provide  therefor  in  bringing  forward  the  Line  against  Said  Moodeys 
Lot  they  therefore  Reporte  that  the  Line  of  the  Way  in  that  place  be  as  follows  viz 

Beginning  at  a  stake  standing  in  the  midle  of  a  grate  Hollow  Oak  Stub  thence 
Runing  Southerly  to  a  Stake  and  Stones  Erected  by  the  Comtee  at  the  North  End 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  43 

of  a  Little  Knoll  thence  a  Line  Directly  to  the  North  West  Corner  of  Eli  Parkers 
Hous  and  that  all  the  Land  within  the  Said  Lines  Adjoining  to  Said  Moodeys  Lot 
be  Discontinued  untill  it  Comes  to  the  Distance  of  one  rod  of  Said  Parkers  House 
and  no  Farther  the  same  being  Ninety  Rods  of  Ground  and  that  he  pay  therefor 
the  Sum  of  thirty  Shillings — 

Voted  Upon  the  petition  of  Eli  Parker  according  to  the  Comtees  Report  for 
the  Discontinuing  of  the  after  Discribed  Part  of  the  way  at  y  Front  of  his  Lot 
(viz)  Whereon  his  Dwelling  Hous  stands  and  one  Rod  at  the  North  End  thereof 
the  whole  Breadth  of  y'  House  &  Extending  ten  feet  Eastward:  Also  Ten  Feet 
before  Said  Hous  Eastward  the  whole  Length  thereof  also  the  whole  Tract  Con- 
tained in  the  Following  Description  (viz)  Beginning  about  Seven  Rods  Easterly 
from  the  South  East  Corner  of  His  Lot  at  a  bunch  of  Staddels  (viz)  four  Maples 
and  one  Elm  Standing  Close  together  all  Marked  by  the  Comtee  thence  a  Straight 
Line  to  the  South  East  Corner  of  his  Dwelling  Hous  and  Extending  one  Rod 
North  of  the  Lane — the  Same  Piece  Containing  the  Quantity  of  two  Acres  &  ten 
Rods  and  that  he  pay  therefor — the  sum  of  Six  Pounds 

Voted  Upon  the  Petition  of  James  Merrick  and  Timothy  Green  According 
to  the  Comtee  report  that  the  Line  of  the  way  Against  the  front  of  their  Lots  be  as 
follows  (viz)  From  the  Line  of  the  way  at  or  against  the  North  side  of  said  Mericks 
Lot  to  Run  Southerly  by  said  Mericks  Dwelling  Hous  So  as  to  leave  one  rod 
before  or  Eastward  of  Said  House  then  Continuing  Southward  to  a  Stake  Against 
the  South  Line  of  his  Lot  one  Rod  &  half  Est  from  the  Line  of  the  way  and  thence 
Running  a  Strait  Line  So  as  to  leave  one  Rod  before  and  Eastward  of  the  said 
Greens  Dwelling  Hous  thence  running  So  as  to  fall  in  with  the  Line  of  the  wav  at 
a  White  Oak  Staddle  Marked  about  fourteen  Rods  southward  of  Said  Hous:  and 
that  all  the  present  way  lying  between  Said  Line  &  the  Lots  be  Discontinued  and 
that  Said  Merrick  pay  for  his  part  there  of  being  ninety  Eaight  Rod  the  Sum  of 
thirty  Shillings  and  that  Said  green  pay  for  his  Part  thereof  being  Sixty  fourRods 
the  sum  of  twenty  two  Shillings — 

Voted  Upon  the  Petition  of  Aaron  Warner  for  Discontinuance  of  Part  of  the 
way  against  the  front  of  his  Lot  in  the  south  part  of  the  Distrect,  &  the  Comtee 
Reporte  that  the  after  Described  part  thereof  be  Discontinued  (viz)  One  Rod 
before  or  Westward  of  his  Hous  the  hole  Length  thereof  thence  Running  North- 
erly to  a  point  at  the  north  Side  of  his  Lot  and  Sutherly  to  a  point  at  the  South 
Side  of  his  Lot.  the  Same  Containing  seventy  live  Rods,  and  that  he  pay  therefor 
the  Sum  of  twenty  Eight  Shillings — 

Voted  VJpon  the  Petition  of  Lemeul  Moody  according  to  the  Comtee  Report 
that  there  be  Discontinued  one  Rod  before  &  East  of  his  Dwelling  Hous  the  hole 
Length  thereof  &  to  be  a  Line  Running  thence  Northerly  to  the  North  Side  of  his 
Lot  &  Southerly  to  a  point  at  the  South  Side  of  his  Lot  the  Same  Containing  fifty 
two  rods,  an  1  that  he  pay  therefor  Nineteen  Shillings — 

Voted  Upon  the  Petition  of  Simeon  Strong  Esq1  and  the  Comtee  Report  that 
that  part  of  the  way  within  his  garden  Fence  be  Discontinued,  and  also  one  Rod 
in  Breadth  at  the  west  Side  of  his  Barn  Vard;  thence  Running  East  so  as  to  Come 
to  the  Breadth  of  two  Rods  at  the  Kings  Highway  Containing  twenty  Rods  &  that 
he  pay  therefor  the  Sum  of  thirteen  shillings 

Voted  Upon  the  Petition  of  W'"  Boltwood  according  to  the  Comtee  report 
that  there  be  Discontinued  from  the  way  Adjoining  to  the  Front  of  his  Lot  two 
Rods  in   Hreadth  from  the  South   Side  of  his   Lot   Extending  Northward   to   the 


44  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

North  End  of  his  Barn  thence  to  run  to  a  point  at  the  North  Side  of  his  Lot  the 
Same  Containing  sixty  fore  rods  and  that  he  pay  therefor  the  Sum  of  thirty  Nine 
Shillings — 

Voted  Upon  the  Petition  of  Joseph  Eastman  according  to  the  Comtee  report 
that  all  the  way  be  Discontinued  within  his  Wall  at  the  west  End  of  his  Lot 
Containing  ten  rods  and  that  he  pay  therefor  five  Shillings 

The  Comtee  further  Reporte  that  they  have  heard  and  Consider'1  the  Petition 
of  Divers  other  Persons  for  Discontinuing  part  of  the  Ways  for  their  Accommo- 
dation (viz)  of  Dec"  Simeon  Clark  Dr  Nathel  Smith.  Thomas  Bascomb  John 
Morton  Abner  Lee,  Benjamin  Rhodes  and  are  of  opinion  that  they  Cannot  Report 
in  favor  of  their  Petitions  Consistent  with  their  Instructions  from  the  town 

Voted  that  upon  the  application  of  Jonathan  Dickinson  the  way  be  Discon- 
tinued adjoining  tp  his  lot  South  of  Daniel  Kelloggs  Lot.  as  follows  (viz)  begining 
at  the  South  East  Corner  of  the  Land  now  Discontinued  from  Daniel  Kellogg  and 
thence  running  to  a  point  southerly  the  Distance  of  ten  Rods — and  that  he  pay 
therefor  Seven  shillings  &  Six  Pence—     (See  Page  65  the  Book  for  D.  Kellogg.) 

Test  Josiah  Chauxcy  Moderator 

N.  B.     see  Page  9th  Ledgr  2''  for  Confination  &c 

The  Following  is  a  Record  of  the  surveying  of  the  Town  Highways  in  Amherst 
April  27'11  A  D  1769  Which  is  as  follows  (viz) 

Amherst  April  27"' :   1769 

Then  Began  to  survey  the  town  Roads  in  S'1  Amherst  in  order  to  assertain  the 
Lines  &  boundaries  thereof  and  find  them  as  follows  (viz)  3d  Road — We  began  at 
a  Large  Red  Oake  Tree  which  Stands  at  the  South  East  Corner  of  Moses  Smiths 
Lot.  from  thence  we  run  North  11  degrees  East  363  rods  to  ye  North  East  Corner 
of  Capt  Moses  Cook.s  Ditch  then  North  :  9  degrees  East  100  rods  to  [Marshes?] 
South  East  Corner  Ditch  then  North  9  degrees  East  134  rods  to  Mashes  North 
East  Corner  Ditch  on  the  bank  of  which  stands  a  Large  white  Oake  Tree  then 
North  7  deg  30  min  East  189  rods,  to  a  white  oak  Tree  stands  on  the  South  Bank 
of  Fort  River  Near  to  the  Bridg  Mark.'1  H  W  then  North  13  deg  30  min  East  to  a 
stake  and  Stones  the  North  East  Corner  of  Lev1  William  Boltwood's  Lot  from 
thence  North  16  deg  30  min  East  460  rods  to  a  white  oake  Tree  Ue"  Dickinsons 
South  East  Corner,  then  North  14  deg  30  min  East  to  y-  End  of  the  Division 
N.  B.  we  frequently  Measur,'1  across  to  the  East  Side  of  the  Road  setting  up  stakes 
and  setting  thereon  the  Letters  H  :  W: 

2'1  Road  We  began  at  a  Red  oak  Tree  the  South  Side  of  Mill  river  by  the 
side  of  the  Dugway  on  the  North  Side  of  the  Hill  from  thence  we  run  South  19 
deg  30  min  west  123  rods  to  pine  tree  Mark  H.  W.  then  we  turned  at  right  angles 
and  run  westerly  10  rods  to  the  middle  of  the  road  to  a  Chestnut  Tree  Markt  H.W. 
Standing  in  the  Middle  of  S'1  road  against  Mr  Eastmans  Stone  wall.  Setting  up 
Stakes  on  Each  Side  of  the  road,  then  South  13  deg  30  min  west  115  rods  to  a 
Chestnut  Stump,  then  South  42  Rods  to  a  Large  white  Oake  Stump,  then  South 
10  deg  west  92  rods  to  a  Swamp  white  Oak  Stump  by  a  pond  hole  Standing  by  ye 
Fence  on  y"  front  of  the  Lot  Lately  own'1  by  Josiah  Chauncy  Esq,  then  South  16 
deg  30  min  west  34  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones  in  Simeon  Strong  Esq  Lot,  then 
South  36  deg  30  min  west  3S  rods  to  a  Stake  in  the  Middle  of  the  road,  Measuring 
off  10  rods  Each  way  and  Setting  up  a  Stake,  from  y"  Last  mentioned  Station  in 
the  middle  of  ye  road,  we  run  to  the  front  of  Isaac  Goodales  Lot  to  a  Stake  & 
Stones,  near  to  the  north  Plast  Corner  of  Sl1  Lot  from  thence  to  Hartling  Stake  ye 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  45 

North  East  Corner  of  Mr  Persons's  Land,  and  from  thence  to  a  Stake  and  Stones 
the  North-East  Corner  of  Mr  Persons"s  original  Lot.  then  south  30  min  East  33 
Rods  to  Mr  Persons's  Horseblock  ye  Same  Course  Continued  2  rods  further  to  a 
S[t]ake  &  Stones,  from  thence  South  iS  deg  West  49  Rods  to  a  Black  Oake  tree 
or  Stump  Mark.'1  H.  W.  from  thence  to  Elisha  Ingrahams  Xort-East  Corner  Ditch 
from  thence  to  the  South-East  Corner  of  Nathan  Moody's  original  Lot.  From 
thence  South  4  deg  30  min  west  160  rods  to  Large  white  Oak  Stump  standing  on 
the  Descending  ground  North  of  Mr  Parkers  Hous  then  10  deg  30  min  west  20 
Rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones  from  thence  South  10  deg  West  86  Rods  to  a  White 
Oak  Tree  Mark.'1  H.  W.  Standing  on  the  South  Side  of  a  Narrow.  Valley,  and 
from  s.'1  White  Oak.  South  9  deg  West  to  apine  refer.'1  to  in  the  Reckord  of  S'1 
Road  a  Small  White  Oak  Staddle  Standing  by  it  Mark1  H.  W.  about  20  or  25  rods 
South  of  Mr  Greens  Hous.  then  South  15  deg  30.  west  76  rods  to  a  Pine  Stump 
supposed  to  be  refer,13  to  (by  a  pine  tree)  in  the  record  where  we  Set  a  White  Oak 
Stake  Mark.'1  H.  W.  Then  South  27  deg  30  min  west  63  rods  where  it  Strikes  the 
front  of  Lev1  John  Dickinsons  Original  Farm  Where  we  set  a  pine  Stake  Mark.1 
H.  W.  Standing  in  the  Ditch  y '  East  Side  of  the  path.  &  from  thence  South  15  deg 
30  min  West  to  the  South  East  Corner  of  Samuel  Churches  Lot  where  we  came  to 
a  Ditch  in  which  we  set  a  pine  Stake  Mark.'1  H.  W. 

8th  Road  Leying  Between  Lev1  Dickinson.s  and  Ebenezar  Williams  Land 
We  began  at  the  South  East  Corner  of  s1  Williams. s  Lot  from  thence  we  Run 
WTest  7  deg  North  to  the  End  of  the  Division  Marking  Several  Trees  In  the  Corse 
with  the  Letters  H.  W.  &  Measuring  across  S.'1  road  frequently  and  setting  up 
Stakes 

7"'  Road  Leying  Between  Capt  Moses  Cook  and  Nath."  Coleman  we  Began 
at  S.'1  Colemans  South-East  Corner  and  Run  Southerly  on  the  west  line  of  the 
Streat  20  Rods  to  a  Black  Oak  Stump,  from  thence  we  run  Westerly  to  the  west 
End  of  the  Division  to  the  Stump  of  the  pine  Tree  mentioned  in  the  Original 
Record — N.  B.  the  20  rods  first  mentioned  takes  in  about  one  third  part  of  Edward 
Smiths  House 

6th  Road  Leying  between  De"  Clark.  &  Solomon  Boltwood.  we  began  at  a 
Stake  about  Six  rods  North  of  said  Clarks  North-West  Corner,  from  thence  we 
Run  9  deg  30  min  North  100 :  rods  to  a  Stake  Standing  in  De"  Clarks  Inclosure  on 
the  side  Hill  West  of  his  Hous.  then  East  29  deg  30  min  North  72  Rods  within 
about  one  rod  South  of  the  South  Door  of  Solomon  Boltwoods  Eastermost  Hous, 
from  thence  East  9  deg  30  min  North  to  the  Kings  Heighway  which  runs  Northerly 
to  Sunderland  the  width  of  S.'1  road  being  often  Measured  and  Stakes  Set  upon 
both  sides  Mark.'1  H.  W. 

5"1  Road  Leys  Between  Jonathan  Dickinson  &  Moses  Warner,  beginning  3 
Rods  West  of  S.'1  Warners  North-west  Corner  &  2  1-2  North  of  S.'1  Corner 
Measured  North  10  deg  30  min  East  20:  rods  to  a  Stake  the  width  of  the  road,  & 
from  thence  it  runs  East  10  deg  30  min  South  139  rods  to  a  White  Oak  Staddle  by 
s,d  Dickinsons  Fence  Mark'1  H.  W.  then  East  16  deg  30  min  South  to  y"  East 
Street  to  a  Stake  Mark'1  H  :  W:  N  :  B:  this  Road  is  16  roads  wide  at  the  East  End, 
and  the  South  Side  of  it  as  follows  (viz)  Begining  at  the  End  of  the  three  rods 
mentioned  first  in  this  return  6c  run  East  8  deg  South  45  rods  to  a  Stake  Mark  '  1 1  : 
W  then  North  10  deg  30  min  East  3  rods  to  a  Stake  Mark.'1  H  :  W  :  then  North  10 
deg  30  min  East  4  rods  to  a  Stake  Mark,'1  H  :  W:  then  East  16  deg  30  min  South 
untill  it  intersects  the  North  Line  of  his  Land  &  then  to  the  North-East  Corner  of 
his  Land 


46  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

4th  Road  Lays  Between  De"  Dickinson, s  Land  [and]  Mr  Townsends.  We 
began  at  a  heap  of  Stones  the  North-West  Corner  of  S,'1  Townsends  Lot  which  is 
a  Little  South  of  his  North  fence,  &  run  East  15  deg  30  min  South  12  rods  to  a 
heap  of  Stones  then  East  32  deg  30  min  North  16  rods  to  a  Stake  &  Stones  then 
15  deg  30  min  South  44  1-2  rods,  to  a  Stake  &  Stones  then  East  22  deg  30  min 
South  50  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones  then  East  13  deg  30  min  South  to  a  Large 
White  Oak  Stump  with  a  Stake  Set  in  it  Mark;1  H  :  W:  then  East  16  deg  30  min 
South  to  a  Stake  &  Stones  where  it  straikes  the  West  Side  of  the  East  Street 
Number  Three 

The  Above  Roads  Survey ,d 
Pr  Ebenezar  Chiles 

The  Road  South  of  Mr  Natha"  Colemans  Lot  &  ajoining  thereto  we  run  the 
South  Line  the[re]of  Takeing  the  Cours  agreeable  to  the  Record  thereof  only 
allowing  30  min  which  we  found  was  the  veariation  between  y1'  Compasses  we  found 
none  of  the  trees  or  boundaries  mentioned  in  y"  record  of  S'1  road  Mr  Coleman 
Being  Desirous  yc  Comtee  would  go  again  upon  the  road  being  Determined  he 
Could  Shew  them  the  Boundaries  thereof  the  Comtee  Consented  and  went  upon  ye 
Spot  and  setting  y'  Compass  at  ye  South  East  Corner  of  ye  road  Mr  Coleman  Shew 
us  a  Mark;1  Tree,  which  was  from  said  Corner  west  3  deg  North,  then  we  went  to 
said  Tree  which  Mr  Coleman  Shew  us  and  he  went  forward  to  a  nother  to  which 
we  took  yu  Cours  which  was  west  5  deg  North  agreable  to  y'  reckord  then  we 
Continued  ye  Same  Corse  Sum  way  further  where  we  found  a  Large  red  Oak  Tree 
Mark'  H  :  W:  abot  one  rod  and  one  third  part  of  a  rod  South  of  us,  then  we  run 
the  Same  Corse  to  ye  End  of  the  road  and  Were  Six  paces  North  of  a  pine 
Mark1  H:  W: 

Ebenezar  Chiles  Surveyer 

The  above  is  a  True  Coppey  of  the  original 

Test  Seth  Coleman  Clerk 

Seel  Hampshire  ss  Amherst  To  the  Constables  of  the  District  of  Amherst 
or  Either  of  them  Greeting — 

In  his  Majesties  Name  you  are  required  forthwith  to  Notify  and  warn  all  the 
Inheabitants  of  Sd  District  that  are  Legally  Oualliried  to  Vote  in  town  Metings  that 
they  assemble  together  at  the  School  hous  near  the  Dwelling  Hous  of  Moses 
Warner  in  said  Amherst  on  Monday  the  first  Day  of  January  next  at  nine  of  the 
Clock  in  the  Forenoon  then  and  theire  after  Moderator  Chosen  to  Consider  of  and 
act  upon  the  follywing  Matters  (viz) 

ist  To  Make  Grant  of  Monies  to  Such  Persons  to  Whom  the  District  is 
Indebted 

2'1     To  graint  Money  to  Defray  the  Charges  of  Schooling 

3d  To  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Make  an  Assessment  on  the  Inheabitan[ts] 
to  rais  the  Monies  Granted 

4"'  To  Make  Grants  of  Such  Lands  to  persons  requesting  the  Same  as  Shall 
be  thought  proper 

5lv  To  Consider  whether  the  District  will  Dispose  of  the  way  south  of  Nath'1 
Colemans  Lot  &  purchase  a  way  further  south  where  it  may  better  accommodate 
the  Inheabitants 

6lv  To  Consider  whether  the  District  will  be  at  any  Expence  for  repairing  the 
new  Road  Leying  South  of  John  Nashes  Lot 

7lv     To  Choose  an  Agent  to  appear  for  the  District  at  the  Court  of  General 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    .MEETINGS.  47 

Sessions  of  the  Peace  to  answer  to  any  Presentment  that  may  be  lying  against  them 
Hereof  fail  not  and  Make  due  Retur[n]  hereof  with  your  Doings  herein  at  or 
before  the  time  herein  before  Appointed  for  the  Opening  and  holding  Said  Meeting 
to  us  or  Sum  one  of  us — Dated  at  Amherst  aforesaid  the  thirteenth  Day  of  Decem- 
ber in  the  tenth  year  of  his  Majestys  Reign  A.  D.  1769 — 

Simeon  Strong      j 

Joseph  Eastman    >  Select  Men 

Moses  Dickinson  ) 

Return  of  the  Constable  Indors,d  thus  The  Directions  of  this  Worrant  has  bin 
attended  by  me  Simeon  Pomeroy  Constable 

Att  a  Legal  Meting  of  the  District  of  Amherst  on  Monday  the  first  Day  of 
January  1770  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  Morning  at  the  School  hous  by  the  Hart- 
ling  Stake  after  the  Choice  of  Josiah  Chauncy  Esq  Moderator  Came  into  the 
following  Votes  (viz) 

Voted  To  adjurne  for  the  space  of  one  hour  and  to  meet  at  this  place  the 
Inheabitants  being  met  at  s,rt  time  &  place — 

Voted     That  the  Bills  as  they  have  bin  red  and  Considered  Should  be  allow,11 

Voted  that  Simeon  Strong  Esq  be  an  agent  at  the  Court  of  general  sessions 
of  the  Peace  to  answer  to  any  Presentment  that  may  [be]  Leying  against  the 
Distrect 

Voted  That  the  Several  tracts  of  Land  discontinued  from  ye  town  ways  at  the 
Request  of  Sundry  Petitioners  at  the  Last  Meeting  be  granted  to  Each  Petitioner 
respectively  on  Conditions  of  his  paying  or  giving  good  Security  to  the  Treasurer 
for  the  sum  at  which  Said  Tracts  were  respectively  appraised  as  Appears  by  the 
Report  of  the  Comtee  in  the  Record  of  S,a  Meting  by  the  first  Day  of  may  Next 

Voted     that  Assessors  raise  twenty  nine  pound  Six  Shilling  for  Schooling  the 
Present  year 

Voted  that  the  Assesors  rais  ninety  three  pound  Six  and  Eaight  pence  for  the 
Rev'1  Mr  Persons, s  Sallery 

Voted  that  the  Assesors  be  Impower,'1  to  rais  the  Several  Sums  of  money  as 
they  have  bin  Voted  and  that  they  be  impower,'1  to  pay  the  Same  where  they  are 
due  &C 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  Inspect  the  Heighway  adjoining  south  of  Nath" 
Colemans  Lot  and  See  for  what  it  may  be  sold  and  also  where  they  Can  find  the 
most  advantagous  place  to  accomodate  the  publick  with  a  rode  Still  farther  South 
and  how  it  Can  be  obtained  and  Lay  out  the  Heighway  or  omit  it  as  they  shall 
think  best  and  make  return  to  March  Meting 

Hampshire  ss  Amherst  To  the  Constable  of  the  Said  District  of  Amherst  or 
Either  of  them  Greeting 

In  his  Majesties  Name  You  are  Commanded  To  Notify  and  Warn  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  Amherst  that  are  Legally  quallifyed  to  Vote  in  Town  Meetings  that 
assemble  together  at  the  Meeting  hous  there  on  Monday  the  fifth  Day  of  March 
next  at  Nine  o  Clock  in  the  Forenoon  then  and  there  (after  Moderator  Chosen)  to 
Consider  Determin  and  act  upon  the  Several  Matters  following 

(viz) 

ist     To  Choose  officers  for  the  Ensuing  Year 

2'"-v  To  accept  and  Establish  Several  Alterations  made  by  the  Select  Men  in 
the  Town  Ways  (viz)  one  against  the  East  End  of  Deacon  Jon"'  Edwards,s  Lot; 
another  against  the  Side  of  Gideon  Dickinsons  Lot  &  Joseph  Dickinsons  Lot; 
another  against  the  North  Side  of  Joseph  Churches  Lot — 


48  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

3llv  To  accept  of  and  Establish  a  Town  Way  Laid  by  the  Select  men  Leading 
from  the  townway  North  of  Elijah  Bakers  Lot  to  C[r]oss  the  Mill  River  near 
Clareys  Mill ;  and  another  way  from  said  Clarys  Mill  to  Meet  with  the  same — and 
Also  a  Private  way  for  the  use  of  Pelatiah  Smith  Jun1  Laid  from  his  Lot  on  the 
East  Side  of  Fort  River  Southerly  to  the  Town  Way  and  Bounding  Westerly  on 
.Said  River 

4,lllv  To  Determin  Whether  the  ways  shall  be  repaired  by  Poll  or  by  Rate  the 
ensewing  Year — 

t-thiy  t0  Discontinue  the  town  Way  South  of  &  adjoining  to  the  Lot  of 
Nathaniel  Colemans 

6ly  To  grant  all  the  Lands  Contained  in  Said  Way  to  Said  Nathaniel  Cole- 
man ;  and  Impower  a  Comtee  in  behalf  of  the  District  to  Execute  to  Said  Coleman 
and  his  Heirs  a  Dead  thereof  With  Covenant  for  quiet  Enjoyment 

7lhlv  To  accept  of  a  Deed  from  Said  Nathaniel  Coleman  of  a  Piece  of  Land 
in  Amherst  which  Said  Coleman  Lately  bought  of  Elisha  Cook  which  was  Lately 
the  South  Side  of  Said  Cooks  Lot  in  the  Middle  Division  being  Ten  Rods  In 
Breadth  &  Running  through  Said  Division — 

8"llv  To  M  ake  a  ( '.rant  or  Leas  [of]  the  Same  or  of  the  wood  &  Timber  thereon 
Standing  or  being  to  Such  Person,  or  Persons,  and  for  Such  Term  of  time,  and  on 
Such  Conditions  as  Shall  be  thought  proper 

gthiy  t0  agree  Upyn  what  Method  may  be  thought  proper  To  preserve  the 
Boundaries  of  the  town  Ways 

io,hlv  To  Hear  the  Report  of  the  Comtee  heretofore  appointed  To  Estimate 
the  Damage  done  to  Leut.  William  Boltwood  by  Laying  a  Way  on  the  North  Side 
of  his  Lot  and  act  theron  and  Give  him  So  Much  Land  as  shall  be  thought  proper — 

ii"'lv  To  appoint  a  Comtee  to  Layout  and  ascertain  the  Bonds  of  the  Burying 
Yard 

I2tt)ij  -p0  Discontinue  So  Much  of  the  Town  Way  north  of  Landlord  Moses 
Warners  Lot  as  shall  be  agreed  on.  and  Grant  the  Same  to  Mr  Jonathan  Dickinson 
for  a  Recompence  for  Land  Taken  out  of  his  Lot  by  the  Kings  Heighway 

j^thh-  -pQ  Release  Nehemiah  Dickinson  Constable  from  being  accountable  for 
the  Rates  of  Joseph  Gould  &  Noah  Gould 

141'  To  See  if  the  District  will  be  at  any  Expence  to  repair  the  town  Way 
South  of  John  Nashes  Lot. 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  true  return  of  this  Worrant  with  your  Doings  herein 
at  or  before  the  Time  herein  appointed  for  opening  and  holding  said  Meeting  to  us 
or  sum  one  of  us — Dated  at  Amherst  the  Ninth  Day  of  January  in  the  tenth  year 
of  his  Majesty, s  Reign  A.  D.  1770 

Simeon  Strong       1 
Jon'th  Dickinson    I  Select  Men 
Nath'll  Coleman  fbelect  Men 
Moses  Dickinson  J 

Return  of  the  Constable  Indoes,d  thus  (viz)  The  Directions  of  this  Worrant  has 
bin  attended  by  Me  Simeon  Pomeroy  a  Constable  Att  a  Legal  Meting  of  the 
Inheabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  Meting  hous  there  on 
Monday  the  fifth  Day  of  March  A  :  D  :  1770— 

Voted     Simeon  Strong  Esq  Moderator 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Clerk 

Voted     Simeon  Strong  Esq  Treasurer 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  49 

Voted  Lev'  John  Dickinson  Solomon  Boltwood  De"  Jonathan  Edwards  Josiah 
Chauncy  Esq  and  Gideon  Dickinson  Selectmen 

Voted  Lev'  John  Dickinson  De"  Jonathan  Edwards  Josiah  Chauncy  Esq 
Assesors 

Voted  To  Adjurn  this  Meeting  for  the  Spaice  of  one  hour  and  then  to  meet 
at  the  School  Hous  by  the  Harding  Stake 

After  said  Inheabitants  were  met  on  Adjurnment  at  said  time  and  place 

Voted     Nathan  Dickinson  Jun1  and  David  Smith  Constables 

Voted  Joseph  Church  Hezekiah  Belding  Jonathan  Moody  Junr  Timothy 
Green  Moses  Cook  Surveyers  of  Heighways — 

Voted    Joseph  Church  Oliver  Cowles  Noah  Smith  Joel  Billings  Tithingmen 

Voted     Gideon  Dickinson  Moses  Dickinson  De"  Simeon  Clark  fence  Vewers 

Voted     Isaac  Goodale  Sealer  of  Leather 

Voted  Jonathan  Nash  Junr  John  Field  Junr  Barnabas  Edee  Enos  Dickinson 
Hog  Reeves 

Voted    Joel  Moody  Joseph  Dickinson  Dear  Reeves 

Voted     Joseph  Church  Surveyer  of  Lumber 
Voted     E[b]enezar  Dickinson  Jun1'  Edward  Smith  Martain  Smith  Joseph  Williams 
Wardens 

Voted  To  accept  of  the  Report  of  the  Select  Men  for  the  alteration  of  Several 
Town  Ways  (viz)  at  the  west  End  of  De"  Jonathan  Edwards,s  Lot— one  other 
Leying  south  of  Gideon  Dickinsons  Lot — An  nother  in  the  way  Leying  South  of 
Jonathan  Cowls  Lot— and  also  of  a  Privite  way  Laid  South  of  Peletian  Smiths  Lot 
adjoining  to  forte  river 

The  Reporte  of  the  Select  Men  for  the  Alteration  of  said  ways  is  as  follows  (vis) 

Att  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  Amherst  holden  there  on  the 
fifth  Day  of  March  A  D  1770  The  Select  Men  of  said  Amherst  make  Reporte  to 
this  Meeting  of  the  following  Alterations  made  in  Town  Ways  which  they  Desire 
to  be  accepted  and  Established  by  the  District  one  alteration  at  the  west  End  of 
De"  Jonathan  Edwards  the  Select  men  finding  it  necessary  in  that  place  to  make 
the  Town  Way  Wider,  to  avoid  the  Soft  and  Miry  Ground  through  which  it  was 
originally  Laid;  have  accordingly  made  the  following  addition  thereto  on  the  East 
Side  thereof  (viz)  Beginning  at  a  Stake  Mark.'1  Standing  in  a  Hollow  Stump  at  the 
South,  End  of  a  Little  Pond  which  is  on  the  East  Side  of  the  Travelled  Road  against 
the  Said  Edwards'  Lot  thence  Running  South  Seven  Degrees  West  twenty  two 
Rods  to  a  Small  White  Oak  Staddle  East  of  the  Path  &  against  the  Same  Lot, 
thence  South  twenty  three  Degrees  West,  running  till  it  falls  in  with  the  Line  of  the 
town  Way — One  other  Alteration  in  the  way  lying  South  of  Gideon  Dickinsons  Lot 
the  Said  Select  Men  finding  it  Necessary  to  make  an  Addition  to  the  bredth  of  the 
Said  Way  to  avoid  the  Miry  Gutter  between  Said  Dickinsons  &  M1  Towensends 
Lot,  have  accordingly  made  the  following  addition  thereto  (viz) — 

Beginning  at  a  Small  White  Oak  Staddle  Markt  with  Stones  about  it  on  the 
Side  Hill  on  the  North  Side  of  the  Path  and  about  twenty  rods  Westward  of  the 
West  Side  of  said  Gideon  Dickinsons  Lot,  thence  Running  East  ten  Degrees 
North  twenty  three  Rods  to  a  Stump  Standing  North  of  &  Close  to  the  Path  in  the 
Middle  of  the  gutter  thence  East  Seventeen  Degrees'  Smith  twenty  Seven  rods  to 
a  Stake  marked  with  Stones  about  it  on  the  Top  of  the  Hill,  thence  East  twenty 
five  Degrees  South  to  the  Line  of  the  way — the  Lands  South  of  the  above  men- 
tioned Lines,  being  now  added  to  the  Way  &  Said  Lines  for  the  future  to  be  the 
North  Side  of  the  Way— 


50  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST 

Another  Alteration,  in  the  Way  lying  on  the  South  Side  of  Jonathan  Cowls 
Lot;  the  Said  Select  men  have  made  an  Addition  to  the  Breadth  of  the  Road  at 
the  Bridg,  in  the  following  Manner  (viz)  Begining  at  a  Heep  of  Stones  one  Rod  & 
half  South  of  a  Great  white  Oak  Tree  Mark/'  Standing  three  or  four  rods  East  of 
the  Bridge  thence  running  west  ten  Degrees  South  to  the  Line  of  the  way,  &  from 
Said  Heep  of  Stones  East  thirty  Seven  Degrees  North  to  fall  in  with  the  Line  of 
the  Way — the  before  described  Line  for  the  future  to  be  the  South  Side  of  the 
Way  at  Said  Place — 

And  the  Said  Select  .Men  further  reporte  of  a  private  Way  Laid  out  by  them 
on  the  29111  Day  of  January  Laist  at  the  Request  of  Peletiah  Smith  Junr  on  the  East 
Side  of  Fort  River  near  said  Smiths  Dwelling  Hous  in  order  to  accommodate  him 
for  traveling  from  his  Lot  thence  to  the  town  way ;  Which  Private  way  is  described 
and  bounded  as  follows  (viz)  It  Begins  at  the  south  side  of  Said  Peletiah  Smiths 
Lot  and  on  the  East  Side  of  Fort  River  and  thence  running  Southerly  to  the  town 
way,  The  River  being  the  bounds  on  Said  Private  way  on  the  Westerly  Side,  and 
being  bounded  &  Limited  on  the  Lastly  Side  by  a  black  Oak  Staddle  near  the 
South  Side  of  Said  Smiths  Lot  &  three  Stakes  Southerly  of  Said  Tree  Erected  by 
us,  the  Line  described  by  Said  Tree  and  Stakes  being  the  Easterly  Line  of  said 
way  which  is  about  Eaight  Rods  in  Breadth,  and  Laid  so  Wide  on  account  of  the 
uneven  Ground  next  to  the  River:  and  Becaus  the  said  private  Way  is  only  for  the 
use  &  Benefit  of  Said  Smith,  and  not  of  Publick  use  to  the  District  we  further 
Report  that  Said  Peletiah  Smith  ought  to  pay  to  Aaron  Matthews  for  his  Damage 
occasioned  thereby  the  sum  of  twenty  four  shillings — 

Simeon  Strong  "] 

Jonathan  Dickinson  lSelect  Men 
Nath'll  Coleman  ^eiect  men 
Moses  Dickinson       J 

Voted  To  Accept  of  a  Townway  Laid  from  the  town  way  North  of  Elijah 
Bakers  Lot  to  Cross  the  Mill  river  near  Clarys  Mill  and  another  way  from  Said 
Clarys  Alill  to  Meet  with  the  same — 

The  Report  of  the  Select  men  for  Laying  of  said  way  is  as  follows  (viz)  At 
the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  Amherst  March  yr  fifth  A.  D.  1770 

The  Select  Men  of  Amherst  pursuant  to  the  reporte  of  the  Comtee  Lately 
appointed  by  the  District  have  Laid  out  the  Ways  hereafter  described  for  the  use 
of  the  "Inheabitants  of  Amherst  (viz)  Beginning  at  the  town  Way  North  of  Elijah 
Bakers  Lot,  and  at  a  pine  Tree  Mark,'1  (which  is  in  the  Middle  of  ye  same  way  Laid 
out  by  us)  thence  running  North  thirty  Eaight  Degrees  and  thirty  Minutes  west, 
forty  two  rods  ;  thence  North  thirty  degrees  west  ten  rods,  thence  North  thirty 
Seven  Degrees  West  Sixteen  rods  ;  thence  west  Seven  Degrees  North  twenty  rods; 
thence  South  thirty  Eaight  Degrees  West  Seven  Rods;  thence  North  forty  three 
Degrees  West  Six  rods:  thence  West  Eaightteen  Degrees  North  thirteen  Rods; 
thence  North  twenty  Eaight  Degrees  &  thirty  Minutes  East  to  Cross  the  Mill 
River — the  Same  Way  being  two  rods  in  Breadth — the  said  Select  men  have  also 
Laid  a  rode  of  the  Same  Breadth  from  the  Mill  Called  Clarys  Mill,  to  Meet  with 
the  aforesaid  Way  (viz) 

Beginning  at  a  Place  twenty  Feet  South  of  the  Easterly  End  of  said  Mill; 
thence  running  South  thirty  Eaight  Degres  West  to  the  way  herein  before 
described — 

Which  way  So  Laid  out  the  Said  Select  men  now  Return  and  Reporte  to  this 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  ^1 

Meeting  that  they  may  be  accepted,  and  allowed  by  the  District  and  Committed  to- 
Record  according"  to  Law 

Sim fox  Strong      1 
Jon'th   Dickinson    I  0  ,     ,  -.. 
Nath'll  Coleman  f-belect  Men 
Moses  Dickinson  J 

Voted     To  Repare  the  Heigh  Ways  this  year  by  a  Tax 

Voted     to  Discontinue  all  that  Town  way  South  of  Nath"  Colemans 

Voted  To  Grant  all  the  Lands  Contained  in  said  Way  to  said  Nathaniel 
Colemans.  and  Impower  a  Com"*  in  behalf  of  the  District  to  Execute  to  said  Cole- 
man and  Heirs  a  Deed  thereof,  with  Covenant  for  quiet  Enjoyment 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  Esq  Ins  John  Field  Jonathan  Dickinson  be  a  Com,ce 
for  the  purpus  aforesaid — 

On  Nathaniel  Colemans  affering  to  this  meeting  a  deed  of  Conveyance  of  a 
Piece  of  Land  in  this  District  which  Said  Coleman  lately  Bought  of  Elisha  Cook,. 
Which  was  Lately  the  South  Side  of  Said  Cooks.  Lot  in  the  Midle  Division  being 
ten  Rods  in  Breadth  and  running  through  said  Division 

Voted  To  accept  the  Same  and  Receive  the  Estate  thereby  Granted 
accordingly 

Voted  To  Lease  the  Same  Land  So  purched  To  Abner  Lee  for  the  Term  of 
Eight  Years  and  Grant  him  the  wood  and  Timber  thereon 

Voted  To  Chose  a  Com11*  to  Visit  the  boundaries  of  the  town  and  renew  such 
as  Destroyed  and  make  them  Notorious 

Voted  That  Moses  Dickinson  Elijah  Baker  John  Nash  Junr  be  a  Comte  for 
the  Purpus  aforesaid 

Voted  To  Chose  a  Comtec  to  Inspect  the  Town  Way  North  of  Moses  Warners 
&  say  howmuch  Land  and  in  what  form  shall  be  assoined  to  Jonathan  Dickinson 
as  a  Recumppence  for  the  County  rods  going  acros  his  Lot  &  make  return  to  the 
next  meting 

Voted  Ins  Jonn  Field  Solomon  PoltWood  Thomas  Hastings  a  Com"'  for  the 
Purpus  above 

Voted  to  Chose  a  Comt,r  To  say  and  Determine  how  much  Land  and  in 
What  Form  shall  be  allow,''  to  William  Boltwood  at  the  west  End  of  his  Lot  as  a 
Recompence  for  Laying  a  town  Way  on  the  North  Side  of  his  Lot  and  make 
return  Id  the  Next  Meeting 

Voted  That  Josiah  Chauncy  Esq  Moses  Dickinson  Elijah  baker  be  a  Com'"' 
for  the  Purpus  afore  said 

Voted     That   the    Select    Men  be  a  Com"*  to  Lay  out  and   prefix  sufficient 
boundaries  to  the  Buring  Yard  and  Make  Reporte  to  the  Next  Meeting- 
Voted     That  Nehemiah  Dickinson  be  releas,'1  from  being  accomtable  for  the 
Rates  of  Joseph  Gould  and  Noah  Gould 

Voted  to  Do  sumthing  to  the  town  Heigh  way  between  John  Nash  Jun"  and 
William  Boltwoods  Lot 

Voted     To  Do  Ten  Days  Worke  to  the  way  above  mentioned 

Voted  To  begin  a  Cramer  School  at  the  first  of  May  next  and  the-  same  to 
continue  through  the  year 

Voted  To  Discontinue  asertam  Piece  of  townway  North  of  Joseph  Churchs 
Hous  being  as  follows  (viz)  one  rod  north  of  his  Hous  four  Rods  wide  riming 
Northerly  twenty  five  rods  and  then  fall  in  with  the  Line  of  the  Lots  and  grant  the 
same  to  said  Church 


■§ 2  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST. 

Voted     That  Hogs  Shall  Run  from  the  midle  of  May  to  the  First  of  August — 

Attest  Simeon  Strong  Moderator 

[On  the  last  leaves  of  this  first  book  occur  the  following  miscellaneous  entries] 

Nov  7  1762     Taken  up  &   Strayed  by  Ephrain  Kellogg  of  Amherst  a   Sorrel 

mare  about  twelve   Years  old   without   any   Mark  or  Brand  &  I  apointed   Ebezr 

Dickinson  Jun'   &  Joseph  Dickinson  to  aprise  sd  Mair  &  they  aprised  her  at  two 

Pound  Lawfull  money 


In  the  Yeare  1758  Thare  was  a  tax  made  by  us  John  Nash  Nath11  Smith  Nath11 
Dickinson  Assrs  for  this  precinct  to  procure  tire  wood  for  the  Rev'1  M'  Parsons  and 
his  Sallary:  and  other  Charges  as  follows 

Commited  to  Mr  Sam"  Ingram  a  tax  to  Collect  333        13        11 

Also  to  Mr  Jonathan  Edwards  a  tax  of  264         17         09 

598         n  8 

the  Debts  Commited  to  the  Tresurar  to  pay  out  576        02 


August  21  1759  taken  Up  In  Damiadge  feasant  And  Straid  By  Ephraim 
Kellogg  &  Mosses  Warner  a  Roan  Mair  about  three  years  old  With  a  Blase  in  her 
face  &  a  Nattural  Pacer  Without  mark  or  Brand 


A  Record  of  the  proceeding  In  y"  tax  of  two  pence  pr  acor  Granted  by  the 
General  Coart 

Pursuent  to  the  Order  of  this  Precinct  the  Assesors  proceeded  to  Expose  to 
Sale  so  Much  of  the  Lands  of  the  Nonresident  propriators  (who  had  been  Delin- 
quent in  paying  the  tax  Assesed  upon  thare  Lands  by  vertu  of  the  Grant  of  the 
Grate  and  General  Court  to  this  Precinct  to  enable  them  tosettel  a  Gospel  Minister 
and)  as  was  Judged  would  be  Sufficient  to  Defray  and  pay  up  the  Remaining  part 
of  the  Assesment  yet  Du 

Accordingly  y"  Rate  of  Shuch  Delinquent  Propriators  Land  was  posted  Pub- 
lickly  at  Springfeild  at  the  House  of  M1  Worthontons  &  In  Hadley  3d  Preceinct 
att  the  House  of  Mr  Kellogg  &  att  Each  publick  House  the  29th  Day  of  August  1739 

After  which  on  the  first  Day  of  March  1739  4°  Notifications  of  the  Sale  of  yc 
Delinquent  Propriators  Lands  was  Publickly  posted  att  y'  Afores''  Places  In 
Springfeild  first  Parish  att  y"  House  of  M1'  Worthonton  &  In  Hadley  3'1  Precinct 
att  ye  House  of  M1'  Kellogg  Seting  forth  ye  Quantetyof  Lands  or  Number  of  Acors 
Exposed  to  sale  of  Each  Delinquent  Proprietors  Lots:  Allso  seting  forth  ye  time 
or  Day  appointed  for  the  Sale  of  Shuch  Lands  by  Publick  Vandue  which  is  to  be 
on  the  first  Monday  of  June  1740 

On  the  third  Day  of  J  anew1  1739  40  Notifications  of  the  Intended  Sale  of  y 
Delinquent  propriators  Lands  ware  Inserted  or  Advertised  Inye  Publick  prints  for 
three  several  weeks  Sucsesively 

On  the  first  Munday  in  June  1740  a  Lot  of  Land  belonging  to  the  Heirs  of 
Colonal  Sam"  Brown  Decest  Containing  about  foure  Hundred&  twelve  Acors 
Lying  about  ye  Middel  of  the  third  Devesion  of  Lands  so  Called  In  Hadley  third 
Preceinct— and  was  formerly  Laid  out  to  the  Porters;  was  Publickly  Sold  at  a 
Publick  Vandue:  to  the  Highest  Bidder:  for  one  Hundred  &  forty  seven  pounds^ 
Bills  of  the  old  Tennor:  the  Remainder  of  which  Money  :  after  his  Rate  of  Asses- 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  53; 

ment :  as  also  the  Incident  Charges  ware  paidewas  Log'1  In  the  Precinct  Tresury  : 
(that  is  thirty  pounds  nineteen  shillings  and  two  pence)  with  order  to  y1'  Tresurar 
John  Cowls  to  pay  the  same  to  the  Heirs  of  Colenal  Sam11  Brown  when  &  as  soon 
as  Demanded 

[Second  Book.] 

Hampshire  ss.  May  ye  7th  1770 — 
To  the  Constables  of  the  Destrict  of  Amherst  or  Either  of  them  Greeting. 
In  his  majesstys  Name  you  are  Requir,'1  forthwith  To  warn  all  the  Freeholders 
&  other  Inheabitants  of  the  Distrect  of  Amherst  Qualified  to  Vote  in  town  and 
District  Meetings  that  theary  Conveen  &  meet  to  Gether  at  the  Meeting  Hous  in 
sd  Distrect  on  thirsday  the  twenty  fourth  Day  of  May  Currant  at  four  of  Clock  in 
the  after  noon,  then  and  there  after  a  Moderator  Chosen, 

Ist  To  know  the  minds  of  the  Distrect  whether  they  will  accept  of  the  List 
of  Jurors  the  Select  men  have  Drawn  up 

2'1  Whether  the  District  Will  accept  of  the  Reporte  of  the  Select  Men 
Respecting  the  bounds  of  the  Burying  Yard 

3l1  Wheather  the  Distrect  think  it  necessary  for  the  Select  men  To  Lay  a 
highway  from  Hoddens  in  the  East  Street  Northerly  to  John  Adams  Corn  Mill — 
and  Make  Return  of  this  Warrant  with  your  Doings  therein  to  one  of  us  before 
s,'1  Meeting 

Josiah  Chancy  ) 

John  Dickinson  [  Select  Men 

Solomon  Boltwood  ) 

Return  of  the  Constable  indors.  thus  (viz) 

The  Directions  of  this  Worrant  has  bin  attended  by  me 

David  Smith  Constable 

the  Directions  of  Worrant  have  bin  answer.11  by  me 

Nathen  Dickinson  Jn'r  Constable  for  Amherst 
May  :  24  :  1770 
Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  Distrect  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  Meeting  hous  on 
Thirsday  the  twenty  forth  day  of  May  1770  fore  of  the  Clock  in  y"  afternoon,  Come 
into  the  following  Votes  (Viz) 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  Esq  Moderator 

Voted     To  Accept  of  the  List  of  Jurers  as  they  have  bin  Red 
Voted     To  Accept  of  the  Report  of  the  Selectmen  Respecting  the  bounds  of 
the  burying  yard  who  is  as  follows  (Viz) 

WTe  the  Select  Men  of  the  Distrect  of  Amherst  according  to  the  Vote  of  the 
town  have  set  up  the  bounds  of  the  Burying  Yard  According  to  our  best  Judgment 
&  is  as  follows  (Viz) 

Beginning  at  a  Stake  and  Stones  two  Rods  Easterly  of  Docter  Coleman, s 
North  East  Corner  of  his  Retching  thence  Easterly  Nineteen  Roods  to  a  Stake  and 
Stones  thence  Northerly  twenty  two  Rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones  thence  Westerly 
four  Roods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  thence  South-westerly  Eaighteen  Rods  &one  half 
to  Stake  and  Stones  thence  Southerly  Eleven  Rods  &  one  half  to  the  first 
Mentioned  Corner 

Josiah  Chauncv      "] 

John  Dickinson 

Gideon  Dickinson  ^Selectmen 

Jon'th  Edwards 

Sol'n  Boltwood     J 


54  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST. 

Voted  that  the  Select  Men  Lav  a  Heighway  in  the  East  Street  from  Hoddings 
or  Eastmans  Lot  to  Shutesbury  Rode  and  make  Reporte  to  March  Meeting 

Test 

August  21  1770 

Att  A  Legall  Meeting  of  the  Distrect  of  Amherst  on  tuesday  y"  21'1  of  August 
1770  at  5  of  the  Clock  in  y"  afternoon,  alter  the  Choice  of  Simeon  Strong  Esq 
Moderator  Voted  as  Follows  (Viz) 

Voted  to  Come  Into  sum  Measures  for  Regulating  or  Eaising  of  the  burden 
of  a  Roade  requested  and  About  to  be  Laid  through  the  third  Division  of  Lots  in 
Amherst 

Voted  To  Chews  a  Com'"  To  Inspect  and  See  if  their  Cant  be  a  way  found 
fo[r]  a  rode  through  the  third  Division  of  Lots  as  Good  for  the  Publick  with  Les 
Damage  to  the  Privite  than  the  Way  Now  Popos.'1  through  John  billings  Lot  in 
Its  triangular  Point 

Voted  that  Ins  John  Field  Moses  Dickinson  and  Gideon  Dickinson  be  a 
Comtce  for  the  I 'minis  aforesaid,  and  that  in  Case  they  Can  find  such  a  place  for  a 
Rode  as  is  Mention:1  above  that  they  reporte  to  some  one  who  Shall  [be]  Chosen 
to  act  at. Court  in  behalf  of  the  Distrect 

Voted     that  Simeon  Strong  Esq.  be  an  Agent  at  Court  for  the  Distrect  Incase 
a  Comtr''  be  Chosen  to  Lay  out  S'1  way  that  if  Posiable  the  S'1  Com'"  may  have  i 
their  orders  Left  in  Sum  measure  at  Large  and  Not  Confined  to  one  Pellicular  Place 

Test 

January  14"'   1771 

Att  A  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Distrect  of  .Amherst  on  Monday  y  14"1  of  Janary 
A  D  1771  at  the  Midle  School-House  in  the  first  Division  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in 
the  morning  Voted  as  follows  (Viz) 

Voted     Josiah  Chauncy  Esq  Moderator 

Voted  to  Adjurn  this  Meeting  lor  the  Space  of  one  Hour  &  then  meet  at  this 
Place 

Voted     to  Allow  two  shillings  Per  Day  for  summer  worke 

Voted     to  Allow  one  Shilling  and  Six  pence  for  Fall  Worke 

Voted  To  Allow  the  bills  as  they  bin  Red  and  Consider,''  and  that  the 
Assesors  Leavey  a  tax  for  raising  the  Same 

Voted  To  allow  the  Re"1  M'  Parsons  ninety  three  pound  Six  shillings  and 
Eaight  Pence  ec  that  the  Assesers  Leavey  a  tax  for  raysing  the  Same 

Voted  to  rais  thirtey  Pound  for  school  and  that  the  Assesers  Leavey  a  tax 
for  Raising  the  Same 

Voted     to  Build  a  Bridge  over  the  mill  River  near  Clareys  mill  So  Call.'1 

Voted  to  Chews  a  Com'"  to  Settle  with  De"  Ebenezer  Dickinson  a  former 
Tresurer  Respecting  a  Sum  of  Money  Lodg.'1  in  his  hands  which  is  the  Equivolent 
or  Reward  of  a  sartin  Tract  of  Land  formerly  Call.'1  the  Equivolent  Land 

Voted  that  Josiah  Chauncy  Esq  Simeon  Strong  Esq  and  John  billings  be  a 
Comtee  for  the  Purpus  above 

Test  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 

(Seal)  Hampshire  ss.  To  the  Constablesof  the  Distrect  of  Amherst  or  Either 
of  them  Greeting  In  his  Majesstys  Name  you  are  Requir'1  to  Worn  all  the  free- 
holders and  other  Inheabitants  that  are  Qualified  Acording  to  Law  to  Vote  in 
Town  &  Distrect  Meetings  that  they  Convene  and  meet  Together  at  the  Middle 
School  hous  in  the  first   Street  in  Amherst  on  Monday  the   twenty  first   Day  of 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  55 

January  Currant  at  two  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  to  Consider  and  Act  upon 
the  following  Articles 

ist     Wheather  the  Distrect  will  set  up  another  School 

2'1  Whether  the  Distrect  Discontinue  and  Sell  any  Part  of  the  Heighway  in 
this  Distrect 

3'1  Wheather  the  Distrect  will  Seat  the  Meeting  hous  or  Make  any  alteration 
— and  Make  Due  Return  of  this  Worrant  with  your  Doing  therein  to  some  one  or 
more  of  us  the  subscribers  before  Sd  Meeting  Given  under  our  hand  and  Seals 
this  Seventeenth  Day  of  January  1771 

Josiah  Chauncy         "] 
Jonathan  Edwards  !  c  ,     .  ,r 
Sol'n  Boltwood         ^electMen 
Gideon  Dickinson    J 
Return  of  the  Constables  Indors  thus  (viz) — the  Directions  of  this  warrant  hath 
bin  attended  by  us 

Nathan  Dickinson  Tn'r  i  ,-.      ,  , , 
David  Smith  \  Constables 

January  21st  1771 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Distrect  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  School  hous 
near  Hartling  Stake  on  Monday  ye  twenty  first  of  January  A  D  1771  Voted  as 
follows  (viz) 

Voted     Josiah  Chauncy  Esq  Moderator 

Voted  that  the  Select  Men  Set  up  a  new  school  at  the  north  End  of  the 
Distrect  the  Space  of  Six  weeks  in  addition  to  the  present  school 

Voted     to  make  sum  alterations  in  seeting  of  the  Meeting  hous — 

Voted  that  Leut.  John  Dickinson  De"  Jonathan  Edwards.  Ins.  John  Field 
Josiah  Chauncy  Esq  and  Moses  Dickinson  be  a  Com' "'  for  the  Purpus  above 

Voted  that  the  Above  Com"'  be  regulated  by  the  List  to  be  taken  for  the 
Present  year  to  Gether  with  Eage  Estate  and  Qualifications 

Test  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 

Amherst  Distrect  Meeting  Jan,v  21st  177  1 

Voted  that  there  be  Granted,  to  Lieut.  William  Boltwood  and  John  Nashjur. 
all  the  Land  between  the  after  Mentioned  Line  and  the  Lots  in  which  they  Dwell 
that  is  to  say  Each  of  them  to  have  that  which  lies  against  his  own  Lot  that  is  to 
say.  Beginning  at  a  Stake  and  Stones  at  the  Northwest  Corner  of  the  Said  John 
Nashes  Lot  on  Which  he  Dwells  as  the  Same  as  now  Inclos,'1  thence  Running 
Southerly  to  White  Oake  Tree  about  three  Rods  South  Said  Xashes  Barn  thence 
running  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  Near  the  Southwest  Corner  Said  Xash.s  Lot  thence 
Still  Southerly  to  a  Stake  and  Stones  at  the  Northwest  Corner  of  Said  William 
Boltwoods  Lot  Crossing  the  townway  two  rods  wide  hence  to  a  Stake  and  Stones 
about  two  rods  &  half  westerly  of  said  Boltwoods  Barn  :  the  said  Grant  to  Said 
Boltwood  being  in  Recompese  of  the  Damage  done  by  Laying  the  town  Way  on  ye 
north  side  of  his  Lot :  and  the  Grant  to  Said  Nash  being  on  Condition  of  his  paying 
or  securing  to  the  District  Treasurer  the  sum  01  thirty  two  shillings  within  this 
Month  of  January 

Test  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 

X.  B.     See  Page  9  for  J.  Nashs  land 

(Seal)  Hampshire  ss.  To  the  Constables  of  the  Destrict  of  Amherst  or 
Either  of  them  Greeting  in  his  Majestys  Name  you  are  required  forthwith  to  Wain 


56  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST. 

all  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inheabitants  of  the  Destrict  of  Amherst  Qualified  to 
Vote  in  town  or  District  meeting  that  they  Convene  and  meet  together  at  the 
School  Hous  in  the  first  Street  in  Amherst  Near  Pelham  Road  Tuesday  the  fifth 
Day  of  March  Next  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  morning  then  and  there  after  a 
Moderator  Chosen  to  See  if  the  Destrict  will  Vote  the  following  articles 

ist     To  Chuse  Destrict  officers  Ensuing  Year 

2d  Wheather  the  Destrect  will  Consider  &  Determine  Respecting  such  Condi- 
tional Grants  as  Have  here  to  fore  bin  Made  by  the  Destrict  whether  the  Conditions 
are  fullfilled  or  not  and  to  Conform  the  Grants  to  the  Grantees  respectively  and  to 
make  them  Absolute  Where  the  Grants  appear  to  have  been  fulfilled 

3d  Whether  the  Destrict  will  Discontinue  any  Part  of  the  highway  in  said 
Destrict  and  sell  the  Same  in  any  Yeary  special  Case  or  Cases — &  further  more  to 
see  if  the  Destrict  will  accept  of  the  return  of  the  Select  men  of  a  town  road  Laid 
out  from  the  North  End  of  the  Second  Street  up  Near  to  Goulds  mill  So  Called 

4th  To  Determin  whot  what  method  to  repare  the  Heighways  the  Ensuing 
Year 

5th  Wheather  the  Distrect  will  Let  Hodgs  run  at  Large  any  Part  of  the  Year 
Ensuing  if  they  are  rung  &  Yoked  according  to  Law 

6th  To  see  whether  the  Destrict  will  accept  of  the  report  of  the  Com'"-'  Chosen 
to  Seet  the  Meeting  Hous 

7lh  Wheather  the  Destrict  will  Vote  that  Every  Person  Seated  Shall  Take 
their  Seats  where  they  are  Seated  &  to  be  Esteemed  Disorderly  if  not  &  be  Liable 
to  such  a  fine  as  the  Court  Judge  Proper — &  make  Due  Return  of  this  Warrant 
with  your  Doings  therein  to  sum  one  of  us  before  s,'1  meeting — Given  under  our 
hands  &  Seal  this  18th  Day  of  February  1771  &  in  the  Eleventh  yearof  his  Majes- 
tys  Reign 

Josiah  Chauxcy  ~] 

Johx  Dickixsox 

Sol'n  BoLTWOOd  ^Select  Men 

Gideon  Dickixsox 

Joxathax  Edwards  J 

Return  of  the  Constables  Indors  this  (viz)  the  Directons  of  this  Warrant  hath 
bin  attended  by  me  Nathan  Dickinson  Jnr  Constable 

March  5th  1771 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  at 
the  School  Hous.  Near  the  hartling  Stake  on  Tusday  ye  5"1  Day  of  March  A  D 
1771  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  y-  Morning  and  Voted  as  Follows,  (viz) 

Voted  Josiah  Chauncy.  Esq.  Moderator 

Voted.  Seth  Coleman  Clerk 

Voted.  Simeon  Strong  Esq.  Treasurer. 

Voted.  Simeon  Strong  Esq.  Ins.  John  Field.  Moses  Dickinson  Alexanrt  Smith 
and  Peter  Smith  Select  men 

Voted,  to  adjurn  this  Meeting  for  the  Space  of  one  hour  and  then  to  meet  at 
the  School  hous  at  or  Near  the  Hartling  Stake 

Voted.  Peter  Smith  Is  John  Field.     Alexan'1  Smith  Assesers. 

Voted.  Jonathan  Dickinson  Jnr  Philup  Ingram  Constables. 

Voted.  Simeon  Dickinson  De"  Simeon  Clark.  Asael  Moody  Nath"  Dickinson 
Elijah  Baker  Surveyers  of  Heighways. 

Voted  John  Nash  Jnr  Gideon  Handerson  Jonathan  Moody  Jnr Tithing  Men 

Voted  Nath"  Coleman  Jonathan  Cowls  fens  Vewers 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  57 

Voted  John  Hoddens.  Oliver  Cowles  Gideon  Lee  Joel.  Billings.  Lemuel  Moody 
Hogreeves. 

Voted  Moses  Cook  John  Nash  Jn1'  Joel  .Moody  Joseph  Eastman  Jnr  Deer 
Reeves 

Voted  Jonathan  Smith  David  Blodgit  Robert  Emmon  Wardens. 

Voted  Isaac  Goodale  Sealer  of  Leather 

Voted  that  the  former  Com"'0  Chosen  to  Survey  the  Heighway  heretofore  go 
again  onto  the  Line  between  Deu  S.  Clarks  Lot  and  the  Heighway  adjoining  to 
more  Critically  assertain  if  Posiable  the  Line  between  s,d  Simeon  Clarks  Lot  and 
Heighway  adjoining 

Voted  that  the  Com"'e  Chosen  heretofore  to  Survey  the  town  Heighway  go 
onto  the  Line  at  the  front  of  Hezekiah  Beldings  Lot  and  Say  how  much  Land  if 
any  Shall  be  Sold  to  S,d  Belding  to  accommodate  him  around  his  barn,  shop  & 
well,  and  in  what  form  &  for  how  much  he  shall  have  the  Same  &  make  return  to 
the  Next  Meeting 

Voted  to  Cheus  a  Com"'e  to  Vew  the  Heighway  at  the  East  End  of  Ins  John 
Fields  &  Moses  Cooks  Lot  and  Say  how  much  Land  if  any  Shall  be  Sold  To  Sam- 
uel Gould  in  what  form  and  for  what  Sum  and  make  return  to  the  Next  meting 

Voted  Solomon  Boltwood  John  Nash  Jnr  Daniel  Kellogg  be  a  Com'"'  for  the 
Purpus  above 

Voted  to  repare  the  Heighway  this  year  by  a  tax 

Voted  that  hogs  Shall  run  from  ye  20th  of  May  To  20th  of  August  ring,'1  and 
yok,'1  according  to  Law 

Voted  to  adjourn  to  the  meeting  hous 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  Com"-'1-'  report  in  the  regulation  of  the  Seats  in  the 
Meeting  hous 

Test  Josiah  Chaunx'Y  Moderator 

A  Highway  Laid  out  by  us  the  Subscribers  in  Amherst  May  ye  30th  1770  as 
follows  (viz)  We  began  at  a  Large  Red  Oak  Stump  Supposed  to  be  the  North  East 
Corner  of  Joseph  Eastmans  Lot  y-  body  of  the  Tree  being  on  the  ground  being 
Mark,'1  H.  W.from  thence  we  Ran  on  the  west  Side  of  S,'1  highway  north  14  deg3o  min 
East  60  rods  to  which  Place  the  Heighway  is  Laid  12  rods  wide  opposite  to  which 
Stands  a  Stake  &  Stones  on  ye  East  Side  y1'  Steak  Mark.'1  H.  W.  then  the  Heigh- 
way Runs  on  the  East  Side  North  36  deg  East  9^  rods  to  a  heap  of  Stones  and  a 
Stake  Markt  H.  W.  then  North  1 1  cleg  East  17  rods  to  a  heap  of  Stones  and  a  Stake 
Markt  H.  W.  about  14  or  15  rods  to  the  South  of  Hoddens  Hous  where  the  road  is 
13.  rods  &  6. Links  wide  then  we  Went  to  the  West  Side  of  S,d  Heighway  to  where  we 
Ended  the  60  rods  first  Mentioned  &  Continued  the  Cours  North  14  deg  30  min  East 
12  rods  to  a  pine  Stake  Mark/1  H.  W.  then  we  went  to  the  Laist  mention.'1  Station 
on  ye  East  Side  &  ran  North  9  deg  30  min  West  46  rods  to  a  heap  of  Stones  &  Stake 
Mark.'1  H.  W.  than  we  went  to  the  Laist  mention.'1  Station  on  y  West  Side  (viz)  a 
Pine  Stake  &  ran  North  12  deg  West  42  rods  to  a  Large  White  Oak  Stump  Mark'1 
H.  W.  from  whence  forward  the  highway  is  Laid  2  rods  wide  from  said  White  Oak 
Stump  it  run  West  31  deg  North  1 1  rods  to  a  heap  of  Stones  &  a  Stake  mark'1  II.  W. 
then  west  34  deg  North  28  rods  to  a  Pine  Stadle  markd  H.  W.  then  North  38  deg  West 
_I5  rods  to  a  pine  Stadle  mark'1  H.  W.  then  North  27  deg  West  5  rods  to  a  Pine  Stadle 
Mark1  II.  W.  then  North  43  deg  west  7.^  rods  to  a  Pine  Stadel  mark,'1  H.  W.  then 
North  32  deg  West  3  rods  to  a  pine  Stadle  Mark:1  H.  W.  then  North  45  deg  West  31 
rods  to  a  Small  Pine  Stadle  Mark.'1  H.  W.  then  North  36  deg  West  9  rods  to  a  Pine 

7 


58  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST 

Stadel  Mark,d  H.  W.  then  North  25  deg  West  26  rods  to  a  Small  White  Oak  Stadel 
Mark,11  H.W.then  North  14  deg  West  12  rods  to  a  Small  White  Burch  Stadel  Mark;1 
H.  W.  then  North  1  deg  West  54  rods  to  a  Walnut  Stadel  in  a  run  of  water  Mark,3 
H.  W.  then  North  16  deg  west  39  rods  to  a  White  Oak  Stadel  Mark,d  H.  W.  then 
Continued  the  Same  cours  46  rods  further  to  the  County  Road 

Survey,d  By  Eben'r  Childs. 
Damages  as  Estimted  by  the  suscribers 

To  Ebenezer  Williams  £0        5         o 

To  Joseph  Eastman  066 

To  Elijah  Baker  1         o        o 

To  Noah  Smith  o       10        o 

JOSIAH    CHAUNCY         i 

Gideon  Dickinson-  '.  Select  Men 
Jon'th  Edwards      ) 

The  Above  Reporte  of  the  Select  Men  is  Voted 

Test  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 

\roted  that  Daniel  Kellogg  Nathan  Dickinson  Gideon  Dickinson  Moses  War- 
ner John  Billings  Josiah  Moody  Eli  Parker  James  Merick  Timothey  Green  Aaron 
Warner  Lemuel  Moody  Simeon  Strong  Joseph  Eastman  &  Jonathan  Dickinson 
have  fullnll,3  the  Conditions  of  their  Respective  Grants  made  to  them  at  the  Dis- 
trict Meeting  Januv  ist  1770  of  Land  that  were  before  Part  of  the  townway  and  that 
the  Said  Grants  be  &  hereby  are  made  absolute  to  them  respectively  and  their 
Heirs  forever — 

Voted  that  John  Nash  Jn1  has  fulfilled  the  Condition  of  the  Grant  of  Land 
made  to  him  at  the  last  Jaunary  Meeting  and  that  he  hold  the  Same  Land  in  Fee 

Voted  that  Simeon  Strong  has  fulfilled  the  Condition  of  the  Grant  made  to 
him  of  that  Piece  of  Land  which  Lies  Between  Pelham  Road  &  the  Burying  yard 
&  that  the  Same  Land  be  &  hereby  is  Confirmed  to  him  &  his  Heirs 

Voted  that  Preseved  Clap  has  fulfilled  the  Condition  of  the  Grant  Made  to 
him  of  Land  on  the  South  Side  of  Simeon  Dickinsons  Lot  &  that  the  Same  be  & 
hereby  is  Confermed  to  him  and  his  Heirs 

Test  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 

April  22,  177  1. 
Att  A  Legal  Meeting  of  the   Distrect  of  Amherst  at  the  Meeting  House  on 
Monday  yc  twenty  Second  Day  of  April  A  D  1771  at  two  of  the  Clock  in  y"  after- 
noon, and  Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  List  of  Jurers  as  they  have  been  red 
Voted  to  Chuse  a  Com'"'  to  agree  with  Ebenezar  Williams  respecting   a  Bit 
of  his  Lot  North  of  his  hous  wanted  for  a  rode  and  make  a  reporte  to  sum  filter 
meeting 

Voted  Peter  Smith  Moses  Dickinson  and  Nath"  Coleman  a  Com1"'  for  the 
purpus  above 

Voted  To  accept  of  the  Report  of  the  Com'"'  Chosen  to  Settle  with  De"  Eben- 
ezer Dickinson  &c 

Test  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

Seal  Hampshire  ss.  Amherst  To  the  Constab[l]es  of  the  Destrict  of  Amherst 
or  Either  of  them  Greeting — 

You  are  hereby  required  in  his  Majestys  Name  to  Notify  the  Inheabitants  of 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  59 

Said  District  Qualified  by  Law  to  Vote  in  Town  affairs  that  they  Meet  together  at 
the  Meeting  Hous  in  Said  District  on  Wednesday  the  fifth  Day  of  June  Next  at 
two  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  then  and  there  after  Moderator  Chosen  to  Do  &  trans- 
act the  following  things  (viz) 

Ist  To  Hear  the  Petition  of  Landlord  Moses  Warner  for  discontinuing  that 
Part  of  the  town  way  lying  on  the  North  Side  of  his  Lot  which  he  has  inclos,'1 
within  his  Fence  or  Such  part  thereof  as  Shall  be  Necessary  to  make  up  the 
Breadth  of  his  Lot;  or  otherwise  to  make  him  a  grant  of  Land  in  some  other  Part 
of  the  Said  way  sufficient  to  Make  up  the  Land  that  is  wanting  in  his  said  Lot 

2d  To  Hear  the  Reporte  of  the  Com'"  heretofore  Chosen  to  Consider  what 
Land  should  be  granted  To  Jonathan  Dickinson  in  said  way  as  a  Recompence  for 
his  Land  taken  up  in  the  Kings  Heighway  and  grant  so  much  Land  to  said  Dick- 
inson as  shall  bi  thought  proper  &  to  Discontinue  such  part  of  said  way  as  shall  be 
granted  to  him 

3'1  To  hear  the  Request  of  John  Morton  for  Discontinuing  a  part  of  the 
town  way  which  he  has  Inclos.'1  &  sel  to  him  so  much  of  said  Land  as  shall  be 
thought  proper 

4lv  To  Determine  Wheather  the  District  will  allow  Abner  Lee  to  keep  up  his 
Fence  about  his  Field  in  the  town  way  and  on  What  Condition  and  for  what  time 

5lv  To  Determine  wheather  the  District  will  allow  Deu  Simeon  Clark  to  Keep 
up  his  fence  round  his  Crop  Sowed  in  the  town  way  East  of  his  hous  &  for  what 
time  &  for  what  Consideration 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  due  Return  of  this  Worrant  &  your  Doings  herein  at 
or  before  the  time  of  holding  said  Meeting.  Dated  at  amherst  the  31"  Day  of 
May  Ano  domini  1771 

Simeon  Strong       ^ 
Peter  Smith  !  e  ,     .   ,r 

Moses  Dickinson    fhelect  Men 
Alex*d  Smith 

Return  of  the  Constables  Indors.  thus  (viz) 

The  Directions  of  this  Worrant  hath  bin  attended  by  us 

Jonathan  Dickinson  Jnr 
Philup  Ingram:   Constables 
June  5"'  A  D  1771 

Att  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Distrect  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  Meeting  Hous 
on  Wednesday  ye  5"1  June  1771  at  two  of  ye  Clock  in  y"  afternoon  Voted  as 
follows  (viz)  » 

Voted     Josiah  Chauncy  Esq.  Modrator 

Voted  to  Chuse  a  Com"'1  to  survey  Lan'1  Moses  Warners  Lot  and  see  how 
much  land  the  town  has  taken  of  his  Lot  for  a  highway  on  the  North  side  and 
Determin  how  much  Land  shall  be  ascined  to  Moses  Warner  where  and  in  what 
form 

Also  to  affix  boundarys  to  a  bit  of  Land  formerly  ascined  to  Jonathan  Dickinson 
as  a  Recompence  for  the  Land  taken  from  him  for  a  Heighway  and  the  survey  of 
the  same  &c 

Voted  That  Simeon  Strong  Esq  Moses  Dickinson  Josiah  Chauncy  Esq  be  a 
Comtee  for  the  Purpus  above 

Voted  that  the  same  Comucbe  directed  on  the  Petition  of  John  Morton  to  Vew 
the  town  way  near  John  Mortons  House  &  se  what  Land  is  nicessary  for  the  town 
to  allow  him  to  hold  there  &  make  Reporte  to  the  Meeting 


60  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST. 

Voted  that  the  said  Com"1'  do  not  Proceed  to  prosecute  Aaron  Lee  for 
Incumbring  the  way  till  the  further  order  of  the  town 

Voted  that  a  Com1''1'  be  Chose  to  Determin  what  rent  Deu  Clark  give  to  the 
Town  for  his  Land  in  yL'  town  way  East  of  his  Hous 

Voted  that  Isaac  Goodale  Moses  Cook  and  John  Nash  Jr  be  a  Com""'  for 
that  Purpose 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjurned  to  the  Monday  after  next  at  four  of  the 
Clock  afternoon 

Attest  JOSIAH   CHAUNCY   Moderator 

Amherst  District  Meeting  by  Ajurnment  on  Monday  the  17th  Day  of  January 
4  a  Clock  afternoon 

Voted  that  there  be  granted  to  Jonathan  Dickinson  in  Recompence  for  Land 
formerly  taken  for  ye  Kings  Heighway  from  the  Lot  whereon  his  Son  Simeon 
Dickinson  now  dwells,  four  Acres  and  three  Quarters  of  an  Acre  of  Land  in  the 
town  way  north  of  &  adjoining  the  Lot  of  Moses  Warner  in  Form  following  (viz) 
Beginning  at  the  Rear  of  the  Second  Division  Lots  the  whole  Breadth  of  the  way 
being  sixteen  Rods  thence  running  Westerly  Carrying  the  Whole  Breadth  of  said 
Way  forty  six  rods  two  feet  and  half  to  Bounds  marked  &  made  by  the  Com'"'  and 
that  the  whole  of  the  Town  Way  Lying  within  the  before  mentioned  Limits  be  & 
hereby  is  discontinued 

Voted  that  the  southerly  Line  of  the  said  town  way  from  said  Jonathan 
Dickinsons  Grant  westerly  hereafter  shall  beas  follows  (viz)  Beginning  at  a  Stake 
&  Stones  in  the  Westerly  Line  of  Said  Dickinson, s  Grant  and  nine  Rods  Northerly 
from  the  Southwest  Corner  thereof  thence  running  West  seven  Degrees  thirty 
Minutes  north  about  fifty  four  rods  to  a  burch  Stake  &  Stones  not  far  South  of 
the  Parth  thence  West  forty  two  Degrees  North  ten  rods  to  a  Stakes  &  Stones 
thence  West  fifteen  Degrees  &  thirteen  Minutes  North  to  a  Stake  Six  rods:  thence 
the  same  Point  Eighty  two  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones  in  Moses  Warners  Fence 
south  from  Preserved  Claps  Shop,  thence  West  fourteen  Degrees  South  twelve 
rods  to  a  Stake  &  Stones  thence  west  n  deg  South  6  rods  to  a  Stake  Mark'1  LEW. 
&  Stones,  thence  West  30  deg  30  min  north  10  rods  to  a  Stake  &  Stones  thence 
about  thirty  Rods  west  3  deg  North  to  a  Stake  &  Stones  in  the  front  Line  of  the 
original  Lots  and  that  all  that  Part  of  said  Way  which  Lies  south  of  Said  Line  be 
&  hereby  is  discontinued 

Voted  that  all  the  Land  in  Said  Way  south  of  the  Line  aforesaid  being  four 
Acres  &  half  and  sixteen  Rods  more  than  Mosjes  Warner  has  Inclosed  be  and 
hereby  is  Granted  to  Moses  Warner  as  a  compensation  for  his  original  Lot  taken 
formerly  in  Said  Way  and  which  now  makes  a  Part  of  said  Jonathan  Dickinsons 
Grant  and  for  what  was  wanting  in  Quantity  of  Land  formerly  Granted  to  him  & 
which  he  bought  of  the  Town  of  Hadley 

The  Above  Votes  Paist  in  District  Meeting- 
Attest  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 

Meeting"  October  30th  1771 
Att  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  District  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  Meeting  hous 
on  Wednesday  the  thirtieth  clay  of  October  at  three  oClock  afternoon  A  1771 
Voted  as  follows  (viz) 
Voted     Peter  Smith  Moderator 

Voted  that  the  Select  men  be  impower'1  to  Draw  money  out  of  the  Treasury 
to  pay  the  Necessary  repairs  of  the  Meeting  hous  &  School  houses 

Tes1  Peter  Smith  Moderator 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  6 1 

Meeting  Novem1'  S.  1771 

Att  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  District  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  Meeting  hous 
on  Friday  the  Eaight  Day  of  November  1771  at  two  of  the  Clock  after  noon,  and 
Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Simeon  Strong  Esq  Moderator 

Voted  to  take  sum  further  Measurs  to  obtain  an  alteration  of  the  Heighway 
Lately  Laid  through  the  third  Division  to  Belchers  town  through  John  Billings  Lot 

Voted  Moses  Dickinson  be  an  Agent  to  forward  a  Petition  to  Court  for  the 
purpus  aforesaid 

Test.  Simeon  Strong  Moderator 

Meeting  December  2'1  1771 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  District  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  Meeting  hous 
on  Monday  y"  2'1  Day  of  December  177 1  at  one  of  the  clock  in  y-  afternoon  Voted 
as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Peter  Smith  Moderator 

Voted     to  Adjurn  to  the  school  hous  near  the  Heartling  Stake 

Voted  that  the  Courts  Com,r  Lately  Chosen  to  vew  the  County  rode  Lately 
Laid  in  the  third  Division  in  order  to  make  sum  alteration  or  removal  of  said  rode 
shall  come 

Voted     to  Chuse  a  Comt,L  to  wait  on  the  Courts  Com"-1' 

Voted     that  Simeon  Strong  Esq  &  Peter  Smith  be  a  Comtee  for  ye  purpus  above 

Voted  that  the  Com1"''  be  shewed  acros  the  East  End  of  the  third  Division  of 
Lots  Leading  from  Log  town  to  Pelham  Rode  and  also  a  rode  Leading  from  Xoah 
Dickinsons  by  Den  Jonathan  Edwards  and  thomas  Hasting,s  to  Come  in  with  the 
New  County  Rode  Near  Nath11  Pecks 

Test  Peter  Smith  Moderator 

Meeting  January  13  A.  D.  1772 

Att  A  Legal  Meeting  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  School  hous 
Near  Landlord  Warners  on  Monday  the  thirteenth  Day  of  January  A.  D.  1772  at 
Nine  of  the  Clock  in  morning     Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Alexander  Smith  Moderator 

Voted  to  adjurn  this  Meeting  for  the  space  of  one  hour  and  then  return  to 
this  Place 

Voted  to  Allow  two  Shillings  per  Day  in  Summer  for  worke  &  one  Shilling  & 
Sixpence  per  day  in  fall 

Voted  to  Allow  the  Bills  as  they  have  bin  red  &  Considerd 

Voted  to  Allow  the  Revd  David  Persons  his  Sollery  as  in  years  Paist 

Voted  that  the  Assesers  be  impower'1  to  Asses  the  money  Voted  above 

Voted  to  Allow  Simeon  Stong  Esq  forty  fore  Shillings  it  being  money  he  paid 
to  the  Corts  Com'"  for  their  Services  in  December  1771 

Voted  to  Take  sum  Measures  to  divide  the  District  into  two  Pearishes 

Voted  To  adjurn  this  Meeting  to  the  14"'  Day  of  January  Current  at  one  of 
the  Clock  afternoon 

Amherst  District  Meeting  by  Adjurnment  on  Tuesday  the  14"1  Day  of  January 
A.  D.  1772  one  Clock  afternoon 

Voted  that  the  Select  Men  be  Directed  to  Preambulate  the  Line  between 
Hadley  and  Amherst 

Voted  to  Chuse  a  Com'"1'  to  Lay  out  a  Recumpence  in  Land  to  Joseph  Church 
for  his  Land  taken  for  a  town  way  &  make  a  report  to  sum  futer  meeting 


62  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  that  Elijah  Baker  &  Ebenezer  Dickinson  Jnr  be  a  Com1™  for  the  Pur- 
pose above 

Voted  that  the  School  house  that  is  near  Edward  Smiths  hous  be  removed  to 
the  East  Side  of  the  Street  upon  Private  Expence  and  that  there  be  a  Comtee 
Chosen  to  say  wheare  it  shall  stand 

Voted  that  Isaac  Goodale  Solomon  Boltwood  &  John  Billings  be  a  Com1'''  for 
the  Purpus  above 

Voted  to  Make  Den  Ebenezar  Dickinson  som  allowance  for  his  former  trouble 
in  Collecting  Alvords  Debt 

Voted  to  allow  De"  Ebenezar  Dickinson  five  pounds  for  his  former  Service  as 
above  mentioned  &  Voted 

Voted  to  take  sum  further  measurs  for  the  removal  of  the  County  road  to 
Beltchers  town 

Voted  that  Moses  Dickinson  the  former  Agent  Should  go  the  Next  Court  at 
Northampton  &  hear  the  report  of  the  Courts  Com" 

Test.  Alexaxd'r  Smith  Moderator 

Meeting  March  10th  1772 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  Meeting  Hous 
on  Tuesday  the  tenth  Day  of  March  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  Forenoon  A.  D.  1772 
Come  Into  the  following  Votes  (viz) 

Voted  Alexander  Smith  Moderator 

Voted  Seth  Coleman  District  Clerk 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  Esq  Treasurer 

Voted  John  Dickinson  Nath11  Dickinson  Moses  Dickinson  Ruben  Dickinson 
&  John  Billings  Selectmen 

Voted  John  Billings  John  Dickinson  Ruben  Dickinson  Assesers 

Voted  to  adjurn  for  the  Space  of  one  hour  and  then  to  Meat  at  this  place 

Voted  Joseph  Dickinson  Joel  Moody  Constables 

Voted  Eli  Parker  William  Boltwood  David  Blotchet  Joseph  Church  Surveyors 
of  Highways 

Voted  Jonathan  Cowles  Nath'1  Coleman  Fens  Vewers 

Voted  Jonathan  Moody  Jnr  John  Nash  Jnr  Dear  Rives 

Voted  Elijah  Baker  Daniel  Dickinson  David  Cowles  Tything  men 

Voted  Jacob  Warner  Jnr  Timothey  Green  Jnr  Oliver  Clap  Robert  Emmons 
Ezerah  Roode  Hog  Rives 

Voted  Joseph  Church  Surveay  of  Lumber 

Voted  Isaac  Goodale  Sealer  of  Leather 

Voted  to  Repare  the  Heigh  ways  this  year  by  the  Pole 

Voted  Elishar  Ingram  Isaac  Goodale  Asahel  Moody  Wardens 

Voted  to  Let  Hogs  run  well  ring,d  and  yoked  sum  part  of  the  year 

Voted  that  Hogs  shall  run  from  the  fifteenth  of  May  to  the  tenth  of  August 
next  Hamperd  as  above 

Voted  to  adjurn  to  the  11"1  Day  of  March  Currant  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the 
morning  then  meet  at  this  Place 

Amherst  District  Meeting  by  adjurnment  on  Wednesday  the  11th  of  March 
1772  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  morning 

Voted  to  adjurn  to  the  School  hous  by  Landlord  Warners 

Voted  to  adjurn  to  the  School  hous  by  Landlord  Warners 

Voted  to  adjurn  for  the  space  of  one  hour  then  to  meet  at  this  Place 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  63 

Voted  that  the  Select  Men  Draw  Money  out  of  the  Treasurey  to  Pay  for 
Schooling  this  year 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  report  of  a  Comtec  Chosen  to  Lay  out  a  bit  of  Land  to 
Joseph  Church  which  is  as  follows 

Amherst  March  9th  1772 
Att  a  Legal   Meeting  on  January  the  13th  we  the  Subscribers  being  Chosen  a 
Comtw  to  Lay  out  sum  Land  to  Joseph  Church  accordingly  we  have  gon  and  laid 
it  out  as  follows 

Beginning  at  the  Mill  River  on  the  west  Side  of  the  way  N.  then  Runing  Mt. 
seven  rods  &  half  to  a  Chesnot  Stadel  which  we  Markt  H.  W  then  runing  south 
forty  rods  to  a  pine  Stadel  that  we  marked  H  W  thence  Mt.  seven  rods  and  half 
this  gives  him  one  acre  &  seven  score  rods  of  Land  which  we  find  by  the  surveyers 
Plan  to  be  the  same  in  quantity  that  the  town  had  of  him  for  a  highway  by  us 

Elijah  Baker 
Ebexzar  Dickinson  Jnr 
the  Vote  taken  respecting  the  Dividing  of  the  Distrect  into  two  Districts  or 
parishes  was  paist  in  the  Negative  by  a  tie  of  Votes 

Test  Alexander  Smith  Moderator 

Meeting  April  21  A  D  1772 
Att  a  Lagal  meeting  of  the  District  of  Amherst  H olden  at  the  Meeting  Hous 
on  Tuesday  ye  twenty  first  day  of  april  at  fore   of  the  Clock  afternoon  Voted  as 
follows  (viz) 

Voted  John  Billings  Moderator 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  Jurers  as  they  have  bin  agreed  on  by  the  Select  Men 

Test. 

Meeting  August  17th.  1772 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Distrect  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  Meeting  hous 
on  Monday  the  17th  Day  of  August  1772  at  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  Voted  as 
follows  (viz) 

Voted  Josiah  Chauncy  Esq.  Moderator 

Voted  To  approve  the  Doings  of  the  Select  Men  in  employing  Mr  Gay  Bal- 
lantine  to  Keep  the  Grammar  School 

Voted  to  Improve  Mr  William  Guy  Ballentine  for  Six  months  from  his  first 
Entering  in  the  School 

Voted  to  Chuse  a  Com,LC'  to  transact  the  affaire  of  schooling  for  the  six  month 
mention,"1  above 

Voted  that  Moses  Dickins  Lev1  John  Dickinson  &  John  Billings  be  the  Com'00 
above 

Voted  that  the  ComRe  above  Should  weight  on  Mr.  William  Gay  Ballantine  & 
inform  him  of  the  Votes  of  the  town  as  they  Stand  above  &c 

Attest  Josiah  Chauncy  Moderator 

Meeting  Augst  17"'  [24?]  A  d  1772 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Distrect  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  Meeting  hous 
on  Monday  ye  twente  of  August  1772. 

Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted  John  Billings  Moderator. 

Voted  to  Take  sum  further  measures  for  the  removal  of  the  Countey  Rode 
through  John  Billings  Lot 


64  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  to  Shew  the  Courts  Com1"'  that  is  Coming  to  vew  the  County  rode 
through  John  Billings  Lot  the  Rode  Call/1  the  North  rode 

Attest 
Meeting  January  ye  18  AD  1773 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  District  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  Meeting  Hous 
•on  Monday  ye  1S"1  Day  of  January  A.  D.  1773  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  Morning 
Voted  as  follows  (viz)  * 

Voted  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

Voted  to  Adjurn  to  the  School  hous  Near  Landlord  Fieles 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  Bills  as  they  have  bin  Red  and  Consider/1 

Voted  to  adjurn  for  the  Space  of  one  hour  and  then  Meet  at  this  Place 

Voted  that  the  Assesers  be  Impowered  to  Leavey  a  tax  sufficient  to  Defreay 
the  Debts  of  the  District  as  they  have  been  paist  &  also  to  pay  the  Revd  David 
Parsons  his  Salery  as  in  years  paist 

Voted  upon  the  Petition  of  Peletiah  Smith  Jnr  and  Nathan  Dickinson  for 
Damages  that  they  Sustain  by  the  Countey  rode  being  Laid  across  their  Land  in 
the  third  Division  to  Chews  a  Comtee  to  go  on  the  Land  and  See  wheather  they 
Shall  have  any  Damages  or  Either  of  them  and  if  any  how  much  and  make  Report 
to  the  NexJ  Meeting 

Voted  that  Moses  Dickinson  Esq  Chauncy  and  Solomon  Boltwood  be  a  Comtec 
for  the  Purpus  above 

Voted  upon  the  Petition  of  Simeon  Strong  Esq.  to  Cheuse  a  Comtee  to  see 
Wheather  M1  Strong  shall  have  the  Liberty  of  Purchasing  a  gore  of  Land  before 
his  house  as  mention  in  the  Warrant  (viz)  twelve  feet  wide  from  Near  the  Place 
whear  his  old  Barn  formerly  stood  runing  to  a  point  at  the  west  side  of  his  Lot  & 
for  what  sum  and  that  the}'  make  report  to  the  Nex  Meeting 

Voted  Daniel  Kellogg,  Esq  Chauncy.  Ins.  John  Field,  be  a  Comtce  for  the  Pur- 
pus above  &c 

Voted  to  Raise  thirtey  five  Pounds  for  the  use  of  schooling  in  the  year 
Insewing 

Voted  that  the  Assesers  be  Impower'1  to  rais  the  money  mentioned  above  for 
the  use  of  Schooling  and  give  auder  for  the  Same 

Voted  that  article  of  providing  for  more  schooling  for  Small  Children  in 
Inglish  Schools  Shall  Be  Postponed  to  March  Meeting 

Voted  that  the  Select  men  Shall  waight  on  Abner  Lee  for  the  Performance  of 
his  agreement  of  repairing  the  Heighway  across  the  Second  Division  of  Lots 
Near  the  South  End  of  Amherst  till  the  Laist  Day  of  May  Next  and  if  it  is  not 
then  Repar,'1  the  Select  Men  Shall  auder  the  Treasurer  to  Prosecute  Abner  Lee. 

Attest.  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

Meeting  March  y  8th  AD  1773 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  Meeting  hous 
on  Monday  y°  8th  Day  of  March  A  D  1773  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  morning 

Voted  as  follows  (viz)  Voted  John  Billings  Moderator 

Voted  Seth  Coleman  Destrict  Clerk 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  Esq.  Treasurer 

Voted  John  Dickinson  Moses  Dickinson  Nath"  Dickinson  Ebenezer  Mattoon 
Ruben  Dickinson  Select  men 

Voted  Ebenezar  Mattoon  Moses  Dickinson  Ruben  Dickinson  Assesers 

Voted  Ruben  Ingram  Simeon  Smith  Constables 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  65 

Voted  to  Adjurn  this  Meeting  for  the  Space  of  one  hour  and  then  meet  at  this 
place 

Voted  Nathan  Dickinson,  Jonathan  Smith,  Isaac  Hubbard  Daniel  Dickinson, 
Martain  Kellogg  Thomas  Hastings  Surveyers  of  highways 

Voted  Martain  Smith  Hezekiah  Belding  Joseph  Church  tything  Men 

Voted  Jonathan  Cowles  Nath.  Coleman  fens  Vewers 

Voted  Elishar  Dickinson  Elisher  Goodale,  Aaron  Warner  Jnr  Simeon  Elmer 
Joseph  Smith  Hogreeves 

Voted  Jonathan  Dickinson  Jnr  Jonathan  Moody  Jnr  Deer  reeves 

Voted  Thomas  Hastings  Seler  of  Leather 

Voted  that  Hogs  shall  run  ring,3  and  yoke,1'  according  to  Law  from  the  Midle 
of  May  Next  to  the  first  of  September  Next 

Voted  Martain  Smith  oliver  Cowles  Philup  Ingram  Wardens 

Voted  to  allow  five  month  schooling  to  Each  Quarter  of  the  town  in  the  Insu- 
ing  year  in  that  Part  of  the  year  when  the  Select  men  Shall  Judg  most  profatable 
for  the  Inheabitants 

Voted  to  adjurn  to  the  School  hous  Near  Landlord  Fields  hous 

Voted  that  the  Preambulatry  of  the  Line  between  Hadley  &  Amherst  Lately 
run  by  the  Selectmen  of  Hadley  and  Amherst  be  accepted  as  follows  (viz)  from  the 
bay  rode  to  the  W.  M.  tree  Standing  at  the  Soutwest  Corner  of  John  Billings  Lot 
and  no  further:  this  being  the  report  of  the  Selectmen  as  by  them  returned 

Voted. to  Allow  Peletiah  Smith  the  Sum  of  three  pounds  as  reward  for  the 
County  rode  Lately  Laid  a  Cross  his  Lot  in  the  third  Division 

Voted  to  Allow  Nathan  Dickinson  Jnr,  three  pounds  a[s]  a  reward  for  the 
County  Road  Laid  a  Cross  his  Lot  in  the  third  Division. 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  Report  of  a  Com'"'  Chosen  to  Set  of  a  bit  of  Land  to 
Simeon  Strong  Esq.  before  his  dore  (viz)  beginning  twenty  feet  wide  against 
where  his  old  barn  stood  riming  to  a  point  against  his  barn  as  it  now  Stands  Con- 
taining about  Six  Rods  apprais,'1  at  three  shillings 

Voted  to  Allow  Nathen  Dickinson  Jnr  Preserved  Clap  Provence  Rate  for  the 
year  177 1 

Attest  Johx  Billings  Moderator 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men  for  a  Heighway  which  is  as  follows  (viz) 

Amherst  february  ye  S,h  1773  this  May  inform  that  we  the  Subscribers  have 
Laid  a  town  Rode  through  Peter  Smiths  Lot  whear  on  his  hous  Stands  (viz)  on  the 
South  Side  Beginning  at  the  East  End  of  Said  Lot,  Beginning  at  a  Stake  and 
Stones  Riming  Westerly  two  hundred  &  twenty  eaight  rods  west  on  Said  Smiths 
South  Line  Said  way  to  be  two  Rods  in  width 

Musics  Dickinson  ") 

Lv  RirTTMP(,N  !     Select  Men  of 

John   Billings  imur,t 

Nath'll  Dickinson  Amnerst  - 

Ruben  Dickinson          J 
the  above  report  of  the  select  men  for  a  Rode  Voted 

Attest  John  Billings  Moderator 

The  Report  of  the  Select  men  for  a  Heighway  which  is  as  follows  (viz) 

Minutes  of  a  highway  Laid  out  by  the  Select  men  of  Amherst  on  the  flat  hills. 

beginning  at  a  Stake  &  Stones  near  the  foot  of  the  hill  and  riming  N.  7  cleg  30  miri 

Est  19  rods  th[en]  N.  22  deg  Est  14  rods  to  a  black  oak  stadle  then  N    10  deg   K'. 

25  rods  the  N.  33  deg  30  min  E'.  24  rods  to  a  black  oak  tree  then  X.  26  deg  East  12 


66  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST. 

rods  &  [half]  to  a  Stake,  then  North  23  rods  then  N.  13  deg  30  min  E*.  2S  rods  to 
a  heap  of  Stones,  then  N  :  10  deg  wst.  19  rods  &  12  Links  then  N  :  3  cleg  30  min 
W.  22  rods,  then  N  5  deg  40  min  E'.  15  rods  to  a  heap  of  Stones  then  North  44 
rods  to  Shutesbury  road  said  rode  to  be  four  rods  in  wedth 

Pr  Simeon  Parsons  Surveyer 

the  Above  reporte  of  the  Select  men  for  a  Rode  Voted 

Attest  John-  Billings  Moderator 

Meeting  April  y  14"1.  A  D  1773 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Distrect  of  Amhearst  holden  at  the  Meeting  Hous 
on  Wednesday  the  fortsenth  Day  of  April  A  D  1773  at  one  of  the  Clock  after 
Noon  Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

Voted  to  be  at  the  Expence  of  twelve  month  schooling  for  gramer  schooling 
in  the  Winter  Ceason 

Voted     to  Build  two  Meetinghouses  in  the  Distrect  of  Amherst 

Voted  that  Timothey  Green  Shall  have  Liberty  to  fence  and  Improve  all  the 
town  way  between  the  front  of  his  lot  and  the  County  Rode  for  the  space  of  two 
year  and  then  fling  it  up  to  Commonage  weell  seeded  to  grass 

Voted  to  Exchange  Sum  of  the  Heighway  with  Noah  Dickinson  for  sum  of 
his  Land 

Voted  to  Chuse  a  Com"'  for  the  purpus  above  and  that  they  make  Reporte  to 
Sum  futer  Meeting 

Voted  De".  Jonathan  Edwards  Daniel  Kellogg  and  Joseph  Church  be  a  Com,ee 
for  the  Purpus  above 

The  Petition  of  Sundry  of  the  Inheabitants  to  be  free,'1  from  the  Charge  of 
Building  two  Meeting  houses  (as  has  bin  Voted  above)  was  Consider,'1  and  Paist  in 
the  Negative  &c 

Meeting  January  3d :  AD  1774 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  District  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  Meeting  Hous 
on  Monday  the  3'1  Day  of  January  1774  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  Morning  and 
Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  Bills  as  they  have  bin  Red  and  Corrected  and  that  the 
assesers  be  impowered  to  Leavey  a  tax  for  raising  the  Same 

Voted  to  allow  the  Revd  David  Parsons  his  Salery  as  in  years  paist  and  that 
the  Assesers  Leavey  a  Tax  for  Raising  the  Same 

Voted  to  Adjurn  this  Meeting  for  the  Space  of  one  Hour  and  then  to  meet  at 
this  place 

Voted  to  Make  answer  to  the  Petition  of  Sundry  of  the  Inheabitats  of 
Amherst  and  the  Citation  thereby  Sent  from  the  general  Court 

*  Voted     to  Choose  a  Com1"'  to  Draw  up  said  answer  and  forward  the  Same  to 
the  general  Court 

Voted  Moses  Dickinson  Lev*  John  Dickinson.  Moses  Smith  Ruben  Dickin- 
son Joseph  Williams  Eli  Parker  Ebenezar  Dickinson  be  the  Com'11'  for  the  Purpus 
above 

Voted  to  Leave  the  Conduct  of  the  affears  for  which  the  Com,et'  [were]  Chosen 
to  be  Conducted  by  them  as  they  Shall  think  best  for  the  Town 

Voted  to  Divide  the  District  of  Amherst  by  an  East  and  west  line  from  the 
Centre  of  the  Meeting  House  as  it  now  Stands  by  a  Large  Majority 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  67 

Voted     to  Chews  a  Comae  for  the  Purpus  above 

Voted  To  refer  it  to  the  former  Com"'  Chosen  to  make  Answer  to  the  Courts 
Citation 

Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

Meeting  January  26th  AD  1774 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  District  of  Amherst  H olden  at  the  Meeting  Hous 
on  Wetnesday  ye  26th  Day  of  January  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  yc  morning  Voted 
as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

Voted  to  Choose  two  Agents  to  Refer  a  Petition  to  the  General  Court  to 
obtain  the  Division  of  the  Distrect  of  Amherst  as  it  was  voted  in  the  Laist  Meeting 

Voted     that  Moses  Dickinson  be  one  of  the  Agents  above 

Voted     that  Rubin  Dickinson  be  the  other 

Voted  that  these  Agents  be  impower'1  to  Draw  Money  out  of  the  Treasurey 
to  Defray  the  Necessary  Chardges  of  S,d  Petition 

Voted  that  the  Select  Men  be  Impower4  to  give  auder  upon  the  Treasurer  to 
Draw  out  twelve  pound  of  money  for  the  above  S,'1  Agents  to  Defray  their 
Necessary  Chardges  of  S,d  Petition 

Voted  to  Authourise  two  Men  to  Make  answer  to  the  general  Courts  Citation 
in  Consequence  of  a  Petition  of  a  Number  of  the  Inheabitans  of  Amherst 

Voted     Ruben  Dickinson  be  one  of  the  Agents 

Voted     Moses  Dickinson  Be  the  other 

Voted  to  Chews*-a  Com'1''  of  Corrispondence  to  Refer  with  the  Comac  of 
Corrispondance  in  the  Town  of  Boston 

Voted  Ruben  Dickinson  Joseph  Williams  Moses  Dickinson  Jacob  McDaniel 
Nath11  Dickinson  be  the  Com"*  affore  S,d 

Voted  that  the  Com"''-'  Draw  up  a  Letter  for  the  Comtee  of  Corrispondance  in 
Boston  to  Be  Red  in  the  Next  Meeting 

Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 
Meeting  March  14"'  1774 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  District  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  Meeting  hous 
on  Monday  the  14"'  Day  of  March  A  D  1774  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  morning 
Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  District  Clerk 

Voted     Simeon  Strong  Esq  District  Treasurer 

Voted  Ruben  Dickinson  John  Dickinson  Moses  Dickinson  Nath"  Dickinson 
Ebenezar  Mattoon  Selectmen 

Voted     Moses  Dickinson  John  Dickinson  Ruben  Dickinson  Assesors 

Voted     Oliver  Cowles  John  Williams  Constables 

Voted  Henerey  Jonson  Frankling  Enos  Coleman  Gideon  Dickinson  Jnr 
Edward  Smith  Tything  Men 

Voted  To  adjurn  this  Meeting  for  the  Space  of  one  hour  and  then  Meet  at 
this  Place 

Voted  Abner  Adorns  Nath"  Dickinson  3'1  Alexand  Smith  Nathan  Dickinson 
Jnr  Noah  Smith  Timothey  Green  Gideon  Dickinson  Surveyers  of  Highways 

Voted     to  Do  Heighway  Worke  this  year  by  the  Pole 

Voted  that  Town  Heighways  Shall  be  Put  in  Repar  Equally  With  the 
County  Rods 


'68  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST. 

Voted     Asael  Moody  Martain  Kellogg  Dearrifs 

Voted     Jonathan  Cowles  Nath"  Coleman  fens  Vewers 

Voted     Thomas  Hastings  Seler  of  Leather 

Voted     Moses  Cook   Jonathan  Moody  Jnr   John  Billings  Daniel  Church  Bar- 
mabas  Sabins  Samuel  Henery  Hogrifs 

Voted    Joseph  Church  Surveyer  of  Lumber 

Voted     Noah  Dickinson,  Lieut.  William  Boltwood    Isaac  Hubbard  Wardens 

Voted  to  allow  Samuel  goulds  Bill  for  Sweeping  the  Meeting  hous  and 
fastening  the  Dors  (viz)  ,£1-0-4 

Voted  to  Chews  a  Com'1''  to  wait  upon  the  Courts  Com,ec  that  is  to  Repare  to 
Amherst  to  Discide  the  Dispute  respecting  the  Division  of  Amherst  &c 

Voted     Ruben  Dickinson  Moses  Dickinson  Moses  Smith  be  the  Com,,T  above 

Voted     to  Allow  the  Com'"  above  a  Reasonable  reward  for  their  Cervices 

Voted  to  Accept  of  the  Letter  of  Correspondance  Drawn  up  by  the  Com'" 
Chosen  y"  Laist  Meeting  to  Refer  with  the  Com1"' of  Correspond  in  Boston  as  it 
hath  bin  Now  red 

Voted    that  the  same  should  be  Recorded  on  y"  town  book  &c 

Att  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

Letter  of  Correspondence 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inheabitants  of  the  District  of 
Amherst  in  the  County  of  Hampshire  on  Wednesday  the  26"'  of  January  Laist.  it 
was  Voted  that  the  Letter  Receiv'1  from  the  Com1'"  of  Correspondance  in  the  town 
of  Boston  should  be  red  and  Consider,'1 — whereupon  the  folrowing  gentlemen,  vizt. 
Moses  Dickinson  Ruben  Dickinson,  Jacob  McDaniel,  Nathain1  Dickinson,  & 
Joseph  Williams  were  Chosen  and  appointed  a  Com1"'  to  prepar  an  answer  at  their 
Next  Annual  Meeting  in  March  when  the  following  was  submitted  to  the  Consider- 
ration  of  Said  District 

To  the  Respectable  Committee  of  Correspondence  in  the  town  of  Boston 
Gent" 

We  think  it  needless  to  Recapitulate  all  these  grievancses  Which  we  suffer  in 
Common  with  our  opprest  Brethren  and  Neighbors.  Sufficient  to  Say  that  thowe 
have  been  Long  silent  we  are  not  insensible  of  the  oppressions  we  suffer  and  the 
ruin  which  threatens  us  or  regardlis  of  the  Diabolical  Designs  of  our  Mercenary 
and  Manevolent  Enemies  Foreign  and  Domestic  and  are  ready  not  onley  to  risque 
but  even  to  Sacrifice  our  Lives  and  Properties  in  Defence  of  our  just  rights  & 
liberties  at  Present  we  are  only  Galled  not  subdued  and  think  ourselves  heapy  in 
having  such  vigilant  and  faithfull  gardians  of  our  rights  in  the  Metropolis  on  hoom 
we  Can  Depend  to  Call  on  us  in  Season  to  unite  with  our  suffering  Countrymen  in 
the  Common  Cause  of  America  we  hope  and  beg  that  you  will  Still  Persevere  in 
that  most  Honorrble  &  importent  Imployment  of  watching  over  us  with  the  Same 
Care  and  Fidelity  which  has  hitherto  Distinguish,'1  ec  grately  Dignified  your  Char- 
acters in  the  Estimation  of  all  who  have  a  just  sence  of  that  best  of  Blessings 
Liberty  &  an  Equal  abhorence  of  that  tame  submition  which  tends  to  Entail  on 
our  Posterrity  that  worst  of  Curses  Slavery 

Every  Avenue  to  the  Royal  Ear  seems  to  be  blocked  up  by  the  gross  falsities 
&  Design'1  Misrepresentations  of  those  from  sum  of  whom  at  Least  we  might  have 
Expected  better  things  but  there  is  a  King  who  Cannot  be  Deceived  ec  who  will 
not  be  mocked  who  has  pointed  out  a  never  failing  resource  when  Petitions  & 
Remonstances,  Truth  &  justice  are  unsuccessfully  opposed  to  Tironey  and  Oppres- 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  69' 

sion  falshood  &  Corruption  &  when  you  feel  that  impulse  which  will  not  brook 
longer  Delay,  the  wisdum  of  the  People  will  naturally  write  in  the  mode  of  the  best 
Appeal,  to  which  you  most  Distant  Brethren  Expect  to  be  summoned  unless  pre- 
vent,'1 by  a  sudding  unexpected  &  very  favourable  Chandge  of  affears.  their  are 
whom  Justice  forbids  to  live  but  whom  we  would  spare  to  Convince  the  world  we 
Despise  their  utmost  hate  &  malicious  Cunning,  the  Colonies  united  are  invinciably 
free  &  we  dout  not  you  are  Convinc.d  that  the  Preservation  of  that  union  outweighs- 
every  other  Consideration  and  is  at  Present  our  most  Important  Concern,  while 
that  is  secure  we  have  nothing  to  fear  but  may  Laugh  at  all  attempts  to  Enslave  us 
we  know  of  no  punishment  which  Can  be  Inflicted  on  those  vilens  in  Exalted 
Stations  adequate  to  their  own  reflections  &  remorse  accompany'1  with  our  Neglect, 
Contempt  &  Detestation  but  at  the  same  time  should  think  ourselves  happier  if 
Everey  banefull  Noxious  weed  Could  by  aney  means  be  Eradicated  from  this  our 
fair  garden  of  Liberty,  we  Entirely  approve  &  Concurr  with  you  in  every  measure 
hitherto  adopted  &  Conducted  &  return  our  gratefull  thanks  to  the  People  of 
Boston  &  the  Neighboring  towns  in  a  Perticuler  manner  for  the  seasonable 
Indeavours  &  mandley  opposition  to  prevent  the  Landing  of  the  East  India  Com- 
panys  teas  which  Plan  we  are  Convinc'1  was  artefully  Projected  to  open  the  gate 
for  the  admition  of  Tyrany  &  oppression  with  all  their  Rapacious  followers  to  Stalk 
at  Large  &  uncontrol,d  to  Ravage  our  fare  &  Dear  bought  Possessions.  Everey 
measure  which  shall  appear  Conducive  to  the  Publick  good  we  are  warranted  to 
asure  you  will  always  be  approved  &  support,'1  by  a  Large  Majorrity  in  this  District 
and  [y?]our  Continual  Correspondence  as  Long  as  you  shall  think  occation  requires 
meet  with  Due  respect  &  attention  we  are  in  behalf  of  the  District  very  Respect- 
fully Gent"1     your  oblig'1  &  most  hble,  servts 

Moses  Dickinson     "] 

Reuben  Dickinson  j 

Jacob  McDaniel       [> Committee 

Xath'll  Dickinson  j 

Joseph  Williams     J 

Voted  that  the  above  be  Recorded  and  an  attesd  Copy  be  Transfer"1  to  the 
Honourable  Com"1'  of  Correspondance  in  the  town  of  Boston 

Meeting  May  23'1  1774 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  District  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  Meeting  hous 
on  Monday  the  23'1  Day  of  May  A  D  1774  at  two  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon 
Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Ruben  Dickinson  Moderator 

Voted  to  send  Ruben  Dickinson  as  an  agent  to  the  general  Court  to  hear  the 
Repourt  of  the  Courts  Committee 

Voted  that  the  above  said  agent  shall  Conduct  the  affear  as  he  shall  think 
best  for  the  town 

Voted     to  furnish  the  agent  with  money 

Voted  to  Impower  the  Selectmen  to  Draw  out  Sevenpound  of  money  for  the 
agent  above  to  Defray  his  Necessary  Chardges 

Voted     to  Accept  of  the  Jurys  as  they  have  bin  red  &c 

Ruben  Dickinson  Moderator 

Meeting  Sept  20"1  1774 
Att  a  Meeting  of  District  of  Amherst  on  Tuesday  y"  20"'  of  Sept  1774     Voted 
as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Nath"  Dickinson  Moderator 


70  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted     to  Chose  a  Comtee  of  Correspondence  as  a  Standing  Com"' 

Voted  Moses  Dickinson  Joseph  Eastman  Jacob  McDaniel  John  Dickinson  & 
Nath11  Dickinson  Jn1'  be  the  Comtoe  affore  Said 

Voted  to  Chose  three  Deligates  to  Meet  in  behalf  of  the  District  at  North- 
ampton on  ye  22'1  of  Inst  Sept. 

Voted  Moses  Dickinson  Jacob  McDaniel  &:  John  Dickinson  be  the  Deligates 
affore  Said  &c 

Nath'll  Dickinson  Moderator 
Meeting  October  3d  1774 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inheabitants  of  the  District 
Amherst  Qualified  by  Law  to  Vote  in  Town  affairs  on  Monday  the  third  day  of 
October  A.  D.  1774  Pursuant  to  the  Worrant 

Voted     that  Mr  Moses  Dickinson  be  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting- 
Voted     Unanimously  to  Send  one  Delegate  and  but  one  to  attend  at  the  Pro- 
vential  Congress  at  Concord  affore  Said 

Voted  that  M1'  Nath"  Dickinson  Jnr  be  the  Person  to  attend  to  the  Provincial 
Congress  at  Concord  above  Mentioned 

Attest  Moses"  Dickinson  Moderator 

Meeting  January  2a  1775 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of,  the  District 
of  Amherst  Qualified  to  Vote  for  a  Representative  on  Monday  the  second  Day  of 
January  1775  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  forenoon  Pursuant  to  a  Legal  Worrant 
for  that  purpose 

Voted     that  Nath1'  Dickinson  Jn'  he  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  Meeting 

Voted  to  Send  one  Delagate  &  but  one  to  attend  y  Provential  Congress  to 
be  holden  at  Cambridge  on  y"  first  Day  of  february  Next  or  sooner  if  Call.'1  for 

Voted  that  Nath"  Dickinson  junr  be  the  Delegate  to  attend  to  the  Provential 
Congress  to  be  holden  at  Cambridge  as  affore  S,d 

Attest  Nath'll  Dickinson  for  moderator. 
Meeting  February  23d 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  District  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  Meeting  hous 
on  thirsday  y°  twenty  third  Day  of  February  1775  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the 
morning     Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

Voted  to  allow  M1' Nath11  Dickinson  Jr3  Bill  for  going  to  the  two  Provential 
Congresses  Paist 

Voted  to  allow  all  the  Bills  as  they  have  bin  red  &  Corrected  for  the  year 
Paist 

Voted  to  allow  Mr  Josiah  Peirs  our  Proportional  part  of  his  Chardges  for 
going  to  attend  the  general  Court  Laist  may  Cession 

Voted  to  Impower  the  Assesers  to  Leavey  a  tax  Sufficient  to  Defray  the  Bills 
that  have  bin  red  &  Corrected  &  also  to  Pay  the  Revd  David  Parsons,5  Salery  as  in 
years  paist 

Voted  to  Rais  a  sum  of  Money  sufficient  to  pay  for  the  Schooling  the  Town 
is  indebted  for  in  the  year  Paist  to  be  Assest  in  the  Next  tax 

Voted     to  Adjurn  for  the  space  of  one  hour  and  then  to  Meet  at  this  Place 

Voted  to  Purchase  one  Hundred  ec  fifty  weight  of  Powder  &  Led  &  flints 
answerable 

Voted     that  the  Money  for  the  Payment  of  the  Same  be  immediately  assest 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  7  I 

Voted  that  all  the  Provence  Money  Still  Remaining  in  the  hanes  of  the  Con- 
stables &  not  Paid  to  Hearison  gray  be  Paid  in  to  Henry  Gardner  Esq  of  Stow 

Voted  to  Chose  a  Comtee  to  Receive  the  Money  of  the  Constables  &  Pay  it  to 
Henry  Gardner  Esq  of  Stow  &  take  his  Recp'  for  the  Same 

Voted     to  Chose  five  Men  as  a  Comtee  for  the  Purpus  above 

Voted  that  Joseph  Eastman  Nath"  Dickinson  Jnr  Ebenezar  Boltwood  Sim- 
eon Clark  &  Moses  Dickinson  be  the  Com"e  above 

Voted  that  the  Constables  Shall  Pay  in  all  the  Provence  Monev  yet  remain- 
ing in  their  Hands  &  not  Paid  to  Hearison  Gray,  to  the  Com'"'  above  Chosen  for 
that  Purpus 

Voted  that  if  the  Com'"'  or  Either  of  them  Produce  a  Recp1  from  Henry 
Gardner  Esq  of  the  Payment  of  any  Part  of  the  Provence  tax  to  him  this  District 
will  Indemnifi  Said  Com1'-'  for  such  money  so  paid 

Voted  to  Chose  a  Comte  who  shall  Borrow  or  other  wise  Procure  such  Sum  or 
Sumes  of  money  as  yet  Remain  to  be  Collected  by  the  Constables  Chosen  by  this 
District  for  the  year  1774  and  pay  the  Money  to  Henry  gardner  Esq  of  Stow 

Voted  that  Joseph  Eastman  Nath11  Dickinson  Jnr  Ebenezar  Boltwood  Simeon 
Clark  &  Moses  Dickinson  be  the  Com"'1'  for  y''  purpus  above 

Voted  thatwhen  the  Constables  for  the  year  1774  have  Collected  the  Provence 
Tax  for  said  year  that  they  Shall  Pay  the  Same  to  the  above  Comtee  Chosen  for 
that  Purpus 

Voted  that  if  the  Constables  for  y  year  1774  Produce  a  recp'  from  y  Com1'1'  or 
Either  of  them  for  the  Payment  of  any  part  of  the  Provence  Tax  to  them  or 
Either  of  them  this  District  will  indemnifi  ye  Sd.  Constables  for  such  Money  so 
paid 

Voted  that  this  District  will  use  their  Utmost  Indeavour  to  ascist  the  Constables 
in  Collecting  their  taxes 

Voted  to  Chose  a  Com"'1'  of  Inspection  who  shall  Exert  themselves  in  Causing 
the  association  of  the  Continental  Congress  as  also  a  Resolve  of  the  Provincial 
Congress  Pais/1  on  y"  first  Day  of  December  laist  for  Carying  into  Execution  the 
association  to  be  truly  adhear,'1  to  &  Executed  as  also  to  suppress  all  Pedlers  & 
Petty  Chapmen 

Voted  Noah  Dickinson  Nathan  Dickinson  Hezekiah  Belding  Joseph  Williams, 
Isaac  Hubbard  Ebenez1'  Dickinson,  Gideon  Dickinson  John  Billings  Nath"  Dick- 
inson Jnr  be  the  Comtec  above 

Voted  to  Chose  a  Com'ei  who  shall  Cary  a  subscription  Paper  to  the  several 
Pheamileys  within  this  District  to  give  them  an  opertunity  to  subscribe  such  things 
as  they  shall  Pleas  for  the  Relief  of  the  Poor  of  Boston  &'  Charletown  and  Make 
Return  thereof  to  March  Meeting 

Voted  Ebenezor  Mattoon  Ebenezar  Eastman  Jonathan  Dickinson  Jnr  Joel 
Moody  Nathan  Dickinson  jnr  be  the  Com'"'  above 

Attest:  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  District 
of  Amherst  Qualified  to  vote  in  Town  affairs  on  Teusday  the  twenty  eighth  Day 
of  March  A  D  1775  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  forenoon  Pursuant  to  a  Legal  War- 
rant for  that  purpose 

Voted.     That  Moses  Dickinson  be  a  Moderator  to  govern  said  meeting 

Voted.  That  Nath"  Dickinson  Jnr  be  the  Clerk  for  this  District  the  ensuing- 
year 


J  2  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted.  That  Nath11  Dickinson  Jnr  be  the  Treasurer  for  this  District  the  ensu- 
ing year 

Voted.  That  Moses  Dickinson,  John  Dickinson,  Reuben  Dickinson,  Nath11 
Dickinson  and  Ebenezer  Mattoon  be  the  Select  men  for  this  District  the  ensuing 
year 

Voted.  That  Joseph  Eastman,  Nath"  Dickinson  Junr  and  Moses  Dickinson 
be  the  Assessors  for  this  District  the  ensuing  year 

Voted.  That  Robert  Emmons  and  James  Merrick  be  the  Constables  for  this 
District  the  ensuing  year 

Voted.  That  Timothy  Green,  Isaac  Hubbard,  Reuben  Dickinson.  Henry 
Franklin,  Thomas  Bascom,  and  Jonathan  Dickinson  Jn1'  be  surveyors  of  Heigh- 
ways  the  ensuing  year 

Voted.  Thomas  Bascom,  Nath"  Dickinson  2'1,  Edward  Smith,  Joel  Billings 
Elezer  Cowls,  and  Elisha  Smith  be  the  Tythingmen  for  this  District  the  ensuing 
year 

Voted.  That  Joseph  Dickinson  &  Eli  Parker  be  Fence  viewers  for  this  Dis- 
trict the  ensuing  year 

Voted.  That  Barnabas  Edy,  Abner  Adams,  Israel  Dickinson,  Elezer  Cowls, 
Samuel  Boltwood,  Gideon  Dickinson  Jim1'  and  John  Billing  Junr  be  Hogreaves  for 
this  District  the  ensuing  year 

Voted  That  Thomas  Hastings  be  a  sealer  of  Leather  for  this  District  the 
ensuing  year 

Voted.  That  Elisha  Ingraham  be  added  to  the  Committee  appointed  to 
receive  and  pay  the  Province  monies  to  Henry  Gardner  Esq1' 

Voted.  That  Philip  Ingraham  be  paid  the  sum  of  one  Pound  four  Shillings 
by  order  of  the  Select  men  out  of  the  District  Treasury 

Voted.  That  this  District  Doth  approve  of  Elisha  Ingraham  as  a  Tavern 
keeper  and  recommend  it  to  the  selectmen  that  they  grant  him  their  approbation 

for  the  same 

Attest  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  assembled 
at  the  meeting  hous  in  S'1  District  on  the  fourth  Day  of  May  1775— 

Voted.     John  Billings  Moderator 

Voted.  To  choose  a  Committee  to  provide  Stores  for  the  support  of  the  Army 
collected  at  Cambridge  &  Towns  around 

Voted.  Mr  McDaniell,  Simeon  Smith,  John  Billings,  Daniel  Kellogg,  Alexan- 
der Smith  be  a  Com'01'  for  that  Purpose 

Voted.     That  the  Committee  chosen  act  Discretionary  in  providing  stores 

Attest  John  Billings  Moderator 

Voted.     Upon  the  general  clause  in  the  Warrant  Joseph  Eastman  Moderator 

The  Town  enters  into  the  examination  of  Mr  Josiah  Chauncey 

Voted.     Not  satisfied  with  his  answer  to  the  charge  laid  against  him 

Voted.  That  s'1  Chauncey  should  Burn  all  his  Commissions  he  had  ever 
received  from  the  King,  and  also  commit  his  Fire  arms  into  the  hands  of  the 
Select  men  of  the  District 

Voted.  To  Adjourn  the  meeting  to  the  sd  meeting  house  untill  Teusday  the 
ninth  Day  of  May  Current  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  Afternoon 

Voted.  Not  satisfied  with  the  answer  given  by  John  Nash  to  the  charge  made 
against  him 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  73 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  Pursuant  to 
Adjournment  on  Teusday  the  Ninth  Day  of  May  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after- 
noon 

Voted,  that  John  Nash  should  Destroy  his  Commission  received  from  Author- 
ity that  then  they  would  be  satisfied 

Voted.     That  the  Arms  of  Josiah  Chauncey  should  be  returned  to  him 

Attest  Joseph  Eastman  Moderator 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of 
Amherst  Qualified  to  vote  for  a  Representative  on  Wednesday  the  twenty  fourth 
of  May  1775  at  four  of  the  Clock  in  the  Afternoon  Pursuant  to  a  Legal  Warrant 
for  that  purpose 

Voted.  To  choose  one  Delegate  to  attend  the  Provincial  Congress  to  be 
holden  at  Watertown  on  the  thirty  first  instant 

Voted.     That  said  Delegate  be  chosen  by  hand  vote 

Voted.  That  Nath11  Dickinson  Junr  be  the  Delegate  to  attend  the  Congress 
to  be  holden  at  Watertown  on  the  thirty  first  of  this  Instant  May  , 

Voted.  That  the  selectmen  Borrow  the  sum  of  Six  Pounds  to  Defray  the 
expence  of  said  Delegate  unless  paid  him  by  the  Constables  before  he  attends  the 
Congress 

Voted.  That  the  Committee  of  Correspondence  &  Inspection  heretofore 
chosen  continue  in  their  offices 

Voted.     That  said  Committees  act  accordingly  to  the  Directions  of  Congress. 

Moses  Dickinson       }         Select  men 
Attest  John  Dickinson  of  the  District 

Nath'll  Dickinson    )        of  Amherst 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  Qualified 
to  Vote  for  a  Representative  on  the  tenth  Day  of  July  1775  Pursuant  to  a  Legal 
warrant  for  that  purpose 

Voted.  To  choose  one  Representative  and  but  one  to  attend  at  the  General 
Assembly  to  be  holden  at  Watertown  on  the  Nineteenth  Current 

Voted.  That  M1'  Moses  Dickinson  be  the  Representative  to  attend  the  Assem- 
bly abovesaid 

John  Dickinson  )         Select  men 

Attest  ;      of   the  District 

Nath'll  Dickinson   )         of  Amherst 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  Qualified 
to  vote  in  Town  affairs  on  thursday  August  the  tenth  1775 

Voted    Joseph  Eastman  Moderator 

Voted — To  choose  a  Committee  to  go  to  Mr  Parsons  &  Desire  him  to  attend 
the  meeting 

Voted — That  John  Dickinson,  Nath"  Dickinson  &  John  Billings  be  the 
Committee 

Voted.  To  suspend  any  further  proceeding  respecting  the  Rev'1  David  Par- 
sons for  the  present 

Voted — That  Simeon  Smith.  Thomas  Hastings.  &  Du  Simeon  Clarke  be  added 
to  the  Commitee  of  Correspondence 

Attest  Joseph  Eastman  Moderator 


RECORDS   OF 

Town  of  Amherst,  Mass. 

1776-186^. 


[Henceforward  in  the  records  of  Amherst  is  always  spoken  of  as  a  town. 
Legally,  however,  it  did  not  become  a  town  until  the  Act  of  March  23,  1786.] 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  (Qualified  to 
vote  in  town  affairs)  on  Wednesday  the  twenty  fourth  Day  of  January  AD  1776  at 
Nine  O'Clock  in  the  forenoon  Pursuant  to  a  Legal  warrant  for  that  purpose 

Voted.     Moses  Dickinson  Esqr  Moderator 

Voted — To  allow  the  Bills  that  have  been  read 

Voted.  To  empower  the  Assessors  to  Assess  a  sum  on  the  Inhabitants  of 
this  town  sufficient  to  pay  the  Bills  that  have  been  read  as  also  twenty  six  Bounds 
to  support  schooling  and  the  Revd  David  Barsons's  salary 

Voted — To  Grant  a  sum  of  money  for  the  support  of  schooling 

Voted — That  twenty  six  Bounds  be  granted  for  the  support  of  schooling 

Voted.     To  choose  a  Committee  of  Correspondence 

Voted— that  the  said  Committee  consist  of  seven 

Voted.  That  Captn  Reuben  Dickinson,  Leiv*  Simeon  Smith,  Moses  Dickin- 
son Esq  Leiv'  Elijah  Baker,  Simon  Fobes.  Ebenezer  Mattoon  and  Martin  Kellogg 
be  the  said  Committee 

Attest  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  on  Monday 
the  twenty  fifth  Day  of  March,  1776 

Votcl     Moses  Dickinson  Esqr  Moderator 

Votd     Nath11  Dickinson  Junr  Town  Clerk 

Votd     Nath11  Dickinson  Junr  Town  Treasurer 

Vot'1  Joseph  Eastman,  Joseph  Williams,  Moses  Dickinson  Esqr  Ll  Simeon 
Smith,  Simeon  Dickinson  selectmen 

Voted.  Moses  Dickinson  Esq1'  Joseph  Eastman  Nath11  Dickinson  Junv 
Assessors 

Voted — Martin  Smith,  &  Lemuel  Moody  Constables 

*February  13,  17J9  the  second  precinct  of  Hadley  became  the  district  of  Amherst  and  on  March 
22,  1786,  the  district  became  legally  the  Town  of  Amherst. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  75 

Voted  Daniel  Kellogg.  Jonathan  Smith,  Josiah  Warner,  David  Smith,  L'  John 
Dickinson,  Joel  Billings.  Surveyors  of  Highways — Voted  Thomas  Hastings  Sealer 
of  Leather — Voted.  Joseph  Dickinson,  Nath11  Coleman  Fence  Viewers — Voted — 
Elisha  Ingram,  Jonathan  Dickinson  Junr  James  Merrick  John  Nash,  Elisha  Smith, 
Tythingmen — Votd  Henry  Franklin,  Ebenezer  Boltwood,  Zacheriah  Hawley, 
Elezer  Cowls,  John  Lee,  Joseph  Peck,  Hogreeves. 

Vot'1     Jacob  McDaniell,  Noah  Dickinson.  Noah  Smith.  Wardens. 

Voted.     To  Choose  Nine  men  for  a  Committee  of  Correspondence 

Voted.  That  Moses  Dickinson  Esqr  Elijah  Baker.  Cap'  Reuben  Dickinson 
Nath"  Dickinson  Junr  James  Merrick,  L'  Simeon  Smith,  Joseph  Eastman  John 
Billing,  Ebenezer  Dickinson  be  the  Committe  of  Correspondence 

Voted — That  Hogs  Yoked  &  rung  according  to  Law  be  allowed  to  run  in  the 
Commons  from  the  middle  of  May  to  the  middle  of  August — Voted — To  raise  a 
sum  of  money  to  repair  the  highways — Votd — To  raise  Sixty  Pounds  to  repair  the 
Heighways — Voted — To  allow  two  shillings  and  eight  Pence  per  Day  for  work  in 
summer  and  two  shillings  Pr  Day  for  work  in  fall 

Voted — That  the  Assessors  proceed  by  the  Laist  List  to  make  the  Assessment 

Voted — That  the  Assessors  be  empowered  to  assess  the  Sum  of  Sixty  Pounds 
to  repair  the  Heighways — Vot'1 — That  Samuel  Henry  have  Leave  to  take  earth 
from  under  the  meeting-house  to  make  Salt  Petre 

Attest  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst 
Qualified  to  vote  for  a  Representative  May  the  22''.  1776 

Voted — Mr  John  Billing  a  Representative  the  ensuing  year 

Moses  Dickinson        i     Select  men 
Attest  Joseph  Williams        [  of 

Simeon  Dickinson      )        Amherst 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  June  13"1  1776 

Voted     Joseph  Eastman  Moderator 

Voted     Nath11  Dickinson  Jun1'  to  take  Recognizances  of  Debts 

Voted — That  should  the  Honourable  Congress,  for  the  safety  of  the  united 
Colonies  in  America:  Declare  them  Independant  of  the  Kingdom  of  Great- 
Britain;  We  the  Inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst  solemnly  engage  with  our 
lives  and  fortunes  to  support  them  in  the  measure — And  that  this  Resolve  be  trans- 
mited  to  our  Representative  in  General  Assemby  as  instructons  to  him 

Attest 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  (qualified  to 
vote  in  town  affairs)  the  20"1  Day  of  January  1777 
Vot'1     Joseph  Williams  Moderator 

Vot'1     two  Shillings  per  day  for  work  Done  at  Bridges  in  the  fall  &  Spring 
Vot1     two  Shilling  &  eight  pence  pr  Day  for  work  Done  at  Bridges  in  Summer 
Vot'1     Seven  Shillings  &  Six  Pence  per  Hundred  for  two  inch  Oak  Plank 
Vot'1     To  allow  the  Bills  as  read  and  corrected 

Voted.     To  Grant  twenty  five  pounds  to  procure  a  town  Stock  of  Ammunition 
Voted.     To  Grant  thirty  pounds  to  pay  for  Schooling 
Vot'1     to  adjourn  till  tomorrow  at  twelve  O'Clock 
At  a  meeting  pursuant  to  the  above  adjournment 


76  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Vot'1  To  empower  the  Assessors  to  Assess  a  Sum  on  the  Inhabitants  of  this 
town  which  shall  be  sufficient  to  pay  the  Bills  that  have  been  read  &  accepted 

Vot'1  To  empower  the  Assessors  to  Assess  a  sum  on  the  Inhabitants  of  this 
town  which  shall  be  sufficient  to  pay  the  Rev'1  David  Parsons  his  salary  untill  the 
annual  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  town  in  March  next 

Vot'1  to  improve  English  Schoolmasters  only — Vot'1 — That  the  conduct  of  the 
Rev'1  David  Parsons  is  not  friendly  with  regard  to  the  Common  Cause 

Vot'1     To  Choose  a  Committee  to  inform  Mr  I 'arsons  of  the  preceeding  vote 

Vot'1  That  D"  Clarke,  Du  Edwards,  Joseph  Williams,  Moses  Dickinson  Esqr 
and  Elijah  baker  be  the  Committee 

Vot'1  That  the  Treasurer  be  Directed  to  Collect  the  money  Due  to  the  town 
to  procure  a  town  stock  of  Ammunition 

Attest  Joseph  Williams  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  March  24lh  1777 

Voted.     Joseph  Eastman  Moderator 

Voted     Nath1  Dickinson  JuiT  Town  Clerk  and  Town  Treasurer 

Voted,  Moses  Dickinson  Esq1",  John  Billing,  Capt  Reuben  Dickinson  Elijah 
Baker.  Joseph  Williams  Select-men 

Vot'1     Moses  Dickinson  Esq1'  John  Billing,  Nath1  Dickinson  Junr  Assesors. 

Voted.  John  Billing,  Cap1  Reuben  Dickinson,  Elijah  Baker,  Nat1  Dickinson 
Jun  James  Merrick,  Joseph  Williams,  Joseph  Dickinson  be  the  Committee  of  Cor- 
respondence Inspection  &  Safety 

Voted,     Martin  Kellogg  and  Moses  Dickinson  Jun1'  Constables 

Voted,  Henry  J.  Franklin,  Eben'  Eastman,  Ezra  Rood,  Timothy  Green  Junr 
David  Blodgett,  D"  Simeon  Clarke  Surveyors  of  Highways 

Voted,  Oliver  Cowls,  Chiliab  Smith.  Enos  Coleman,  Elijah  Hastings  Tything- 
men 

Voted,  Eben''  Mattoon,  Elisha  Ingram.  Simeon  Dickinson,  Edward  Smith 
Reuben  Ingram  Wardens. — Voted  Simeon  Peck  Jun'  Elihu  Hubbard  Nath1  Dick- 
inson 2'1  Ezra  Rood,  Isaac  Goodale  Junr  Hogreeves 

Vot'1  Joseph  Dickinson,  Enos  Coleman  Fence  Viewers— Vot'1  L<  Thomas 
Hastings  Sealer  of  Leather— Votd  Joseph  Church  Surveyor  of  Lumber 

Voted,  to  adjourn  to  Wednesday  next  one  O'clock  Afternoon— At  a  meeting 
pursuant  to  the  above  adjournment.  Voted,  to  repair  the  Highways  by  a  rate — 

Voted,  To  Grant  forty  Pounds  in  addition  to  what  was  not  expended  of  the 
last  highway  rate  for  the  repair  of  ways  the  present  year — Voted— To  allow  two 
shillings  &  eight  pence  for  work  in  summer  and  two  shillings  for  work  in  the  fall 

Voted— That  if  any  Person  refuse  to  work  his  proportion  of  the  Assessment  for 

the  repair  of  Heighways,  the  Assessors  be  empowered  to  issue  their  Warrant  to 
the  Surveyor  to  Collect  the  money  of  such  Delinquent.  Vot'1  to  empower  the 
Assessors  to  Assess  the  sum  of  forty  pound  on  the  inhabitants  of  this  town  to 
repair  the  publick  roads—  Voted  That  the  surveyors  first  call  upon  those  to  work 
who  Did  not  Pay  the  whole  of  the  last  Assessment  for  the  repair  of  Highways 

Attest  Joseph  Eastman  Moderator 

At  a  Town  Meeting  Holden  at  Amherst  the  21"1  Day  of  April  1777  Capt  Eli 
Parker  Chosen  Moderator — 

Voted— To  accept  the  Nomination  made  by  the  Select  men  of  Amherst  for 
filling  the  Juror  Poxes  for  the  Superior  &  Inferior  Courts 

Attest  Eli  Parker  Moderator 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  77 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  holden  there  on  the  26th 
Day  of  June  1777 

Voted  Moses  Dickinson  Esq1'  Moderator — Voted  Ebenr  Mattoon,  Joseph 
Williams,  Henry  J.  Franklin.  Jonathan  Dickinson  Jun',  &  Hezekiah  Belding  be  a 
Committee  to  prosecute  Breaches  of  the  regulating  Act 

Voted.  To  Adjourn  this  meeting  to  Monday  ye  7"'  Day  of  July  next  at  4 
o'Clock  P.  M. 

July  7th  Being  met  according  to  Adjournment  the  Selectmen  exhibited  to  the 
Town  a  List  of  the  Names  of  Such  Persons  as  they  supposed  to  be  Inimical  to  the 
Interest  of  the  United  States  (viz)  L*  John  Field,  Eben1'  Boltwood,  Isaac  Goodale, 
William  Boltwood 

Voted  To  Adjourn  this  meeting  to  tuesday  y'  15"1  Day  of  July  next  at  1 
'oClock  afternoon  July  15th.  Being  met  according  to  Adjournment.  Voted  that 
L1  John  Field's  name  be  erased  from  the  list  laid  before  the  town  by  the  Selectmen 
— Voted.  To  reconsider  the  last  preceeding  vote— Voted.  Elijah  Baker  procure 
and  lay  before  the  Court  the  Evidence  that  may  be  had  against  the  Persons  thought 
Inimical  by  the  town — Voted.  To  Adjourn  this  meeting  to  Teusday  the  12"'  Day 
of  August  next  at  FoClock  afternoon 

August  12"1  being  met  according  to  Adjournment 
Voted — that  L'  John  Field's  Name  be  struck  out  of  the  List 
Voted     that  Ebenr  Boltwood's  Name  be  struck  out  of  the  list 
Voted — that  Isaac  Goodale's  Name  be  struck  out  of  the  list 
Voted — that  William  Boltwood's  Name  struck  out  of  the  list 

Attest  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  January  y';  12"1  177S 

Voted — Cap'  Reuben  Dickinson  Moderator 

Voted     to  accept  the  Bills  as  read  and  corrected 

Voted — That  the  Assessors  be  empowered  to  Assess  a  sum  of  money  on  the 
Inhabitants  of  this  town  sufficient  to  pay  the  Bills  that  are  accepted  as  also  to  Pay 
Mr  Parsons  his  Salary  for  the  year  past  and  to  pay  what  was  not  paid  him  for  his 
Salary  ending  with  April  1777 

Voted.     To  allow  twelve  shillings  Pr  Hundred  feet  of  two  inch  oak  plank 

Voted.     To  Grant  fifty  pounds  to  support  the  schools 

Voted — that  the  Assessors  make  the  town  rate  by  the  last  list  taken 

Attest  Reuben  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  March  y  n"1  1778 

Voted  Mr  John  Billings  Moderator — Voted.  To  consider  the  second  Article 
in  the  Warrant — Voted — That  Persons  not  owning  Independance  on  the  Crown  of 
Great  Britain  agreeable  to  the  Declaration  of  Congress  shall  not  vote — Voted. 
Nath1  Dickinson  Junr  Town  Clerk  and  town  Treasurer — Voted.  Moses  Dickinson 
Esqr  Joseph  Williams,  Cap'  Ruben  Dickinson  Elijah  Baker,  John  Billing  Select 
men — Voted.  John  Billing,  Elijah  Baker  Moses  Dickinson  Esqr  Assessors — Voted 
— Joseph  Williams,  Cap'  Reuben  Dickinson,  Elijah  Baker,  Joseph  Dickinson, 
Josiah  Warner.  L'  Eben''  Matoon,  John  Billing  Committee  of  Correspondence  &c. 

Voted.     David  Blodget  &  Henry  J.  Franklin  Constables 

Voted.  Stephen  Smith,  Waitstill  Dickinson.  Simeon  Peck,  Daniel  Kellogg 
Junr  Noah  Smith,  Ezra  Rood  Surveyors  of  Highways 


78  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted — Oliver  Clapp,  Joseph  Dickinson,  Joel  Moody,  Simeon  Peck  Tything- 
men — Voted     L'  Thomas  Hastings  Sealer  of  Leather 

Voted     John  Ingram,  James  Hendrick,  Deer  reeves 

Voted — Noadiah  Smith,  Enos  Cowls,  Elijah  Baker  Junr  Azariah  Dickinson  2d 
Simeon  Peck  Junr  Paul  Newton,  Aaron  Dickinson  Hogreeves 

Voted — Timothy  Green,  Ebenr  Mattoon  Fence  viewers 

Voted,  that  the  Select  men  proportion  the  money  Due  on  the  Highway  rate 
to  the  surveyors  for  the  present  year 

Attest  John  Billing  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst  November 
14'"  1777 

Voted     Mr.  John  Billing  Moderator. 

Voted  to  Grant  fifty  Pounds  for  the  purpose  of  maintaining  schools  the  cur- 
rent year 

Attest  John  Billing  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  March  26"1 
1778  ^ 

Voted     Moses  Dickinson  Esqr  Moderator 

Voted     Enos  Dickinson  Constable 

Voted.  To  release  Lemuel  Moodey  from  collecting  the  whole  of  the  rates 
assessed  on  Oliver  Smith  for  the  year  1776— Voted — To  reimburse  to  Lemuel 
Moodey  the  sum  of  four  Dollars  for  a  Counterfeit  Bill  received  by  him  in  part  for 
a  rate  collected  by  him — Voted — To  allow  six  shillings  Pr  Day  for  work  Done  at 
Heighways  the  preceeding  year— Voted  to  adjourn  to  thursday  the  16"'  Day  of 
April  next  at  Nine  o'clock  forenoon 

April  16"1  177S.  Then  being  met  according  to  adjournment — Voted — To 
Choose  a  Committee  to  seat  the  meeting  house ;  That  said  Committee  Consist  of 
seven:  That  Elijah  Baker  L'  Thos  Hastings  Cap1  Reuben  Dickinson  Cap'.  Eli 
Parker  John  Billing,  Jonath"  Dickinson  Junr  and  Nath11  Dickinson  Junr  be  the 
Committee  aforesaid— Voted— That  the  Committee  proceed  according  to  Age, 
Estate  &  Qualifications. 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst  April  30"1  1778 
Voted  Moses  Dickinson  Esqr  Moderator — Voted  To  except  of  the  Nomination 
made  by  the  Select  men  for  Jurymen — Voted— That  swine  Yoked  &  ring1  accord- 
ing to  Law  be  allowed  to  run  at  large  -Voted,  to  Leave  it  to  the  Select  men  of 
Amherst  to  agree  with  the  Select  men  of  Leverett  for  the  settlement  of  the  Line 
Between  Amherst  &  Leverett  by  leaving  it  to  indifferent  men  from  the  Neigh- 
bouring Towns 

Attest  Moses  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  September  4"'  177S 

Voted     Elijah  Baker  Moderator — 

Voted     Isaac  Hubbard  and  Nath1'  Dickinson  2'1  Collectors  of  Taxes — 

Voted.  That  the  Select  men  Prosecute  an  Appeal  from  a  Judgment  of  the 
Inferior  Court  in  favour  of  Simeon  Strong  against  David  Blodget — and  prefer  a 
Petition  to  the  General  Assembly  respecting  the  same 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  79 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Novr  5th 
1778 

Voted  John  Billing  .Moderator. — Voted.  To  Grant  one  hundred  pounds  for 
the  use  and  maintenance  of  schools — Voted — That  the  Persons  who  send  scholars 
shall  provide  wood  for  the  schools — Voted — That  the  Selectmen  be  empowered  to 
Draw  money  out  of  the  town  treasury  to  Defray  the  expence  they  have  been  at  or 
may  be  at  in  Defending  a  suit  brought  against  David  Blodget  by  Mr  Simeon 
Strong — 

Voted — That  the  Town  is  Desirous  to  have  a  new  Constitution  formed — Voted 
— That  the  Committee  of  Correspondence  &c  of  this  Town  confer  with  the  Com- 
mittees of  the  Neighbouring  Towns  respecting  calling  a  County  Convention  to 
consider  some  method  to  procure  a  Constitution 

Attest  John  Billing  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Nov1"  1778 
Voted  Elijah  Baker  Moderator — Voted  that  the  Select  men  build  a  House 
for  the  LTse  of  the  Poor  of  this  Town  of  such  bigness  and  in  such  place  as  they 
shall  Judge  fit — Voted — That  a  school  be  kept  three  months  at  the  North  School 
house  also  three  months  in  the  west  Street  in  the  Northern  part  of  the  Town  the 
ensuing  winter — 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Decr28,h  1778 
Voted  Mr  John  Billing  Moderator — Voted — To  give  fifteen  shillings  Pr  Day 
for  work  Done  in  the  summer  season — Voted — To  give  twelve  shillings  Pr  Day  for 
work  Done  in  the  fall  season — Voted — To  give  Seven  Dollars  P1'  Hundred  feet  of 
Oak  Plank — Voted — To  allow  the  Assessors  three  Dollars  P1'  Day  for  making 
rates — Voted — An  addition  of  five  shillings  Pr  Day  to  the  Assessors  for  taking  the 
valuation  List — Voted — to  Allow  the  Bills  as  read  &  corrected — Voted — To 
empower  the  Assessors  to  assess  a  sum  on  the  Inhabitants  of  this  town  sufficient 
to  pay  the  Debts  allowed,  and  the  Rev'1  David  Parsons  his  yearly  Salary — Voted — ■ 
To  Grant  the"  sum  of  One  hundred  &  sixty  six  pounds  for  the  maintenance  of 
schools  and  to  empower  the  Assessors  to  Assess  the  same  on  the  Inhabitants  of 
this  town — Voted — To  choose  a  Committee  to  take  some  measures  for  Annexing 
the  first  Division  of  Inner  Commons  in  the  Town  of  Hadley  to  the  town  of 
Amherst — Voted — That  Nath11  Dickinson  Jund  Joseph  Eastman  and  Capt  Parker 
be  the  Committee — and  report  their  Doings  at  the  next  meeting — Voted — To 
empower  the  Selectmen  to  Draw  eighteen  pounds  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  to 
Defrays  charges  in  the  Town — Voted — That  the  Select  men  Draw  fifteen  pounds 
out  of  the  Treasury  for  charges  arisen  in  said  town 

Attest  John  Billing  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  January  7th 

1779 

Voted — Elijah  Baker  Moderator-^-Voted — That  the  money  raised  for  the  use 
of  Schooling  in  the  North  part  of  this  Town  be  expended  in  the  North  School 
house — Voted — To  hear  the  Petition  of  Joseph  Boles  and  choose  a  Committee  to 
view  the  Land  petitioned  for  by  him  and  report  at  the  next  town  meeting — Voted — 
Cap1  Dickinson,  Joseph  Eastman,  Hezekiah  Belding  a'  Committee  for  the  purpose 
above  mentioned — Voted — That  Capt  Dickinson  go  to  Hadley  and  examine  the 


So  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

records  concerning  the  Grant  of  the  Priviledges  of  the  stream  near  Clarkes  mill 
to  certain  Persons  and  make  report  at  next  March  meeting — Voted — To  adjourn 
the  present  meeting  to  Thursday  next  at  one  O'Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the 
meeting  house — Being  met  according  to  Adjournment — Voted — To  ratify  all  votes 
passed  at  a  meeting  on  the  twenty  eighth  Day  of  December  1778 — Voted — That 
Eben1'  Mattoon  be  added  to  a  Committee  on  Joseph  Boles's  petition 

On  the  report  of  Capt  Dickinson — Voted — That  the  Town  of  Amherst  hath  a 
right  to  the  Stream  and  Privileges  on  Fort  River  where  Clarke's  and  other  Mills 
now  stand 

Attest  Elijah  Baker  Moderator 


Joseph  Eastman's  Mark  for  Cattle  and  Sheep  is — a  Crop  on  the  Near  ear  and 
a  Slit  on  the  top  of  the  off  ear — 


At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst  March  8"'  1779 
Voted — Joseph  Williams  Moderator- -Voted  Nath11  Dickinson  Junr  Clerk  & 
Treasurer — Voted — To  Adjourn  for  the  space  of  one  hour — Met  according  to 
adjournment — Voted — James  Merrick,  Nath"  Dickinson  junr,  Joseph  Dickinson, 
Josiah  Warner  L'  Eben''  Mattoon  junr  Select  men — Voted — Nath11  Dickinson  jun1' 
James  Merrick  D"  Simeon  Clarke  Assessors — Voted — Isaac  Hubbard  &  John  Pet- 
tis Constables — Voted — Majr  Nath11  Peck,  Timothy  Green,  Henry  J.  Franklin 
Gideon  Handerson  L*  Eben1  Mattoon  Committee  of  Correspondence  &c — Voted — 
Stephen  Cole,  Ezra  Rood,  Oliver  Cowls,  Thomas  Bascom,  Thomas  Hastings  Junr 
Surveyors  of  Highways — Voted — Elisha  Smith,  Alexr  Smith  Jonathan  Dickinson 
Jun1"  Simeon  Clarke  Jun1'  Tythingmen — Voted — Nath"  Dickinson  Junr  Ebenezer 
Mattoon  Junr  Waitstill  Dickinson,  JoA  Billing,  Thomas  Bascom,  Simeon  Elmore, 
Isaac  Marshall,  Hogreeves — Voted — Joel  Moody  &  Martin  Kellogg  Deer  reeves — 
Voted — L"  Thomas  Hastings  Sealer  of  Leather — Voted — Oliver  Cowls  and  Timo- 
thy Green  fence  viewers — Voted— Oliver  Clapp  Collector  of  Taxes — Voted — That 
the  Surveyors  of  highways  call  on  people  to  work  at  highways  and  lay  their 
accounts  before  the  Town  at  their  meeting  in  January  next  for  allowance — Voted — 
To  adjourn  to  Monday  next  at  one  O'Clock  afternoon — Met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment— Voted — To  Choose  a  Committee  to  write  to  the  Town  of  Hadley  respect- 
ing annexing  a  certain  Tract  of  Land  (Lying  in  Hadley  and  adjoining  to  the  town 
of  Amherst)  to  the  Town  of  Amherst — Voted — Nath11  Dickinson  Junr  L1  Eben1' 
Mattoon  Jun1  Maj1'  Nath11  Peck  be  the  Committee — Voted — That  said  Committee 
be  Directed  to  inform  the  Town  of  Hadley  that  in  case  the  whole  of  one  Division 
of  Lots  lying  in  Hadley  and  adjoining  to  the  town  of  Amherst  and  being  North  of 
D"  Clarkes  South  Line  is  annexed  to  the  Town  of  Amherst  the  town  of  Amherst 
will  maintain  all  roads  and  Bridges  within  the  bounds  of  Sd  Land — Voted — That 
the  Committee  heretofore  chosen  to  view  the  Land  petitioned  for  by  Joseph  Boles 
be  Directed  to  consider  the  matter  further  and  report  at  the  next  meeting — Voted 
— D"  Simeon  Clarke,  Elijah  Baker  &  Gideon  Handerson  be  a  Committee  to  view 
the  Land  Petitioned  for  by  Capt  Eli  Parker  and  make  report  at  the  next  meeting 
— Voted — That  Joseph  Eastman,  Majr  Nath11  Peck,  L1  John  Dickinson  be  appointed 
to  prosecute  all  Breaches  of  the  Act  to  prevent  Monopoly  and  Forestalling — Voted 
— To  Build  a  house  for  the  Poor  of  the  Town  of  the  same  Bigness  as  the  founda- 
tion already  laid  for  that  purpose  near  Clarkes  mill — 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  8 1 

Voted— To  set  said  House  in  Cowls  Lane  so  called— Voted— Hezekiah  Beld- 
Ing.  Eben1'  Dickinson,  Jonathan  Dickinson  Junr  Cap1  Eli  Parker  and  Elijah  Baker 
be  a  Committee  to  build  said  house— Voted— That  the  Select  men  be  Directed  to 
procure  a  sum  of  money  on  Interest  or  otherwise  to  pay  Majr  Nath"  Peck  for 
Boarding"  Moses  Hawley  &  wife  according  to  the  Agreement  of  former  Select  men 
— Voted— That  the  Select  men  be  Directed  to  procure  money  on  Interest  and  agree 
with  and  Pay  Simeon  Peck  for  Boarding  Eunice  Hawley 

Joseph  Williams  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  March  29"' 

1779 

Voted— Nath"  Dickinson  Jun1'  Moderator— Voted — Waitstill  Dickinson  & 
Oliver  Clapp  Constables— Voted— Simeon  Dickinson  and  John  Ingram  Surveyors 
of  Highways— Voted— To  Grant  the  sum  of  three  Hundred  Pounds  for  the  support 
of  the  Poor  of  the  town  and  replace  money  taken  out  of  the  Treasury  and  that 
the  assessors  be  empowered  to  assess  the  same  on  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town — 

Voted — To  Discontinue  the  Highway  two  rods  in  width  in  front  of  Cap'  Par- 
kers Barn  and  from  thence  running  Northerly  &  Southerly  on  an  Angle  to  the  east 
side  of  the  Heighway  so  far  as  to  contain  twenty  rods  of  ground;  and  grant  the 
same  to  Cap1  Eli  Parker— Voted— To  Discontinue  the  Highway  where  Joseph 
Boles's  tan  yard  now  is  three  yards  in  width  and  six  rods  in  length  and  grant  the 
same  to  Joseph  Boles  he  paying  the  value  of  the  same — Voted — To  Discontinue  a  . 
part  of  the  Highway  at  the  east  end  of  Eben1'  Mattoons  Lot  four  rods  in  width  and 
sixteen  rods  in  length  and  grant  the  same  to  Joseph  Boles  he  paying  the  value 
thereof 

Attest  Nath'll  Dickinson  Jun'r  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  May  17"'  1779 
Voted.     That  they  chuse  at  this  time  to  have  a  new  Constitution  or  Form  of 
Government  made — Voted — That  they  will  impower  their  Representative  for  the 
next  year  to  vote  for  the  calling  a  State  Convention  for  the  sole  purpose  of  form- 
ing a  new  Constitution 

Voted — To  accept  the  List  of  Persons  to  serve  as  Petit  Jurors  laid  before  the 
town  by  the  Select  men 

Attest  Ebcn'r  Mattoon  Jun'r  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  July  12"1 1779 

Voted     Nath11  Dickinson  Jun1'  Moderator  After  the  Due  Consideration  of  the 

Proceedings  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston — M1'  Ebenr  Mattoon  Jun1' 

was  chosen  to  represent  this  Town  in  a  State  Convention  to  be  holden  at  Concord 

the  14"1  instant 

Attest  Nath'll  Dickinson*  Jun'r  Moderator 

At  a   Legal  meeting  of  the   Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  August  9"1 

1779 

Voted.  L1  Eben1'  Mattoon  Jun1  Moderator — Voted — To  chuse  a  Committee  to 
consider  the  Doings  of  a  State  Convention  Begun  and  held  a  Concord  on  the  14''1 
Day  of  July  last.  Said  Committee  to  report  to  this  meeting  at  the  time  to  which 
it  shall  Adjourn — Voted — Cap'  Reuben   Dickinson,   Elijah   Baker,   John   Billing, 


82  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Moses  Dickinson  Esqr  Gideon  Handerson,  Hezekiah  Belding  &  Nath1'  Dickinson 
Junr  be  the  Committee  aforesaid — Voted — That  John  Billing,  D"  Simeon  Clarke 
Cap'  Eli  Parker,  Joseph  Eastman.  Ebenr  Alattcon  be  a  Committee  to  Converse 
with  the  Rev'1  David  Parsons  respecting  a  settlement  with  him  for  all  monies  Due 
to  him  from  this  town  on  or  before  the  first  Day  of  May  1779  said  Committee  to 
report  to  this  meeting  at  the  time  to  which  it  shall  adjourn— Voted.  To  Grant 
L'  Ebenr  Mattoon  Junr  forty  Pounds  for  his  expence  and  service  in  attending  a 
State  Convention  at  Concord  on  the  14"1  Day  of  July  last — Voted.  To  Adjourn  to 
Teusday  the  17"'  Instant  at  3  O'Clock  afternoon  • 

August  17"1  1779  Being  met  according  to  Adjournment — Voted — That  Elijah 
Baker  be  appointed  to  carry  on  the  Suit  commenced  against  David  Blodget  by 
Simeon  Strong — Voted,  That  the  Treasurer  be  Directed  to  Tender  to  AP  Par- 
sons the  Nominal  Sum  Due  to  him  for  Salary 

Attest  Eben'r  Mattoon  Jx'r  Moderator 

At  A  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  October  21st 
1779 

Nath11  Dickinson  Junr  being  appointed  Moderator — Voted — To  Grant  the  sum 
of  four  hundred  and  thirty  four  pounds  ten  shillings  to  replace  money  taken  out  of 
the  Treasury  to  Pay  Bounties  &  Mileage  to  soldiers  and  that  the  Assessors  be 
Directed  to  assess  the  same  and  order  it  Paid  into  the  Treasury  immediately — 
Voted — To  Chuse  a  Committee  of  Nine  to  Determine  how  many  Schools  shall  be 
kept  in  Town  the  present  year  and  at  what  places— voted.  That  Nath11  Dickinson 
Jun'  James  Merrick  Josiah  Warner  D"  Clarke  Moses  Dickinson  Esqr  Cap'  Reuben 
Dickinson  L'  Hastings  be  the  Committee  afores'1 

Attest  Nath'll  Dickinson  Jun'r  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  January  3d 
1780 

Voted.  L<  Ebenr  Mattoon  Moderator- 
Voted  to  Adjourn  to  the  house  of  Elisha  Ingram — Voted — To  Adjourn  the 
meeting  to  thursday  the  6th  instant  at  12  O'clock  in  the  morning  then  to  meet  at 
the  meeting-house:  Being  met  according  to  Adjournment — Voted — To  adjourn  to 
the  house  of  Elisha  Ingram — Voted  To  allow  two  shillings  and  six  pence  p1'  Day 
for  work  Done  at  Highways  in  summer  and  two  shillings  p1  Day  for  work  Done  at 
Highways  in  the  fall  and  spring  the  said  sums  to  be  Doubled  twenty  four  for  one, 
Also  to  allow  twenty  four  for  one  for  all  Debts  examined  and  accepted  by  the  Town 
— Voted — That  the  Selectmen  settle  with  Aaron  Warner  for  sounding  the  Conque 
and  sweeping  the  meeting  house — Voted — To  Allow  the  Debts  as  read  and  cor- 
rected— Voted — To  adjourn  to  thursday  next  at  Nine  O'clock  in  the  morning  to 
meet  at  the  meeting  house 

Being  met  according  to  Adjournment  voted  to  adjourn  to  the  house  of  Majr 
Wales — Voted — To  Grant  the  sum  of  fourteen  hundred  Pounds  for  supporting 
schools — The  Committee  heretofore  appointed  to  Determine  how  many  schools 
shall  be  kept  in  the  Town  of  Amherst  and  at  what  places.  Report  as  follows  (viz) 
That  there  be  six  schools  kept  in  said  Town,  that  is  to  say,  one  in  the  west  street 
in  the  Northern  part  of  the  town:  one  in  the  street  leading  from  Ezra  Roods  to 
Andrew  Kimbals  :  one  at  each  school  house  in  or  near  the  Middle  of  the  town; 
one  in  the  west  street  at  the  southern  part  of  the  town :  one  in  the  school  house  at 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  83 

the  southern  part  of  the  Town. — Whereupon  voted — To  accept  the  report  of  said 
Committee  with  this  alteration  that  the  school  ordered  to  be  kept  in  the  street  lead- 
ing from  Ezra  Rood's  to  Andrew  Kimbal's  be  kept  at  Samuel  Henry's  the  present 
year — Voted — That  the  Assessors  be  empowered  to  Assess  a  sum  on  the  Inhabitants- 
of  this  Town  sufficient  to  pay  the  Debts  allowed  and  Mr  Parsons  his  usual  salary 
and  fourteen  hundred  pounds  for  the  support  of  schools — Voted — That  there  be 
eighteen  months  schooling  in  town  the  present  year — Voted — That  U  John  Dick- 
inson. Moses  Dickinson  Esq.  and  Timothy  Green  be  a  Committee  to  view  the  Land 
petitioned  for  by  Daniel  Church  and  report  at  March  meeting — Voted  to  allow  the 
Constables  for  Counterfeit  money — Voted — That  Gideon  Dickinson,  John  Billing, 
Cap1  Eli  Parker  James  Merrick  and  Ebenr  Mattoon  be  a  Committee  to  Confer  with 
the  Rev'1  David  Parsons  respecting  a  settlement  with  him  for  the  monies  Due  to 
him  from  the  town. 

Attest  Ebex'r  Mattoon  Jun'r  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  January  13th 
1780 

Voted — Mr  John  Billing  Moderator — Voted — That  the  Select  men  Prefer  a 
Petition  to  the  General  Court  praying  that  the  time  appointed  for  the  payment  of 
the  Tax  last  granted  by  said  Court  may  be  postponed  two  months — Voted — That 
Mr  Abraham  Hill  be  prohibited  from  Preaching  in  this  Town  in  future  and  that 
Cap"  Dickinson.  Nath"  Dickinson  Jnr  &  James  Merrick  be  a  Committee  to  write  to 
him  concerning  the  matter 

Attest 


Nathan  Dickinson  Junr  his  Mark  for  Cattle  and  Sheep 

A  Crop  of  from  the  off  Ear  two  half  Penny's  on  the  same  ear  one  on  the  upper 
the  other  on  the  under  side 


At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  March  30"1  1780 
Alexander  Smith  chosen  Moderator,  the  following  votes  passed 
Voted.  Nath"  Dickinson  Jun1'  Town  Clerk  and  Town  Treasurer — voted — 
Cap'  Eli  Parker.  L'  Tho3  Hastings.  Alexander  Smith,  Jonathan  Dickinson  and 
Martin  Kellogg.  Select-men— voted — Nath"  Dickinson  Jun1'  Hezekiah  Belding  and 
Elisha  Smith  Assessors — voted- -Timothy  Green  Jun1'  Thomas  Bascom  and  Eben- 
ezer  Dickinson  2'1  Constables  —  voted — Gideon  Dickinson,  Ezra  Rood  Nathan 
Dickinson  Junr  John  Field  Junr  Enos  Coleman  and  Joel  Moody,  Surveyors — voted 
— Samuel  Hastings,  Hezekiah  Belding.  John  Morton  Jn1— Elijah  Hastings,  Isaac 
Goodale  and  Jonathan  Smith,  Tithingmen — voted — Oliver  Cowls  and  Enos  Cole- 
man, Fence  viewers — voted — John  Morton  Jnr  and  Elisha  Smith  Sealers  of  Leather 
— voted — Joseph  Church  Surveyor  of  Lumber — voted — Thos  Hastings  Jnr  &  Noah 
Smith  Deer  reeves — voted — Israel  Dickinson  Zacheriah  Hawley.  Simeon  Cowls. 
Moses  Warner,  Benjamin  Smith  Hogreeves — Voted — That  the  Surveyors  lay  an 
account  before  the  Town  at  their  meeting  in  January  next  for  allowance  of  all 
work  Done  in  their  respective  Districts,  and  that  there  be  allowed  to  those  Persons 
who  shall  work  at  Highways  the  Common  price  of  labor  at  the  time  they  shall  work 
— voteel — To  Pay  Mr  David  Parsons  three  salaries  (which  will  be  Due  to  him  the 
first  Day  of  May  next)  in  Silver  together  with  the  interest  and  that  the  Assessors 
assess  the  same  seperate  from  all  other  Taxes — voted — Cap1  Eli  Parker,  Gideon 


84  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST.     MASS. 

Dickinson  &  Hezekiah  Belding  be  a  Committee  to  view  the  Land  petitioned  for  by 
Zacheriah  Hawley  and  report  to  the  next  meeting — voted — Moses  Dickinson  Esq 
Nath"  Coleman  and  Asahel  Moody  be  a  Committee  to  view  the  land  petitionedfor 
by  Aaron  Warner  and  report  to  the  next  meeting' — voted — That  the  Committee 
appointed  to  view  the  Land  petitioned  for  by  Daniel  Church  report  to  the  next 
meeting — Voted — To  Grant  Majr  Nath"  Peck  his  part  of  the  schoolmoney — 
voted — To  Grant  Waitstill  Dickinson  one  Hundred  Dollars  for  Counterfeit  money 
received  by  him  for  Taxes — voted — To  Grant  six  hundred  pounds  for  the  use  of 
the   poor   of  the  Town   and  the   Assessors  are  empowered  toassess  the  same 

Alex'r  Smith    Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  April  2o!h  17S0 
Cap'  Eli  Parker  chosen  Moderator — the  following  votes  passed — 
Voted — To  Discontinue  that  part  of  the  Highway  hereafter  mentioned  and 
Grant  the  same  to  Daniel  Church  on  Condition  that  said  Church  give  security  for 
the  Payment  of  fourteen  Bushels  of  Rie  for  the  use  of  the  Town — (viz)  Beginning 
at  the  south  east  corner  of  Samuel  Church's  lot,  thence  North  32  deg  east  36  rods, 
thence  north  22  cleg  east  20  rods,  thence  North  10  deg  east  21  rods  and  half,  thence 
west  10  deg  north  10  rods,  to  said  Church's  east  Line,  thence  South  15  deg  west  to 
the  first  mentioned  corner,  containing  three  acres  and  seventy  nine  rods  of  ground 
— voted — To  Discontinue  the  Highway  staked  out  by  the  Committee  for  Zacheriah 
Hawley  and  Grant  the  same  to  said  Hawley  on  Condition  that  said  Hawley  give 
security  for  the  payment  of  ten  Bushels  of  Indian  Corn  for  the  use  of  the  town — 
voted — To  Discontinue  the  Highway  (viz)  twenty  three  rods  of  ( Ground  at  the  rear 
Aaron  Warner's  Lot  and  Grant  the  same  to  said  Hawley  on  Conditon  that  he  give 
security  for  the  payment  of  seven  Bushels  and  an  half  of  Indian  Corn  for  the  use 
of  the  town — voted — To  repair  the  Doors,  windows,  seats,  underpinning  and  Plas- 
tering of  the  meeting  house 

The  Question  being  put  whether  the  town  will  be  at  any  further  charge 
respecting  the  suit  between  Strong  &  Blodget,  passed  in  the  Negative — voted — To 
accept  the  List  of  Jurors  laid  before  the  town  by  the  Select  men 

Attest  Eli  Parker   Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  June  15th  1780 

Voted     Nath"  Dickinson  Junr  Moderator 

Voted  To  <  rrant  the  sum  of  five  Hundred  Pounds  for  the  support  of  the  Poor 
of  the  Town  and  for  Repairing  the  Meeting  House  and  that  the  Assessors  Assess 
the  same  and  order  paid  immediately  into  the  Town  Treasury — Voted.  To 
Grant  Waitstill  Dickinson  Ninety  Dollars  received  by  him  in  Counterfeit  money 
received  by  him  for  Taxes — Voted — That  Simeon  Dickinson,  Cap'  Reuben  Dick- 
inson, Nath"  Dickinson  Jr  Cap'  Eli  Parker,  Moses  Dickinson  Esq  John  Billing  and 
Gideon  Handerson  be  a  Committee  to  seat  the  meeting  house 

Attest  Nath'll  Dickinson  Jk  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  on  Monday 
the  fourth  Day  of  September  Anno  Domini  17S0 

Votes  were  brought  in  for  a  Governor  as  follows — viz — 

The  Honble  John  Hancock  Esqr  Forty  three 

The  Hon1,11'  James  Bowdoin  Esq1'  eight 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  85 

Votes  for  a  Lieutenant  Governor  as  follows — viz. 

The  Hon''1   James  Warren  Esq  forty  Nine 

The  Honl,k'  Artemas  Ward  Esqr  three 
Votes  for  Senators  as  follows — viz — 

Joseph  Hawley  Esqr  forty  seven 

John  Bliss  Esq.  forty  four 

David  Smead  Esq.  forty  four 

Samuel  Mather  Esqr  thirteen 

Noah  Goodman  Esqr  Nine 

John  Billing — twenty  four 

John  Hastings  Esq  four 

Elisha  Ingram  one 

John  Chester  Williams  Esq  two 

Nathan  Dickinson  Jr  two 

David  Sexton  Esq  two 

Caleb  Strong  Esqr  two 

Eleazer  Porter  Esqr  two 

Eli  Parker  1c  , 

Jonathan  Dickinson     |  select  men 

Thomas  Hastings  !  ^.    an  rM    , 

Att,^.-      l-,,t^,.  Mown  Clerk 

Alex  r  Smith  r 

Martin  Kellogg  a     , 

Nath'll  Dickinson  Jr  J      Amnerst 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Oct1'  16.  17S0 
Nath'1  Dickinson  Junr  was  chosen  Representative 

Voted.  To  Grant  the  sum  of  Ten  thousand  Pounds  to  pay  for  Beef  agreeable 
to  a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  of  Sep1'  25th  17S0  and  that  the  assessors  be 
Directed  to  assess  the  same  on  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  immediately  and 
Order  the  same  Paid  according  to  said  Resolve — Voted— Mr  John  Billing  Majr 
Nath11  Peck  &  Cap'1  David  Rich  be  a  Committee  to  procure  the  Beef  ordered  by 
the  Resolve  aforesaid 

Eli    Parker  "1 

Alex'r  Smith  j  Select  men 

Attest  Tho's  Hastings  J>        of 

Jon'th  Dickinson  Jn'r  I    Amherst 
Martin  Kellogg  J 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Amherst  Dec1'  41'1  1780 

M'  John  Billing  Chosen  Moderator 

Voted.  To  raise  three  Hundred  Pounds  to  maintain  Schools — Voted — that 
there  be  six  schools  set  up  in  the  same  places  where  they  were  kept  the  last  year — 
Voted — That  each  school  be  kept  three  months — Voted — To  accept  the  report  of 
the  Committee  appointed  to  purchase  Beef  and  Discharge  said  Committee 

Attest  John  Billing  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Dec''  18th  1780 

Nath"  Dickinson  Junr  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — To  appoint  a  Committee  to  inquire  and  report  to  the  town  how  and  in 
what  manner  soldiers  may  be  best  procured  to  serve  in  the  Continental  Army  for 
three  years  or  During  the  war — Voted,    That  Cap'   Parker,    Cap1   Dickinson    1. 


86  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Hastings,  L1  Smith.  L'  Aaron  Dickinson,  John  Billing,  Elijah  Baker  Moses  Dick- 
inson Esqr  be  a  Committee  for  the  purpose  abovesaid— Voted — That  it  is  the 
opinion  of  this  Town  that  the  Tender  Act  shall  not  be  repealed — Voted — That 
Cap'  Parker,  John  Billing  Elijah  Baker  L'  Mattoon  L'  Hastings,  Nath1'  Dickinson 
Jun1'  and  Joseph  Dickinson  be  a  Committee  to  seat  the  meeting  house  that  said 
Committee  proceed  according  to  age  Estate  and  qualifications  and  report  at  next 
January  meeting 

Voted,  To  adjourn  to  thursday  the  28th  Instant  at  one  O'Clock  afternoon 
Being  met  according  to  adjournment  —The  following  Report  of  the  Committee 
was  read  and  accepted  (viz)  That  the  Town  will  give  to  each  soldier  that  shall 
inlist  for  this  town  for  three  years  or  During  the  war  the  sum  of  three  pounds  hard 
money  Pr  month  the  Town  to  receive  their  wages  or  in  Liew  thereof  the  town  will 
give  to  each  soldier  that  shall  inlist  as  afores3  forty  shillings  pr  month  in  hard 
money  in  addition  to  their  Continental  Pay  ;  also  that  the  Town  will  give  each 
soldier  that  shall  inlist  as  afores'1  two  shirts,  two  Pairs  cf  stcckirgs  rnd  two  pairs 
of  shoes  yearly  in  case  he  fails  of  the  same  from  the  Continent  or  State  and  the 
Town  Direct  the  Militia  Officers  to  make  the  above  proposals  to  their  respective 
Companies  in  the  name  of  the  town  —  Voted.  To  Grant  Majr  Nath"  Peck  and 
Simeon  Peck  their  proportion  of  the  money  granted  for  schooling 

Attest  Nath'll  Dickinson  Jn'k  Moderator 


Isaac   Marshal's   Mark  for  Cattle   and   Sheep  A   Crop  on  the  left  Ear  and  a 
Swallows  Tail  on  the  right  Ear 


At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitantsof  the  Town  of  Amherst—  Dec1'  2811'  1780 
Nath"  Dickinson  Jn1'  was  chosjn  Moderator— Voted  To  allow  those  Persons 
who  hired  men  to  go  into  the  Army  for  six  or  three  months  the  summer  past  the 
several  sums  by  the[m]  advanced  as  a  Bounty  or  Hire  to  said  men — Voted — That 
the  said  Bounties  or  Hires  be  allowed  at  the  rate  of  fifty  Dollars  p1  bushel  for  rie 
— Voted— To  allow  each  Person  the  whole  sum  by  him  advanced  or  engaged  to  the 
soldiers  aforesaid  and  such  of  them  as  are  to  receive  the  soldiers  wages  shall  Pay 
the  same  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Town— Voted.  To  Grant  the  sum  of  four  Hun- 
dred &  sixty  Pounds  New  Currency  to  procure  Beef  and  Grain  according  to  a 
resolve  of  the  General  Court  of  the  4"'  of  December  instant — That  the  assessors 
assess  the  afores'1  sum  of  ^460  on  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town — Voted — That 
John  Billing  Moses  Dickinson  Esq1'  and  Cap'  Parker  be  a  Committee  to  procure 
the  Beef  and  Grain  aforesaid — Voted — That  Eben1'  Mattoon,  Eben1'  Dickinson  and 
Moses  Cooke  be  a  Committee  to  view  the  Land  Petitioned  for  by  Joel  Billing  and 
report  at  the  next  March  meeting- 
Attest  Nath'll  Dickinson  Ju'r  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  January  8th  1781 — Cap'  Eli 
Parker  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted,  To  allow  the  Debts  as  read  and  corrected,  and  that  the  Assessors  be 
empowered  to  assess  a  sum  on  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  sufficient  to  Pay  the 
same —Voted.  To  allow  three  Shillings  P'  Day  for  work  done  in  summer  and  two 
Shillings  P'  Day  for  work  done  in  the  fall— Voted,  To  allow  three  shillings  P1'  Day 
to  the  assessors — Voted,  To  allow  nine  shillings  P1'  hundred  for  two  inch  oak  Plank 
— voted— To  accept  the  report  of  the  Committee  for  seating  the  meeting  house— 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  S7 

voted — To  adjourn  the  meeting"  to  thursday  next  at  one  O'Clock  afternoon  -Being- 
met  according  to  adjournment  — voted — That  the  Selectmen  should  take  part  of 
the  money  raised  for  schooling  to  Pay  Debts  contracted  for  the  support  of  the 
Poor — Voted — To  appropriate  the  remainder  of  the  money  raised  to  procure  Beef, 
to  Pay  for  the  Horses  purchased  for  the  Continent 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  March  19th  17S1 

Major  Nath11  Peck  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted—  John  Billing,  Elijah  Baker,  Isaac  Hubbard,  Gideon  Handerson  and 
Moses  Dickinson  Esqr.  Select  men — Voted — Nath"  Dickinson  Jun1  Town  Clerk 
and  Town  Treasurer — Voted — John  Billing,  Moses  Dickinson  Esq1'  and  Nath11 
Dickinson  Jun1'  Assessors — Voted -John  Ingram,  L'  Aaron  Dickinson  and  Nath11 
Alex1  Smith  Constables — Voted — Timothy  Green  Jun1'  Simeon  Clark  Jnr  Medad 
Dickinson.  Josiah  Warner  and  Asahel  Moody  Tythingmen— voted—  John  Billing. 
Martin  Kellogg  and  Oliver  Clapp  Church  Wardens— voted— Nathan  Dickinson 
Jun1',  Stephen  Cole,  Nath11  Dickinson  2'1.  Ezra  Rood  Jonathan  Dickinson  fnr  and 
Ruben  Ingram  Surveyors  of  Highways — voted — John  Billing  and  Joseph  Dickinson 
Deer  Reeves 

voted     L'  Tho3  Hastings  Sealer  of  Leather 

voted — Joseph  Church  Surveyor  of  Lumber 

Voted  -  Nath11  Coleman  and  Abner  Adams  Fence  viewers 

Voted — Ambrose  Williams.  Zacheriah  Hawley.  Abner  Adams,  Timothy  Smith 
Giles  Church,  John  Field  Jun1'  Samuel  Smith,  Noadiah  Warner  and  Jacob  Warner 
Jr  Hog  reeves — Voted  -That  Daniel  Kellogg,  Dean  Edwards  and  L'  Hastings  be 
a  Committee  to  view  the  Land  petitioned  for  by  Noah  Dickinson  and  report  what 
is  proper  to  be  done — Voted—  To  Discontinue  a  part  of  the  Highway  at  the  front 
of  Joel  Billing's  Lot,  beginning  at  the  northwest  corner  of  said  Lot  and  extending 
Six  rods  in  width  and  thirty  rods  in  length  and  grant  the  same  to  Joel  Billing  on 
Condition  that  he  Pay  the  treasurer  of  Amherst  for  said  Land  at  the  rate  of  forty 
shillings  pr.  Acre 

Voted— To  Appropriate  so  much  of  the  money  raised  for  schooling  as  to  Pay 
what  remains  due  for  Horses  bought  for  the  Continent 

Voted  -To  Choose  an  Agent  to  carry  on  the  Suit  Pending  between  M1' Strong 
and  M1  Blodget  and  that  Elijah  Baker  be  the  Agent 

Voted — To  Choose  a  Committee  to  settle  with  the  Heirs  of  the  Rev'1  David 
Parsons  for  the  Salaries  Due  to  them,  and  Elijah  Baker.  John  Billing  and  Gideon 
Handerson  were  chosen  for  said  purpose 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  April  2'1  17S1 

Votes  for  a  Governor  being  called  for  were  brought  in  as  follows  (viz)  for  his 
Excellency  John  Hancock  Esqr  fifty  seven  for  the  Hon'*'  James  Bowdoin  Esqr 
Nine  Votes  for  a  Lieutenant  Governor  being  called  for  were  brought  in  as  follows 
(viz)  for  his  Honor  Thomas  Gushing  Esqr  forty  three  for  the  Hon1'1  Artemas  Ward 
Esqr  Nineteen 

Votes  for  four  Senators  being  called  for  were  brought  in  as  follows  (viz) 
For  John  Bliss  Esq1'  fifty  seven 
David  Smead  Esqr  thirty  Nine 
John  Hastings  Esq1'  forty 
Timothy  Danielson  Esq1'  eighteen 


5$  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Samuel  Mather  Esq1'  eighteen 
Caleb  Strong  Esqr  eighteen 
Elisha  Ingram  three 

Moses  Dickinson1  ~] 

John  Billing  Select  men 

An     t  Gideon  H Anderson       I  and 

rt"ei>  Elijah  Baker  f      town  clerk 

Isaac  Hubbard  |       of  Amherst 

Xath'll  Dickinson  Jr  J 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  April  2'1  1781 

Elijah  Baker  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — That  each  Person  who  advanced  any  money  as  a  Hire  to  the  Soldiers 
who  served  six  or  three  months  in  the  Army  last  summer  be  allowed  the  same  at 
the  rate  of  fifty  Dollars  pr.  Bushel  for  rie :  and  in  case  any  Person  shall  Draw  the 
soldiers  wages,  such  Person  be  allowed  one  fourth  part  in  addition  to  said  wages 
and  the  Assessors  are  empowered  to  assess  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  for  pay- 
ment of  the  same 

Voted — To  repair  the  Highways  by  a  Tax — Voted — That  Moses  Dickinson 
Esq'  John  Billing,  and  Cap'  Eli  Parker  be  a  Committee  to  settle  with  Ll  Mattoon 
respecting  a  quantity  of  Gun  Powder  in  his  possession — Voted — To  Grant  the  sum 
of  fifteen  Pounds  for  the  support  of  the  Poor — the  Assessors  are  empowered  to 
Assess  the  same 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  May  18th  17S1 

Moses  Dickinson  Chosen  Moderator 

Voted.  That  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committe  to  provide  the  town  with  a 
Preacher 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  June  25th  1781 

Cap'  Parker  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted.  That  as  soon  as  convenient  the  Town  will  be  in  a  way  for  the  Reset- 
tlement of  the  Gospel  Ordinances  among  them 

Voted.  That  the  Town  are  willing  to  Concur  with  the  Church  in  all  proper 
measures  for  the  Resettlement  of  the  Gospel  Ministry  and  Ordinances 

Voted — To  choose  Seven  Persons  as  a  Committee  to  join  with  the  Committee 
of  the  Church  to  procure  a  resettlement  of  the  Gospel  Ordinances  in  this  Town — 
That  Martin  Kellogg,  Elijah  Baker,  Isaac  Hubbard,  Dr  Seth  Coleman,  Nath11 
Dickinson  Jr  Elisha  Smith  and  James  Merrick  be  the  Committee  aforesaid. 
Voted.  To  give  said  Committee  the  following  instructions  (viz)  that  when  occasion 
requires  they  shall  Confer  with  the  Committee  of  the  Church  and  endeavor  a 
union  and  harmony  in  all  measures  which  relate  to  the  Resettlement  of  Gospel 
Ordinances  in  this  town — Voted — That  the  Committee  be  Directed  to  employ  Mr 
David  Parsons  to  supply  the  Pulpit  for  the  present — Voted — That  the  Assessors 
take  the  Continental  money  now  in  the  Town  Treasury  to  Pay  the  State  Tax — 
Voted — That  Nath"  Coleman,  Simeon  Pomroy  and  M1  Daniel  Cooley  be  a  Com- 
mittee to  view  the  Land  Petitioned  for  by  Stephen  Smith  apprise  the  same  and 
report  to  the  Town  what  is  proper  to  be  Done  theron 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  July  6"'  17S1 
Cap'  Eli  Parker  was  chosen  Moderator 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  S9 

Voted — To  Choose  a  Committee  to  Procure  the  Beef  assessed  on  the  Town 
by  the  General  Court  and  that  John  Billing,  Joseph  Eastman  and  Cap1  Eli  Parker 
be  the  Committee — Voted — That  the  Committee  be  Directed  to  Borrow  the  hard 
money  to  Purchase  the  Beef  and  give  Obligations  in  behalf  of  the  town  for  the 
same — Voted  to  Pay  the  Executor  of  the  Revd  David  Parsons  Dd  the  whole  of  the 
salaries  Due  to  him  on  the  first  Day  of  May  17S1  in  Gold  or  Silver  with  the 
interest  Due  on  the  same  and  the  Assessors  are  Directed  and  empowered  to  assess 
the  same  on  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town 

Voted — To  Discontinue  that  part  of  the  Highway  hereafter  mentioned  and 
Grant  the  same  to  Stephen  Smith  on  Condition  that  Said  Smith  Pay  the  Treasurer 
of  this  Town  at  the  rate  of  three  Pounds  fifteen  shillings  pr  acre  for  said  Land — 
viz)  Beginning  at  the  south  west  Corner  of  said  Smith's  Lot  extending  two  rods 
and  three  quarters  west,  then  Parrellel  with  the  Street  fence  ten  rods  and  an  half, 
then  angurlalry  fourteen  rods  and  an  half,  so  as  to  join  the  west  end  of  Said 
Smith's  Lot  containing  fifty  one  rods  of  ground 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  July  30th  1781 

Elijah  Baker  was  chosen  moderator 

Voted — To  choose  a  Committee  to  Hire  the  Men  required  of  this  Town  to 
serve  in  the  Army  for  three  months  and  that  Maj'  Nath11  Peck.  L'  Jonathan  Dick- 
inson. L<  Joel  Billing,  L1  Aaron  Dickinson  and  L'  Ezra  Rood  be  the  Committee — 
Voted — that  the  town  will  Pay  such  sums  as  the  Committee  shall  engage  to  the 
Men  they  may  hire — that  the  Committee  give  obligations  to  the  Men  they  may 
hire  in  behalf  of  this    Town  forsuch  sums  as  they  shall  engage  to  Pay  them — 

Voted — to  Pay  the  money  engaged  by  the  Committee  afores'1  to  the  soldiers 
they  may  engage  on  or  before  the  first  Day  of  January  next — voted  that  the  said 
Committee  be  empowered  to  hire  such  sums  of  money  as  may  be  necessarv  to 
March  the  men  they  may  hire  Voted.  To  Pay  the  money  that  may  be  engaged 
by  the  Committee  appointed  to  Purchase  Beef  on  or  before  the  first  Day  of  Janu- 
ary next 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitanis  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Sep1'  13"1  1781 

Isaac  Hubbard  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — That  the  Committee  appointed"  to  procure  a  Preacher  be  dircted  to 
employ  Mr  David  Parsons  as  a  Preacher  in  this  Town  for  the  space  of  three  months 
after  the  Term  for  which  he  is  now  engaged  is  expired 

Attest  Isaac  Hubbard  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst — November 
7th  17S1 

Elijah  Baker  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — To  grant  the  sum  of  twenty  four  Pounds  for  the  mantenance  of  Schools 
— Voted — To  choose  a  Committee  to  Determine  how  many  and  at  what  places 
Schools  shall  be  kept  in  the  Town  the  present  year — Voted — That  L'  John  Eield, 
Daniel  Kellogg.  Elisha  Smith,  Josiah  Warner  L'  David  Smith,  Ll  John  Dickinson 
and  Elisha  Ingram  be  the  Committee  afores'1 — 

Voted — That  the  Select  men  and  town  Treasurer  be  a  Committee  to  settle 
with  those  Persons  to  whom  the  town  is  indebted  as  they  Judge  fit 

Voted — That  Levi  Smith  and  Jonathan  Kellogg  be  Discharged  from  paying 
any  proportion  of  the  money  engaged  to  the  men  hired  in  this  Town  to  serve  three 
months  in  the  Army  the  present  year 

9 


go  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  December 
i7,h  1781 

Nath"  Dickinson  Jun1'  was  chosen  Moderator. 

Voted — That  the  Committee  appointed  to  procure  a  Preacher  have  a  Discre- 
tionary power  in  procuring  a  Preacher  for  the  present.— And  that  the  aforesaid 
Committee  be  Directed  as  Soon  as  may  be  to  procure  a  Candidate  for  the  Ministry 
to  Preach  in  this  Town 

Attest  Nath'll  Dickinson  Jun'r  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  January  7th  1782 

Josiah  Chauncy  Esq1"  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — To  allow  two  Shillings  and  five  pence  Pr  Day  for  work  Done  at  the 
Highways  in  Summer  and  one  Shilling  and  eight  pence  Pr  Day  for  work  Done  at 
the  Highways  in  the  fall — 

Voted  -To  allow  five  Shillings  Pr  hundred  for  inch  and  half  oak  Plank — Voted 
— To  allow  two  Shillings  Pr  hundred  for  Brick — Voted — To  allow  two  shillings  and 
eight  Pence  Pr  Day  to  the  Assessors  for  their  Service  — voted— to  allow  twenty 
shillings  pr.  thousand  feet  of  Boards — 

Voted — To  allow  the  Bills  as  read  and  corrected  and  the  assessors  are  Directed 
to  make  a  Tax  on  the  Inhabitants  of  this  town  for  the  payment  of  the  same — Voted 
— To  Grant  the  sum  of  twenty  four  Pounds  for  the  maintenance  of  Schools  and 
the  Assessors  are  Directed  to  Assess  the  same- 
voted — to  Discharge  the  Constable  for  collecting  the  Taxes  Assessed  on 
Simeon  Peck  Junr  in  the  year  17S0  —  Voted  —  That  Daniel  Kellogg,  Ll  Thos 
Hastings  and  Cap'  David  Rich  be  a  Committee  to  view  the  Land  petitioned  for  by 
Philip  Edwards  and  report  to  the  town  at  their  next  March  meeting  what  is  proper 
to  be  Done  concerning  the  same — Voted — To  release  to  Majr  Nath"  Peck  and 
Simeon  Peck  their  proportion  of  the  School  money — Voted — That  John  Billing, 
Dn  Eleazer  Smith  and  Josiah  Chauncy  Esqr  be  a  Committee  to  view  the  Land 
Petitioned  for  by  Reuben  Smith  and  report  to  the  Town  at  their  next  March 
meeting  what  is  proper  to  be  done  respecting  the  same — 

Voted — To  Grant  Mr  David  Parsons  five  Dollars  pr  Sabbath  for  thirty  nine 
Sabbaths  and  the  assessors  are  Directed  to  Assess  the  same  for  his  payment 

Attest  Josiah  Chancy  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  January 
25"'  17S2 

John  Hilling  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — Elijah  Baker  and  Joseph  Eastman  to  go  to  Shutesbury  on  the  30"'  of 
January  to  meet  the  Towns  that  meet  there 

Voted —That  the  Treasurer  Sell  the  New  money  for  Notes  and  Grain  at  the 
best  lay  he  can — Voted  -That  the  Treasurer  exchange  the  Notes  in  hand  for  the 
Notes  the  Town  owes 

Attest  John  Billing  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  March  v"  4th 
1782 

Elijah  Baker  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted,  Nath"  Dickinson  Jun1  Town  Clerk  and  Town  Treasurer  the  Current 
year 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  9 1 

Voted.  Elijah  Baker,  Gideon  Dickinson.  Elisha  Smith,  Jonathan  Smith  and 
Ll  Jonathan  Dickinson  Junr  Selectmen  — Voted— Nath11  Dickinson  Junr  Elisha 
Smith  and  Jonathan  Dickinson  Junr  Assessors — Voted— David  Cowls,  Ebenezer 
Boltwood  and  Nath11  Dickinson  2'1  Constables, 

Voted,  to  excuse  David  Cowls  from  serving  as  Constable  and  Moses  Cooke 
Jim1"  who  was  hired  by  Said  Cowls  was  chosen  in  his  Stead — Voted— Martin  Kel- 
logg, Joseph  Eastman  Jr  David  Blodget,  Enos  Coleman,  Stephen  Cole  and  Moses 
Cooke  Surveyors  of  Highways.  Voted.  E'1  John  Nash,  Simeon  Dickinson.  Sim- 
eon Clark  Junr  Elijah  Hastings  Reuben  Ingram  and  Martin  Kellogg,  Tythingmen 
—Voted— Stephen  Smith,  David  Blodget,  L'  David  Smith,  and  D"  Eleazer  Smith. 
Wardens 

Voted — Oliver  Cowls  and  Enos  Coleman  fence  viewers  -Voted— Gideon  Dick- 
inson Junr  Enos  Cowls,  Perez  Moody,  Ephraim  Kellogg  and  Enos  Dickinson  Hog 
Reeves— Voted  L1  Thos  Hastings  Sealer  of  Leather  and  Joseph  Church  Surveyor 
of  Lumber 

Voted — To  Grant  the  Sum  of  fifty  Pounds  to  repair  the  Highways  and  the 
Assessors  are  Directed  to  Assess  said  sum  on  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town — 
Voted — To  allow  three  Shillings  Pr  Day  for  work  Done  at  Highways  in  the  Sum- 
mer and  two  Shillings  Pr  Day  for  work  Done  at  the  Highways  in  the  fall — Voted 
—  That  Martin  Kellogg,  Joseph  Eastman  Jun'r  David  Blodget,  Enos  Coleman 
Stephen  Cole  and  Moses  Cooke  be  Collectors  of  the  Highway  rate- 
Voted— That  Du  Eleazer  Smith,  Josiah  Chauncey  Esqr  and  Enos  Dickinson 
be  a  Committee  to  view  the  Land  petitioned  for  by  Mr  Wm  Woods  and  report  to 
the  Town  what  is  proper  to  be  Done  concerning  the  same 

Voted — To  accept  the  Report  of  the  Select  men  and  establish  that  part  of  a 
Highway  as  Described  in  their  Report  (which  is  as  follows:)  to  wit — 
Amherst  March  2'1  17S2  —A  Return  of  the  Survey  of  Part  of  the  Town  Road  lead- 
ing from  the  County  Road  leading  to  Shutesbury,  to  Williams's  Mill  Standing  on 
the  Mill  River  in  the  west  Division  of  Amherst  as  follows  (viz)  Beginning  at  the 
Bridge  Standing  on  Mr  Dana's  South  line,  running  North  Seven  Degrees  west 
Seven  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones;  thence  North  thirty  five  Degrees  west  forty 
Nine  rods  to  a  Black  oak  tree  marked  H  W.  thence  to  Reuben  Ingram's  South 
line  twenty  two  rods  thence  west  on  the  North  Side  of  Dana's  farm  seventy  rods 
to  the  County  road  leading  to  Sunderland  the  above  Described  road  is  two  rods 
in  width 

John  Billing  i       Select  men 

Gideon  Haxdersox    [  of 

Isaac  Hubbard  )        Amherst 

Voted— To  Discontinue  that  part  of  the  Highway  hereafter  Described  and 
Grant  the  Same  to  Reuben  Smith  on  Condition  that  Said  Smith  give  Sufficient 
Security  to  the  Town  Treasurer  within  one  month  to  Pay  for  the  Same  at  the  rate 
of  three  Pounds  ten  Shillings  pr  Acre.  Said  Lands  Described  as  follows  (viz) 
Beginning  at  the  front  of  Alexr  Smith's  farm,  near  the  top  of  the  Hill  by  the  Mill 
and  running  west  twelve  rods  and  an  half  to  a  Stake  and  thence  north  twenty  eight 
rods  to  a  Stake  Standing  ten  rods  west  from  Said  Alexr  Smith's  front,  thence  north- 
easterly eighteen  rods  to  said  Smith's  front,  containing  two  Acres  and  three  quar- 
ters.— Voted—  To  Discontinue  a  Piece  of  the  Town  way  lying  east  of  L'  Noah 
Dickinson's  home  lot  and  joining  to  it,  from  the  South  east  corner  of  Said  Lot, 
one  rod  wide,  running  northwardly  thirty  rods   and  from  thence  northwardly  to  a 


92  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

point  at  the  west  line  of  Said  Town  way,  containing  thirty  two  rods  and  an  half  of 
ground  and  Grant  the  Same  to  L'  Noah  Dickinson  on  Condition  that  the  said 
Dickinson  give  a  Legal  Title  within  one  month  to  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  of  a 
Piece  of  Land  lying  at  the  north  east  Corner  of  Said  Dickinson's  home  lot,  Six 
rods  and  an  half  wide  at  the  east  side,  running  westwardly  ten  rods  to  a  point, 
bounded  east  on  the  Town  way  and  Northwardly  on  the  County  Road,  containing 
thirty  two  rods  and  an  half 

Voted.  To  Discontinue  a  part  of  the  Highway  at  the  east  end  of  Aaron  War- 
ner's House  Lot.  Lying  from  the  Northeast  corner  of  Said  Warner's  lot  eight  rods 
South,  and  from  the  west  line  of  said  Highway  four  rods  and  an  half  east,  contain- 
ing thirty  six  rods  of  ground,  and  Grant  the  same  to  Philip  Edwards,  on  Condition 
that  said  Edwards  Shall  within  one  month  give  Sufficient  Security  to  the  Town 
Treasurer  to  Pay  for  the  same  at  the  rate  of  three  pounds  pr  acre 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  April  i"  17S2 
Elijah  Baker  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — To  accept  of  the  List  of  Jurors  presented  by  the  Select  men.  the 
remaining  Articles  in  the  Warrant  were  Negatived  by  the  town 

Attest 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  (Qualified  to 
Vote  for  a  Governor  &c  on  Monday  the  first  Day  of  April  AD.  1782 
The  Votes  for  a  Governor  were  as  follows  (viz) 

For  his  Excellency  John  Hancock  Esq1'  Fifty  seven 

For  the  Hon1'1''  James  Bowdoin  Esqr  Twenty  three 

The  Votes  for  a  Lieutenant  Governor  were  as  follows  (viz) 

For  his  Honor  Thomas  Cushing  Esqr  thirty  three 

For  the  Hon1'1'  Azor  Orne  Esqr  Twenty  six 

Votes  for  four  Senators  were  as  follows  — viz — 

For  the  Hon1'1   John  Bliss  Esq'  Fifty  six 

For  the  Hon1'1'  Noah  Goodman  Esq1  Twenty  four 

For  Capt  Ebenezer  Mattoon  -Twelve 

For  Maj1'  Gen1  Timothy  Danielson  Twenty  seven 

For  the  Hon1'1''  Caleb  Strong  Esq1'  Twenty  seven 

For  Nathaniel  Dickinson  Esq''  Twenty  five 

For  <  iliver  Phelps  Esq'  Six 

For  David  Smead  Esqr  Nineteen 

For  the  Hon1''1'  John  Hastings  Esq1'  Fifteen 

For  Warham  Parks  Esqr  Eleven 

For  the  Hon1,1'  Samuel  Mather  Esq1'  three 

For  Mr  Elisha  Ingram  -  Four 

For  M1'  John  Billing — Two 

For  M1'  Elijah  Baker— one 

Jonathan  Smith  "1 

Gideon  Dickinson  select  men 

Attest  Jonathan  Dickinson  Jn"r   J>  of 

Elijah   Baker  |        Amherst 

Elisha  Smith  J 

Nath11  Dickinson  Jn'r  Town  Cler'k 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst  April  8"' 
1782. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  93 

Elijah  Baker  was  chosen  Moderator  — 

Voted— To  Invite  M1'  David  Parsons  to  Preach  here  on  Probation  for  Settle- 
ment in  the  Gospel  Ministry,  for  the  Space  of  two  months.— Voted— That  the 
Committee  for  Supplying  the  Pulpit,  be  empowered  to  Draw  money  out  of  the 
Treasury  to  Pay  M1'  Ely  for  his  Services. 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  May  17"1  17S2 

Elijah  Baker  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted;  to  Discontinue  that  part  of  the  Highway  hereafter  mentioned  (viz) 
Beginning  at  a  Stake  and  Stones  near  the  South  Side  of  Aaron  Warners  Lot  and 
running  North  to  the  South  west  corner  post  of  said  Warners  Lane  leading  from 
his  house  to  the  street,  the  said  Land  containing  twenty  rods,  and  Grant  the  same 
to  Aaron  Warner  on  Condition  that  said  Warner  Pay  the  Treasurer  of  this  Town 
for  the  use  of  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Town  at  the  rate  of  fourteen  Pounds  p1" 
Acre  for  said  Land 

Voted,  That  L'  John  Field,  Isaac  Goodale  and  Majr  Nath11  Peck  be  a  Com- 
mittee to  view  the  Land  Petitioned  for  by  Moses  Cooke  Jn'r  and  report  to  the 
Town  what  is  proper  to  be  Done  respecting  the  same  and  to  sell  said  Land  at 
Publick  Vendue 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  June  17"1  1782 

Gideon  Dickinson  was  chosen  Moderator 

— Voted,  To  Concur  with  the  Church  in  their  vote  to  give  Mr  David  Parsons  an 
invitation  to  settle  in  the  Ministry  of  the  Gospel  in  this  town— Voted — That  in  Case 
M1'  Parsons  will  settle  in  the  Ministry  in  this  town,  To  Grant  him  three  hundred 
pounds  for  a  settlement  to  be  paid  in  the  following  manner,  to  wit,  one  hundred 
pounds  within  one  year  after  his  settlement,  and  one  hundred  pounds  within  two 
years  after  his  settlement  and  one  hundred  pounds  within  three  years  after  his 
Settlement ;  Also  to  grant  him  Ninety  pounds  as  a  Salary  for  the  first  year  after 
his  Settlement  and  Ninety  five  pounds  for  the  Second  year  after  his  Settlement, 
and  one  hundred  pounds  for  each  year  afterward  during  his  Ministry  here  — 

Voted,  that  the  Committee  for  Supplying  the  Pulp't  be  Directed  to  employ 
Mr  Parsons  to  Supply  the  Pulpit  untill  he  gives  his  Answer  to  the  foregoing  pro- 
posals—and that  Said  Committee  inform  M1'  Parsons  of  the  above -mentioned 
Votes — Voted,  to  adjourn  for  the  Space  of  four  weeks  to  meet  at  the  meetinghouse 
at  three  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon 

July  15"1  17S2.     Being  met  accordin  to  Adjournment — 

Voted — To  Provide  twentyfive  Cords  of  fire  wood  for  Mr  Parsons  the  first 
year  after  his  Settlement  in  the  Ministry  here,  and  to  add  five  Cords  annually  untill 
it  shall  amount  to  forty  Cords,  which  shall  be  annually  provided  for  him  afterwards 
During  his  said  Ministry 

Attest  Gideox  Dickinson"  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  August  12th 
1782 

Gideon  Dickinson  was  chosen  Moderator 

[The  Rev'1  Dav]id  Parsons's  Answer  to  Proposals  heretofore  made  to  him  for 
Settling  in  the  Ministry  [was  received  and  read  in  the.  words  following  (viz) 

[To  the]  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  in  Town  meeting  Assembled  on  the  12th 
Ins1  August  17S2 


94  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Gentlemen — 

Inasmuch  as  you  have  passed  Sundry  Votes  respecting  my  encouragement 
and  support  in  case  1  should  settle  with  you  in  the  work  of  the  Gospel  Ministry; 
and  as  it  is  always  expedient  that  the  meaning  of  Parties  in  Transactions  of  this 
Nature  should  be  well  explained  and  clearly  understood,  to  prevent  any  Dispute  or 
misunderstanding  between  them  afterwards,  I  beg  Leave  to  express  to  you  my 
sense,  of  the  meaning  of  your  Proposals  as  I  understand  them,  which  is  as  follows 
(viz)  The  several  sums  which  you  offer  me  in  Settlement  and  Salary,  I  understand 
to  be  in  Silver  money,  Spanish  Milled  Dollars  at  six  shillings,  or  other  Silver  or 
Gold  equivalent.  And  as  to  the  Payment  of  my  Settlement,  I  understand  that  you 
will  procure  me  Real  Estate  to  the  value,  in  case,  any  such  can  be  procured  to  my 
acceptance  ;  otherwise  that  you  will  pay  me  the  money  according  to  your  first 
vote.— And  as  to  the  Article  of  Wood  I  understand,  that  the  most  that  I  am  ever 
to  expect  is  forty  Cords  of  fire  wood  of  good  quality  in  a  year:  unless  the  town 
shall  voluntarily  make  addition  on  being  satisfied  that  forty  Cords  is  not  sufficient 
for  my  reasonable  use— Give  me  Leave  further  to  add  that  I  must  understand  it  to 
be  your  intent,  that  no  advantage  shall  ever  be  taken  of  any  Paper  Currency  Depre- 
ciated, or  of  any  act  of  Government  that  may  be  passed,  to  avoid  the  fair  honest 
and  equitable  intent  of  the  Contract.  If  this  be  yourmeaning  as  I  have  expressed 
my  sense  of  it,  and  if  nothing  more  than  I  know  of  shall  appear  to  prevent  you 
may  expect  an  Answer  in  the  Affirmative  to  the  Churches  Call 

your  affectionate  friend  and  servant 

David  Paksoxs 

Voted,  To  accept  the  foregoing  answer  as  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  the 
Town  expressed  in  their  Votes  referred  to  by  Mr  Parsons  in  his  answer  aforesaid 

Voted — That  the  town  Treasurer  be  empowered,  on  behalf  of  the  town  to 
give  Security  to  Mr  Parsons  or  to  any  other  Person  of  whom  an  Estate  may  be 
purchased  for  his  Settlement,  for  the  sum  heretofore  granted  as  a  settlement. 
— Voted — To  Pay  the  usual  expence  that  may  attend  Mr  Parsons's  Ordination  ; 
and  that  L<  John  Eield,  Elijah  Parker.  Josiah  Chauncey  Esqr,  Nath11  Dickinson  Junr 
Mr  Daniel  Cooley,  Cap"  Eli  Parker.  Stephen  Smith,  L'  Aaron  Dickinson  &  Mr 
Ebenr  Boltwood  be  a  Committee  with  a  Discretionary  Power  to  make  the  usual 
and  Decent  Preparation  for  the  ordination  and  to  give  invitations  to  whom  they 
think  fit  for  their  Attendance — Voted— That  the  Treasurer  be  empowered  to 
advance  monies  to  the  aforesaid  Committee  to  Pay  the  expence  they  may  be  at 
in  making  said  Preparations  for  the  ordination 

Attest  Gideon  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  August  6th 
17S2 

Mr  Gideon  Dickinson  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — John  Billing,  Elijah  Baker  and  Martin  Kellogg  Delegates  to  attend  a 
County  Convention  to  be  holden  at  Hatfield 

Attest— Gideon  Dickinsox— Moderator 

Atta  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  December 
9,h  17S2 

Gideon  Dickinson  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted— To  Concur  with  the  Church  in  their  Vote  to  invite  an  Ecclesiastical 
Council  to  look  into  the  Affairs  of  the  Church,  and  give  their  advice  respecting  the 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  95 

Brethren  who  stile  themselves  the  aggrieved,  and  have  withdrawn  themselves  from 
the  Communion  of  the  Church — Voted— that  the  Town  will  Pay  the  expence  of 
said  Council — Voted — To  choose  a  Committee  to  make  the  necessary  Provision  for 
thesupportof  the  Council — Voted — That  L'  John  Field.  Stephen  Smith.  Martin 
Kellogg,  Mr  Daniel  Cooley,  L'  Aaron  Dickinson,  Thos  Hastings  Jnr  Mr  Ebenr  Bolt- 
wood.  L'  Ezra  Rood  and  Nath11  Dickinson  Jnr  be  the  Committee  aforesaid — 

Voted — that  the  Committee  afores'1  be  empowered  to  Draw  money  out  of  the 
Treasury  to  Defray  the  expence  they  may  incur 

Attest — Gideon  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  January  20th 

17S3 

Gideon  Dickinson  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — To  choose  four  Wardens,  viz.  Stephen  Smith,  David  Blodget,  John 
Billing  and  Isaac  Goodale. 

Voted — To  allow  three  shillings  pr  Day  to  the  Assessors  for  their  Service — 
Voted — To  allow  three  Shillings  pr  Day  to  the  Committee  who  have  been  appointed 
by  the  town  to  attend  Conventions — Voted—  To  allow  one  Shilling  for  Horse  hire 
to  the  men  who  attended  the  Convention  at  Hatfield  and  one  shilling  and  four 
pence  to  those  who  attended  the  Convention  at  Shute.sbury — Voted — To  accept  the 
Bills  as  read  and  corrected — and  to  empower  the  Assesssors  to  assess  a  Sum  on 
the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  sufficient  to  Pay  the  same — Voted — To  Grant  thirty 
six  pounds  for  the  maintenance  of  Schools  in  this  Town  and  that  there  be  six 
Schools  kept  in  said  Town — Voted — That  the  Assessors  be  empowed  to  Assess 
such  sum  as  shall  be  Due  to  the  Rev'1  David  Parsons  for  his  Salary  on  the  first 
Day  of  May  next,  also  to  Assess  one  hundred  pounds  granted  to  Mr  Parsons  in 
part  for  his  Settlement 

Attest  Gideon  Dickinson   Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  March  3'1  17S3 

Mr  Jacob  McDaniell  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — That  the  Town  will  make  answer  to  the  Petition  of  Nathan  Dickinson 
and  others  lately  prefered  to  the  General  Court — Voted — That  Simeon  Strong 
Esq1'  Nath"  Dickinson  Jnr  Moses  Cooke,  Dn  Eleazer  Smith,  Cap' Eli  Parker  En 
John  Nash,  Mr  Daniel  Cooley,  Thos  Hastings  Junr  and  Josiah  Chauncy  Esqr  be  a 
Committee  to  prepare  the  said  Answer — Voted — That  the  Assessors  be  Directed 
to  Postpone  making  the  Town  Rate  untill  the  General  Court  shall  finally  Deter- 
mine respecting  the  above  mentioned  Petition — Voted — To  Adjourn  for  the  space 
of  four  weeks 

March  31st  17S3     Being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment — Voted — That 

the  Committee  appointed  to  make  answer  to  the  Petition  of  Nathan  Dickinson 

and  others,  be  empowered  to  appoint  an  Agent  to  Appear  in  Behalf  of  the  town  to 

mak  e  answer  to  said  Petition  before  the  General  Court — Voted — that  the  Answer 

be  Signed  by  the  Town  Clerk  by  order  and  in  behalf  of  the  Town — Voted — That 

the  Committee   be   empowered  to    Draw  money  out  of  the   Treasury  to  Pay  the 

expence  of  the  Agency 

Attest  Jacob  McDaniel  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the   Town  of  Amherst  March   10"' 

17S3 

Mr  Elisha  Smith  was  chosen  Moderator — Voted— Nath1'  Dickinson  Jnr  Town 

Clerk  and  Treasurer — 


.96  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted — Cap'  Eli  Parker  Dn  Eleazer  Smith,  Martin  Kellogg,  L'Joel  Billing  and 
Thos  Hastings  Junr  Select-men — Voted — Nath1'  Dickinson  Junr  Jonathan  Dickin- 
son Jnr  and  Elisha  Smith  Assessors — Voted — Stephen  Cole.  John  Field  Junr  and 
Ephraim  Kellogg  Constables — Voted — Timothy  Clapp.  Josiah  Warner,  Simeon 
Clark  Jim1'  Enos  Coleman,  Timothy  Giles  Green  Jun1'  Church, and  Reuben  Cowles 
Tithingmen  Voted — Enos  Dickinson,  Noah  Smith,  L*  Noah  Dickinson  and  L*  Ezra 
Rood  Wardens — Voted — Josiah  Warner,  Moses  Cooke,  Simeon  Peck,  Samuel  Hast- 
ings, Timothy  Green  Jun1',  Daniel  Kellogg  Jun''  surveyors  of  Highways — Voted — 
Gideon  Dickinson,  Nath11  Coleman  and  John  Billing  Fence  viewers — 
Voted — L1  Thos  Hastings  Sealer  of  Leather- 
Voted — John  Billing  Surveyor  of  Lumber— Voted — John  Field  Jnr  Aaron  Bil- 
ling, John  Kellogg,  Samuel  Boltwood  and  Benja  Smith,  Hog  reeves — Voted — To 
repair  the  Highways  by  a  Rate  and  to  Grant  sixty  pounds  for  that  Purpose — Voted 
— To  give  three  Shillings  pr  Day  for  work  Done  at  the  Highways  in  Summer  and 
two  shillings  p'  Day  for  work  Done  in  the  fall. — Voted — That  the  Highway  Rate 
Committed  to  the  Surveyors  the  last  year  be  committed  to  the  Surveyors  the  pres- 
ent year—  Voted — Josiah  Warner,  Moses  Cooke,  Sim"  Peck  Samuel  Hastings, 
Timothy  Green  Jnr  and  Daniel  Kellogg  Jnr  Collectors 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  April  7th  1783 
M1'  Jacob  McDaniell  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — To  accept  the  List  of  Jurors  laid  before  the  Town  by  the  Select  men 
Voted — That  Elisha  Smith,  John  Lee   and   Stephen  Cole  be  a  Committee  to 

view  the  Land  Petitioned  for  by  Jonathan  Warner  and  report  to  the  Town  what 

is  proper  to  be  Done  respecting  the  same 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  on  Monday 
the  Seventh  Day  of  April  AD.  17S3— The  Votes  for  a  Governor  were  as  follows 
{viz) 

For  his  Excellency  John  Hancock  Esq1— twenty  eight 

For  the  Honble  James  Bowdoin  Esq1"— Nineteen 

For  the  Honble  Joseph  Hawley  Esq'' — two 

The  Votes  for  a  Lieut.  Governor  were  as  follows  (viz) 

For  his  Honor  Thomas  dishing  Esqr  Three  — 

For  the  Honble  Azor  Orne  Esq'  —thirty  eight 

The  Votes  for  Senators  were  as  follows  (viz) 

For  the  Hon1'1'' Joseph  Hawley  Esqr — Nineteen 

For  the  Honble  John  Bliss  Esq'' — twenty  nine 

For  the  HonbL'  John  Hastings  Esq1" — Nineteen 

For  David  Smead  Esqr — Seventeen 

For  the  Honble  Timothy  Danielson  Esqr  Eleven 

For  the  Honble  Caleb  Strong  Esq1' — Thirteen 

For  the  Hon1'11-'  Samuel  Mather  Esqr — Eleven 

For  the  Hon1'1'  Noah  Goodman  Esqr — Two 

For  Gideon  Burt  Esqr  Three 

Eleazer  Smith  )      select  men 

Attest  Tho's  Hastings  Jun'r  >  of 

Martin  Kellogg        )        Amherst 

Nath11  Dickinson  Jnr  Town  Clerk 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  97 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  May  13th  17S3 

was  chosen  Moderator— Voted  -That  Ens  John  Nash,    Moses 

Dickinson  Esq1'  and  Capt  Eli  Parker  be  a  Committee  to  settle  the  Line  between 
Amherst  and  Hadley— Voted— That  Capt  Eli  Parker  Moses  Cooke  and  L"  John 
Field  be  a  Committee  to  Preambulate  the  Line  Between  Amherst  and  Leverett — 
Voted— To  Grant  the  west  street  their  Proportion  of  School  money  to  be  by  them 
used  to  employ  school  Dames — 

Voted— To  Grant  Maj'  Nath"  Peck  leave  to  Build  his  fence  on  the  Bank  of 
the  River  to  secure  the  west  end  of  his  Lot— Voted — That  Dea"  Edwards  L<  Thos 
Hastings  and  L'  Joel  Billing  be  a  Committee  to  view  the  Land  Petitioned  for  by 
Simeon  Pomeroy  and  report  what  is  proper  to  be  Done  respecting  the  same 

Attest 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  October  16th 

17S3 

Du  Eleazer  Smith  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted.  To  accept  the  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  Perambulate  the 
Line  between  Hadley  and  Amherst ;  and  that  the  same  be  recorded  as  follows 
(viz) 

Beginning  at  the  Bay -road  at  a  Stake  and  Stones,  thence  North  12  deg  East 
670  rods  to  a  heap  of  Stones,  thence  North  8  deg  15  min  East  144  rods,  to  a  Black 
Oak  tree  marked  W  M— thence  North  8  deg  East  10  rods,  to  a  Stake  on  the  South 
side  of  M1'  Parsons's  lot — thence  North  1 1  deg  30  min  east  197  rods,  to  a  Pine  Stubb, 
thence  North  13  deg  east  93  rods,  to  Spruce  Staddles;  thence  North  8  deg  east 
336  rods,  to  Porters  Ditch,  thence  North  13  deg  east  370  rods  to  a  Stubb  by  the 
river,  thence  North  11  deg  east  3S0  rods  to  Sunderland  Line 

Voted— To  accept  the  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  Perambulate 
the  Line  Between  Leverett  and  Amherst,  which  is  as  follows  (viz)  That  the 
Line  between  Leverett  and  Amherst  runs  East  three  Degrees  and  forty  five  minutes 
North,  which  in  general  is  agreeable  to  the  old  marked  trees;  said  Line  examined 
from  Mohawk-Brook  to  Shutesbury.  at  a  Stake  and  Stones — 

Voted,  Mr  Elijah  Baker  be  a  Member  of  the  County  Convention  to  be  con- 
vened at  Hatfield  October  20"1  1783 — Voted— that  the  Select  men  take  such  care  of 
Moses  Hawley  and  family  as  they  think  necessary — Voted — To  grant  thirty  Pounds 
for  the  Support  of  Schools 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  January  19th 
17S4 

Mr  Ebenezer  Boltwood  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted,  To  allow  three  Shillings  Pr  Day  for  work  Done  at  the  Bridges  in  sum- 
mer and  two  shillings  per  Day  for  work  Done  in  the  fall 

Voted — That  Zacheriah  Hawley  may  take  up  a  Note  that  lies  against  him  in 
the  Treasury  with  an  Order  he  has  upon  the  Treasurer  and  a  Bill  he  has  against 
the  Town:  if  said  sums  are  sufficient  to  Pay  said  Note 

Voted— To  Grant  the  sum  of  forty  five  Pounds  to  make  up  three  months 
Schooling  in  each  School  house  and  other  past  expences 

Voted— To  Grant  a  sum  sufficient  to  Pay  a  Note  given  to  L'  John  Field  by 
the  town  Treasurer  in  behalf  of  the  Town  and  Payable  in  October  next 

Voted,     to  Allow  the  Bills  as  read  and  Corrected 

Voted.  That  the  Assessors  Assess  the  Several  Sums  Granted  on  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town 


98  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted,  That  Simeon  Strong  Esqr  Natli"  Dickinson  Jun1'  and  L"  John  Field 
be  a  Committee  to  Petition  the  General  Court  for  Abatement  of  the  fine  laid  on 
the  Town  for  not  sending  a  Representative 

Voted — That  the  Treasurer  call  on  the  Constables  to  Pay  the  Debt  Due  to 
the  Heirs  of  the  Late  Rev1  David  Parsons  for  Salaries;  as  soon  as  may  be 

Attest  Ebex"r  Boltwood  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  March  22d 
17S4 

Xath"  Dickinson  Junr  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — Nath"  Dickinson  Junr  Town  Clerk  and  Treasurer 

Voted — Joel  Moody,  Jonathan  Dickinson  Junr,  Enos  Dickinson,  Stephen 
Smith  and  Mr  Ebenezer  Boltwood,  Selectmen 

Voted — Nath'-1  Dickinson  Jun1  Enos  Coleman  and  Elijah  Baker  Assessors 

Voted,     Thomas  Hastings  Jun''  and  Noah  Smith  Constables 

Voted — Moses  Cooke  Junr  Timothy  Handerson,  Joel  Dickinson.  Joseph  Pettis, 
Ebenezer  Eastman,  John  Eastman.  Oliver  Clapp,  and  Joseph  Williams  Tything- 
men 

Voted — Gideon  Dickinson  Junr  Martin  Kellogg,  Samuel  Boltwood.  David 
Cowls,  Enos  Coleman  Nathan  Dickinson  Jnr  and  John  Lee  Surveyors  of  Heigh- 
ways 

Voted — L1  John  Field.  Mr  Daniel  Coolev,  David  Trowbridge,  Mr  Ebenr  Bolt- 
wood  Calvin  Rich  and  L'  Noah  Dickinson  Hog  reeves 

Voted.  Gideon  Dickinson  Jun1'  Martin  Kellogg,  Samuel  Boltwood,  David 
Cowls,  Enos  Coleman  Nathan  Dickinson  Jun.  and  John  Lee  Collectors  of  Taxes 

Voted — Simeon  Clark  Jun.,,  L'  Noah  Dickinson,  Oliver  Cowls  and  Elijah 
Baker  Wardens 

Voted — Oliver  Cowls  and  Enos  Coleman,  Fence  viewers 

Voted — Joseph  Church  Surveyor  of  Lumber 

Voted  Ll  Thomas  Hastings  Sealer  of  Leather— Voted,  that  the  Assessors 
issue  their  Warrants  to  the  Collectors  to  enable  them  to  Collect  the  Highway  rate 
Committed  to  them  the  last  year — Voted— To  allow  three  shillings  per  Day  for 
work  Done  in  the  Summer  and  two  shillings  per  Day  for  work  Done  in  the  month 
of  September  and  one  shilling  and  six  pence  for  work  Done  in  the  fall  after  Sep- 
tember— 

Voted— To  Grant  the  sum  of  seventy  Pounds  to  repair  the  Heighways  the 
present  year 

Voted — To  Discharge  Enos  Ralf  from  Paying  the  Town  Taxes  in  the  Con- 
stables hands  against  him 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  April  5th  17S4 
The  Votes  for  a  Governor  were  as  follows — viz — 

For  his  Excellency  John  Hancock  Esqr  thirteen 

For  the  Hon'*'  James  Bowdoin  Esq1"  twenty  one 
The  Votes  for  a  Lieutenant  Governor  were  as  follows  viz — 

For  the  Honble  Azor  Orne  Esq1'  sixteen 

His  Honor  Thomas  Cushing  Esqr  eighteen 
Votes  for  Senators  for  the  County  of  Hampshire  were  as  follows  (viz) 

Timothy  Danielson  Esqr  twenty 

Caleb  Strong  Esqr — twenty  six 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  99. 


Samuel  .Mather  Esq1' — nineteen 

John  Bliss  Esq1  forty 

Xoah  Goodman  Esqr  two 

Mr  Ebenr  Boltwood  three 

John  Hastings  Esq1'  twenty  three 

Eben1'  Mattoon"Esqr  eleven 

Joseph  Hawley  Esq1'  twelve 

Ezra  Rood  one 

John  Billing  three 

Simeon  Dickinson  one 

John  Ingram  one 

Ruggles  Woodbridge  Esqr  four 

David  Smead  Esqr  three 

Simeon  Strong  Esqr  five 

Martin  Kellogg  one 

Josiah  Warner  one 

Gideon  Handerson  one 

Xoah  Smith  two 

Oliver  Cowls  two 

Luke  Coffeen  one 

Jonth'n  Dickinson  J'r"] 
Ebex'r  Boltwood         |  Select  Men 
Attest  Joel  Moody  <j  of 

Exos  Dickixsox  Amherst 

Stephex  Smith  J 

Nath11  Dickinson  Junr  Town  Clerk 

Att  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  April  5Ih  1784 
Math"  Dickinson  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — To  Accept  the  list  of  Jurors  laid  before  the  Town  by  the  Select  men 
Voted— that  John  Billing,    Cap*  Eli  Parker,   Jonathan  Dickinson  [unr   Joseph 
Dickinson  and  Moses  Cooke  be  a  Committee  to  Build  a  Town  Pound 

Attest  Nath'li.  Dickixsox  Jlx'r  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  May  io,h  1784 

L'  John  Field  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted— That  Moses  Dickinson,  John  Billing  and  Moses  Cooke  be  a  Commit- 
tee to  Confer  with  the  Select  men  or  Committee  of  the  Towrn  of  Belchertown  in 
order  to  settle  the  Line  Between  said  Towns — and  report  at  some  future  meeting 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  August  iS,h  17S4 

Nath"  Dickinson  Junr  was  chosen  Moderator '• 

Voted,  That  the  Town  will  Indemnify  Jonathan  Dickinson  Junr  and  Elisha 
Smith  respeiting  the  Action  Commenced  against  them  by  Hezekiah  Belding — 
Voted — To  Choose  a  Committee  to  make  Defence  against  the  before  mentioned 
Action— Voted— That  Simeon  Strong  Esqr  L  John  Field  and  Cap'  Eli  Parker  be 
the  Committee  aforesaid— Voted— That  the  Treasurer  be  Directed  to  receive  into 
the  Town  Treasury  so  much  Paper  money  of  the  New  Emission  as  L<  Aaron 
Dickinson  hath  collected  for  Town  Taxes:  and  that  the  Town  will  make  recom- 
pence  to  Said  Dickinson  for  all  Losses  he  hath  necesarily  Sustained,  by  means  of 
Losses  in  collecting  Taxes,  Provided  Said  Dickinson  return  into  the  Treasurers 
Office  Such  Notes  as  he  hath  against  for  the  same  Sum  or  Sums  as  he  gave  for  them 
Attest  Nath'li.  Dickixsox  Jux'r  Moderator 


IOO  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Nov  15th  1784 

Eben1'  Mattoon  Esqr  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — That  the  Select-men  Set  up  Six  Schools  within  the  town  four  of  which 
to  be  in  the  places  they  usually  have  been  kept  in,  and  the  other  two  in  Such  places 
as  the  Select  men  think  fit  % 

Voted— To  Grant  thirty  Pounds  to  maintain  the  Schools  and  the  Assessors 
are  empowered  to  Assess  the  same 

At  a  Legal  meting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Januay  3'1  1785 

Nath"  Dickinson  Jun1'  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — To  accept  the  Bills  as  read  and  corrected  and  the  Assessors  are 
empowered  to  Assess  a  Sum  on  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  Sufficient  to  Pay  the 
Same — 

Voted — To  allow  Six  Shillings  pr  Hundred  feet  of  two  inch  Oak  Plank  and 
five  Shillings  p1'  Hundred  for  inch  and  half  Oak  Plank — Voted— To  Grant  the  sum 
of  thirty  Pounds  for  the  support  of  Schools — Voted— That  the  Schools  be  kept 
three  months  in  each  part  of  the  town  where  Schools  are  kept 

Voted— That  Capt.  Eli  Parker,  Nath"  Dickinson  Jun1  and  Moses  Cooke  be  a 
Committee  to  examine  the  Petition  of  John  Billings  and  others  and  report  what  is 
proper  to  be  Done 

Voted — That  the  Assessors  be  empowered  and  Directed  to  Assess  the  sum  of 
one  hundred  pounds  on  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  for  the  Payment  of  a  Note 
given  to  L'  John  Field  in  behalf  of  the  Town 

Attest  Nath'll  Dickinson  Jun'r  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  January  28th 

1785 

Mr  Eben''  Boltwood  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted— Elisha  Smith  an  Assessor— Voted— that  the  Assessors  Assess  a  Sum 

Sufficient  to  Pay  the  Bills  exhibited  by  Dr  Cutler— Voted— To  Grant  the  Sum  of 

Six  Pounds  in  Addition  to  the  Bounty  of  the  Commonwealth  to  any  Inhabitant  of 

this  Town,  who  shall  Kill  a  Wolf  within  Ten  miles  of  Amherst  meeting  House,  or 

taking  the  track  of  a  Wolf  within  said  limits,  shall  pursue  and  kill  the  same  in  any 

place  whatever 

Attest        ,       Eben'r  Boltwood  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  March  14"'  1785 

Nath"  Dickinson  Jun1"  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted— Nath"  Dickinson  Junr  Town  Clerk  and  D"  Seth  Coleman  Treasurer 

Voted— Joseph  Church.  Noah  Smith,  Elisha  Smith.  Jonathan  Dickinson  Jnr 
and  En.  John  Nash  Select  men— Voted— Joseph  Church,  Elisha  Smith  and  Nath" 
Dickinson  Jnr  Assessors — Voted — S  tough  ton  Dickinson  Surveyor  of  Shingles- 
Voted— Barnabas  Sabin  and  Simeon  Clark  Jnr  Constables— Voted— Oliver  Clapp, 
Eben1"  Eastman,  Josiah  Warner,  Stephen  Smith  Timothy  Green  Jnr  and  L'  Aaron 
Dickinson  Surveyors  of  Highways— Voted— Elijah  Dickinson,  D"  Simeon  Clark, 
Timothy  Handerson,  Joel  Moody,  Stephen  Cole  and  David  Blodgett  Jun1' 
Tythingmen 

Voted— Jonathan  Moody  Jnr— John  Ingram  2"  and  Simeon  Dickinson  Wardens 
—Voted— Elisha  Smith  Sealer  of  Leather— Voted— Samuel  Boltwood  and  L*  Joel 
Billing  Pence  Viewers— Voted  — William  Clapp,  Jonathan  Barnes  Zacheriah 
Hawley,  Eleazer  Cowls,  Moses  Cooke  and  John  Morton  Jnr  Hogreeves 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  IOI 

Voted — That  Hogs  yoked  and  Rung  according  to  Law  may  run  on  the  Com- 
mons from  the  middle  of  May  to  the  middle  of  August 

Attest  Nath'll  Dickinson  Jn'r  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the    Town  of  Amherst  Qualified 
according  to  the  Constitution  to  Vote  for  a  Governor  &c  April  4th  17S5 
The  Votes  for  a  Governor  were  as  follows—viz — 

For  the  Hon,,le  John  Worthington  Esq1' — Sixteen 
For  the  HonWe  James  Bowdoin  Esq1'  Nine 
His  Honor  Thomas  dishing  Esq1' — Two 
For  the  Hon1,1"  Azor  Orne  Esq1' — Ten 
For  the  Honble  Benjamin  Lincoln  Esq1'  Two 
The  Votes  for  a  Leiutenant  Governor  were  as  follows  (viz) 
For  his  Honor  Thomas  Cushing  Esqr — thirty  two 
For  the  Honbl-  James  Bowdoin  Esqr — one 
For  the  Hon,,Ie  Benjaman  Lincoln  Esq1' — two 
For  the  Honl,le  Azor  Orne  Esqr — one 
For  the  Hon1'1"  John  Worthington  Esqr — six 
The  Votes  for  Senators  were  as  follows  (viz) 
For  David  Smead  Esqr  Eleven 
For  John  Hastings  Esq1'  Ten 
For  Noah  Goodman  Esqr — eight 
For  John  Bliss  Esq1' — twenty  three 
For  Timothy  Danielson  Esq1" — Ten 
For  Caleb  Strong  Esqr — twenty  eight 
For  Warham  Parks  Esqr — thirteen 
For  Moses  Bliss  Esq' — twenty 
For  Doctr  Eben1'  Hunt — seven 
For  M1'  John  Williams — three 
For  Simeon  Strong  Esqr — five 
For  Nath11  Dickinson  Esqr — three 
For  M1'  John  Nash — five 
For  M1'  Jonathan  Arms— three 
For  Mr  John  Billing — three 
For  M1'  Phinehas  Stebbins — two 
For  M1'  Caleb  West — two 
For  Samuel  Mather  Esq' — four 

Joseph  Church  J 

Noah  Smith  |  Select  men 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  )~        of 

Jonathan  Dickinson  Jun'r  |    Amherst 
John  Nash  J 

Nath11  Dickinson  Jnr  Town  Clerk 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  April  4th  17S5 

Ensign  John  Nash  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted--To  Grant  the  Sum  of  Seventy  Pounds  to  repair  the  Highways  and  the 
Assessors  are  empowered  to  Assess  the  same  on  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town — 
Voted— To  allow  three  shillings  pr  Day  for  work  Done  at  the  Highways  from  the 
first  Day  of  May  to  the  first  Day  of  October  and  one  Shilling  and  Six  pence  for 
work  in  the  fall — 

Voted— Cap1  Eli  Parker,  John  Billing  and  Moses  Dickinson  a  Committee  to 
endeavour  a  Settlement  of  the  Lines  between  Belchertown,  Pelham  and  Amherst 
and  that  they  report  to  the  Town— Voted— To  accept  the  list  of  Jurors— Voted— 


102  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Asahel  Moody.  D"  Eleazer  Smith  Moses  Dickinson  be  a  Committee  to  view  the 
Lands  Petitioned  for  by  Elijah  Hastings  and  Daniel  Cooley  and  report  what  is 
proper  to  be  Done 

Attest 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  May  2'1  17S5 

Noah  Smith  was  chosen   Moderator 

Voted — To  allow  to  John  Field  Junr  the  Rates  committed  to  him  to  Collect  of 
Josiah  Channcy,  Isaac  Chauncy,  Moses  Chauncy  and  Lemuel  Root  unless  he  shall 
have  opportunity  to  Collect  them  of  said  Persons  abovenamed — 

Voted — To  Discontinue  that  part  of  the  Highway  Petitioned  for  by  Elijah 
Hastings  and  Grant  the  same  to  him  on  Condition  that  said  Hastings  give  his 
security  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Town  within  one  month  for  the  Payment  for  the 
same  at  the  rate  of  eight  Pounds  for  an  acre 

Voted — To  Discontinue  that  part  of  the  Heighway  Petitioned  for  by  Daniel 
Cooley  and  Grant  the  same  to  him  on  Condition  that  said  Cooley  give  his  security 
to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Town,  within  one  month  for  the  Payment  for  the  same  at 
the  rate  of  eight  Pounds  for  an  acre 

Voted— That  the  Select  men  and  Treasurer  have  a  Discretionary  Power  to  call 
into  the  Treasury  the  monies  Due  to  the  Town  on  Notes  of  hand 

Attest 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  May  16"1  17S5 

Elisha  Smith  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted— unanimously  not  to  consent  to  a  Division  of  the  County  of  Hampshire 

Voted— That  Eben1'  Mattoon  Esqr  John  Billing  and  M'  Ebenr  Boltwood  be  a 
Committee  to  make  answer  to  the  Petition  presented  to  the  General  Court  for  the 
Division  of  the  County  aforesaid 

Voted — That  in  Case  a  Division  of  said  County  should  be  obtained  the  Inhab- 
itants of  this  Town  request  to  belong  to  the  south  part  of  the  County 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitantsof  the  Town  of  Amherst  October  13th  1785 

Dn  John  Billing  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — To  Grant  forty  Pounds  for  rnaintanance  of  schools 

Attest  John  Billing  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  January  9th  17S6 

Joseph  Church  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — to  allow  the  Bills  as  read  and  corrected,  and  to  empower  the  Assessors 
to  assess  a  sum  sufficient  to  Pay  the  same — Voted — to  Grant  eight  Pounds  ten 
Shillings  to  support  the  schools— Voted— That  the  Town  of  Hadley  and  annexed 
to  the  Town  of  Amherst  will  Refer  the  matters  contained  in  a  Petition  signed  by 
John  Field  and  others  lately  Prefered  to  the  General  Court  (Praying  that  their 
Lands  Lying  in  the  first  Division  of  Hadley  inner  Commons  may  be  Disannexed 
from  the  Town  of  Amherst)  to  Arbitrators  mutually  to  be  chosen  by  Committees 
appointed  by  each  of  said  Towns,  which  said  Committee  shall  have  a  Discretionary 
Power  to  appoint  the  time  and  Place  for  said  Arbitrators  to  meet,  and  Conduct  the 
Business  relating  to  Said  Petition  in  Behalf  of  said  Towns  in  the  same  manner  as 
Individuals  might  Do  in  References  Depending  between  Party  and  Party 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  1 03 

Voted— Nath11  Dickinson  Jnr  Cap'  Eli  Parker  and  Ensn  John  Nash  be  a  Com- 
mittee for  the  abovementioned  purpose — Voted — To  Allow  Nathan  Dickinson  Junr 
the  sum  of  one  Pound  one  shilling  and  eight  pence  money  paid  by  him  for  a  Con- 
tinental Soldier — Voted — To  Discharge  the  Rev'1  Mr  Parsons's  Heirs  from  Paying 
a  Tax  assessed  on  them  Dated  September  iS'h  1781  for  the  sum  of  five  Pounds  four 
shillings — Voted — To  Allow  a  Reasonable  reward  to  those  Persons  who  built  the 
schoolhouse  in  the  Northerly  part  of  the  Town  on  the  road  leading  to  Sunderland 
— Voted — To  Direct  the  Select  men  to  lay  a  Town  Road  from  the  road  leading 
from  Ebenn  Eastman's  to  Kelloggs  Mill,  to  the  road  leading  from  Majr  Peck"s  to 
Leverett — Voted  To  allo[w]  Six  Shillings  pr  hundred  feet  of  two  inch  Oak  Plank 
and  four  shillings  and  six  pence  p1'  hundred  feet  of  inch  and  half  Oak  Plank. 
Voted  That  Timothy  Green  Junr  be  paid  his  Bill  for  work  at  Highways  by  monies 
Due  on  the  Highway  Rate  and  that  the  Assessors  issue  their  Warrant  to  Collect 
the  same — Voted — To  allow  two  shillings  and  eight  pence  p1'  Day  for  work  Done 
at  Bridges 

Attest  Joseph  Church  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  March 6th  1786 

Leiut  John  Field  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — Nath11  Dickinson  Jun1'  Town  Clerk 

Voted — Doer"  Seth  Coleman  Town  Treasurer 

Voted — Dn  Elisha  Smith,  Cap"  Moses  Cooke,  Joseph  Church.  Joseph  Eastman 
Junr  and  Mr  Ebenezer  Boltwood,  Select  men 

Voted— Cap'  Moses  Cooke,  D11  Elisha  Smith,  and  Eben1'  Mattoon  Esq1' 
Assessors 

Voted — Stephen  Smith,  John  Eastman  and  Daniel  Kellogg  Jn1'  Constables 

A'oted — Stephen  Cole.  Cap'  Eli  Parker,  Elijah  Dickinson.  Joel  Moody  Andrew 
Kimbal  Jnr  Elijah  Elmer  and  Moses  Hastings  Surveyors  of  Highways  and 
Collectors  of  Taxes 

Voted — Samuel  Hastings,  Timothy  Handerson,  Simeon  Cowls,  Edward  Smith 
Simeon  Dickinson  Jnr  and  John  Eastman  Tythingmen 

Voted — En  Elijah  Hastings,  Moses  Cooke  and  L'  Noah  Dickinson — Wardens 

Voted — William  Clapp,  Israel  Dickinson,  Timothy  Green  Jn1.  David  Warner 
Andrew  Kimbal  Jnr  and  David  Ingram — Haywards 

Voted — Jacob  McDaniell,  Oliver  Cowls  and  Timothy  Green  Jnr  Fence  viewers 

Voted — Joseph  Church  Surveyor  of  Shingles  and  Clapboards 

Voted — L1  Thomas  Hastings,  Sealer  of  Leather 

Voted — To  Grant  the  sum  of  seventy  Pounds  to  repair  the  Highway 

Voted — To  Allow  three  shillings  pr  Day  for  work  Done  at  Heighwaysfrom  the 
first  Day  of  May  to  the  first  Day  of  September  and  two  shillings  p1  Day  in  the 
month  of  September  and  one  shilling  and  sixpence  afterwards 

Voted — That  Hogs  yoked  and  ringed  according  to  Law  may  run  on  the  Com- 
mons from  the  Middle  of  May  to  the  Middle  of  August 

Voted — To  Build  a  Schoolhouse  in  the  Northeast  part  of  the  Town 

Voted — That  Elijah  Baker,  Josiah  Warner  and  Enos  Dickinson  be  a  Commit- 
tee to  build  the  same 

Voted — -John  Billing,  Eleazer  Smith  and  Jacob  McDaniell  be  a  Committee  to 
examine  the  State  of  the  Treasury 

Voted — to  accept  the  following  report  of  the  Select  men  for  laying  out  a  road 
from  the  road  which  leads  from   Ebenezer  Eastman's  to  Kellogg's  Mill,  into  the 


ioq  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Road  by  Jonathan  Howard's  House,  said  Road  is  laid  out  three  rods  in  width  till  it 
comes  to  the  top  of  Pine  hill,  then  two  rods  wide  to  the  road  leading  by  Howards 
house — Described  as  follows — 

East  87  rods  on  Amariah  Dana's  North  line  to  a  Town  road  -then  East  cross- 
ing the  abovesaid  town  way  4  rods  to  a  Stake  and  stones  it  being  a  Corner  of 
David  and  Eleazer  Cowls  Land— then  East  1  cleg  30  min  North  on  the  abovesaid, 
Cowls  Land  24  rods  to  a  stake — then  East  24  deg  south  on  Ebenr  Eastman's  land 
17  rods  and  12  links  to  a  stake  and  stones,  then  East  13  deg  North  on  said  East- 
man's land  8  rods  to  a  stake  and  stones  ;  then  East  28  deg  North  on  said  Eastman's 
land  16  rods  to  a  stake  and  stones,  them  easterly  to  a  white  Oak.  then  East  11  deg 
North  16  rods  to  a  white  Oak,  then  East  5  deg  30  min  North  10  rods  to  a  stake; 
then  East  28  rods  to  the  road  North  of  Howard's — the  line  between  Eleazer  Cowls, 
David  Cowls  and  Ebenezer  Eastman  to  be  the  Centre  of  the  road 

Attest  Johx  Field  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  April  3'1  1786 
Votes,     for  a  Governor  were  as  follows  (viz) 

For  his  Excellency  James  Bowdoin  Esq1'  twenty  three 

Hon1'1'  Benjamin  Lincoln  Esq1'  eleven 

lion"'  John  Hancock  Esq''  one 
Votes  for  a  Lieutenant  Governor  were  as  follows  (viz) 

For  the  Hon'1'    Nathaniel  Gorham  Esqr  twenty  three 

His  Honor  Thomas  Cushing  Esq'  seven 
Votes  for  the  Senators  were  as  follows  (viz) 

For  Timothy  Danielson  Esq1'  thirty  two 

Caleb  Strong  Esqr  forty  three 

John  1  [astings  Esq1'  thirty  three 

(  diver  Phelps  Esq1  forty  one 

William  Shephard  Esq1  seventeen 

Simeon  Strong  Esq1'  three 

Samuel  Mather  Esq1"  three 

Joseph  Church  i     selectmen 

Attest  Eben'r   Boltwood  of 

Joseph  Eastman  Jn'r    j       Amherst 
Xath11  Dickinson  Jnr  Town  Clerk 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  April  3'1  1786 

Joseph  Eastman  Jnr  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted  -To  Accept  the  List  of  Jurors  laid  before  the  Town  by  the  Select  men 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  May  ist  17S6 

L1  John  Field  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — That  Simeon  Strong  Esq1'  be  requested  to  Continue  the  Action  brought 

by  the  Executors  of  the  Rev'1  David  Parsons  Dec'1  against  the  Town  untill  August 

Term- 
Voted — To  Direct  the  Treasurer  to  Collect  the  Debts  Due  to  the  Town  from 

individuals  as  soon  as  he  can  by  Law — 

Voted — L'  Moses  Rowe.  John  Billing  and  L1  John  Field  a  Committee  to  view 

the  Land  Petitioned  for  by  Martin  Kellogg  and  report  to  the  Town  what  is  proper 

to  be  Done  respecting  the  same 

Voted  -That   Martin    Kellogg  and   Moses  Dickinson   Esq1'  be  Joined  to  the 

Committee  appointed  to  examine  into  the  State  of  the  Treasury 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS. 


io5 


At  a  Legal  meeting"  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  May  i!t  17S6 
.     Nath11  Dickinson  Junr  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — Eben1'  JMattoon  Esq1"  and  Cap1  Eli  Parker  Delegates  to  meet  in  County 
Convention  to  take  into  Consideration  the  expediency  of  a  Division  of  the  County 
or  any  alterations  as  to  the  places  of  holding  the  Courts  and  Register's  Office  in 
said  County 

Voted — That  the  Treasurer  be  Directed  to  Pay  Elisha  Porter  Esq'"  his 
Demands  on  an  Execution  he  hath  against  the  Town 

Attest  Xath'll  Dickinson  Jn'r  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  June  12th  1786 

Du  Elisha  Smith  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — To  Discharge  Nath11  Dickinson  Jnr  late  Treasurer  of  this  Town  from  all 
Demands  against  him  as  Treasurer  and  said  Dickinson  hereby  Discharges  the  Town 
from  all  Demands  against  them  as  Treasurer — -Voted — That  each  Surveyor  expend 
the  money  Committed  to  him  within  the  District  he  is  ordered  to  repair — Voted  — 
That  upon  either  of  the  Surveyors  of  Highways  for  the  year  17S6  presenting  his  Rate 
Bill  to  the  Town  Treasurer  and  Certifying  on  the  same  that  the  whole  sum  com- 
mitted to  him  has  been  by  him  collected  and  expended  in  repairing  that  part  of  the 
Heighway  committed  to  his  care,  or  a  part  thereof  being  collected. in  Labour  with 
a  Sum  of  money  amounting  in  the  whole  to  the  sum  Committed  to  him  To  Direct 
the  said  Treasurer  to  receive  such  rate  bill  so  executed  as  above  or  a  part  in  money 
as  above  Described  and  give  the  Surveyor  presenting  the  same  a  Discharge  there- 
from— Voted — The  Select  men  a  Committee  to  find  how  much  is  Due  from  the 
Town  to  the  Heirs  of  the  Rev'1  David  Parsons  Deceas'1 — Voted — That  L'  Moses 
Rowe  Cap1  Moses  Cooke  and  Eben1'  Mattoon  Esq'  be  a  Committee  to  view  the  Land 
Petitioned  for  by  L' Zebina  Montague  and  report  to  this  meeting— Voted  to  adjourn 
to  friday  16th  inst  at  three  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon,  being  met  according"  to 
Adjournment — Voted — Cap'  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Major  Mattoon  and  Mr  Isaac 
Goodale  a  Committee  to  view  and  Appraise  the  Land  Petitioned  for  by  Martin 
Kellogg — Voted — to  Discontinue  that  part  of  the  Highway  hereafter  Described 
and  Grant  the  same  to  L'  Zebina  Montague  he  giving  security  to  the  Town  Treas- 
urer for  Pavment  for  the  Same  at  the  rate  of  fifteen  Pounds  P1'  acre  on  or  before 
the  first  Day  of  May  next;  said  Lands  are  Described  as  follows — viz — Beginning 
at  the  North  west  corner  of  said  Montagues  shop  and  runs  east  19  deg  30  min 
North  ten  rods,  thence  east  5  deg  north  14  rods  and  12  feet  thence  East  26  deg 
South  14  rods  and  11  feet — thence  south  four  feet — thence  west  37  rods  and  3  feet 
adjoining  Moses  Warner's  north  Line — containing  one  Acre  and  fourteen  rods 

Attest 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  August  7"1  17S6 
Major  Ebenr  Mattoon  was  chosen  moderator — Voted  To  reconsider  the  vote 
passed  the  last  meeting  Directing  the  Treasurer  to  Postpone  Collecting  the  town 
Debts,  and  that  he  be  Directed  to  Collect  them  immediately  agreeable  to  a  former 
vote  of  the  Town  respecting  the  Treasurers  collecting  the  town  Debts  without 
Delay 

Attest  Eben'r  Mattoon  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  July  13'11  17S6 
10 


I06  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    .MASS. 

Mr  Eben'  Boltwood  was  chosen  Moderator— Voted— That  Cap'  Eli  Parker, 
Moses  Cooke  and  Isaac  Goodale  be  a  Committee  to  Appraise  the  Land  Petitioned 
for  by  Titus  Stevens 

Voted — To  Grant  the  Sum  of  two  Hundred  and  fifty  Pounds  to  Pay  the  Debts 
Due  to  the  Heirs  of  the  Revd  David  Parsons  Deceas'1  and  the  Assessors  are 
empowered  to  Assess  the  Same 

Attest  Eben'r  Boltwood  Mod' 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Janv  rst  17S7 

Cap*  Moses  Cooke  Jun'  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted— To  allow  Six  Shillings  for  two  inch  Oak  Plank  and  five  Shillings  for 
inch  and  half  Oak  Plank 

Voted— To  allow  the  Bills  as  read  and  corrected,  and  that  the  Assessors  be 
empowered  to  Assess  a  sum  on  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  sufficient  to  Pay  the 
same 

Attest 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  January  12th  1787 

Mr  Daniel  Cooley  was  chosen  Moderator 

The  following  Petition  was  read  and  passed:  and  thereupon  ordered  that  the 
Moderator  send  an  attested  Copy  of  the  same  as  the  General  Court  for  their  con- 
sideration at  their  next  Sessions 

The  Petition  is  as  follows,  to  wit — 

Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts 

To  the  Honorable  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  in  their  present 
Sessions — A  Petition 

Wherein  your  Petitioners  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Humbly 
Sheweth — That  your  Petitioners  being  Deeply  affected  with  the  Calamities  and 
Distresses  that  attend  and  embarrass  the  Good  People  of  this  Commonwealth  ; 
your  Petitioners  being  sensible  that  there  are  many  things  in  the  transactions  of 
our  Publick  Affairs  that  have  a  Direct  tendency  to  involve  the  Common  People  in 
a  State  of  Slavery  and  Poverty  without  some  speedy  relief. 

Your  Petitioners  therefore  think  it  their  Duty  and  Do  encourage  themselves  in 
presenting  this  their  Petition  to  your  Honors  for  relief  in  the  following  Articles  all 
which  we  apprehend  are  within  your  Honors  power  to  redress — The  Existance  of 
the  Court  of  Common  Pleas;  a  grievance  as  all  matters  cognizable  before  may  be 
brought  to  a  final  Issue  by  a  Jury  of  12  men  Drawn  out  of  the  Box  by  order  of  a 
Justice  -The  General  Court  Sitting  in  Boston— a  Grievance — as  there  is  an  undue 
influence  upon  the  Members  by  the  Merchants  and  other  Inhabitants  of  said 
Town,  together  with  many  other  Diversions  by  attendance  to  Trade,  and  much  noise 
and  Claims  stretched,  likewise  as  eatables  are  much  Dearer  at  the  second  or  third 
hand — The  Grants  made  to  the  Officers  of  Government — far  beyond  their  Deserv- 
ings  or  the  Principles  of  the  Constitution  and  the  Peoples  abilities  to  Pay — The 
Present  mode  of  Paying  State  Securities  without  any  Description  between  the 
original  Owners  and  those  who  purchase  them — The  present  appropriation  of  the 
Excise  and  Impost  money;  as  it  ought  to  be  improved  to  answer  the  Demands  of 
the  foreign  Debt — The  late  great  Tax  imposed  on  the  People  for  far  beyond  their 
abilities  to  Pay  under  their  Distressing  circumstances  together  with  the  speedy 
collection  of  the  same  — The  present  mode  of  Taxation,  as  it  operates   unequally 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN     MEETINGS.  1 07 

between  Poles  and  Estates,  and  the  Mercantile  and  Landed  Interest  a  grievance— 
The  want  of  a  sufficient  Medium  of  Trade  to  prevent  the  mischiefs  arising  from  a 
scarcity  of  money,  a  Grievance.  To  which  your  Petitioners  add  their  most  fervent 
Desires  that  your  Honors  would  Repeal  the  Suspension  of  the  Writ  of  Habeas 
Corpus  likewise  the  Riot  Act;  the  continuance  of  those  Acts  your  Petitioners 
apprehend  will  be  greatly  subversive  of  the  Constitutional  Protection  of  the  good 
People  of  this  Commonwealth— Your  Petitioners  request  your  Honors  to  empower 
the  Select-men  of  the  Several  Towns  in  this  Commonwealth  to  effect  the  whole 
matters  of  Licencing  Innholders  and  Retailers,  likewise  the  registering  of  Deeds 
in  every  Town— That  the  Treasurer  of  each  Town  be  empowered  to  collect  the 
Excise  money— The  often  Sitting  of  the  Court  of  Sessions,  a  Grievance,  as  we 
think  one  session  of  said  Court  in  a  year  would  Serve  to  all  intents  and  purposes— 
We  likewise  Pray  your  Honors  to  send  to  all  the  Towns  in  the  Commonwealth  to 
Know  their  minds  with  regard  to  the  Revisal  of  the  Constitution  as  your  Petition- 
ers apprehend  great  improvements  may  be  made  upon  the  same — That  the  Settle- 
ment of  Estates  or  all  Probate  matters  be  accommodated  and  settled  in  each  Town, 
as  it  will  be  a  vast  saving  to  the  Eatherless  and  Widows— To  all  which  your 
Petitioners  beg  leave  to  suggest,  that  the  gratifying  the  above  requests  will  lie  a 
happy  means  to  prevent  a  strenuous  movement  of  the  westarn  Counties  to  be 
formed  into  a  separate  State— all  which  is  humbly  submitted  to  your  Honors  Can- 
dor and  Wisdo  n  as  in  Duty  bound  shall  ever  Pray 

by  order 
The  forementioned  meeting  being  assembled  January  12th  1787  made  choice  of 
John  Pilling.  Cap'  Eli  Parker.  Moses  Dickinson  Esq  Martin  Kellogg  and  E"  John 
Nash  to  Draught  the  foregoing  Petition  and  adjourned  to  the  Wednesday  follow- 
ing when  being  met  according  to  adjournment  the  same  was  read  and  accepted  and 
ordered  to  be  Recorded  in  the  Town  Book  of  Records 

Attest  Daniel  Cooley.  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  March  26"' 
1787 

Mr  Zebina  Montague  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted,  Nath"  Dickinson  Junr  Town  Clerk — Voted — Dr  Seth  Coleman  Town 
Treasurer— Voted — Lr  John  Field,  D"  Elisha  Smith.  Mr  Eben1'  Boltwood,  Joseph 
Church  and  Jonathan  Dickinson  Jun1'  Select  men — Voted — D"  Elisha  Smith.  D" 
Seth  Coleman  and  D"  Hezekiah  Belding  Assessors; — Voted — Zebina  Montague, 
Daniel  Cooley.  Elijah  Baker  David  Blodgett  and  Solomon  Boltwood  Wardens- 
Voted — Capt"  Moses  Cooke  Major  Ebenr  Mattoon,  Simeon  Clarke  Jun1  E"  Joseph 
Pettes,  and  D"  Hezekiah  Belding.  Tythingmen — Voted— Gideon  Dickinson, 
Stoughton  Dickinson,  Gideon  Parsons.  David  Blodgett,  Eleazer  Cowls.  Simeon 
Clarke  Jun'  Surveyors  of  Heighways — Voted — Joseph  Eastman  Jnr  and  Enos 
Cowls  Constables — Voted  L'  John  Field  and  Lc  Noah  Dickinson  Fence  Viewers — 
Voted — Gideon  Dickinson,  Stoughton  Dickinson,  Gideon  Parsons.  David  Blodgett. 
Eleazer  Cowls,  and  Simeon  Clark  Jun''  Collectors  of  the  Heighway  rate— Voted — 
Joseph  Church,  surveyor  of  Shingles— Voted — D"  Elisha  Smith  Sealer  of  Leather 
— Voted— E"  Elijah  Hastings.  Levi  Cooke.  David  Cowls,  Nath"  Edwards  and 
Eldad  Moody  and  L'  John  Field  Haywards — Voted—  Jonathan  Dickinson  Jun1' 
Packer  of  Beef — Voted — To  grant  the  sum  of  Seventy  Pounds  to  repair  the 
Heighway  and  the  Assessors  are  empowered  to  Assess   the   same — Voted — To 


IoS  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

allow  three  Shillings  pr  Day  for  work  Done  at  Highways  from  the  first  Day  of 
May  to  the  first  Day  of  September  and  two  Shillings  p1'  Day  in  September  and 
October  and  one  Shilling  and  six  pence  the  remainder  of  the  year — Voted — To 
Grant  to  Isaac  Hubbard  Six  Pounds  for  killing  a  grown  Wolf  and  the  Assessors 
are  empowered  to  Assess  the  same — Voted,  that  Hogs  yoked  and  rung  according  to 
Law  may  run  on  the  Common  from  the  first  Day  of  May  to  the  first  Day  of 
September 

Attest 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  on  the  first 
Monday  of  April  A  D.  17S7 

Voted  for  Governor  as  follows — viz. 

His  Excellency  James  Bowdoin  Esq1  thirteen 
The  Hon1'1''  John  Hancock  Esq1'  eight 
Voted  for  Lieutenant  Governor  as  follows,  viz.  the  Hon'1,  Benjamin  Lincoln 
Esqr  twenty  two — 

Voted — for  Senators  as  follows — viz 

For  David  Smead  Esqr  Seventeen 
William  Shephard  Esq1'  Nineteen 
Caleb  Strong  Esqr  twenty  one 
John  Bliss  Esqr  twenty  one 
Oliver  Phelps  Esq1'  four 
John  Hastings  Esq''  one 

John  Field  "] 

Eben'r  Boltwood  J  Select  men 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  y        of 

Jonathan  Dickinson  J'r  |    Amherst 
Joseph  Church  J 

Xath"  Dickinson  Junr  Town  Clerk 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  May  14th  1787 

Mr  Daniel  Cooley  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted— To  relinquish  to  Isaac  Hubbard  a  Town  Tax  against  him  and  com- 
mitted to  Stephen  Cole  to  collect,  he  having  paid  the  same  or  Similar  Tax  in 
another  Town — Voted — To  empower  the  Select  men  to  give  an  order  to  Isaac 
Hubbard  to  Draw  Six  Pounds  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  for  his  killing  one  grown 
Wolf — Voted — to  accept  the  List  of  Jurors  laid  before  the  Town  by  the  Selectmen 
—Voted — That  the  Select  men  be  empowered  to  give  an  order  to  Stephen  Smith  to 
Draw  Seven  Shillings  and  Six  pence  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  for  removing  a 
Poor  Family  to  Sunderland — Voted — That  the  Town  Tax  which  should  have  been 
committed  to  Daniel  Kellogg  Junr  be  committed  to  the  Constables  for  the  present 
year  and  the  Assessors  are  Directed  to  Issue  their  warrants  accordingly 

Attest  Daniel  Cooley  Moderator 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  August  13"1  1787 
The  votes  for  a  Register  of  Deeds  for  the  middle  District  in  the  County  of 
Hampshire  were  as  follows 

For  Solomon  Stoddard  Esqr  thirty  eight 
For  Eben1'  Hunt  Esq1'  two 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  1 09 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Octr  i5'h  1787 

Ll  John  Field  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — To  Grant  fifty  Pounds  to  Support  Schools 

Voted — to  keep  the  Schools  the  ensuing  year 

Voted — that  the  east  School  in  the  middle,  shall  have  one  month  more  than 
the  others  to  make  up  what  they  wanted  of  their  proportion  the  last  year 

Voted — that  each  District  or  School  shall  have  a  sixth  part  of  the  [sum]  that 
is  granted  for  the  Support  of  the  Schools 

Voted — To  choose  a  Commiitee  to  Instruct  our  Representative 

Voted — That  Dn  John  Billing.  Martin  Kellogg.  L'  Moses  Rowe  Elijah  Baker, 
Moses  Cooke  Cap"  Eli  Parker  and  Joseph  Dickinson  be  the  Committee  aforesaid 

Voted — to  Adjourn  to  friday  the  19"1  instant  at  three  O'Clock  P.  M.  then  to 
meet  in  this  place 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst  Oct1'  29th  1787 

Cap'  Eli  Parker  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  unto  the  12th  Day  of  November  next 

Novr  12th  17S7.     Being  met  according  to  adjournment — 

Voted — to  Sell  some  part  of  the  Town  Heighway — Voted — That  the  Heigh- 
ways  North  and  South  shall  be  in  no  place  less  than  Six  rods  wide  where  they  are 
now  so  wide — Voted — That  the  Committee  act  Discretionary  as  to  the  width  of  the 
Cross  Highways — Voted — To  Choose  a  Committee  to  Dispose  of  said  Highways 
or  any  part  thereof  as  they  think  proper— Voted — Cap1  Eli  Parker.  Moses  Dickin- 
son Esq''  Simeon  Strong  Esqr  L'  John  Field  M1'  Daniel  Cooley,  Joseph  Church, 
Josiah  Warner,  Enos  Dickinson,  and  Noah  Smith  be  the  Committee  aforesaid — 
Voted — To  allow  the  People  in  the  Northeast  part  of  Amherst,  eighteen  pounds, 
in  Case  they  shall  build  for  the  Town  such  a  School  house  as  is  built  in  the  North 
west  part  of  the  Town — 

Voted— To  Abate  to  Ll  Ezra  Rood  the  Rates  that  were  made  against  him 
when  in  Northampton  Goal — Voted  —To  Discharge  Ll  Ezra  Rood  from  all  other 
Rates  in  the  Constables  hands  against  him  provided  he  give  a  Note  to  the  Town 
Treasurer  for  the  same  sum  on  interest,  for  the  use  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town 

Attest  Eli  Parker  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  January  14"' 
178S 

Joseph  Church  was  chosen  Moderator 

Voted — to  adjourn  to  Monday  next  at  one  of  the  Clock  afternoon  then  to  meet 
at  the  first  Parish  meeting  house— being  met  according  to  Adjournment- 
Voted — to  accept  the  Bills  as  read  and  corrected  and  to  empower  the  Asses- 
sors to  Assess  a  Sum  of  money  on  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  sufficient  to  Pay 
the  same — Voted  -six  shillings  Pr  hundred  feet  for  two  inch  Oak  plank  and  hve 
shillings  for  inch  and  half  Oak  Plank — Voted — three  shillings  Pr  Day  to  the 
Assessors — 

Voted — three  shillings  P1'  Day  for  work  Done  at  Bridges  and  three  shillings 
and  four  pence  P1'  Day  for  Hewers  of  Timber — 

Voted — two  shillings  I"  Day  to  each  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  Ascertain 
the  Town  and  County  Heighways — Voted — To  Adjourn  to  the  Seventh  Day  -of 


IIO  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

February  next  at  one  of  the  Clock  afternoon  then  to  meet  at  the  first  Parish  meet- 
ing house — Being  met  according  to  Adjournment — 

Voted — To  allow  thirty  Pounds  for  Building  the  schoolhouse  in  the  north  east 
part  of  the  Town — 

Voted — To  Abate  to  Nath11  Dickinson  2'1  the  rates  he  had  to  collect  against 
Daniel  Cheney,  Enos  Rolph  and  William  Moores — Voted — To  abate  to  Thomas 
Marshall  the  whole  of  the  rates  Due  from  him  to  the  Constables  of  this  Town 
not  by  them  collected — 

voted — To  choose  a  Committee  to  proportion  the  money  that  may  arise  from 
the  sale  of  Highways  to  each  Parish  in  this  Town — Voted — That  D1'  Seth  Cole- 
man Col.  Eben1'  Mattoon.  D"  John  Billing.  L1  Zebina  Montague  be  the  Committee 
aforesaid 

Attest  Joseph  Church  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst  holden  at 
the  Meeting-hous  in  the  First  Parish  in  Sd  Amherst  on  Monday  the  3d  day  of  March 
A.  D.  1788  Come  to  the  following  Votes.     (Viz) 

Voted     Joseph  Church  Moderator.     Voted     Seth  Coleman.  Town  Clerk 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  town  treasurer- 
Voted     Josiah  Warner,  Joseph  Dickinson,  W"  John  billings,  Thomas  Hastings 
&  Timothy  Green  Selectmen 

Voted     Jnr.  John  Nash,  Josiah  Warner  &  Medad  Dickinson  Assessors  - 

Voted  to  Adjourn  this  Meeting  for  the  Space  of  one  Hour  and  half  and  then 
meet  at  this  place — The  Meeting  being  Met  According  to  Adjournment  Come  to 
the  Following  Votes  (viz) 

Voted     to  Chuse  two  men  for  Constables  the  Present  year — 

Voted     Medad  Moody  &  Eleazer  Cowles  Constables. 

Voted     to  Chuse  six  Teythingmen  this  year — 

Voted  Simeon  Clark,  Timothy  Henderson,  John  Eastman.  Perez  Dickinson, 
Enos  Dickinson  &  David  Cowles  teything  men — 

Voted     to  Chuse  Seven  Survayors  of  Highways  this  year — 

Voted  Zeachariah  Hawley,  Ebenezer  Dickinson,  Joseph  Dickinson,  Noadiah 
Smith.  Moses  Hastings,  Elijah  Hastings  and  Xath"  Alexander  Smith  Surveyors  of 
Highways— Vot.  the  Surveyors  of  Highways  be  Collectors  of  Taxes — Voted  Wm 
Elisha  Smith  Sealer  of  Leather. 

Voted  Joseph  Church  Surveyor  of  Shingle  &  Clabboards — Voted  Last  John 
Hay  ward. 

Voted  to  have  two  Fence  Viewers  this  year — Voted  Elijah  Dickinson  &  Alli- 
son Cowles  be  the  Fence  Viewers  above. 

Voted     to  Rais  Seventy  Pounds  to  Reprove  the  Highways  this  year — 

Voted     to  empower  the  Assessors  to  levy  a  tax  to  rais  the  same. 

Voted  to  allow  three  Shillings  P1"  Day  for  works  at  the  Highways  from  the 
first  of  May  to  the  twentieth  of  September — and  to  allow  one  Shilling  and  Eight 
Pence  Pr  Day  from  the  twentieth  of  September  to   the  first  of  December — 

Test.  Joseph  Church.  Moderator. 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the 
Meeting-hous  of  the  First  Parish  in  Said  Amherst  on  Monday  the  S'h  day  of  March 
A.  D.  17SS.  Come  to  the  Following  Vote  viz— V— Thomas  Hastings  Moderator— 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  Ill 

Voted  to  Chuse  three  men  as  a  Com' "  to  examine  the  Treasury  to  Ascertain 
what  sum  is  necessary  to  be  Assessed  on  the  town  to  discharge  the  Debt  due  to  the 
Hears  of  the  Rev  David  Parsons,  Late  of  Amherst  Deceas' — and  make  reports  to 
April  Meeting. 

Voted  Col.  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  John  Xash  &  Capt.  Eli  Parker  be  the  Com- 
mittee above. 

Voted     to  abate  W'"  Jearild  Rate  on  Thomas  Hastings — List  (Viz) 

Voted  that  the  rates  of  Gayes  Rowe.  Silas  Robbins.  Edward  Allen.  David 
Fuller.  W.  M.  Rolf.  Nath"  Peck  2'1  and  Roswell  Clay  in  Thomas  Hastings  List 
upon  Town  Rate  Lay  for  one  year  before  the  Treasurer  Call  upon  him  for  them — 

Voted  to  Adjourn  this  Meeting  to  thirsday.  the  thirteenth  day  of  March  atone 
of  the  Clock  in  the  Afternoone — 

Thirsday,  the  thirteenth  clay  of  March  ijSSthe  town  being  Met  according  to 
Adjournment  Come  to  the  following  Votes  (viz) 

Voted  to  Sel  the  Hole  of  the  town  ways  as  they  have  bin  Survey,'1  by  the 
Com*1'  appointed  by  the  town  for  that  Purpos  in  Nov  12  :  17S7  &  at  the  Price  they 
have  affixed  to  each  bit  of  ground — 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  Reports  of  the  Comtee  Appointed  to  make  the  Aver- 
adge  at  the  Value  of  the  Highway  Property  to  be  Sold  in  Amherst  betwixt  the 
two  Parishes  that  Each  Parish  might  have  their  Proportion  of  Said  money  arising 
from  the  Said  Lands —  • 

Voted  that  the  ComIee  appointed  to  Survey  the  Highways  in  Amherst  take  their 
Report  and  make  such  alterations  as  they  think  Propre  and  make  a  Report  to  the 
future  Meeting — 

Voted  that  no  One  Shall  have  his  Land  without  Either  Paying  for  it  or  Procur- 
ing a  bondsman  for  the  Payment. 

Test.  Thomas  Hastings.  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  town  of  Amherst  on  Monday  the  7111  of  April  A. 
D.  17SS  Voted  for  Governor  as  follows  (viz) 

For  the  Honorable  Elbridge  Gerry — Fifty  Nine 

For  His  Excelency,  John  Hancock  Twenty  Seven  — 

For  the  Hon.  James  Bowdoin  one — 
Voted     For  Lieutenant  Governor  as  Follows — 

For  the  Hon  James  Warren  Sixty  Six  — 

For  the  Hon  Benjamin  Lincoln,  twenty  three  — 
Voted     for  Senators  as  follows  (viz) 

For  the  Hon  Olliver  Phelps  Esq.  Fifty  two. 

For  Mr  Phineas  Stebbins  Fifty  seven. 

For  Mr  William  Bodman  Fifty  five. 

For  Mr  David  Cooley  Fifty  Four. 

For  Hon.  Caleb  Strong  Esq.  Thirty  Five. 

For  Hon  David  Santon  Esq.  Thirty  five. 

For  Hon  John  Bliss,  Esq.  Thirty  Four. 

For  Hon  John  Hastings  Esq.  Thirty  Four. 

For  Col  Benjamin  Eli  Esq  Four 

For  Mr  Solomon  Stodent  Esq  three. 


112  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

For  Gen.  Wareham  Parks,  one. 
For  Mr  Samuel  Mather  Esq  one. 

Thomas  Hastings  1  Selectmen 

Attest  Timothy  Greex  '  Selectmen 

Attest  Josiah  Warner  f      Amherst 

John  Billings  J  Amners* 
Seth  Coleman  Town  Clerk — 

Hampshire,  ss.  to  Mr  Medad  Moody  Constable,  of  Amherst — Greeting — In 
the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  you  are  hereby  required  forth- 
with to  Notify  and  Warn  all  the  Free  Holders  and  other  Inheabitants  of  Amherst 
Qualified  to  Vote  in  Town  Meetings  that  they  assemble  and  Meet  at  the  First 
Parish  Meeting  holden  in  Amherst  on  the  Seventh  Day  of  April  Next  at  two  of 
the  Clock  in  the  afternoon,  then  and  there  to  act  on  the  following  articles.  rsl  To 
Chuse  a  Moderator.  2'1  To  hear  the  reports  of  the  Comtee  appointed  to  Examine 
the  State  of  the  town  Debts,  and  to  make  fresh  order  thereon  as  Shall  be  thought 
Propre. 

3d.  To  hear  the  Report  of  the  Comtee  directed  to  make  alterations  in  the 
Report  of  the  Committee  that  surveyed  the  Highway  in  order  for  Sale — and  make 
such  order  thereon  as  they  see  fit. 

4th.  To  make  some  order  for  the  Conveyence  of  the  Town  Lands  to  Those 
Persons  that  Purchase  them — 

5th.  To  make  some  order  whereby  Each  Parish  may  be  furnished  of  their  Pro- 
portion of  the  Money  Arising  from  the  Sale  of  the  Town  Lands. 

6th.  To  see  if  the  Town  will  release  Elihu  Hubbard  of  his  rates  paid  to 
Stephen  Cole. 

7th.     To  see  if  the  town  will  abate  Stephen  Cole  of  a  number  of  rates. 

8th.     To  see  if  the  town  will  abate  Ephraim  Kellogg  of  Some  Persons  rates. 

9"1.  To  Chuse  such  town  officers  as  Shall  be  found  needfull  for  the  Present 
year. 

10th.  To  see  if  the  town  will  accept  the  list  of  Jurors  that  may  be  presented 
by  the  Selectmen — 

Hereon  fail  not  to  make  some  return  of  this  warrant  and  your  doings  thereon 
to  some  one  of  us  before  the  time  of  Said  Meeting. 

Given  and  'in  our  Hands  and  Sed  this  Thirteenth  day  of  March  Seventeen 
hundred  and  eighty  eight. 

Voted  at  Amherst  March  13.  17SS 

John  Billings  "] 

Thomas  Hastings.      [  Selectmen  of 
Timothy  Green  Jnr.  f      Amherst. 
Joseph    Dickinson     J 

The  Directions  of  this  Warrant  have  been  attested  by  me.  Medad  Moody. 
Constable. 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at 
the  Meeting  House  in  the  First  Parish  in  S'1  Amherst  on  Monday  the  7"'  of  April 
17S8     Voted  as  follows  (Viz) — 

Voted     Daniel  Cooley.  Moderator. 

Voted    to  Release  Ebeazor  Cowls  from  being  Constable  the  Current  year. 

Voted     Solomen  Boltwood  Constable. 

Voted  to  rais  forty  five  Pounds  for  the  Purpos  of  Settling  with  the  Hears  of 
the  Rev.  David  Parsons,  Late  of  Amherst — Deceas'  — 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  113 

Voted  to  Empower  the  Assessors  to  lev)-  a  tax  on  the  Inheabitants  to  rais 
the  Same. 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  Reports  of  the  Com"-'1'  appointed  to  survey  the  High- 
ways in  Amherst  and  apprise  the  Same  for  Sale  according  as  it  Now  Stands  with 
the  Amendments. 

Voted  That  all  the  money  arising  from  the  Sale  of  the  Town  ways  shall  be 
averaged  by  the  Last  list  when  the  averadgeis  made  :  after  thene  forty  five  Pounds 
reduction  out  for  to  Pay  the  hears  of  the  Rev  David  Parsons  late  of  Amherst — 
Deceas' 

Voted  That  the  Reports  of  the  Comtee  appointed  for  assessing  the  Land  in 
the  town  ways  be  filed  in  the  Clerks  office  and  Recorded  in  the  Town  Records. 
Voted  that  the  tracts  of  Land  laid  out  and  Described  to  the  Persons  respectively 
named  in  Said  Reports  be  and  hereby  are  granted  in  Fee  to  the  Said  Persons  and 
their  Hears  Respectively  on  the  Conditions  following  (viz)  that  they  Pay  the  Sums 
whereat  the  Several  tracts  were  respectively  apprised  to  the  Town  Treasurer,  or 
give  Security  with  one  good  Surity  to  the  town  Treasurer  for  Payment  of  the  same 
with  Interest  within  one  year  from  the  time  of  giving  the  Same  Security  and  that 
when  even  Said  Payment  Shall  be  Made  on  Security  given,  the  Town  the  town 
way  in  Each  Tract  Respectively  Shall  be  Discontinued — Provided  However,  that 
the  Lands  in  Said  Report  Described  to  Nehemiah  Strong.  Robert  Cutler,  Thomas 
Bascum,  &  Isaac  Goodale  be  excepted  out  of  the  grant  and  referred  to  the  future 
order  at  the  town — Voted — to  accept  of  the  list  of  Jurors  as  they  have  bin  red  & 
so  forth. 

Attest.  Daniel  Coqlev.  Moderator. 

To  the  Inheabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  at  their  Meeting  there  on  Mon- 
day the  Fourteen  Day  of  January  Anno  Domini  17SS — 

The  Com'"  for  Disposing  of  Lands  in  the  Town  Ways  report  that  they  have 
according  to  the  Instructions  of  the  Town.  Laid  out  and  Surveyed  a  Town  Way 
Six  Rods  Wide,  between  the  first  and  Second  Division  and  another  between  the 
Second  and  third  Division  of  the  Same  Breadth,  Except  that  in  the  Way  between 
Second  and  third  Division  they  have  Laid  out  the  way  but  four  rods  wide  from  the 
Pay  Road,  to  the  North  side  of  Stoughton  Dickinsons  House  Lot:  Excepting  also 
that  in  Several  Places  the  Com,ec'  have  left  and  reserved  the  whole  breadth  of  the 
former  Way  for  Particular  or  Public  use.  the  Said  New  Lain  Ways  are  within  the 
old  Town  way  and  for  the  most  part  Contain  the  County  Roads.  The  Committee 
have  also  laid  out  Ways,  in  the  Same  Manner,  there  as  the  Divisions  from  West  to 
East,  four  Rods  wide,  they  have  measured  out  and  bounded  the  Several  Pieces  of 
Land  at  the  Front,  Rear  on  Sides  of  Each  Mans  Lot  bounded  on  the  Said  Sur- 
veyed Ways  :  which  Pieces  of  Land  the  Town  will  sell  to  the  Respective  Owners 
of  the  lots  if  they  think  Propre.  The  Committee  have  also  appraised  Each  of 
Said  pieces  of  Land  according  to  their  best  skill  and  judgement  and  now  Exhibit  to 
the  Town  a  Particular  list  of  their  Locations  and  Appraisements — The  Following 
Exhibition  shows  the  names  of  the  men  Against  whose  Lands  the  Said  Pieces  of 
Land  are  Laid  out  for  Sale,  then  the  Quantity  of  Land  in  Acres  and  Rods:  The 
Several  Pieces  by  the  Acre  and  the  Amount  of  the  Lands  Laid  out  for  each  man 
to  Purchase — 


H4 


HISTORY    OF    THE     TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 


FROM    THE   BAY    ROAD    NORTH    BETWEEN    SECOND    AND    THIRD    DIVISION. 


Owners  of  Lots  and  Descriptions- 
Jacob  Warner.     S  Rods  wide  19  Rods  Long. 
Moses  Dickinson,  Esq.     S  Rods  wide  17  Rods  long,  thence  run-  I 

ning  15  Rods  to  2  Rods  wide.  ) 

No  1  U:\li  Smith  from  a  Point  18  Rods  to  S  Rods  wide  thence 20  I 

Rods  to  8  Rods  wide  ) 

S  Rods  wide  47  Rods  to  4  Rods  &  half— Medad  Moody 
Henry  Franklin  from  a  Point  running  50  Rods  to  35  Rods  wide 
Jonathan  Warner.  46  Rods  long  45  Rods  wide 
Moses  Dickinson.  Esq.  35  Rods  Wide  43  Rods  long,  thence  35  ( 

Rods  to  a  point.  I 

Capt.  James  Hendrick  4.I  Rods  wide,  then  35  Rods   to   S    Rods  I 

Wide,  thence  S  Rods  Wide  41  Rods  long.  i 

Stoughton  Dickinson  44  Rods  long.  &  8  Rods  Wide 
Lieut  Jonathan  Dickinson.    S  Rods  Wide  40.5  Rods  long 
Perez  Moody  8  Rods  Wide  thence  13  Rods  to  a  Point 
D'n  Elisha  Smith.     4  Rods  Wide  15  Rods  Long  to  55  Rods  Wide 
Asahel  Moody  4  Rods  Wide  running  14  Rods  to  a  Point 
Ebeneazer  Jones  S  Rods  Wide  12  Rods  long 
Stoughton   Dickinson.     8  Rods  Wide  4S  Rods  long 
Jonathan  Moody.  Jnr.    S  Rods  wide  20  long 
Enos  Cowles  from  a  point  20  Rods  to  3  Rods  wide 
Jnr  Elijah  Hastings:  3    Rods   wide   running  to   10  Rods  and  4  I 

Rods  wide,  thence  5.1  Rods  14  Rods  wide  I 

Mr  Daniel  Cooley  4  Rods  Wide  30  Rods  to  3  Rods  Wide- 
Stephen  Smith  3  Rods  wide  4S  Rods 

Mr  Daniel  Coole-y  1  Rod  Wide  26  Rods  Long  to  3  Rods  wide 
Stephen  Smith  2  Rods  wide  16  rods  to  3rods  wide  thence  21  Rds.  ) 

Long  ) 

Jnr.  Joseph  Pettes  3  r.  Wide  22  r.  long 
Amus  Nash  3  Rods  wide  13  Rods  long. 
Reuben  Nash  3  Rods  wide  24  Rods  long. 
Mr  Daniel  Cooiey.    3  r.  wide  26  Rods  long 
John  Williams.     3  Rods  wide  26  Rods  long. 
Justus  Williams.  3  Rods  wide  52  Rods  thence  12  Rods  to  Point 
Samuel  Hastings.     3  Rods  wide  26  Rods  long 
Thomas  Hastings.    13  r.  wide  23  r.  long. 
Justus  Williams.  13  r.  wide  running  12  r.  to   6   rods  wide,  thence  ( 

6  Rods  wide  27  Rods  ) 

Simeon  Pomeroy,  Jnr.  6  Rods  wide  20  Rods  long 
Simeon  Pomeroy  Jnr. — 6  Rods  wide  25  Rods  long 
Justus  Williams  6  Rods  wide  32  Rods  long 

N.  li.     Nathan  1  tiekinson  Jnr.  gave  Security  for  24  rods  of  land. 
Josiah  Thayer  6  r.  wide  25  Rods  long 
Nathan  Dickinson  Jnr.  6  Rods  wide  40  Rods  long. 
Joel  Billings  6  r.  wide  30  r.  long 
Den.  John  Billings  6  Rods  wide  79  Rods  Long 
Moses  Hastings  &  Thomas    Hastings    Heirs — 6   Rods   wide   21  \ 

Rods  thence  21  Rods  to  3  r.  wide  I 

Capt.  David  Rick,  from  a  Point  47  Rods  to  4  Rods  wide 
Jonathan  Smith  4  Rods  wide  66  Rods  long. 
Rev.  I  chabod  Draper  3  Rods  wide  thence  26  Rods  to  2    r.   wide) 

thence  2  r  wide  16  rods —  I 

Den.  Jonathan  Edwards.     2  r.  wide  47  Rods  long 
Philips  Edwards  2  Rods  wide  thence  6  Rods  to  a  point 
Aaron  Warner  Heirs  4  Rods  wide  39  Rods  long 
Simeon  Dickinson  from  a  point  42  Rods  to  6  r.  wide 
Daniel  Kellogg  from  a  Point  22  Rods  to  4  Rods  wide  thence  53  1 

Rods  to  a  point  I 

Nathan  Dickinson  2  r.  wide  65  Rods  to  6  Rods  wide 


Quantity 

Price 

per 

Sum  to 

:>f  Land 

Acre 

be  Paid. 

A.  .R. 

£ 

£ 

152 

1 

0 

0 

0 

19  0 

I   51 

1 

0 

0 

6  4 

I   72 

1 

5 

0 

16  3 

I   122 

1 

5 

0 

4  0 

84 

1 

4 

0 

Ij   2 

1   47 

1 

6 

0 

13  0 

1   96 

1 

3 

0 

16  3 

2  66 

2 

0 

0 

4 

16  6 

2   32 

2 

2 

0 

4 

12  1 

1    4 

2 

0 

0 

2 

1  0 

S2 

2 

0 

0 

0 

13  0 

2S 

I 

7 

0 

0 

4 

8 

96 

I 

10 

0 

0 

16 

5 

44 

I 

10 

0 

4 

4 

0 

I 

10 

0 

i 

10 

0 

30 

2 

0 

0 

0 

7 

6 

119 

2 

14 

0 

2 

0 

0 

105 

2 

8 

0 

1 

11 

6 

144 

2 

8 

0 

2 

3 

2 

66 

2 

S 

0 

0 

19  9 

39 

10 

0 

0 

7  4 

72 

15 

0 

0 

15  4 

5i 

It 

0 

0 

9  0 

7S 

0 

0 

0 

9  9 

1   14 

15 

0 

1 

17  2 

78 

15 

0 

0 

17  2 

69 

15 

0 

0 

15  3 

1   56 

15 

0 

2 

7  2 

120 

0 

0 

0 

15  0 

rjo 

13 

0 

11  0 

1   32 

16 

0 

3  2 

150 

10 

0 

S  1 

1   80 

15 

0 

12  6 

1   30 

10 

0 

13  9 

2  154 

16 

0 

6  9 

1   59 

2 

2 

0 

17  9 

94 

2 

0 

0 

4  3 

1  104 

2 

5 

0 

14  6 

97 

2 

0 

0 

4  3 

94 

2 

0 

0 

3  6 

16 

2 

0 

0 

4  0 

156 

2 

5 

0 

3  10 

126 

2 

5 

0 

i5  5 

150 

1 

10 

0 

8  1 

1  100 

2 

2 

0 

3 

7  3 

RECORDS    OF    TOWN     MEETINGS. 


"5 


Owners  of  Lots  and  Descriptions- 
Jonathan  Dickinson.    25  Rods  from  a  Point  to  2  Rods  wide 
Capt  Eli  Parker.    6  Rods  wide  4S    r.  Long,   thence  19   R.  to   5  ( 

Rods  wide.  ) 

Simeon  Strong  Esq.  from  a  Point  30  Rods  to  3  Rods  wide 
Den.    Hezekiah  Belding.    5  Rods  Wide   16  r.   to  3  Rods  wide  ( 

thence  27  r.  to  4  Rods  wide  I 

Gideon  Dickinson  3  Rods  wide  24  Rods  long,  to  2  rods  wide 

Thence  20  r.  to   1   r.  wide:  Thence  30  r.   to  2  r.  wide 

thence  32  r.  to  4  r.  wide  : 
Capt.  Reuben  Dickinson— 4  Rods  wide  20  r.    to  5  wide,   thence  ( 

30  r.  to  4  Rods  wide  I 

Joseph  Morton  4  r.  wide  42  r.  to  2  r.  wide 
Jonathan  Smith  4  R.  wide  50  R.  long 
Gideon  Dickinson.  22.  wide  32  Rods  long 
John  Ingram.  2  r.  wide  70  r.  to  6  r.  wide 
Joseph  Eastman  4  Rods  wide  running  6S  Rods  to  a  Point 
Zachaeriah  Hawley  6  Rods  wide  32  r.  long 

Dn  Jonathan  Edwards.  6  r.    wide  17  Rods  long  thence  20  Rods  \ 
to  a  Point  ) 


Quantity 
of  Land. 

A.    K. 

21 

2      70 

45 

159 


Price  pei' 
Acre 
£     ■ 
200 

2  S  o 
2  S  0 
1    15    0 

1     16    o 


Sum  to 
be  Paid. 
£ 


0  13    6 

1  14    9 


120 

2 

0 

0 

I 

11  6 

40 

I 

10 

0 

I 

17  6 

64 

I 

10 

0 

0 

12  0 

120 

I 

4 

0 

2 

2  0 

136 

I 

10 

0 

I 

5  6 

3    3 


FROM   BAY    ROAD    NORTH    BETWEEN    FIRST    AND    SECOND   DIVISIONS. 


Simeon  Smith  17  Rods  wide  at  Bay  Road  running  44  Rods  to  a  1 

Point  I 

Giles  Church  8  r.  wide  14  Rods  long  to  6  Rods  wide 
Jonathan  Moody.  1  r.  wide  running  40  Rods  to  12  Rods  wide 
Joel  Moody.  6  r.  wide  running  36  Rods  to  2  r.   wide,  thence  20  ) 

R.  to  4  1  wide  1 

Aaron  Warner.  Jnr.  Heirs.  12  Rods  wide  running  34  rods  to   5  ( 

Rods  wide  :  thence  10  Rods  to  6  Rods  wide  I 

Lemuel  Moody.  45  Rods  wide  17  r  to  9  Rods    wide   thence  iS  r.  | 

to  2  rods  wide  I 

Waitstill  Dickinson  6  Rods  wide  running  S   Rods  to   10    Rods) 

wide:  thence  10  Rods    to  14  Rods  wide:  thence  45   r.    14  > 

r.  wide  ) 

Widow  Sarah  Lee.  14  r.  wide  11  Rods  N.  and  South. 
Solomon  Boltwood  14  Rods  wide  44  R.  long. 
John  Lee.  14  r.  wide  90  r.  long 
Nathaniel  Coleman.  14  r.  wide    running   20  r.  to  12  Rods  wide.) 

thence  12  r.  to  that  Point.  I 

Nathaniel  Coleman.  North  side  of  his  lot  from  a  Point.  10  Rods  ) 

long  to  5  r.  wide  I 

Justus  Williams,  from  a  Point  64  r.  to  14  Rd;.  wide 
Timothy  Green.  Jnr.  14  Rods  wide  30  Rods  long 
Timothy  Green.  14  Rods  wide  30  Rods  long 
James  Mearrick  14  Rods  wide  thence  54  to  7  Rods  wide 
Eldad  Moody  5  r.    Wide   45    r.    to   7  r.  wide  thence  19  r.  17  r.  I 

wide  I 

Jnr  Joseph  Pettes  7  Rods  wide  21  Rods  long   thence  27  r.   to  4  I 

r.  wide  j 

Captain  Moses  Cook.  7  Rods  wide  running  30  r.  to  8  Rods  wide 

Ethan  Smith  8  Rods  wide  29  Rods  long  to  10  Rods  wide 

Den.  Eleazer  Smith  75  Rods  of  land  more  than  his  former  grant 

Enos  Dickinson  4  Rods  wide  40  Rods  long. 

Capt  Aaron  Dickinson.  9  Rods  wide  28  Rods  to  a  Point.  From  ( 

a  Point  to  3  Rods  wide  at  ye  Rever  42  Rods  J 

Justus  Williams  3  r.  wide  32  r.  long  to  14  r.  wide 
Enos  Dickinson  14  r.  Wide  19  r.  long. 
Martin  Kellogg.  14  r.  Wide  52  r.  long  to  ii  Rod  wide 
Leut  Moses  Rowe.    from  a   Point  34  Rods  long  to  2   r.   wide  I 

thence  2  Rods  Wide  34  Rods  long  | 

William  Boltwood  2  r.  Wide  30  Rod  long 
Samuel  Smith  48  Rods  long  12  Rods  Wide 


64 


98 
1    100 

1  49 

2  24 


5      14 

i54 

3    ij^ 
7    140 


4? 


128 

ioo 

100 
64 


64 
101 


120 

I06 


102 
60 


I        9     I 


4 

0 

0 

14 

5 

4 

0 

1 

19 

0 

4 

4 

1 

11 

4 

4 

0 

2 

II 

6 

10 

0 

2 

0 

2 

8    iS    o 


I 

13 

s 

7 

14 

0 

9 

9 

0 

1 

16 

3 

0 

4 

8 

4 

18 

0 

3 

10 

10 

3 

iS 

9 

5 

19 

0 

2   19 


2 

9 

2 

2 

17 

0 

0 

iS 

9 

I 

13 

0 

2 

6 

6 

3 

6 

6 

2 

14 

10 

S 
1 

2 
12 

6 
1 

0 

19 

6 

9 

6 

2 

'i  1 6 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Owners  of  Lots  and  Descriptions — 

■Capt  Aaron  Dickinson.  2  Rods  wide  running  54  r.  to  a  Point. 
John  Boltwood  50  Rods  long.  12  rods  wide 
Elijah  Dickinson.  14  Rods  wide.  39  rods  long,  to  S  Rods  wide 
Mr  Nehemiah  Strong— S  Rods  running  20  r.  long  to  45  wide 
Dn.  Robert  Cutler  gR  of  Land 
Thomas  Bascum  gR  of  Land. 
Jrs.  John  Nash  4  r.  about  25  R.  to  a  Point 
Daniel  Kellogg.  14  Rds.  wide  46  r.  long :  and  33  r.  to  2  r.  wide 
Isaac  Goodale.  13I  Rods  by  14  Rods 
Moses  Cook  from  a   Point  30   Rods  to   12  r.  Wide,  thence  30 

Rods  12  R.  wide  thence  20  R.  to  i2j  wide  thence   iS   r  to 

1 2.5  wide 
Seth  Coleman.  2  r.  wide  29  r.  long 
Simeon  Strong,  Esq.  2  r.  W  20  r.  long  to  ii  r.  wide 
Jonathan  Field  ik  Rods  wide  34  r  long  to  a  Point 
Rvd  David  Parsons  123  r  wide  35  Rods  long  to  14  r  wide 
Lent  John  Field  14  r  wide  32  r.  long. 
Joseph  Church— 14  r.  wide  150  r.  long 
Joseph  Eastman  from  a  Point  34  r.  to  7  r.  wide  thence  55  r.  to 

2  r.  long 
John  Eastman  13  r.  wide  running  iS  r.  to  7  r.  wide  :  thence  44 

r.  to  12  Rods  wide 
Nath'll  Dickinson  Esq  12  r.  wide  55  r.  long 
Ebenezar  Mattoon.  2  r.  wide— running  103  r.  to  3  r.  wide. 
Elijah  Baker.  Junr.  3  Rods  wide  running  50  r.  to  6  rods  wide 
Elijah  Baker  Senior.  12  r.  wide  76  r.  long  to  11  r.  wide 
John  Ingram  11  r.  wide  running  51  r.  to  6  r.  wide. 
Simeon  Cowles  6  r.  wide  running  iS  rods 
David  Smith  Jnr  6  r.  wide  running  17  rods  to  a  Point 
Andrew  Kimball.  13  r.  wide  50  r.  long 

The  Cross  Road  South  of  John  Lees.  From  Lt  Jonathan  Dick- 
inson 6  r.  wide  74  r.  Long 
Solomon  Boltwood.     From  a  point  iS  rods  to  5  r.  wide  :  then  32 

rods  to  a  point 
John  Lee.  6  rods  wide  19  rods  long  thence   iS  r.   to   1   r.  wide. 

thence  32  r  to  6  r.  wide  :  thence  120  r  6  rods  wide 


Quantity 

Price 

per 

Sum   to 

of  Land. 

Acre 

be  Paid. 

A.    R. 

£ 

£ 

54 

2 

i5 

0 

0    iS    6 

3     120 

3 

18 

0 

14  12    6 

2     109 

4 

0 

0 

10  14    6 

152 

4 

0 

0 

3     2    6 

'  9 

4 

0 

0 

046 

9 

4 

0 

0 

046 

5° 

4 

0 

0 

1      5    0 

5    112 

5 

0 

0 

2S  10    0 

1    132 

5 

0 

0 

600 

104 

46 


I   16 


12    12      6 


063 

5    18    8 

5  6    3 
27    6    0 

4    iS    3 

6  10    8 


20 

2 

3 

0 

8 

17 

2 

!      97 

2 

3 

0 

3 

9 

1 

65 

1 

10 

0 

2 

1 

2 

1       74 

2 

3 

0 

11 

15 

9 

'■     "3 

1 

4 

0 

3 

4 

4 

10S 

1 

4 

0 

0 

Hi 

2 

5i 

1 

4 

0 

0 

9 

8 

\      10 

1 

4 

0 

4 

17 

6 

!      124 

2 

0 

0 

5 

11 

0 

123 

2 

0 

0 

1 

11 

3 

6    49 

1 

10 

0 

9 

9 

2 

THE    ROAD    FROM    HADLEV    TO    PELHAM. 


Simeon  Strong,  Esq.  15™  rods  wide  running  24  r.  to  7  r.  wide. 

Gideon  Parsons  from  1  r.  wide  running  10  r  to  15  r  wide. 

Rev  David  Parsons.  i|  r  wide  14  r  to  9  r  wide  thence  16  r  to  12I 

r  wide  thence  12  r  to  14  r.  wide  thence  iS  r  to  16  r  wide  then 

11  r  to  15  r  wide 
Mr  Ebenezer  Boltwood  7  r  wide  Running    16  r  to  3!  r  wide 
Den.  Robert  Cutler 3 A  rods  wide  runnin  12  r.   to  a   Point   East 

of  his  house  thence  from  a  Point  a  little  East  of  his  hous 

48  rods  west  to  9  Rods  wide 
Den.  Simeon  Clark  15  r  Wide  42  r  to  7  r  wide  :  thence  38  r  to  a 

Point  from  a  Point  4S  r  to  16  r  wide  at  Hadley  line 
Solomon  Boltword  9  r  wide  running  38  rods  to    16  r.   wide: 

thence  16  r.  wide  34  r  :  thence  48  r.  to  a  Point  at  Hadley 

Line. 
Mr.  Simeon  Strong,  near  Mr.  Boltwoods  shop   1    r  wide   13  r  ) 

long  I 

Simeon  Dickinson.  2  r  wide  running  30  r  to  3  r  wide 
Zebina  Montague  from  a  point  8  r  to  2  r  wide  thence  East   22  ( 

r  to  a  Point  I 

Jacob  Mc   Doniels  a  Piece  of  Land  South  of  the   Pound  as  ) 

staked  out  by  ye  Com'tee.  I 

Jacob  Mc  Doniels  East  of  the  Town  5  r  wide  75  r  long 
Jacob  Mc  Doniels  another  Piece  ii  r  wide  running  17  r  to  1  Rod  ) 

wide  :  thence  7   Rods  to  i    Rod  wide  thence  6  r  wide  to  [ 

2  Rods  wide  ) 


86 
12 

104 

S4 


6 

10 

6 

0 

5 

0 

11 

17 

2 

2 

2 

0 

4 

IS 

7 

34    3  11 

066 
300 

0  iS    2 

076 

1  06 

1    10    6 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  117' 


Quantity    Price  per 

Sum    to 

of  Land        Acre 

be  Paid 

A.     R.          £ 

£ 

Owners  of  Lots  and  Descriptions — 

Moses   Warner  from  a   Point  East  20  r.  to  6  r  wide :  thence)  ^    '        „    „ 

East  12  r.  to  a  Point  1  gb       J    I0    °  J      4    - 

Moses  Warner  from  a  Point  5  r  to  2  r  wide  ;  thence  99  rods  to)  ___        ,  „ 

3  r  wide.  I         1     ijj       o    io    0  3     is     1 

Moses  Warner  3  r  wide  4S  r  long  to  S  r  wide  1     104        3    10    0  5    15    5 

Simeon  Dickinson.  2  r  wide  running  99  r  to  5  r  wide;  thence  20  (  „/■  .. 

r.  to  a  Point  j        2      /D        2    Ij    °  b    "    J 

THE    CROSS    ROAD    SOUTH    OF   JOSEPH    DICKINSON'S    FARM. 

Simeon  Strong  Esq  6  r  wide  166  r  long  6      36       200  1290 

Jonathan  Field  6  r  wide  running  50  r  to  a  Point  :  from  another  j  ■ 

Point  20  r  to  3  r  wide :  thence  20  r  to  a  Point  i        1      5o        2    o    o  2    12    00 

Joseph  Dickinson  from  a  Point  running  150  r  to  6  rods  wide.  2     142        1     iS    o  599 

THE   CROSS    ROAD   SOUTH    OF   SIMEON   COWLES    FARM. 

John  Eastman  6  r  wide  48  r  long  1     12S        230  3176 

Simeon  Cowles  6  r  wide  6  r  long :  thence  14  r  to  a  point  108        230  190 

Joseph  Church  from  a  Point  24  r  to  6  r  wide :  thence  6  rods  wide  j        T      oS        ■>  116 

Oliver  Cowles  6  r.  wide  70  r  long  2    100       2    10    0  6    n    3 

The  Several  Sums  affixed  to  the  Respective  Farms  contained  in  the  foregoing 
List  amounts  according  to  the  Computation  made  by  the  Committee  to  the  sum  of 
five  thousand  thirty-three  Pounds  Five  Shillings  and  Eleven  Pence — But  there  are 
Several  former  grants  that  are  not  included  in  the  foregoing  Assignment  which  the 
Com  could  not  without  Difficulty  ascertain,  and  are  therefore  left,  to  be  Deducted 
from  the  Assignments  Respectively — the  Lands  left  for  a  way.  from  the  Leverett 
Bounds  to  Mill  River,  and  the  Lands  left  between  L1  John  Dickinsons  and  Justus 
Williams  Farm  in  First  division  are  not  reported  by  the  Committee  but  left  to  be 
hereafter  disposed  of  by  the  town  as  they  shall  think  Propre  all  which  is  humbly 
submitted  by 

Simeon  Strong.    ~] 
John  Field. 
True  copy  of  the  Joseph  Church. 

Original  List,  !  Eli  Parker  I  Com' 

Seth  Coleman.  Xoah  Smith 

Town  Clerk     J  Josiah  Warner 

Moses  Dickinson  | 
Enos  Dickinson   J 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst.  May  15. 17SS. 
Voted  as  follows — (viz) 

Voted     Simeon  Strong  Esq.  Moderator 

Voted  that  Hogs  shall  run  ringed  and  yoked  according  to  law  from  the 
Fifteenth  Instant  of  May  to  the  Fifteenth  of  August  next. 

Voted  to  next  Choose  a  Com'"'  of  five  to  vew  the  ground  through  the  third 
division  near  Jim.  Elijah  Hastings,  farm  and  Pais  their  judgment  whether  it  be 
Expedient  for  the  town  to  lay  a  road  acrost  Said  Division  and  make  their  reports 
from  future  Meeting. 

Voted  Den.  Elisha  Smith.  Capt.  Eli  Parker,  Joseph  Church.  Capt.  Moses 
Cook,  &  Jonathan  Dickinson,  be  the  Comue  above. 

Voted  that  the  town  Reconsider  a  Former  Vote  Relative  to  the  High  way 
that  was  set  to  John  Boltwood  by  the  Com110  appointed  to  Sel  Some  part  of  the 
town  ways  in  November  17S7  and  grant  the  Same  to  the  widow  Mary  Boltwood  & 
William  Boltwood  upon  their  fulfilling  the  Conditions  as  Voted  for  the  Sale  of  the 
Highways. 


I  iS  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Voted,  to  Choose  a  Com1'"  to  transcribe  the  ancient  records  of  the  limits  of 
the  town  of  Amherst  &  print  the  Same  in  Amherst  Town  Book. 

Voted     Seth  Coleman.  Noah  Smith,  and  Jun.  John  Nash,  be  the  Corn1''  above. 

Voted,     that  the  Assessors  make  the  highway  rate  by  the  Last  list 

Voted  that  the  town  take  into  their  care  &  support  the  widow  Mehetibel 
Smith  and  all  her  effects. 

Voted  to  Draw  as  much  .Money  out  of  the  Treasury  as  shall  be  sufficient 
to  furnish  Securities  to  overrun  the  fine  laid  on  the  town  for  not  finding  a 
Representative. 

Voted  To  Send  a  Comtee  to  vew  the  land  on  the  front  of  Den.  John  Pilings 
lot  and  make  report  to  a  future  Meeting  wheather  on  what  Part  of  the  highway 
before  Said  Johns  front  will  be  Expedient  for  the  town  to  Sel. 

Simeon  Strong  Moderator. 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst  on  thirsday 
the  Eighteenth  day  of  September  178S — 

Voted     Daniel  Cooley  Moderator — 

Voted  to  raise  fifty  four  Pounds  for  the  Purpos  of  Maintaining  the  Skools  in 
Amherst. 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  Impowered  to  levy  a  tax  to  rais  the  Same  and 
that  it  be  put  into  the  First  Town  Tax  after  Next  January. 

Voted  to  make  an  Averidge  of  the  Avails  of  the  Town  Lands  lately  asined 
for  Sale  betwixt  the  two  Parishes  in  Amherst. 

Voted  Dn.  John  Billings.  Col.  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Seth  Coleman,  Lieut. 
Zebina  Montague  &  John  McDoniel  be  the  Com*'    fur  the  Purpos  above. 

Voted  that  the  town  Examin  the  Surveyors  of  the  Highway  for  the  year  1787 
&  See  what  Moneys  there  is  Still  in  their  hands  that  hath  not  been  Expended  on 
the  highways — 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  take  up  the  Matter  and  all  the  Moneys  they  find 
in  the  hands  of  the  Surveyors  be  Expended  on  the  Highways  in  the  best  manner 
for  the  benefit  of  the  town. 

Voted  that  the  Town  Come  into  Some  Measure  to  Establish  the  town  Ways 
laid  out  by  the  Com'"'  for  Disposing  of  the  town  Street  Lands  So  Called. 

Voted     To  Chuse  a  Comtee  for  the  above  Purpose — 

Voted  Capt.  Eli  Parker.  Dn.  John  billings.  &  Leut.  Zebina  Montague  be  the 
Comtec'  above — and  that  they  make  Report  to  Next  January  Meeting. 

Voted     that  the  Com110  Set  up  Sufficient  bounds  at  Every  Point 

Voted  that  the  Treasurer  be  Directed  to  Postpone  for  the  Present  Calling 
upon  Stephen  Smith  for  so  much  of  his  Town  rate  as  is  Assessed  on  town  Akount. 

Voted  that  the  Comtee  Chosen  to  Establish  the  highway  in  Amherst  Vew  the 
Highway  betwixt  Leut  John  Dickinson  &  Ebenezer  Williams  land  &  see  Whether 
any  or  all  of  Said  highway  can  be  Sold  without  Injuring  of  the  town — &  that  the 
Said  Comtee  Appraise  the  Land. 

Voted  that  the  forty  five  Pounds  Voted  to  be  raised  on  the  ■£}'  of  April  laist 
be  Assessed  Immediately  and  that  the  Said  rate  be  made  by  the  Laist  Town  List — 

Voted  to  Adjourn  this  Meeting  to  thirsday.  the  twenty  fifth  instant  of  Sep- 
tember, at  three  of  the  Clock,  in  the  afternoon,  and  meet  at  this  Place — 

Sept  25th  17SS,  being  met  according  to  adjournment  Voted  as  follows  (Viz) 
Voted     to   Adjourn   this    meeting   to    the    Schoole    hous    near    land    about 
Parsonses  hous — 


# 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  I  19 

Voted  to  rais  thirty  live  Pounds  to  Settle  the  Execution  against  the  Town  in 
favor  of  the  Hears  of  the  Rev  David  Parsons.  Late  of  Amherst  Deceast. 

Voted  to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Levy  a  tax  to  rais  the  Same  &  that  Said 
rate  be  made  by  the  Laist  List. 

Test.  Daniel  Coolev.  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  Meeting-hous  in 
the  First  Parish  in  S.'1  Amherst  on  Thirsday,  the  Sixteenth  day  of  October  17SS 
Voted  as  follows,  (viz) 

Voted     Simeon  Strong  Esq.  Moderator. 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Cora1"1'  to  Devise  a  Plan  for  the  Equatable  Division  of  the 
avails  of  the  streat  land  betwixt  the  two  Parishes  and  make  report  to  an  adjourned 
Meeting. 

Voted  Coll.  Ebenezer  Mattoon.  Simeon  Strong,  Esq.  Den.  Hezekiah  Belding, 
Joseph  Church.  &  Seth  Coleman,  be  y"  Com"''  above. 

Voted  to  adjourn  this  Meeting  the  27"1  Instant  of  October,  at  one  of  the 
Clock  and  meet  at  this  Place 

Monday,  Oct.  27tL  17SS.  the  town  being  Met  according  to  adjournment.  Come 
to  the  following  vote — (viz) 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  Report  of  the  Committee  Chosen  the  Last  Meeting 
for  a  Projecting  a  Plan  for  the  Division  of  the  Streat  land,  which  is  as  follows,  (viz) 

Voted  that  the  monies  Arising  from  the  sale  of  town  ways  be  granted  to  the 
two  Parishes  within  the  Town  to  be  divided  between  them  so  that  the  Proportion 
of  the  First  Parish  to  that  of  the  Second  shall  be  as  three  hundred  sixty  two 
Pounds,  thirteen  Shillings  to  one  hundred  Sixty  four  Pounds,  thirteen  Shillings. 

Voted  that  it  is  Recommended  to  Each  of  the  Said  Parishes  to  .Appoint  a 
Committee  for  Settling  Account  Respecting  the  Monies  arising  from  Sale  of  the 
Town  Ways,  to  See  that  Each  Parish  have  Justice  done  in  the  Settlement 

Voted  Debts  Collected  in  money  Shall  be  Paid  out  by  the  Town  Treasurer 
to  the  Treasurer  on  Committee  of  that  Parish  where  the  Debtor  is  an  Inheabitant. 
so  far  as  it  may  be  done  Consistant  with  an  Appointment  between  the  Parishes 
Expressed  in  the  former  Vote :  and  the  Resept  of  such  Parish  Treasurer  on  Com- 
mittee Shall  be  the  Town  Treasurers  Complete  Discharge  for  the  Same 

Voted  that  on  Account  of  the  Difficulty  of  Collecting  Debts  in  Money  and 
for  the  Ease  of  Purchasers  in  that  respect  the  Treasurer  shall  pay  out  to  Each  of 
Said  Parishes  the  Securities  given  for  Said  Lands,  Observing  as  near  as  may  be 
the  Proportion  fore  mentioned,  and  Shall  Indors  his  name  and  Name  of  office  on 
Each  Security  so  Paid  out  to  Either  Parish  Treasurer  on  Committee  which 
Indorsement  shall  be  a  Sufficient  Power  to  the  Parish  or  Parish  Treasurer 
Receiving  the  Same  at  their  own  Expense  to  Sue  the  Same  Security  in  the  Name 
of  the  Town  Treasurer  and  to  Convert  the  Contents  to  the  use  of  the  Same  Parish 
without  being  Accountable  to  the  Town  or  Town  Treasurer  therefor. 

Voted — that  Payment  Shall  be  made  in  Securities  in  the  Same  Maner  as  hath 
bin  before  Ordered  Respecting  Payments  in  Money,  that  is  to  Say,  the  securities 
Respectively  Shall  be  Paid  to  that  Parish  whereof  the  Debtor  is  an  Inheabitant, 
according  to  the  Proportion  before  dictated 

Voted  that  the  Town  Treasurer  be  Dictated  to  make  five  Entries  of  all  Pay- 
ments by  him  made  Pursuant  to  the  foregoing  Votes,  and  take  Receipts  of  the 


120  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Parish  Treasurers  on  Committees  and  the  Receipt  of  Securities  from  Such  Parish 
Treasurer  on  Committee  Shall  be  his  Complete  Discharge  for  the  Contents  of  the 
Same — 

Voted — that  when  the  Averadge  on  Division  hath  Proceeded  So  far  as  to  take 
the  whole  of  the  Debts  that  belong  to  one  of  the  Parishes  and  yet  a  Surplusage 
Shall  remain  undivided  the  town  will  Endeavor  to  make  Such  Equitable  Settle- 
ment thereof  as  Shall  be  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Parishes  and  Debtors- 
Voted  that  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  Enquire  into  the  State  of  the 
Judgments  and  Executions  in  favor  of  the  town  and  Cause  the  Contents  thereof  to 
be  paid  on  security  as  soon  as  Possible  that  they  may  be  used  in  the  Adjustment 
of  the  Averadge  between  the  Parishes  if  the  town  Shall  think  Propre. 

Voted  that  Simeon  Strong.  Esq.,  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Esq.,  and  Leut  Zebina 
Montague  be  a  Com"'  for  the  Purpos. 

Voted  that  the  Inheabitants  of  the  town  who  Shall  not  give  their  Security 
according  to  the  Vote  the  Appraisement  of  the  town  on  or  before  the  twenty 
Seventh  day  of  November  next,  shall  have  no  wright  afterwards  to  Purchase  under 
the  Said  Vote  and  Appraisement. 

Voted  that  to  Inclose  Lands  Proposed  for  sale  whose  owners  Shall  not  give 
Security  on  or  before  the  twenty  Seventh  Day  of  November  next  Shall  be  Deemed 

Nuisances  on  the  town  Way 

Voted  that  Lbenezer  Boltwood,  Ebenezer  .Mattoon  Esq.  and  Capt  Eli  Parker 
be  a  Committee  to  take  Legal  measure  for  Removing  Such.  Incumberances  as 
soon  as  may  be  alter  the  Expiration  of  Said  Limited  time. 

Simeon  Strong.  Moderator. 

Record  of  the  <  )bligations  given  for  Streat  Land  Agreeable  to  the  Vote  at  the 
town  April  7.  1788. 

April  i|.  Daniel  Kellogg  with  Daniel  Kellogg  Jun.  gave  Security 
for  his  Streat  Land  at  the  West  end  of  his  lot.  and  Mr.  Goodales  :  viz:         28   11  o 

May  12.  Jonathan  Smith  and  Elijah  Dickinson  gave  security  for 
the  Lands  assoined  to  them  viz  to  Elijah  Dickinson  at  the  South  west 
Corner  of  the  lot  lately  owned  by  John  Nash  and  near  Den.  John  Billings 
hous  Also  a  bit  of  land  at  the  East  End  of  Jonathan  Smiths  lot  on 
which  he  dwells  also  a  bit  of  land  at  the  east  end  of  said  Jonathans  lot 
betwixt  Josiah  Eastmans  &  Ebenezer  Dickinson  &c.  8106 

May  16"1  William  Boltwood  gave  Security  with  Moses  Cook  Bonds- 
man, for  a  bit  of  Streat  Land  at  the  North  west  corner  of  the  lot  owned 
by  the  Hears  of  William  Boltwood  late  of  Amherst,  Deceast,  near  Den. 
John  Billings  hous  (the  vote  of  the  town  May  25111  17SS)  3     3     4 

May  21"  Widow  Mary  Boltwood,  gave  Security  with  Wm.  Bolt- 
wood  Bondsman  for  a  bit  of  land  betwixt  the  hous  in  which  She  dwells, 
and  the  lane  opposit  to  Den.  John  Billings  3   15     o 

Sept  iilh  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  Esq.  gave  Security  with  Nathaniel 
Dickinson.  Bondsman,  for  a  bit  of  Streat  land  at  the  East  End  of  the 
lot  on  which  the  Said  Nathaniel  lives.  8   17     2 

October  14"'  Stephen  Smith  gave  Security  with  Jun.  Elisha  Hast- 
ings, Bondsman  for  a  bit  of  Streat  Land  at  the  west  End  of  his  farm 
opposit  his  hous.  2   15   10 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  12  1 

14th  Jun  Elijah  Hastings  gave  Security  with  Stephen  Smith, 
Bondsman,  for  a  bit  of  Streat  Land  at  the  west  end  of  his  hous  lot  200 

14"1  Stoughton  Dickinson  gave  Security  with  Jonathan  Dickinson 
Jun.  for  a  Bit  of  Streat  Land  at  the  East  end  of  that  lot  which  Stoughton 
Dickinson  bought  of  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  as  also  a  bit  on  the  west  side 
of  the  lot  on  which  Stoughton  now  dwells  S  19     1 

14 — Joseph  Church  gave  Security  with  Joseph  Church  Jun.  Bonds- 
man for  a  Bit  of  Streat  land  at  the  East  end  of  the  lot  on  which  Said 
Joseph  now  dwells  26  13     6 

15th  Jacob  McDoniel  gave  Security  with  Jonathan  Dickinson  Jun. 
Bondsman,  for  three  bits  of  Streat  land  near  his  dwelling  hous  :  2  iS    6 

16 — Lent  John  Field  gave  Security  with  John  Field  Jun.  Bondsman. 
for  a  bit  of  Land  at  the  East  end  of  his  farm  &c.  563 

16  Esq.  Strong  gave  Security  with  Jacob  McDoniel  Bondsman,  for 
a  bit  of  Streat  Land  on  Town  way  South  of  Dwelling  hous  6   10     6 

16.  Ebenezer  Boltwood  gave  Security  with  Jacob  .McDoniel  Bonds- 
man for  a  bit  of  town  way  a  little  west  of  Esq  Strongs  Barn.  220 

16.  Capt  James  Hendrick  gave  Security  with  Stoughton  Dickinson 
Bondsman,  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  end  of  that  lot  which  Said 
James  bought  of  Shileab  Smith  4  16     6 

16th  Capt  Eli  Parker  gave  Security  with  Eli  Parker  Jun.  Bonds- 
man, for  a  Bit  of  Streat  Land  at  the  East  Part  of  the  lot  on  which  he 
lives  4   19    O' 

Martin  Kellogg  gave  Security  with  Ebenezer  Boltwood,  Bondsman, 
for  a  bit  of  town  Way  lying  on  the  West  End  of  the  farm  on  which  the 
Sd  Martin  now  Dwells  8     2     6 

16  Simeon  Pomeroy  gave  Security  with  David  Pomeroy.  Bonds- 
man, for  a  Bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  end  of  the  lot  on  which  Simeon 
Pomeroy  now  dwells  1    1 1     o 

25.  Simeon  Strong  Esq.  gave  Security  with  E.  Boltwood  Bonds- 
man for  a  bit  of  town  way  near  Mr  E  Boltwoods  shop  o     6     6 

25  Simeon  Strong  Esq.  in  like  manner  gave  Security  for  a  Bit  of 
town  way  at  the  west  End  of  Esq  Strongs  lot  near  Jonathan  Fields 
dwelling  hous  013     1 

25  Simeon  Strong  Esq.  in  like  manner  gave  Security  for  a  bit  of 
town  way  at  the  East  End  of  Esq.  Strongs  lot  Near  to  Capt  Parkers 
dwelling  hous  o  13     6 

Simeon  Strong  Esq.  in  like  manner  gave  Security  for  a  bit  of  Town 
Way  adjoining  to  the  highway  South  of  Joseph  Dickinsons  Farm  12     90 

Nov™  29.  Simeon  Dickinson  gave  Security  with  Simeon  Dickinson 
Jun.  Bondsman,  for  a  Bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  Simeon  Dick- 
insons Farm  :  also  a  bit  of  Town  way  betwixt  Said  Simeon's  and  Jacob 
Mc  Doniels  Dwelling  hous  &  one  other  bit  west  of  McDoniels  Dwelling 
hous  10   18     3 

11.     Jonathan  Dickinson  gave  Security  with  Will  Coleman  bonds- 
man, for  a  bit  of  town  way.  at  the  West  end  of  Said  Dickinsons  hous  lot      o    5     3, 
1 1 


122  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST.    MASS. 

24.  Sarah  Warner  gave  Security  with  Zeachariah  Hawley  bonds- 
man for  a  bit  of  Streat  land  Consigned  to  heirs  late  Haybert  lying  on 
the  South  side  of  the  highway,  opposit  to  Jacob  McDoniels  hous  lot  145 

24  Leut  Jonathan  Dickinson  gave  Security  with  Stoughton  Dick- 
inson, Bondsman,  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  end  of  that  lot  on 
which  John  Lee  now  lives,  as  also  one  other  bit  on  the  South  Side  near 
the  Southeast  Corner  of  the  Same  Lot  712     o 

24  Moses  Hastings  gave  Security  with  Simeon  Pomeroy  Bonds- 
man for  a  bit  of  town  way  (viz)  Moses  Hastings  Part  of  the  Highway 
that  was  Consigned  to  Moses  Hastings  and  Thomas  Hastings  Hears—        1     4     8 

24.  Samuel  Hastings  gave  Security  with  Reuben  North,  bonds- 
man, for  a  Bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  End  of  that  lot  on  which 
Samuel  Hastings  now  lives,  and  also  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  end 
of  that  lot  Samuel  Hastings  bought  of  Moses  Warner — :  1     6     2 

24.  Reuben  Nash  gave  Security  with  Samuel  Hastings  Bondsman, 
for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  end  of  Reuben  N ashes  hous  lot.  015     4 

Novm.  24.  Simeon  Pomeroy  Jun.  gave  Security  with  Moses  Hast- 
ings Bondsman,  for  a  bit  of  the  town  Way  at  the  West  End  of  the  lot  on 
which  Simeon  Pomeroys  hous  now  stands.  0150 

14.  Seth  Coleman  gave  Security  with  Jonathan  Dickinson  Bonds- 
man, for  a  bit  of  town  Way  at  the  West  End  of  Seth  Colemans  lot 
South  of  Esq.  Strongs  lot  1      1     9 

24.  John  Lee  gave  Security  to  Jonathan  Dickinson  Jun  Bondsman 
for  a  bit  of  town  land,  aCross  the  West  end  of  the  lot  which  John  Lee 
now  lives  on.  also,  a  Sluis  on  the  South  Side  of  Said  Johns  hous  lot.  18  18     2 

24.  Nathaniel  Coleman  gave  Security  with  Esq.  Strong  Bondsman 
for  two  Bits  of  town  Way.  one  at  the  South  west  &  another  at  the  north 
west  Corner  of  the  farm  on  which  Nath"  Coleman  now  dwells.  2     o  1 1 

Nathan  Dickinson  gave  Security  with  Azariah  Dickinson  bonds- 
man for  a  bit  of  Streat  land  at  the  West  End  of  the  town  on  which 
Nathan  Dickinson  now  Dwells  3     7     3 

24.  Daniel  Kellogg  gave  Security  with  Daniel  Kellogg"  Jun.  Bonds- 
man for  a  bit  of  Streat  land  at  the  West  end  of  the  lot  on  which  Dan- 
iel Kellogg  dwells  which  was  consined  to  Isac  Goodale  600 

24  Daniel  Kellogg  gave  Security  with  Daniel  Kellogg  Jun.  Bonds- 
man for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the   East  End  of  Daniel  Kelloggs  lot  on 

which  he  dwells  1     8     1 

25  Nathan  Dickinson  Jun.  gave  Security  with  Perez  Dickinson 
Bondsman,  for  a  Bit  of  town  way  011  the  West  End  of  the  lot  on  which 
Nathan  Dickinson  now  dwells — :  212     6 

25.  Justus  Williams  gave  Security  with  Samuel  Hastings,  Bonds- 
man For  5  bits  of  town  way.  (viz)  one  at  the  East  End  of  that  lot  on 
which  Ebenezer  Williams  now  lives:  one  other  at  the  West  End  of  that 
lot  on  which  Justus  Williams  lately  lived  :  Also  at  the  West  End  of 
Justus  Williams  lot,  North  of  Simeon  Pomeroys,  Also  at  the  East  End 
of    S.'1  Justus  lot    North  of  John  Dickinsons  lot,  also  at  the  West  End 

of  the  lot  on  which  Ebenezer  Williams  now  Dwells.  14   12     o 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  1 23 

25.  Den.  Robert  Cutler  gave  Security  with  Simeon  Strong  Esq. 
Bondsman,  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  End  of  the  lot  that  belongs 
to  Jun.  John  Nash.  040 

25.  Ebenezer  Jones  gave  Security  with  John  Pettes  Bondsman, 
for  a  bit  of  Town  Way  adjoining  to  Ebenezer  Tones  hous  lot  0165 

25  Jonathan  Moody  Jun.  gave  security  with  David  Smith  Bonds- 
man, For  a  bit  of  Town  Way  on  the  West  Side  of  Jonathan  Moody 

Jun.  Streat  land  So  Called  1    10     o 

25.  Moses  Cook  gave  Security  with  Moses  Cook  Jun.  Bondsman 
for  a  Bit  of  Town  Way  at  the  East  End  of  that  Farm  on  which  Moses 
Cook  now  dwells  1 2   1 2     6 

Novem  25.  John  Eastman  gave  Security  with  Samuel  Ingram 
Bondsman,  for  a  bit  of  Town  Way  at  the  East  End  of  that  lot  John 
Eastman  Bought  of  Enos  Cowles,  as  also  one  other  Bit  on  the  South 
Side  of  the  Same  Lot.  10     8     2 

25.  Zeachariah  Hawley  Gave  Security  with  David  Warner  bonds- 
man for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  end  of  Zeachariah  Hawley,s 
houslot.  .  o     5     9 

26.  Dn.  John  Billings  gave  Security  with  David  Billings  Bonds- 
man, for  a  bit  of  Town  Way.  at  the  West    End   of  that  lot  on  which 

David  Billings  Barn  now  Stands  569 

26.  Zebina  Montague  gave  Security  with  Olliver  Cowls,  Bonds- 
man, for  a  Bit  of  town  way,  adjoining  to  Zebina  Montagues   hous   lot,        0189 

26.  Moses  Dickinson  Gave  Security  with  Henry  J.  Franklin, 
Bondsman,  for  a  bit  of  town  way  lying  betwixt  the  land  of  Henry  J. 
Franklin,  and  Jacob  Warner  Jun.  1     6     4 

26.  HeneryJ.  Franklingave  Security  with  Moses  Dickinson.  Bonds- 
for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  End  of  the  Farm,  on  which  Henry  J 
Frankling  now  dwells  o   13     2 

26— Aaron  Warners  Heirs  (viz)  David  Warner  &  Elisha  Warner 
gave  Security  for  a  Bit  of  Town  Way  at  the  East  End  of  that  Lot  on 
Which  the  Widow  Aaron  Warner  now  dwells  2     310 

26  Den  Jonathan  Edwards  gave  Security  with  Nathaniel  Edwards 
Bondsman,  for  a  Bit  of  Town  way  at  the  West  End  of  that  Farm  on 

which  Gideon  Dickinson  2'1  now  Dwells  1     3     6 

26  Rev.  David  Parsons  gave  Security  with  Zebina  Montague  Bonds- 
man for  a  bit  of  Town  way  on  the  South  Side  of  the  Highway,  opposit  to 
Esq.  Strongs  dwelling  hous  11    17     2 

26  Rev  David  Parsons  gave  Security  with  Daniel  Kellogg  Jun. 
Bondsman  for  a  bit  of  Town  way  at  the  East  End  of  the  lot  owned  by 
the  Rev  D:  Parsons,  opposit  Jonathan  Fields  dwelling  hous  5   iS     8 

26  Elijah  Baker  Jun.  gave  Security  with  Moses  Cook  Jun.  Bonds- 
man, for  a  Bit  of  Town  way  at  the  West  End  of  the  lot  North  of  Ebe- 
nezer Mattoons.  2     1     2 

26  Olliver  Cowls  gave  Security  with  Zebina  Montague  Bondsman 
for  a  bit  of  town  way  on  the  North  Side  of  the  Farm  on  which  Olliver 
Cowls  now  Dwells  611     6 


124  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

26  Moses  Cook  Jun  gave  Security  with  Elijah  Baker  Jun  Bonds- 
man, for  a  Bit  of  Town  way  Consigned  to  Thomas  Bascum  at  the  west 
End  of  the  Farm  on  which  John  Nash  now  Dwells:  Now  this  obliga- 
tion was  given  by  order  of  the  Administration.     Test.     Moses  Cook  Junr.       046 

26  Samuel  Smith  gave  Security  with  Will™  Boltwood  Bondsman 
for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  End  of  the  Farm  on  which  Samuel 
Smith  now  dwells  962 

26  Den.  Simeon  Clark  gave  Security  with  Judah  Clark  Bondsman 
for  a  bit  of  Town  way  on  the  North  Side  of  Farm  on  which  Den.  S. 
Clark  now  dwells  22  18    2 

26  Solomon  Boltwood  gave  Security  with  Judah  Clark,  Bondsman 
for  a  bit  of  town  way,  on  the  South  Side  of  that  lot  on  whieh  Solomon 
Boltwood  now  dwells  35     311 

26  Solomon  Boltwood  gave  Security  with  Judah  Clark,  Bondsman, 
for  a  bit  of  town  way,  at  the  West  End  of  that  Lot,  Solomon  Bolt- 
wood  lateley  bought  of  Nath"  Dickinson  2d  7   14    o 

26  Den.  Hezekiah  Belding  gave  security  with  Joseph  Dickinson, 
Bondsman  For  a  bit  of  Town  way  at  the  West  End  of  Den.  Hezekiah 
Beldings  hous  lot  1    14    9 

26  William  Boltwood  gave  Security  with  Samuel  Smith  Bondsman 
For  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  End  of  that  lot  on  Which  the  Widow 
Marah  Boltwood  now  lives;  also  a  Bit  at  the  East  End  of  that  lot  owned 
by  William  Boltwood  betwixt  Moses  Rowe  and  Aaron  Dickinson  6148 

26  Joseph  Dickinson  gave  Security  with  Den.  Hezekiah  Belding, 
Bondsman,  For  a  bit  of  Town  way  on  the  South  Side  of  Joseph  Dickin- 
sons hous  lot  5     9     9 

26  Simeon  Cowls  gave  security  with  Solomon  Boltwood,  Bonds- 
man For  a  bit  of  Town  way  on  the  South  Side  of  Simeon  Cowls  lot 
east  of  his  hous  lot,  and  another  bit  on  the  West  end  of  Simeon  Cowls 

lot  north  of  Ebenezer  Mattoons  252 

27  Ethan  Smith  gave  Security  with  Enos  Dickinson.  Bondsman, 
for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  that  lot  on  which  Ethan  Smith 

now  dwells  217     o 

27  Den.  Eleazar  Smith  gave  security  with  Aaron  Dickinson, 
Bondsman,  For  a  bit  of  Town  way  at  the  East  End  of  the  Farm  on 
which  Den  Eleazar  Smith  now  dwells  o  iS    9 

27  Enos  Dickinson  gave  Security  with  Ethan  Smith  Bondsman 
for  3  bits  of  town  way.  one  at  the  East  End  of  the  lot  adjoining  to  the 
North  Side  of  James  Merricks  hous  lot  which  was  let  to  Capt  Moses 
Cook  ;  also  a  bit  at  the  West  end  of  the  lot  on  which  Enos  Dickinson 
now  Dwells;  also  a  bit  at  the  west  End  of  Enos  Dickinsons  lot  that 
lay  betwixt  the  lots  of  Justus  Williams  and  Martin  Kellogg.  617     o 

27  Capt  Aaron  Dickinson  gave  Security  with  Den  Eleazar  Smith 
Bondsman  for  2  bits  of  town  way,  one  at  the  East  End  of  Capt  Aaron 
Dickinsons  Lot  Adjoining  to  the  North  Side  of  Den  Eleazar  Smiths 
hous  lot  &  the  other  at  the  East  End  of  Capt  Aaron  Dickinsons  house 
lot  3     5° 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  1 25 

27  Capt  David  Rich  gave  Security  with  James  Mearick.  Bonds- 
man, for  a  Bit  of  Town  way  at  the  East  End  of  that  Lot  on  which  Capt 
David  Rich  now  Dwells  143 

27  Moses  Hastings  gave  Security  with  Eli  Parker  Jun.  Bondsman, 
for  a  Bit  of  Town  way  ascoined  to  Moses  Hastings  and  Thomas  Hast- 
ings Heirs  1    13     1 

27  Joel  Moody  gave  Security,  with  Stoughton  Dickinson.  Bonds- 
man, for  a  bit  of  Town  way  at  the  East  End  of  Joel  Moodys  lot  adjoin- 
ing to  the  South  Side  of  Lemuel  Moodys  house  lot.  1   11     4 

27  Eldad  Moody  gave  Security  with  Timothy  Green.  Jun  Bonds- 
man For  a  bit  of  town  way,  at  the  West  End  of  that  lot  on  which  Eldad 
Moody  now  Dwells  2   19     3 

27  John  Ingram  2d  gave  Security  with  Israel  Dickinson  Bondsman. 
For  a  Bit  of  Town  way  at  the  East  End  of  that  lot  on  which  John  Ingram 
2d  now  dwells  344 

27  Ins  John  Nash  gave  Security  with  Furmin  Woods,  Bondsman. 
for  a  bit  of  Town  way  at  the  West  End  of  that  lot  on  which  Jun.  John 
Nash  now  dwells  •  150 

27  Jacob  Warner  Jun.  gave  Security  with  Capt  Aaron  Dickinson 
Bondsman  For  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  west  End  of  that  lot  on  which 
Jacob  Warner  Jr  now  dwells  o  19     o 

27  Joseph  Morton  gave  Security  with  Paul  Newton,  Bondsman,  for 
a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  end  of  that  Lot  on  which  Joseph  Morton 
now  Dwells.  in     6 

27  Ins.  Joseph  Pettes  gave  Security  with  Calvin  Merrill.  Bondsman 
for  2  bits  of  town  way.  one  at  the  East  End  &  the  other  at  the  west  End 
of  that  lot  on  which  Ins.  Joseph  Pettes  now  dwells  511    n 

December  11.  Mr.  Nathaniel  Strong  gave  Security  with  Simeon 
Strong  Esq.  Bondsman,  for  a  Bit  of  town  way  at  the  Front  of  Ensign 
John  X ash's  Lot.  •  326 

Nov  27  Timothy  Green  gave  Security  with  James  Mearick.  Bonds- 
man, for  a  Bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  that  lot  on  which  Tim- 
othy Green  now  dwells  430 

27  James  Mearick  gave  Security  with  Timothy  Green  Bondsman 
for  a  Bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  James  Mearicks  hous  lot  363 

27  Timothy  Green  Jun.  gave  Security  with  Eldad  Moody  Bonds- 
man, for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  the  lot  on  which  Timothy 
Green  Jun.  Dwells  2   13   10 

27  Medad  Dickinson  gave  security  with  Moses  Dickinson  Bonds- 
man, for  a  bit  of  Town  way  at  the  West  End  of  that  lot  on  which 
Medad  Dickinson  now  Dwells  0  17     6 

27  John  Eastman  gave  security  witli  W."'  Coleman.  Bondsman  For 
two  Bits  of  town  way.  one  at  the  West  End  and  the  other  at  the  East 
End  of  that  farm  on  Which  John  Eastman  now  dwells  4102 

27  Moses  Dickinson  Esq.  gave  security  with  Medad  Dickinson 
bondsman  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  west  end  of  that  lot  on  which  S.1 
Moses  now  Dwells  o  13  10 


126  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

27 Z,  Den  John  Billings  gave  security  with  David  Billings,  Bonds- 
man for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  End  of  that  Lot  on  which  Leut 
Joel  Billings  now  dwells  1    13     9 

27  Elisha  Dickinson  gave  security  with  Joseph  Dickinson  Bonds- 
man, for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  that  lot  on  which  Elisha 
Dickinson  now  dwells  212     o 

27  Israel  Dickinson  gave  Security  with  John  Lee,  Bondsman,  for 
a  Bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  End  of  Israel  Dickinsons  lot  in  the  second 
division  opposite  to  S,'1  Israels  dwelling  hous  7     9    3 

27  Justus  Williams  gave  Security  with  Ebene/ Boltwood,  Bonds- 
man for  a  bit  of  town  way  lying  between  Leut  John  Dickinsons  &  Justus 
Williams, s  lots  in  the  Eirst  Division  26     5     o 

27  Den.  Elisha  Smith  gave  security  with  Daniel  Cooley  Bondsman 
for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  west  end  of  a  bit  own,'1  by  Elisha  Smith 
opposit  to  Jonathan  Moody  Jnr.  hous  o  12     o 

27  Andrew  Kimbalgave  security  with  Andrew  Kimbaljun.  Bonds- 
man, for  a  bit  of  town  way.  at  the  west  end  of  Andrew  Kimbals  hous  lot       417     6 

June  ist,  17S9.  John  Dickinson  gave  security  with  Nehemiah  Dick- 
inson Bondsman,  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  the  lot  on 
which  John  Dickinson  2'',  now  Dwells  1     2     6 

ist.  Nehemiah  Dickinson  gave  security  with  John  Dickinson  21, 
Bondsman,  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  that  lot  on  which 
Nehemiah  Dickinson  now  Dwells  o  14   10 

rst  Olliver  Dickinson  gave  security  with  Den.  Azariah  Dickinson 
Bondsman,  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  that  lot  on  which 
Olliver  Dickinson  now  Dwells  1     5     6 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst 
Qualified  to  Vote  for  Representatives  on  thirsday.  the  1S"1  of  Decemb1 
17.SS  Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Hon.   Samuel   Lyman  Esq  thirty  Eight.  1 
Hon.  Theodore  Sedwick,  Esq.  five.  [      Representatives. 

William  Williams,  Esq.  five.  ) 

Votes  for  Electors  as  follows. 

Hon.  John  Hastings,  Esq.  twenty  four. 
Hon.  Thomas  J.  Skinner,  twenty-seven. 
William  Williams,  Esq.  three. 
A  true  list 

Test.  Seth  Coleman,  Town  Clerk. 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  on  thirsday  the  1S"1  of 
December,  17SS  Come  to  the  following  Votes,  (viz) 

Voted     Mr  Daniel  Cooley  Moderator — 

Voted  to  Adjourn  this  meeting  for  the  Space  of  one  hour  and  then  meet  at 
Landlord  Parson. s — 

Voted  that  the  Treasurer  be  Directed  to  take  Security  for  the  Streat  land  so 
Called  of  any  Persons  who  may  be  disposed  to  give  it  for  the  land  affixed  to  their 
land    any  time  on  or  before  the  Ist  day  of  January  next  Provided  they  will  date 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  I  27 

their  Notes  back  to  the  former  time  that  was  limited  in  town  Meeting  October  27th: 
17SS     (viz)  November  27  17SS — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  to  rectifi  sum  misstakes  in  the  setting  off  of 
sundrey  Pieses  of  Streat  land  so  Call'1  where  the  land  was  set  to  many  Persons 
that  the  rightfull  owners  may  have  the  land — 

Voted     that  the  Committee  Consist  of  three — 

Voted  that  Den.  John  Billings,  Moses  Dickinson,  Esq.  &  Noah  Smith  be  the 
Committee  above — 

Voted  that  the  Town  will  take  into  their  Care,  and  supporte  the  Bridge  over 
Hadley  Mill  River  in  the  West  Streat  in  Amherst  Provided  that  Hadley  will  grant 
the  Petition  of  sending  of  their  Inheabitants  to  be  Set  to  the  town  of  Amherst, 
(viz)  John  Dickinson,  Simeon  Dickinson,  Nemiah  Dickinson  &  Silas  Wright — 

Voted  that  the  Streat  land  that  was  Set  to  Isaac  Goodale  at  the  west  End  of 
Daniel  Kelloggs  Lot  in  the  late  Distribution  of  the  Streat  land  so  Call'1  is  discon- 
tinued and  granted  to  Daniel  Kellogg  upon  his  fulfilling  of  the  Conditions  as  set 
forth  in  the  town  Meeting  April  7  17SS — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  to  Vew  and  appraise  all  the  Highway  lands  in 
Amherst  that  were  not  Comprehended  in  the  Reporte  of  the  Comtee  made  January 
14"1  17SS  for  disposing  of  some  part  of  the  Town  ways  :  that  is  to  Say  all  the  town 
ways  that  Can  be  Sold  without  Discommoding  Either  the  orniment  or  Conveniency 
of  the  Town — 

Voted     that  the  Committee  above  consist  of  three 

Voted  that  Col  Ebenezar  Mattoon,  Ebenezar  Boltwood  and  Elijah  Baker  be 
the  Committee  above — 

Voted     to  abate  William  Jearills  note  (viz)  6—2 — 

Voted  that  the  Treasurer  wait  one  year  before  he  call  for  the  rates  against 
gayus  Rowe,  Silas  Robbins,  Edmund  Allen,  David  fuller.  Widow  marah  Rolf, 
Nath1'  Peck  2d  and  Rosvvell  Clapp  in  Thomas  Hastings  Rate — 

Test.  Daniel  Coolev,  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  town  of  Amherst  Holden  on  Monday  the  12th  of 
Januv.  17S9,  Voted  as  Follows  (viz) 

Voted     Den  John  Billings  Moderator. 

Voted  to  adjourn  this  Meeting  for  one  hour  and  then  meet  at  this  Place — 
the  town  being  met  by  adjournment  at  time  &  Place.     Voted  as  follows — 

Voted     to  adjourn  this  Meeting  to  Landlord  Parson, s — 

Voted     to  accept  of  the  Bills  as  they  have  bin  red  &  Corrected. 

Voted  to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  levy  a  tax  sufficient  to  raise  the  moneys 
that  have  bin  granted  — 

Voted  to  rais  Six  Pounds  twelve  Shillings  to  Pay  John  Ingram  for  Providing 
for  the  Widow  Mehetibel  Smith  &  that  the  Assessors  levy  a  tax  sufficient  to  rais 
the  Same — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  to  Put  a  Mr.  Daniel  Kellogg  in  Possession  of 
a  Bit  of  town  way  he  hath  Purchased  of  the  Town  at  the  west  End  of  his  lot 
which  is  now  in  Possession  of  Capt  moses  Cook,  he  giving  bonds  to  the  town  to 
Endemnify  them  from  all  Canst  that  may  arise  in  Consequence  of  the  Com'"  giv- 
ing him  the  Possession  of  said  land  — 

Voted     that  the  Committee  Consist  of  three. 

Voted  that  Den.  Hezekiah  Belding.  Jonathan  Dickinson  &  D"  Elisha  Smith  be 
the  Com"'-  above — 


128  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST.     MASS. 

Voted,    to  Accept  the  reporte  of  the  Committee  Appointed  to  make  sundry 

alterations  in  the  town  Ways  that  have  been  Stacked  out  for  Sale  and  now  leys  in 

file 

Voted     that  the  above  alterations  as  now  accept'1  be  recorded  in  the  Town 

Book- 
Voted     that  the   Persons  respecting  whome  the   alterations    are   made   have 

liberty  to  give  their  obligations  for  said  lands  within  the  Expiration  of  one  month 

Provided  they  will  date  their  Notes  back  to  the  twenty  Seventh  day  of  November 

laist 

Voted     that  the  town  treasurer  be  directed  to  Discount  so   much   on    Den. 

Jonathan  Edward  Note  that  was  given  for  Streat  land  as  to  reduce  it  to  the  Price 

Prefixed  by  the  laist  revising  Committee — 

Voted    that  the  Selectmen  be  a  Com'™  to  Examin  the  Rates  of  Capt  Aaron 

Dickinson  and  give  him  such  orders  on  the  Town  Treasurer  as  they  shall   judge 

Request  Agreeable  to  a  former  Vote   of  the   town  and  that  this  Settlement  with 

Said  Aaron  Shall  be  Conclusive  without  Even  bringing  of  it  to  the  town- 
Voted     to  Sel  the  Highway  between  Leut  John  Dickinsons  and  Justus  Williams 

Land  in  the  third  Division  which  Contains  fifteen  Acres — 

Voted     that  Justus  Williams  Shall  have  Said  town  way  Provided  he  will  give 

his  obligation  to  the  Town  Treasurer  for  Said  land  at  thirty  five  Shillings  Per  time 

and  date  his  note  back  to  the  twenty  Seventh  day  of  November  Laist 

Voted     that  upon  Justus    Williams   fulfilling   the    Conditions   above  that  the 

above  discribed  town  way  Shall  be  discontinued  and  granted  to  Said  Justus. 

Voted     to  abate  the  rates  against  Benjamin  Rolf  in  Thomas  Hastings  list  from 

State  rate  (viz.)  7s.  6d. — 

Voted     to  abate  James   Merick   Jun.   rate   in  thomas  Hastings  list  for  State 

tax.     (viz)  lis.  Sd.  &  also  Said  James  town  rate  in  Said  Thomas.s  town  tax  (viz) 

6s.  ad- 
Test.  John  Billings  Moderator 

Amherst  January  isl  1789— the  Reporte  of  the  Com10"'  appointed  to  regulate  sum 
mistakes  in  Laying  out  of  the  Streat  Land  Proposed  to  be  Sold,  as  follows — (Viz) 


Owners  of  Lots  and  Descriptions— 

The  land  laid  to  Moses   Warner  on  the   North   East  side_  of  ) 

Moses  Warner,  Deceas't  farm  viz.  3  Rods  wide  Running  ! 

48  r  to  8  r  wide :  be  set  to  Lieut.  David  Smith  ) 

Capt  Reuben  Dickinson  a  grant  1144  Rods  Mistake  in  the  Re-  \ 

ports  614  Rods    (?)     ""  i 

Diela  Joseph  Eastman  Insert  John  Eastman  7  r.  wide  Running  1 

53  Rods  to  a  Point  at  the  east  end.  \ 

West  End  from  a  Point  22  r.  to  7  r  wide  then  44J  r  to  2  r.  wide 
Moses  Dickinson.  Esq.  33  Rods  wide  Running  8  Rods  thence  / 

35  r.  to  a  Point.  \ 

Medad  Dickinson  35  r  wide  running  35  Rods. 
Israel  Dickinson  6  Rods  wide  thence  S  r  to  10  Rods  wide  thence  I 

10  Rods  to  14  r  wide  \ 

Waitstill  Dickinson  14  r.  wide  running  8  r. 
Den.  Jonathan  Edwards  6  r.  wide  running  17  thence  16  r  to   a  ( 

point  i 

Diela  Gideon  Dickinson  Insert  Elisha  Dickinson  3  R  wide  run-) 

ing  24  r  to  2  r  wide,  thence  20  r  to  1  r  thence  30  r  to  2  r 

thence  32  r  to  4  Rods.  ) 

James  Merrick  41  r  wide  runing  Rods  to  8  r.  thence  36  r.   to  7  / 

Rods  wide  S 


Quantity 
of  Land. 


1 10  j 
106 


Price  per 
Acre 


89 


Sum  to 
be  Paid. 
£ 


17 

6 

19 

11 

15 

3 

13 

IOr 

17 

6 

9 

3 

4 

5 

1 

63 

Quantity 

Price  per 

Sum    to 

of  Land. 

Acre 

be  Paid 

A.     R. 

£ 

£ 

5    1 58 

i      7    o 

o    13  10 

3      §2 

I       10      0 

5      5    o 

5      24 

I       10      0 

i     13    9 

RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  1 29 


Owners  of  Lots  and  Descriptions- 
Timothy  Green,  jnr  14  r.  wide  riming  12  r. 
Timothy  Green.  14  r.  Wide  runing  3S  Rods 
Lemuel  Moody.  42  r.  wide  runing  17  r  to  6  r  thence  iS  r  to  1  r. 
Aaron  Warner  junr.   Deceast.  Heirs  12  r  wide  runing  34  r  S  r  I  ,_        r      4.    o  ->    16    1 

wide  thence  10  Rods  to  7  r.  wide  (  3J  4 

Diela  Joel  Billings.  Insert  John  Billings.  6  r  wide  runing  30  r.  1      20        1     10    0  1    13    9 

John  Billings  j     Committee 
Noah  .Smith       \ 
True  Coppy  of  the  original 

Test.  Seth  Coleman,  Town  Clerk. 

1 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  on  Monday,  ye  2'1  day 
of  March.  1789 — Voted  as  follows  (viz.) 

Voted     Ebenezer  Boltwood  Moderator — 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Clerk  and  Town  Treasurur 

Voted  Joseph  Eastman,  jun.  Ebenezer  Boltwood.  Den.  Elisha  Smith.  Eben- 
ezer Mattoon,  Esq  &  Joseph  Church,  Selectmen  of  Amherst. 

Voted     Joseph  Eastman  jun,  Ebenezer  Boltwood.  and  Daniel  Cooley,  Assessors 

Voted  Isaac  Marshall,  Stephen  Smith,  Daniel  Kellogg  jun.  Elias  Smith 
Medad  Moody  &  Medad  Dickinson,  surveyors  of  Highways. 

Voted    that  the  Surveyors  of  Highways  be  Collectors  of  taxes — 

Voted     that  Timothy  Henderson  and  Enos  Dickinson  be  ye  fence  Vewers — 

Voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  for  the  Space  of  one  hour  and  then  meet  at 
this  IJlace — the  Meeting  being  met  according  to  adjournment  Come  to  the  follow- 
ing Votes— (viz) — 

Voted     Noadiah  Smith  &  Elisha  Dickinson — Constables — 

Voted  Philips  Edwards,  Perez  Dickinson.  Moses  Hastings.  Medad  Dickin- 
son, Elisha  Beckwith  &  John  Eastman,  Tythingmen, 

Voted  Noah  Smith,  Elijah  Dickinson.  Ins.  Elijah  Hastings  &  Leut.  Noah 
Dickinson,  Wardens  — 

Voted.  Ins.  John  Nash.  Thomas  Lorribee.  Judah  Dickinson.  Silas  Mathers. 
David  Blotchet  jnr  and  barnabas  Sabin  Hog-Reeves 

Voted     Den  Elisha  Smith  Sealer  of  Leather. 

Voted     Stoughton  Dickinson.  Surveyor  of  Lumber — 

Voted     to  adjourn  for  the  Space  of  half  an  hour  &  then  meet  at  this  Place, 
the  town  being  met  according  to  adjournment  voted  as  follows  (viz) — 

Voted  to  that  the  Committee  appointed  to  vew  the  town  land  north  of  the 
Mil  river  make  their  reporte  to  April  Meeting 

Voted     to  Raise  Seventy  Pounds  to  Repair  the  Highways  the  Current  year 

Voted     to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Leavy  a  Tax  to  Rais  the  Same 

Voted  to  allow  three  Shillings  Pr  day  for  worke  at  the  highway  from  the  first 
of  May  to  the  twentieth  of  September  and  to  allow  one  Shilling  &  Eight  Pence 
from  the  twentieth  of  September  to  the  first  of  December — 

Voted  that  Hogs  Shall  run  at  large,  ringed  &  yoked  according  to  Law  from 
the  middle  of  may  to  the  Middle  of  August  next — 

Voted  to  Pay  the  Bounty  of  one  Shilling  on  Every  old  Crow  that  Shall  be 
Killed  betwixt  the  first  of  May  and  the  Fifteenth  of  June,  next  Provided  they 
bring  the  bird  to  one  or  more  of  the  Selectmen  and  take  a  Certificate  of  one  of 
the  Selectmen  that  he  was  killed  within  the  Limited  time  above  .Mentioned — 


130  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  Widden  or  Straighten  the  Highway 
from  Landlord  Parsons,s  to  Hadley  line  and  make  reporte  to  April  Meeting. 

Voted  Leut  John  Field,  Capt  Eli  Parker,  &  Joseph  Church  be  the  Committee 
above 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  Examin  the  rates  in  the  hands  of 
the  Collectors  &  Deterimine  whose  rates  ought  to  be  abated  and  whose  not 
and  make  reporte  to  April  Meeting 

Voted     that  the  new  Selectmen  be  the  Comtee  above — 

Voted  that  the  Treasurer  be  directed  to  Receive  no  orders  from  the  Select- 
men in  Payment  of  Any  town  rate  after  the  first  of  April  Next,  onley  on  the 
year's  tax  in  which  the  servis  was  clue  on  debt  contracted. 

Voted  that  Den.  Elisha  Smith  have  the  land  ascined  to  him  by  the  Commit- 
tee appointed  to  Sel  from  Part  of  the  town  way  Provided  he  give  Security  to  the 
town  as  others  have  done. 

Attest.  Ebexezer  Boltwood,  Moderator. 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  town  of  Amherst  holden  on  Monday,  the  Sixth  day 
of  April,  17S9,  the  Selectmen  Presided. 
Voted     for  governor  as  follows  (viz) 

Hon.  James  Bowdoin,  Esq  twenty  three — 
Hon  John  Hancock,  Esq  twenty  two. 
For  Lieutenant  governor — 

Hon  Benjamin  Lincoln  Esq  Forty  three. 
Hon  Samuel  Adams,  one. 
Votes  for  Senators  were  as  follows  (viz) — 

Gen1.  William  Shepherd  Esq  twenty  four. 

Mr.  Samuel  Henshaw,  twenty  three. 

John  Hastings  Esq  thirty  five. 

David  Sexton  Esq  thirty  five. 

John  Bliss,  Esq  two 

Samuel  Marther  Esq  one. 

Moses  Bliss  Esq  one. 

Samuel  Fowler,  twelve. 

David  Smead,  Esq  Eleven. 

Joseph   Church.  "] 

Ebexezer  Matton  Esq  I      Selectmen 
Elisha  Smith  y  of 

Joseph  Eastman  Amherst. 

Ebexezer  Boltwood      j 

Seth  Coleman  Town  Clerk — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  Town  on  Monday,  the  Sixth 
day  of  April  17S9,  at  three  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon  voted  as  follows — (viz) — 

Voted     Mr.  Daniel  Cooley,  Moderator. 

Voted  that  the  Execution  the  town  hath  against  Mr  Moses  Cook  be  Dis- 
charg,'1  upon  Capt  Moses  Cook,s  giving  Security  to  the  Town  for  Ten  Pounds — 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  &  Treasurer  take  Into  their  hands  all  the  Execu- 
tions that  the  Sherifs  have  in  favor  of  the  town,  unsettled,  and  all  the  Property 
they  have  Collected  with  the  Exns  they  have  had  in  favor  of  the  Town  not 
Recept,'1for  by  the  Town  Treasurer,  and  that  the  S,'1  Selectmen  and  Treasurer  use 
their  Discretion  in  Securing  the  Property  of  the  town  in  the  best  manner 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  131 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  Report  of  the  Committee  Chosen  in  December  Laist 
for  surveying  and  Disposing  of  all  the  town  ways  that  was  not  Comprehended  in 
the  Reporte  of  the  Former  Corn1"  made  in  January.  17SS,  as  it  now  lies  in  tile 

Voted  that  the  above  Described  bits  of  land  as  Set  forth  in  the  Committees 
Reporte  be  discontinued  and  granted  to  the  Several  Persons  to  which  it  is  respec- 
tively Set,  Provided  they  give  the  Security  within  two  month  agreeable  to  the 
Price  annexed  to  Each  Piece  respectively  in  manner  and  form  as  others  have  done 
for  Streat  lands — 

Voted  to  accept  from  the  Vote  above  the  land  Set  to  Isaac  Marshal  and  to 
be  Considered  at  some  future  Meeting — 

Voted     to  accept  of  the  list  of  Jurors  as  they  have  bin  red — 

Voted  that  the  Annual  Meetings  of  April  and  May  be  Notified  by  Posting 
fourteen  days  before  the  time  of  Said  Meeting  on  boath  Meeting  Houses  in 
Amherst — 

Voted  to  adjourn  this  Meeting  to  Next  Friday,  at  2  of  the  Clock  P.  M.  at 
this  Place — 

Friday,  April  io"'  1789  the  town  being  met  by  Adjournment  Come  to  the 
Following  Votes  (viz) — 

Voted  that  the  Reporte  of  the  Selectmen  who  were  appointed  a  Committee  to 
hear  the  Petitions  of  the  Constables  for  the  abatement  of  sundry  rates  be  Commit- 
ted to  a  Com'6'-'  to  be  Consolidated  and  brought  to  may  meeting — 

Voted     that  the  Committee  above  Consist  of  three 

Voted  that  Mr.  Zebina  Montague,  Seth  Coleman  &  Eben,1'  Boltwood  be  the 
Com111'  above — 

Voted  that  Mr  Daniel  Cooley  give  his  obligation  for  the  land  Set  to  him  by 
the  Comtte  appointed  to  dispose  of  town  ways,  and  that  the  Treasurer  rectifi  a 
mistake  in  the  reporte  and  take  Mr  Cooley. s  obligation  in  manner  and  form  as 
others  have  done. 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  reporte  of  the  Com"-1'  appointed  to  make  alterations 
in  the  town  way  from  Landlord  Parsons,s  to  Hadley  line  as  it  now  lies. 

Test.  Daniel  Cooley,  Moderator 

Amherst  Mass.,  April  6,h,  17S9.     The   Committee  appointed  by  the   Town  to 
Appraise  and  Set  off  the  Highway  leading  from  Marshes   Mill  pond  to   Leveritt 
Line  to  those  Persons  to  which  it  adjoins,  have  attended  the  Same  and  appraised 
and  set  off  S'1  land  in  the  following  manner  (to  wit,)  beginning  at  Leverit  Line  and 
Extending  South  SS  rods  &  half,  2  rods  wide  Set  to 
Mr.  Isaac  Marshal  or  the  heirs  of  Mr.   Abbot  being  in  whole 
one   hundred  &  Seventy  Seven  rods  of  ground  at  Thirty  Six 
Shillings  Pr  Acre  £2 

John  Dickinson  100  Rods  at  36  p  p1'  acre  1 

Nehemiah  Dickinson  66  rods  at  36  p  pr  acre  o 

Olliver  Dickinson  170  rods  at  24  pr  acre  1 

Joseph  Eastman  Jun.  124  rods  at  24  pr  acre  o 

Reuben  Ingram  31  Rods  at  Do.  o 

Azariah  Dickinson,  136  rods  at  24  pr  acre  1 

David  Cowles  160  rods  at  24  pr  acre  1 

Eleazer  Cowles 
Amariah  Dana 

E.  Mattoon,  J  UN. 
Per  order. 


0 

2 

2 

6 

14 

10 

5 

6 

iS 

8 

4 

7-1: 

0 

43 

4 

0  : 

I32  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Amherst  April  6.  17S9.  Then  the  Committee  appointed  by  the  town  for  Wid- 
ening or  Straighting  the  Road  from  Mr.  Parsons,s  Farm  to  Hadley  line  attended 
the  Business  and  laid  the  Roads  as  follows  Beginning  at  the  Hadley  Roade  at 
Hadley  Line  &  running  thence  Straight  Close  to  Solomon  Boltwoods  garden  80 
rods,  the  Road  being  four  rods  wide  at  Hadley  line.  &  gradually  increasing  so  as 
to  be  Six  Rods  wide  at  the  End  of  the  Said  So  rods  thence  running  so  as  to  take  a 
part  of  Said  Boltwoods  garden  &  door  yard  thirty  rods  widening  to  the  Breadth  of 
Seven  Rods  on  the  Side  of  the  hill ;  thence  running  by  Den.  Cutlers  Fence  about 
30  rods  and  Narrowing  to  the  Breadth  of  Six  Rods  at  the  End  of  Said  thirty  rods 
thence  Continuing  nearly  as  the  Path  goes  Six  rods  wide  to  the  north  &  South 
rode  at  Mr  Parson.s  Farm  the  Particular  Curves  &  Distances  are  Contained  in  a 
Plan  herewith  Exhibited  taken  by  Mr  Justus  Dwight  Surveyor. 

John  Fish  1 

Joseph  Church  Committee 

Eli  Parker  i 

The  road  above  reported  is 
the  North  road  in  Said  Plan. 

N.  B.     The  Plan  Lies  in  File  &c. 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst  on  Monday 
the  11th  of  May  17S9  Voted  as  follows  (Viz) 

Voted     Mr  Daniel  Cooley  Moderator 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  Reporte  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  Consolidate  a 
number  of  Rates  in  the  hands  of  sundry  Collectors  which  have  bin  Severally  Peti- 
tioned for  the  abatement  off  at  the  Laist  Meeting  and  which  are  now  abated  as  they 
Stand  in  the  Consolidated  list  now  in  file 

Voted  that  Ebenezer  Dickinson  have  liberty  to  Purchase  of  the  town  a  bit  of 
Streat  land  (So  Call.'')  which  was  ascined  to  Andrew  Kimball  by  the  Com11'1' 
appointed  to  Sel  sum  part  of  the  town  way  Provided  he  give  his  Security  within 
ten  days,  with  surety  ading  on  the  Interest  from  the  twenty  fourth  of  November 
laist  — 

Voted  that  Lemuel  Moody  give  his  Security  for  the  land  given  to  him  in 
manner  &  form  as  others  have  been  in  similar  Cases — 

Voted  that  the  Land  asined  to  Isaac  Marshal  or  Jacob  Abbot,8  Heirs  be 
granted  to  Mr  Abbots  Heirs  they  giving  security  as  others  have  done  in  similar 
Cases — 

Test 

The  Com'1'  appointed  to  Consolidate  the  Taxes  which  are  abated  by  Leave  to 
Reporte  as  Follows,  that  all  Town  Taxes  ought  to  Stand  good  as  is  Mentioned — 
the  State  Taxes  to  ascined  as  Follows  (Viz.) 

Benjamin  Routh  to  Nath"    Dickinson   2'1 
John  Hawley  to  Ephraim  Kellogg 
Noah  Hawley  to         Do         Do 

Widow  Rolf  to  Thomas  Hastings  x  o  :  7  :  1 

Gayus  Rowe  to         Do         Do  x  -  11  :  8 

Joseph  Williams  to  Do         Do  x  -  11  :  8 

Levi  Nash  to           Do         Do  x  -  12  :  8 

£2  :         3  :         1.  6-8  on  ye  pound 

£  m     0=  14  :  44 


£ 

s. 

d.               £ 

s. 

d. 

Of    2  : 

8  : 

0    to  be     1  : 

4 

0  : 

x     -  : 

10  : 

3$ 

5 

2  : 

x     -  : 

10  : 

,3  . 

5 

2 

1  : 

14 

4  : 

RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS. 


l33 


Jotham  Maynard  to  John  Eastman 
Aaron  Alvord  to  Stephen  Smith 
Benjamin  Roth  to     Do        Do 


Jonathan  Bartlett  to  Daniel  Kellogg 
Isaac  Chauncy  to  Ebenr  Boltwood 
Samuel  Bacon  to     Do 
Simeon  Peck  to       Do 
Moses  Chauncy  to  Do 


7-0  silver 


x  1  : 

10  : 

4 

x  0  : 

IS  = 

2 

£*•- 

5  = 

6  : 

1-0  on  ye  Pound 
£■  m  1  :    7  :    3* 

1  : 

7  : 

2 

x  12-0  on  ye  Pound 

ij  : 

16  : 

17  : 
10  : 


4 
8 

io4 


f:  m 


16 


1 0-0  on  ye  Pound 

£8:       iS  :       4£         £  m     4  :     9  ;     z\  : 

MayS,  17S9.  E.  Boltwood  I        rnmt„„ 

Zebina  Montague    J       <-omtee 

Sum  total  of  the  above  abatement  when  consolidated  is  ^9  :        S  :        8  : 


The  Abatement  of  Town  Taxes  as  Voted  by  the  Town.  May  11  :  17S9  &  is   as. 
Follows  viz 

17S3.     Stephen  Cole  Town  Tax:  William  Crawford     x     Rates     £0  :        7:       u£ 
Ephraim  Kellogg  Town  Tax. 

John  Hawley  in  two  Rates  x     o  :       14  :  3^ 

Noah  Hawley  in  two  Rates  x     o  :       11  :         iol 


f  Widow  Rolf 
17S4.     Thomas  Hastings!  Gayus  Rowe 


Town  Tax 


Joseph  Williams 


17S6.     Stephen  Smith       ) 


i_Levi  Nash 
Aaron  Alvord 


Benjamin  Roth 


Town  Tax         )  tC.""J."*,""'  v' 
(  Daniel  r  isk 

Daniel  Kelloe;2:. 


-■&&■ 
Town  Tax 


Jonathan  Bartlet 


17S7     Enos  Cowles     Benjamin  Roth 

Town  Tax 
Joseph  Eastman.     Jonathan 
Town  Tax.        Bartlet 


x  o  : 

x  o  : 

x  o  : 

x  o  : 


o  : 
o  : 


Joseph  Church. 
E  Mattoon,  Jx. 
Joseph  Eastman  Jn 


^5 


10$ 


Committee 


At  a  Legal  Meeting   of  the    Town   of  Amherst   Holden  at   the    First   Parish 
Meeting  hous  on  Monday  the  26th  of  October  17S9 — Voted  as  Follows,  (viz) 

Voted     Den   Elisha  Smith,  Moderator. 
Voted     to  adjourn  this  to  monday,  the  2''  day  of  November  next  at  one   of  the- 
Clock,  and  then  meet  at  this  Place 


November  2,  1789,  the  town  being  met  according  to  adjournment  Come  to  the: 
following  Votes — (viz) 


134  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  to  ascertain  the  quantity  of  land  there  is  ascined 
to  Nath11  Dickinson  Esq  at  the  East  End  of  his  lot  out  of  the  Streat  land  so 
Called 

Voted     that  the  Committee  Consist  of  three 

Voted  that  Joseph  Church  Elijah  Baker,  &  Joseph  Dickinson  be  the  Com- 
mittee above — 

Voted  that  the  Treasurer  be  directed  to  Indors  so  much  on  Nathaniel  Dick- 
inson, Esq,5  Note  as  the  Comtee  above  shall  find  wanting  in  the  quantity  of  land 
ascined  to  the  Sd  Nathaniel  agreeable  to  the  Price  the  Said  Nath"  gave  for  Said 
land — 

Voted  to  rais  a  sum  of  money  for  the  Purpos  of  Schooling  the  Children  the 
Insueing  winter — 

Voted    to  rais  fifty  four  Pounds  for  the  Purpus  above — 

Voted  to  keep  six  schools  in  Amherst  this  winter  in  or  near  the  Places  where 
they  were  kept  the  laist  winter. 

Voted  that  the  money  raised  for  schooling  be  divided  Six  Equal  Parts  by  the 
Selectmen 

Voted     to  rais  Six  Pounds  for  the  support  of  the  Poor  of  the  town 

Voted  to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  leavy  a  tax  to  rais  the  money  grainted 
above — 

Voted  to  relinquish  to  Medad  Moody  the  rates  he  hath  against  Benjamin 
Routh  (viz)  Seven  Shillings 

Voted  that  the  Treasurer  be  directed  to  Pay  Leut.  John  Field  out  of  the 
Avails  of  the  Streat  land  so  Called  all  the  Notes  that  the  signers  are  disposed  to 
Pay  to  ye  said  John  Field 

Attest  Elisha  Smith   Moderator. 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  on  Monday  the  fourth 
day  of  January  1790  at  nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  morning — Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Den.  Elisha  Smith  Moderator 

Voted     to  Raise  five  pounds  one  Shilling  for  the  support  of  the  Poor — 

Voted     to  accept  of  the  Bills  as  they  have  bin  Red  and  Corrected 

Voted  to  allow  Capt  Aaron  Dickinson  four  Pounds  four  Shillings  and  four 
Pence  which  he  Paid  &  Indorst  on  Den  Simeon  Clark,s  Note  given  him  for  beef 
he  Sold  to  the  town,  and  that  the  Selectmen  give  order  for  the  Same — 

Voted  to  Allow  Ephraim  Kellogg  for  money  he  Paid  Seven  Pounds  thirteen 
Shillings  and  that  the  Selectmen  give  order  for  the  Same 

Voted  that  Nathan  Dickinson  Jim  have  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  west  End 
of  Josiah  Thayers  lot  on  the  north  Side  of  fort  river — (viz)  twenty  four  rods  Pro- 
vided he  give  his  security  as  others  have  done. 

Voted  that  all  Persons  who  have  had  land  set  to  them  out  of  the  town  way 
may  have  it  Confirmed  to  them  in  like  manner  as  others  have  had;  Provided  they 
date  their  Notes  Back,  and  gave  them  to  the  Town  Treasury  before  the  20"1  of 
this  month. 

Voted     to  abate  to  Stephen  Cole  the  following  rates  (viz) 
Silas  Robins.  x     10     8  Widow  Marey  Rolf,  13     6h 

Simeon  Baker  7     4II  State  Tax  

Wid.  Marey  Rolf  12     \h  In  Silver  money  3 —  6 — q\ 

Aaron  Alvord,  3     \h  Town  Tax.  x     1 — 13—95 

2—  o—64 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  1 35 

Voted  to  abate  to  Thomas  Hastings  the  following  rates — 


State  T 

ax 

Town 

Tax. 

Nath  Peck  2'1 

1 1 

8 

Nath.  Peck  2'1 

6 

2 

David  Fuller 

1 1 

10 

Silas  Robins 

M 

24 

Silas  Robins 

29 

2 

Edward  Allen 

0 

ni 

Edward  Allen 

4 

6 

Benjamin  Routh 
David  Fuller 

12 

3 

7 
1 

2  :     3  : 
1  :     2  : 

ii 
9h 

Roswell  Clapp  6         2       £3  '■     5  '■   a 

Voted  that  the  Treasurer  be  directed  to  Receive  the  Selectmen's  orders  of 
Thomas  Hastings  which  he  Received  Previous  to  the  Regulating  Vote  Paist  at 
Laist  March  Meeting — 

Voted  to  Rais  fiftey  Pounds  to  Replace  the  abatements  as  made  in  sundry 
years  back,  together  with  the  Interest  money  Paid  to  Lent  John  Field — 

Voted  that  the  Note  in  the  Town  Treasurry  sinedby  Capt  Reuben  Dickinson 
and  others  be  averadged  to  the  2d  Parish  with  the  Avails  of  the  Streat  lands — 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  give  Den  Ball  an  order  for  his  Bill  against  the 
town — 

Voted  to  rais  money  sufficient  to  Pay  up  a  Note  Den  Simeon  Clark  hath 
against  the  town  — 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  give  Mr  Ebenezer  Boltwood  an  order  on  the 
Treasurer  sufficient  to  Replace  the  overplus  money  he  Paid  for  a  bit  of  Streat 
land  set  to  him  in  the  Jeneral  distribution  of  the  Streat  land — 

Voted  to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Leavy  a  tax  on  the  I  nheabitants  sufficient 
to  Pay  the  Bills  that  have  bin  Paist  and  all  the  other  monies  that  have  bin  Raised 
this  Meeting — 

Test  Elisha  Smith  Moderator — 

17SS. 

Novr  27     D,aniel  Abbott  gave  Security  with  Isaac  Marshal  Bonds-     £ 
man   for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  End  of  Isaac  Marshals  hous  lot       202 

27  Elijah  Baker  gave  Security  with  Noah  Smith  Bonds  for  a  bit 
of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  Elijah  Bakers  hous  lot —  n   15     9 

27  Nathan  Dickinson  jnr  gave  security  with  Perez  Dickinson 
Bondsman  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  west  End  of  that  lot  on  which 
Josiah  Thayer  now  dwells —  044 

27  Rev'1  Ichabot  Draper  gave  security  with  Ebenezer  Mattoon 
Esq  Bondsman  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  that  lot  which 
the  Rev'1  Ichabod  Draper  owns  in  the  third  Division  of  lots —  1     4     3 

1790. 

Octobr  8.  Simeon  Strong  Esq  gave  Security  with  Doc'  Robert 
Cutler  Bondsman  for  three  bits  of  town  way  adjoining  to  Simeon  Strongs 
lot  which  was  lateley  Jonathan  Fields  (viz)  one  on  the  west  end  and  two 
on  the  North  Side.     See  town  vote  Ocf.  4"':  1790 —  218     3 

1791  May  9  Medad  Moody  gave  security  with  Noadiah  Smith 
bondsman  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  west  end  of  that  lot  on  which 
Medad  Moody  now  dwells  etc —  250 


7     7 


136  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

May  14  Joseph  Eastman,  gave  security  with  Jonathan  Dickinson 
Jun  Bondsman  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  that  lot  on 
which  Joseph  Eastman  now  dwells. 

16  David  Cowls  gave  security  with  Ebenezer  Boltwood  Bonds- 
man, for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  west  End  of  a  lot  of  Land  lateley  owned 
by  Levi  Leach  in  the  2'1  division  of  land  in  Amherst — 

20.  Asahel  Mood  gave  security  with  Isaac  Goodale  bondsman  for 
a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  north  west  corner  of  the  lot  on  which  Asahel 
Moody  now  dwells.  054 

20  Thomas  Hastings  gave  security  with  Gideon  Ingram  Bonds- 
man for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  west  End  of  Thomas  Hastings,5  home 
lot.  o  17     6 

Lemuel  Moody  gave  security  with  Medad  Moody  for  a  bit  of  town 
way  at  the  East  End  of  that  lot  on  which  Lemuel  Moody  now  dwells  1     o    4 

Gideon  Ingram  gave  security  with  Elihu  Dickinson  bondsman  for 
a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  west  End  of  that  lot  on  which  John  Ingram 
now  lives  2     S     4 

23  Timothy  Smith  gave  security  with  Simeon  Smith  bondsman 
for  a  bit  of  Town  way  at  the  South  East  corner  of  said  Timothys  hous 
lot  o  14   II 

23  Simeon  Smith  gave  security  with  Timothy  Smith  Bondsman 
for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  west  End  of  the  lot  on  which  the  Said 
Simeon  Lives  1    14     5 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst 
Holden  on  Monday,  the  first  day  of  March  1790  at  nine  of  the  Clock 
A.  M.  at  the  First  Parish  Meeting  house     Voted  as  Follows— (viz) — 

Voted     Col  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Moderator — 

Voted     Seth  Coleman,  Town  Clerk  — 

Voted     Seth  Coleman,  Town  Treasurer — 

Voted  Col.  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Ebenezer  Boltwood,  Joseph  Church,  Den 
Elisha  Smith,  and  Joseph  Eastman.  Jnr.  Selectmen. 

Voted  Den  Elisha  Smith,  Ebenezer  Boltwood.  &  Col  Ebenezer  Mattoon, 
Assessors 

Voted     Josiah  Warner,  &  Nathaniel  Edwards,  Constables — 

Voted,  Solomon  Boltwood,  Jonathan  Dickinson  2d  Leut  Jonathan  Dickinson, 
jnr.  Joel    Moody,  Andrew    Kimbal  jnr  &  Eleazer  Cowls,  Surveyors  of  Highways — 

Voted  Philip  Edwards  Capt  Moses  Cook  Samuel  Smith,  Daniel  Kellogg, 
jnr  Perez  Dickinson,  Ebenezer  Dickinson,  jnr  and  Judah  Dickinson,  Tything 
men — 

Voted  David  Blotchet,  jnr  Joseph  Church  jnr  Paul  Newton,  Elijah  Elmer, 
Ephraim  Kellogg  &  Asa  Smith  Hogreeves — 

Voted     Elisha  Dickinson  &  Enos  Dickinson,  fens  vewers — 

Voted     Den  Elisha  Smith  Sealer  of  Leather 

Voted     Joseph  Church  Surveyor  of  Lumber 

Voted     Leut  Noah  Dickinson  &  Noah  Smith  Wardens — 

Voted     to  Repair  the  Highways  this  year  by  a  rate — 

Voted     to  rais  Seventy  Pounds  to  repair  highways  this  year. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  137 

Voted     that  the  Assessors  make  the  highway  rate  by  the  laist  list. 

Voted  to  allow  3-0  Pr  day  from  the  first  of  may  to  the  laist  of  August  &  2-0 
in  the  month  of  September  &  1-6  the  rest  of  the  year  for  Highway  worke — 

Voted  that  the  surveyors  of  Highways  Inspect  the  workemen  while  they 
are  at  their  Labours  in  Stead  of  Leabouring  them  Selves. 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst  at  the  first 
Parish  Meeting  hous  on  Monday  the  5th  day  of  April  1790  Voted  as  follows  (viz). 
Voted  Col  Ebenezer  Mattoon     Moderator ■ 

Voted  to  discontinue  a  Piece  of  the  town  highway  near  Mr  David  Blodget 
Corner  and  grant  the  Same  to  Benjamin  Buckman — 

Voted  that  the  above  granted  Piece  of  ground  Extend  Six  Rods  North  from 
the  highway  leading  to  Pelham  and  to  Extend  one  rod  East  &  west — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Comtw  of  three  to  Stipulate  with  Mr  Benjamin  Buckman 
for  the  above  granted  Piece  of  ground  and  that  the  Said  Committee  Shall  make  a 
Return  to  the  town  Clerk  of  their  Doings  in  the  Premiss  without  Carrying  of  it  to 
the  town  and  the  Clerk  is  to  Record  the  Same  on  the  town  Records — 

Voted  that  Capt.  Eli  Parker,  David  Blodget  &  Daniel  Kellogg  jun  be  the 
Committee  above — 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Moderator 

At  a  Legal    Meeting  of  the   Inheabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst   Qualified 
according  to  the  Constitution  to  Vote  for  governor  &c  April  5,  1790 — 
the  Votes  for  Governor  were  as  follows — (viz) 
the  Hon.  James  Bowdoin  Esq  six 
the  Hon  John  Hancock  Esq  thirty 
the  votes  for  Leutenant  governor  were  as  follows — 
the  Hon.  Nathaniel  Gorham  Esq  fiftey 
the  Hon  Samuel  Adams  Esq  two 
the  votes  for  Senators  were  as  follows  (viz) 
For  Moses  Bliss  Esq. — twelve — 
For  Samuel  Henshaw  Esq — six — 
For  John  Hastings  Esq — forty-nine — 
For  David  Saxton  Esq — twenty-three — 
For  Col  William  Lyman — Esq. — fiftey-two 
For  Samuel  Lyman  Esq — fortey-six — 
For  Simeon  Strong  Esq — five — 
For  Samuel  Fowler  Esq — thirtey — 
For  Solomon  Stodard — four — 
For  William  Bodman  two — 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoon         "] 

Ebenezer  Boltwood        |    Selectme_   _f 
Joseph  Church  y  Selectmen  oi 

Elisha  Smith  |        Amherst 

Joseph  Eastman  J 

Seth  Coleman  Town  Clerke 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst  at  the  first 
Parish  Meeting  hous  on  monday  the  fifth  day  of  April  at  3  o'clock  P.  M.  179a 
Voted  as  follows — (viz) 


138  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST.    MASS. 

Voted     Ebenezer  Boltwood  Moderator 

Voted     that  the  Assessors  make  the  County  tax  by  ye  laist  list 

Voted  that  Elisha  Dickinson  serve  as  a  Constable  in  the  Stead  of  Josiah  War- 
ner who  was  Chosen  to  that  office  in  March  laist 

Voted  that  when  it  is  necessary  for  the  town  to  Transact  any  business,  on 
those  days  in  which  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Selectmen  to  Preside  in  Town  Meeting, 
that  such  Meeting  Shall  be  warned  by  Notifications  Set  up  fourteen  days  before 
the  time  of  the  Said  Meeting — 

Voted  that  Capt  James  Hendrick  be  allowed  to  Retain  in  his  Possession  a 
Piece  of  the  town  way  between  the  Second  and  third  Division  which  he  now  has 
in  his  enclosure  untill  October  seventeen  hundred  &  ninety-one 

Voted  that  Mr  Jonathan  Dickinson  2A  have  a  Piece  of  town  way  Ieying 
opposite  to  Daniel  Kellogg,5  hous  (viz)  running  from  a  Point  at  the  North  west 
Corner  of  Said  Jonathan's  lot  to  eleven  feet  wide  in  the  senter,  and  then  Falling  to 
a  Point  at  the  Southwest  Corner  of  Said  lot — Said  Peice  Containing  twelve  and  a 
half  rods  of  ground — and  that  the  Said  Jonathan  give  the  same  Price  for  the  above 
granted  Peice  of  ground,  as  he  gave  for  the  land  which  was  set  to  him  in  the  gen- 
eral Distributions  of  the  streat  lands — 

Attest —  Ebexezer  Boltwood  Moderator 

N.  B.  April  26  1790  the  above  Named  Jonathan  Dickinson  2'1  Paid  for  the 
above  grant  Peice  of  town  way  agreable  to  the  vote  of  the  town 

Test  Seth  Coleman  Treasurer 

I  A.  B.  do  truly  and  sincerely  acknoledg  profess,  testify  &  declare,  that  the 
Common  wealth  of  Massachusets  is,  and  of  right  ought  to  be  a  free  and  Independ 
ant  State  and  I  do  swear,  that  I  will  bear  the  Faith  and  Allegiance,  to  the  said 
Commonwealth — and  that  I  will  defend  the  Same,  against  Traitors  Conspiracies, 
and  all  hostile  attempts  whatsoever  and  that  I  do  renounce  and  abjure,  allegiance, 
subjection,  and  obedience  to  the  King  of  great  Britain:  and  every  other  foreign 
Power  whatsoever — and  that  no  foreign  Prince.  Parson,  Prelate,  State  or  Potentate, 
hath  or  ought  to  have  any  Jurisdiction,  Superiority,  or  Preeminence,  Authority. 
Dispersing  or  other  Power,  in  any  Matter,  Civil,  Ecclesiastical  or  Spiritual  within 
this  Common  wealth;  Except  the  Authority  and  Power,  which  is.  or  may  be  vested 
by  their  Constituents,  in  the  Congress  of  the  united  States  :  and  I  do  Further  testify, 
and  declare,  that  no  man,  or  body  of  men,  hath  or  Can  have,  any  right  to  absolve 
or  discharge  me  from  the  obligation  of  this  Oath,  Declaration,  or  Affirmation. — 
and  that  I  do  make  this  Acknoledgment,  Profession.  Testimony,  Declaration, 
Denial,  Renunciation  and  abjuration,  heartily  and  truly,  according  to  the  Common 
Meaning  &  Acceptation,  of  the  foregoing  words,  without  any  Equivocation,  mental 
Eveasion  or  secret  Reservation  whatsoever —  » 

E.  Mattoox  Jrx  ")      Selectmen 

Ebenezer  Boltwood     |  of 

April  5  :  1750  Elisha  Smith  J>       Amherst 

Joseph  Eastman  Jun     |         for  the 
Joseph  Church  J       year  1790 

Record  of  Notes  Continued — 

1791  May  23.  Nathan  Ingram  gave  security  with  Zebina  Mon- 
tague bondsman  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  of  a  lot  of  land  own.1' 
by  Reuben  Ingram  in  the  first  Division  of  lots  in  Amherst  being  East 
of  said  Reuben's  hous  o     5     3 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  139 

Daniel  Cooley  Esq  gave  security  with  Jonathan  Dickinson,  jnr 
bondsman  for  two  bits  of  town  way  one  at  the  East  side  of  Esq  Coo- 
leys  home  lot  and  the  other  at  the  West  End  of  Said  Cooleys  farm  in  the 
third  division  297 

Amus  Xash  gave  Security  with  Samuel  Hastings  Bondsman  for  a 
bit  of  town  way  adjoining  to  the  side  of  Amus  Nashes  house  lot  o    8     5 

Novemb''  S.  Joseph  Church  gave  security  with  Joseph  Church 
Jun  Bondsman  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  north  Side  of  the  lot  of 
land  on  which  Joseph  Church  now  lives  3   16     2 

26.  Gideon  Parsons  gave  security  with  Enos  Cowls  bondsman  for 
a  bit  of  town  way  north  of  and  adjoining  to  Gideon  Parsons."  dwelling 
house  °59 

Enos  Cowls  gave  security  with  Gideon  Parsons  bondsman  for  a  bit 
of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  Enos  Cowls  house  lot  0810 

Marriages  Solemnized  by  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Esq  (viz) 
John  Doty  and  Ruth  Porter,  April — 1790 — 

Marriages  Solemnized  by  Rev.'1  Ichabod  Draper,  (viz)  17S6.  Decembr 
26  John  Fox  and  Orpha  Cadwell. 
1787.  Jan.  4.     John  Belding  &  Lydia  Hunt. 

Nathaniel  Dickinson  &  Jemima  Wales. 
Robert  Robinson  &  Hannah  Rich. 
John  Blodget,  Jnr.  &  Lois  Dickinson. 
Gideon  Parsons,  &  Huldah  Rowe. 
Perez  Dickinson  &  Ruth  Dickinson. 
Josiah  Robins  &  Lydia  Robins. 
Reuben  Warner  &  Olive  Payne. 
.     Abner  Marsh  &  Dorothy  Dana. 
David  Billings  &  Hannah  Hide. 
Smith  Eddy  &  Patience  Hulit. 
John  Hirsch  &  Porris  Blair. 
Josiah  Sartell  &  Hannah  Smith. 
Simeon  Dickinson  &  Sarah  Dickinson 
Luke  Blodget  &  Martha  Dickinson. 
Calvin  Rich  &  Martha  Billings. 
Isaac  Robbins  &  Rachel  Williams. 
Judah  Clark  &  Esther  Merrick. 
1790   Feb.  23.     Robert  Ingram  &  Sarah  Bolles— 

Attest.  Ichabod  Draper — 

April  27  :   1790 — 

Marriages  Solemnized  by  Rev,'1  David  Parsons  (viz) 
1787.  Jan.  18.     Olliver  Harroon  &  Molly  Mc  Culluck. 
Feb  1      David  Eason  &  Mary  Peck. 
June  14.     Samuel  Prime  &  Irene  Moody. 
Aug-.  27.     Samuel  Thompson  &  Lois  Fisk. 
Novr.  29.     Thomas  Munsel  &  Sarah   Smith. 
Decern1".  6.     Henry  McCullock  &  Martha  Hamilton  of  Pelham. 
Do     10.     Eli  Hamilton.  Grenfield  &  Ariz  Southwood  of  Pelham. 


Jan.  ] 

:8. 

Jan.  : 

April 
April 
June 

:5- 

5- 

16. 
28. 

Octo 

■  4- 

Nov. 

18. 

178S  March  7 

Aug. 
Octo 

25- 
r.  16. 

1789  Jan. 
Feb. 

5th 

-lh 

i 

Apri' 

IS. 

Sept 
Nov. 

9 
•  3- 
26. 

14°  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

1788.  January  1.     Elias  Smith  &  Philothea  Debell  of  Pelham. 
Feb.  11.     Ezra  Roode  &  Parthena  Warner. 

Do.  28.     Leutious  Wait  of  Hatfield  &  .Alary  Smith. 
April  10.     Joseph  Dickinson  &  Dorothy  Dickinson 
May  5.     Elihu  Moody  &  Rachel  Moody. 
July  3.     Asa  Smith  &  Sarah  Moody. 
Do.  24.     Thomas  Larrabee  &  Salome  Dickinson. 

1789.  Janv  7.     Nathaniel  Bangs  &  Electa  Kellogg. 

Do.  22.     William  Phelps  &  Mary  Warner  of  Belchertown. 
May  12.     Calvin  Merril  &  Orinda  Row. 
May  25.     Edward  Foster,  jnr.  &  Vire  Shirtliff  of  Pelham. 
June  11.     Silas  Moody  &  Eunice  Dickinson. 
Aug'.  2.     William  Boltwood  &  Eunice  Noble. 
Sept.  28.     William  Dickinson  &  Thirza  Warner 
Oct.  19.     Ebenezer  Ingram  &  Esther  Roode. 
Oct.  22.     Silas  Dickinson  &  Eunice  Moody. 

1790.  Jan-V.  26.     Isaac  Abecrombie  &  Martha  McCulluch 

David  Parsons.  Minister  of  the  First  Parish  Amherst— 
April  29  1790— 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  on  Tuesday  the  twenty  fourth 
of  August  1790  at  the  First  Parish  Meeting  hous,  at  five  of  the  Clock  in  the  after- 
noon.    Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Mr  Ebenezer  Boltwood  Moderator. 

Voted  to  Sel  the  School-hous  near  landlord  Parsones  Tavern  at  Public  Ven- 
due and  take  good  security  for  whatever  sum  it  should  be  sold  at  Payable  in  Six 
months  with  Interest  from  this  date 

Voted    Joseph  Pettis  Vendue  Master  to  Sel  Said  School-hous. 

Attest  Ebexer  Boltwood  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitantsof  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the 
First  Parish  Meeting-house  on  Monday  the  Fourth  day  of  October  1790  at  two 
of  the  Clock   P.  M.  Voted  as  Follows — (viz.) 

Voted     Majr  Zebina  Montague  Moderator. 

Voted  to  adjourn  this  Meeting  for  half  an  hour  and  then  to  Meet  at  the  Pre- 
paratory school-house  near  landlord  Parsons,"  tavern — 

Voted  to  Rais  Twelve  Pounds  for  the  Support  of  the  Poor  of  the  town  of 
Amherst  — 

Voted  to  Provide  Places  for  Schools  in  the  Several  Districts  whare  there  is 
not  Places  Provided — 

Voted     to  have  three  Schools  onley  in  this  town  the  Insuing  year — (Voted.) 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  five  to  Determin  where  those  Schools 
Shall  be  kept — 

Voted  Capt  Eli  Parker,  Joseph  Eastman  Jnr.  Daniel  Cooley  Esq  Josiah 
Warner  &  Coll  Ebenezer  Mattoon  be  the  Committee  above 

Voted  to  abate  Eliphalet  Robbensons  rate  3-1  \  Benjamin  Rouths  rate,  5-3 
Wm  Claps  rate  3-1 14  &  Roswell  Claps  rate  3-0  in  Enos  Cowls  List — 

Voted  that  the  Committee  appointed  to  Point  out  the  Places  for  the  Several 
Schools  in  Amherst  make  their  Report  to  the  next  adjourned  Meeting — 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  141 

Voted  that  Simeon  Strong,  Esq.  have  the  Street  land  that  was  Ascined  to 
Jonathan  Field  in  the  general  Distribution  of  the  Street  Land  Provided  he  give 
his  security  in  Manner  and  form  as  was  voted  for  the  Sale  of  the  Streat  land  on 
the  7,h  of  April  17SS— 

Voted  to  Adjourn  this  Meeting  to  Monday  the  Eighteenth  day  of  Instant 
October  at  two  of  the  Clock,  P.  M.  and  then  to  meet  at  this  Place 

Attest  Zehixa  Moxtague  Moderator 

Oct.  i8lh  1790  the  town  being  met  at  time  and  place  according  to  the  above 
adjournment.     Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted    Joseph  Church  Moderator  the  former  Moderator  being  absent — 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  Reporte  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  Prefix  Places 
for  the  School  houses  in  Amherst  which  is  as  follows,  (viz)  For  the  North  End  of 
the  town,  at  the  Croch  of  the  roads  near  David  Hawleys — For  the  Middle  District 
about  way  of  the  rode  leading  from  the  west  to  the  East  Streat.  For  the  South 
End  of  the  town  near  Jonathan  Moody, sjnr. 

Voted  that  the  west  Streat  of  the  Southern  District  have  their  Proportion  of 
the  School  money  annually  assigned  them  to  dispose  off  for  Schooling  at  their  own 
Election  with  regard  to  time  and  Place — and  that  they  Shall  be  Exemptdfrom  any 
Expence  of  building  School  Houses  in  Amherst.  Provided  they  Erect  and  keep  a 
Convenient  School  house  for  them  Selves  at  their  own  Expence. 

Voted    torais  Sixtey  Pounds  for  the  Purpos  of  Schooling  the  Insuing  year. 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  Proportion  the  school  money  to  Each  District 
according  to  the  List  of  Each  District. 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  nine  to  Erect  the  three  School  House 
Voted  above — 

Voted  John  Dickinson.  2d,Lt  Ebenezer  Eastman.  Zachariah  Hawley.  Ebenezer 
Boltwood.  Daniel  Kellogg  Jnr.  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Esq.  Daniel  Cooley  Esq 
Thomas  Hastings  &  Medad  Dickinson  be  the  Com"'1'  above 

Voted  that  the  Committee  use  their  Discretion  as  to  the  Dimentionsof  Each 
School  House — 

Voted  to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Levy  a  tax  to  rais  the  above  granted 
moneys — 

Attest —  Joseph  Church  Moderator. 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  first  Parish  Meet- 
ing house  on  Monday  the  tenth  day  of  January  1791.     Voted  as  Follows  (viz) 
Voted     Ebenezer  Mattoon  Esq  Moderator 
Voted     to  allow  the  Bills  as  they  have  bin  red  and  Corrected 
Voted     to  allow  3-4  by  the  day  for  hewing  of  timber,  and  for  raising  of  bridges, 
three  shillings  — 

Voted     to  allow  2-8  by  the  day  for  all  other  labor. 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  Six,  three  out  of  Each  Parish  to  adopt  sum* 
method  for  the  averidging  of  the  avails  of  the  Streat  land  (So  Called)  between 
the  two  Parishes  and  that  the  Committee  make  reporte  to  next  meeting. 

Voted  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Esq  Simeon  Strong  Esq  Den  John  Billings 
Seth  Coleman.  Medad  Dickinson  &  Majr  Zebina  Montague  be  the  Committee 
above — 

Voted     torais  twelve  Pounds  for  the  support  of  the  Poor  of  the  town 
Voted     to  Reconsider  all  former  votes   that    have   bin    Paist  respecting  the 


142  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

method  of  warning  of  Town  Meetings — 

Voted  that  all  future  meetings  be  warned  by  Posting  fourteen  days  on  the 
Meeting  houses  of  Each  Parish,  untill  Proper  Posts  be  Erected,  and  after  that  on 
such  Post  as  one  set  near  Each  Meeting  house  for  that  Purpose 

Voted  to  appoint  an  Agent  to  Make  Answer  to  the  citation  given  the  town  on 
account  of  Neglect  in  Assessing  a  tax  mentioned  in  Said  citation. 

Voted     Simeon  Strong  Esq.  be  the  Agent  above — 

Voted  to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Levy  a  tax  to  rais  all  the  above  granted 
moneys — 

Attest  E  Mattoon  J ux  Moderator. 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holdan  at  the  First  Parish 
Meeting  House  on  Monday  the  fourth  day  of  April  1791.  Voted  as  follows,  (viz) 
Voted  Col.  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Moderator 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Clark.     Voted  Set'.i  Coleman  Treasurer 
Voted     Col.  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  Ebenezer  Boltwood,  Joseph       q  ,    ,. 
Church,  Den  Elisha   Smith  and  Joseph  Eastman,  jnr.  selectmen 

Voted     Col.    Ebenezer    Mattoon,    Ebenezer    Boltwood,    and         , 
Den  Elisha  Smith.  Assessors 

Voted     Azeriah   Dickinson  jnr.  &  Eldad  Moody  Constables. 

Voted  to  releas  Azeriah  Dickinson  from  serving  as  a  Constable  and  to 
accept  Steven  Smith  in  his  roome — 

Voted     Joseph  Dickinson,  Solomon  Boltwood,  Isaac  Marshal,       surveyors 
Ins  Moses  Hastings,  Timothy  Green  jnr.  Lt  Jonathan  Dickinson  of 

jnr.  Noah  Smith.  &  John  Ingram.  *  Highways. 

Voted     Lt.  Elijah  Dickinson,  Silas  Wright,  Timothy   Clapp,  Tything 

John  Eastman,  &  Gad  Dickinson  men. 

Voted     Josiah  Warner,  Capt  Moses  Cook,  Nathan  Dickinson.      fensVewers 

Voted     Stephen  Smith,  David  Billings.  William   Dickinson,  Hog 

Solomon  Boltwood.  Elijah  Moody  thomas  Larrabee  Reeves 

Voted     Den  Elisha  Smith  Sealer  of  Leather. 

Voted     Stoughton  Dickinson.  Surveyor  of  Lumber. 

Voted     Jonathan  Marsh.  Packer  of  Beef  &  Porke 

Voted     Nathaniel  Dickinson.  Esq.  Warden. 

Voted  Mr  Ebenezer  Boltwood,  Dn.  Elisha  Smith.  Nathan  Dickinson,  jnr. be 
a  Committee  to  Vew  the  ground  before  Simeon  Dickinsons  jnr.  house  and  Deter- 
min  wheather  any  or  how  much  land  Shall  be  sold  to  Said  Simeon  for  a  building- 
Place  and  at  what  Price,  and  make  reporte  to  next  meeting- 
Voted  for  register  of  Deeds  as  follows  (viz)  for  Ebenezer  Hunt.  Esq.  fifty- 
one.  &  for  Col.  Ebenezer  Mattoon  two 

Voted     to  adjourn  this   Meeting  for  the  Space  of  one  hour  and  half  and  then 
Meet  at  this  Place- 
Voted     that  the  town  Treasurer  be  directed  to  Collect  all  the  debts  that  are 
due  to  the  town  for  Streat  lands — 

Voted     to  allow  Major  Nathaniel  Peck  six  shillings  omited  in  January. 

Voted  to  allow  sundrey  Bills  as  they  have  red  and  Corrected  (viz)  to  Daniel 
Cooley  Esq  31-6  Noah  Dickinson  5-0.  Andrew  Kjmbal  Jnr.  S-S.  Thomas  Goodale 
2-4— 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  Impowered  to  give  their  orders  for  the  Pay- 
ment of  the  above  granted  bills — 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS. 


43 


Voted  that  the  Committee  appointed  to  averidge  the  avails  of  the  Street  lands 
proceed  to  averidge  the  rates  now  in  town  Treasury,  &  see  what  is  the  Proportion 
belonging  to  Each  Parish  agreeable  to  a  Former  Vote  etc. 

Voted  that  those  Persons  that  have  obligations  now  in  the  town.  Treasury, 
for  Streat  land,  may  stipulate  with  the  Standing  Committee  of  Either  Parish  for 
the  Payment  of  their  notes;  and  that  a  receipt  from  the  Committee  of  Either  Parish 
shall  be  the  Town  Treasurers  discharge  for  the  Same,  until]  the  full  sum  be 
Exhausted  to  which  that  Parish  is  Intitled  to  which  the  Com'1'-'  thus  negotiating 
Shall  belong — 

Voted  that  the  time  of  paying  the  above  notes  be  limited  to  the  sixth  day  of 
June  next. 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  Examine  the  State  and  Situation 
of  the  Streat  land  bought  by  Mr  Moses  Cook  and  make  reporte  to  the  next 
meeting. 

Voted  that  Joseph  Church,  Col.  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  and  Ebenezer  Boltwood 
be  the  Committee  above — 

Voted    to  repare  the  Highways  this  year  by  a  rate. 

Voted     to  rais  one  Hundred  Pounds  to  repare  the  Highways  this  year. 

Voted  to  allow  the  .Same  Price  for  high-way  worke  this  year,  that  we  did  the 
laist  (viz)  3s.  Per  day  from  the  first  of  may  to  the  laist  of  august  &  2s.  Per  day  in 
the  month  of  September  and  1-6  the  rest  of  the  year —  ' 

Voted  to  erect  two  school  houses  in  Amherst  one  by  the  2'1  Parish  Meeting- 
house &  the  other  in  the  South  part  of  the  East  street. 

Voted  that  Daniel  Cooly  Esq.  Capt  Eli  Parker,  Stoughton  Dickinson,  Col. 
Ebenezar  Mattoon.  Daniel  Kellogg"  jnr  be  the  Com"1'  to  erect  the  above  School 
Houses 

Voted  that  Joseph  Church,  L'  Jonathan  Dickinson  jnr.  Ins  Moses  Hastings, 
Den  John  Billings,  Noah  Smith,  Elisha  Dickinson.  Nathan  Dickinson  jr  Ll  Elijah 
Hastings,  &  Medad  Dickinson,  be  the  Com""'  to  determin whare  those  School- 
Houses  Shall  Stand  and  of  what  Dimensions  they  Shall  be 

Voted     to  raise  Eightey  Pound  to  Erect  the  above  School-Houses. 

Voted     to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  rais  the  above  granted  monies — 

Voted     to  make  the  rates  by  the  Laist  List — 

Voted     to  rais  Sixtey  Pounds  for  the  support  of  schooling  the  Current  year — 

Attest  E.  Mattoon  jr.  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish 
Meeting-house  in  said  Town  on  Monday  the  ninth  clay  of  May  A.D.  1791  at  three 
of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon — Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Mr  Ebenezer  Boltwood  Moderator 

Voted  that  the  Persons  who  have  Inclosed  Streat  land  and  have  not  given  their 
security  to  the  Treasurer,  may  have  libertey  to  do  it.  Provided  they  Include  the 
Interest  for  the  same  form  the  27th day  of  november  17SS  and  give  their  obligation 
within  fourteen  days  from  the  ninth  of  May  1791.  with  a  bondsman. 

Voted  that  the  Persons  who  have  lands  set  to  them  in  the  general  distribu" 
tion  of  streat  land,  and  have  not  Inclosed  the  same,  nor  given  security  for  it,  may 
also  have  liberty  to  give  their  obligations  under  the  Same  restrictions  and  limitations 
as  mentioned,  in  the  foregoing  vote;  and  that  those  Persons  that  now  give  security 
for  the  Streat  land  shall  be  Considered  as  Comeing  within  the  limits  of  the  Votes 


144  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

past  April  7   17S8  respecting  their  title  to  Streat  Lands  as  tho  they  had  then  given 
their  security  : 

Voted  that  the  Comtet'  appointed  to  Clear  off  Incumberances  on  the  town  ways, 
at  an  adjourned  Meeting  Octobr  27  17SS  give  notice  Immediately  to  all  those  per- 
sons that  have  taken  in  Streat  land  without  giveing  their  security  for  Said  land,  that 
unless  they  Either  remove  their  fences  or  give  their  security  within  the  time  Lim- 
ited above,  must  Expect  to  have  their  fences  remooved  according  as  the  law  directs ; 
and  that  the  Committee  Procede  to  follow  the  steps  of  the  law  without  loss  of 
time — 

Voted  that  those  Persons  who  do  give  their  security  for  land  Inclosed  shall 
produce  a  Certificat  thereof  from  the  town  Treasurer  that  the  Committee  may  be 
advertised  thereof 

Voted  that  the  Committee  appointed  to  Clear  the  Highway  take  into  Consid- 
eration the  Petition  of  Joseph  Dickinson  respecting  a  bit  of  streat  land  near  his 
house,  and  give  such  orders  relative  thereto  as  they  shall  think  proper. 

Voted  to  grant  liberty  to  John  Billings  and  others  that  have  Petitioned  the 
town ;  that  they  may  worke  out  their  highway  rate,  which  they  are  in  the  arrears 
for  the  last  year,  under  the  surveyors  who  hath  their  names  for  the  Present  years 
highway  tax — 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  give  orders  on  the  Treasurer  for  the  payment  of 
the  worke  voted  above  when  Each  Individual  hath  dun  his  worke — 

Attest  Ebenezer  Boltwood  Moderator 

Perambulation  of  Line  Between  Amherst  and  Pelham. 
Amherst  May  10:  1791 — 
To  Doct1  Seth  Coleman  Town  Clerk.  S,n  after  due  notis  from  the  Authority 
of  the  town  of  Pelham  to  Preambulate  the  line  betwixt  S,'1  town  and  the  town  of 
Amherst  this  is  to  Certify  that  we  have  attended  said  service  and  herewith  send 
you  Mr  Justus  Dwight.  Survey — 

Ebexezer  Boltwood,    )        Selectmen 
Elisha  Smith  of 

E  Mattoon  jnr  )         Amherst. 

May  10"'  1 791 

The  Perambulation  of  the  line  between  Pelham  &  Amherst  Began  at  a  heap  of 
Stones  the  South  East  Corner  of  Pelham  and  run  North  20  :  15m  west  and  found 
Divers  old  Marks  and  Boundares  Several  of  which  we  Markt  With  the  Letters 
P  A — (viz)  a  large  Pine  tree  against  Harkniss  Improvement,  also  another  Pine  tree 
at  the  north  End  of  a  Pond  hole  against  Col.  Mattoons  Land,  also  another  Pine 
tree  Eight  Rods  North  of  Pelham  Road,  another  Pine  Tree  against  Capt  Parkers 
lot,  another  oak  tree  about  Ten  rods  South  of  the  River,  also  a  large  white  oak 
tree  against  Hodgden  land  all  which  Trees  are  Markt  P.  A  &  renewed  the  north 
west  corner  of  Pelham,  which  is  a  Large  heap  of  Stones  by  Puting  a  Stake — 

Said  Line  Run  by 

Justus  Dwight  Surveyor 
True  Coppy  Test  Seth  Coleman,  Town  Clerk- 

Marriages  Solemnized  by  Rev.  David  Parsons  in  the  year,  1790  &  1791  viz. 
from  April  28"1  1790  to  may  2'1  1791 

John  Hubbard  &  Ruth  Dickinson  of  Hatfield 
Elijah  Moody  and  Electa  Smith 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN     MEETINGS.  1 45 

Joseph  Robbins  &  Leucretia  Pettes 
Josiah  Smith  &  Sally  Field — 
Ephraim  Kellogg  jnr  and  Martha  Smith 
Gideon  Ingram  &  Alary  Edwards 
May  2'1  1791  Attest  David  Parsons 

Minister  of  the  first  Parish  in  Amherst— 

Marriages  Solemnized  by  the  Rev  Icabod  Draper — June— April  29.   1790— (viz) 
Gorsham  Ingram  &  Martha  Belding — 
William  Forbush  Peebles  &  Elizabeth  Religh. 

Attest  Ichabod  Draper— 

Amherst  May  27  :   1791  — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst,  holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
ing house  on  Friday  the  Twenty  Eight  of  Octob'  1791  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the 
afternoon — 

Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Simeon  Strong  Esq  Moderator — 

Voted  to  appoint  a  Committee  of  five  to  make  Answer  to  the  Treasurers 
Citation — 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  Esq.  Daniel  Cooley  Esq.  Ebenezer  Boltwood.  Capt  Eli 
Parker,  and  Jonathan  Dickinson  2d  be  the  Com1"1'  above. 

Voted  that  the  Committee  be  Impowered  to  Send  an  agent  to  the  Com'"  of 
the  Jeneral  Court  to  make  Answer  to  the  Citation  from  the  Treasurer;  if  they  shall 
think  it  Expedient — 

Voted     that  the  money  for  schooling  be  Proportioned  to  Each  District  accord- 
ing to  what  the  Individuals  in  Each  District  pay  on  the  laist  Town  list- 
Voted     that  the  District  at  the  South-East  Corner  of  the  Town  have  liberty  to 
remove  the  old  School-house  to  the  new   one  for  the  better   accomodation  of  the 
Same. — 

Attest  Simeox  Stroxg  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
ing house  on  thirsday  the  24"' day  of  Novr  1791  at  one  of  the  Clock  afternoon, 
Voted  as  Follows  (viz) 

Voted     Col  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Moderator — 

Voted  to  rais  fortey  Pounds  to  Satisfey  a  deficiency  in  the  Province  tax  in 
A.  D.  1797  : — 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  Impowered  to  Assess  the  Same  by  the  Last  list, 
as  quick  as  may  be  : — 

Voted  that  the  above  granted  moneys  be  payed  to  the  Town  Treasurer,  and 
that  the  Treasurer  Settle  with  the  States  Treasurer  in  the  most  Saving  way  for  the 
Town : — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three,  to  vew  the  ground  before  Asahel 
Clarke  House  and  say  how  much  land  (if  any)  may  be  Sold  to  said  Clark,  and  at 
what  price,  and  make  reporte  to  the  next  meeting. 

Voted  Den  Elisha  Smith.  Martin  Kellogg,  and  Den  John  Billings  be  the 
Com'1'  above. — 

Voted  that  Jonathan  Warner  and  others  be  allowed  to  give  Security  for  the 
Streat  land  Assigned  to  them  in  the  general  distribution  of   Streat  land    Provided 


146  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

they  Compley  with  the  restriction  an  1    regulations   mentioned    at   last   may  meet- 
ing and  do  it  before  the  first  day  of  January  next  - 

Voted  to  Choose  a  ComM  of  Seven  to  divide  the  town  into  Six  Districts  for 
Schooling. — 

Voted  that  John  Dickinson,  Daniel  Cooly  Esq  Daniel  Kellogg  jnr,  Martain 
Kellogg,  Elijah  Baker,  Joel  Moody,  and  Stephen  Smith  be  the  Committee  above 
and  that  they  make  reporte  of  their  doings  to  the  next  Meeting 

Attest  E.  Mattoon  Jxr  Moderator 

Record  of  Notes  Continued 

1791  Decern  26  Jonathan  Warner  gave  security  with  David  Warner 
Bondsman  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  that  lot  on  which 
Jonathan  Warner  now  lives  1    14     6 

31  Den  Jonathan  Edwards  gave  security  with  Nathaniel  Edwards 
Bondsmen  for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  End  of  Den  Jonathan 
Edwards  house  lot  179 

31  Philip  Edwards  gave  security  with  Xath"  Edwards  Bondsman 
for  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  West  End  of  Philip    Edwards  house  lot  o     4  8k. 

1792  April  9  Ebenezer  Boltwoodgave  security  with  Jonathan  Dickinson 
bondsman  for  two  bits  of  Town  way  adjoining  to  the  north  side  of  the 
farm  belonging  to  the  Hears  of  Moses  Warner  Late  of  Amherst 
Deceast,  which  joins  the  rode  leading  from  Hadley  to  Pelham,  one  is  set 

to  Moses  Warner  &  the  other  to  David  Smith  13     6     1 

14  Capt  William  Ashley  gave  security  with  Capt  Moses  Cook 
Bondsman,  for  three  bits  of  Town  land  (viz)  one  at  the  West  End  of 
that  Lot  on  which  Mr  Ebenezer  Mattoon  now  lives,  and  one  other  bit  at 
the  East  End  of  that  lot  on  which  Leut  Moses  Rowe  now  Lives  as  also 
one  other  bit  Set  to  John  Williams  In  the  general  Distribution  of  Streat 
land  leying  at  the  East  end  of  the  lot  of  land  leying  South  of,  &  adjoining 
to  Justus  Williams,3  house  lot  6  12  n 

16  Lt  Jonathan  Dickinson  gave  security  with  Stoughton  Dickinson 
Bondsman  for  Four  Bits  of  town  way,  one  at  the  East  End  of  that  lot 
on  which  Noadiah  Smith  now  lives,  and  one  Peice  at  East  End  of  that 
lot  on  which  Medad  Moody  now  lives  and  one  other  Peice  Set  to  Waight- 
still  Dickinson  in  the  general  Distribution  of  Streat  land  and  the  other 
Piece  is  Set  to  the  widow  Sarah  Lee  in  the  general  distribution  of  Streat 
Land  8     6     3 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  liolden  at  the  First  Parish 
Meeting-house  on  Monday  the  Second  clay  of  January.  1792  at  nine  of  the  Clock  in 
the  fore  noon,  Voted  as  Follows  (viz) 

Voted     Ebenezar  Mattoon  Esq.  Moderator. 

Voted  to  allow  Six  Shillings  Per  hundred  for  two  Inch  Plank  and  five  Shil- 
lings Per  hundred  for  \k  Inch  Plank 

Voted     to  allow  18-0  Per  thousand  for  brick 

Voted     to  allow  three  Shillings  Pr  clay  for  Placing  School  house 

Voted  to  allow  five  Shillings  P1'  week  for  bording  workmen  at  the  School 
house 

Voted     to  allow  the  bills  as  they  have  been  red  and  Corrected 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  I  47 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  report  of  the  Com'"  appointed  to  divide  the  Town 
into  Six  Districts  for  the  Purpose  of  schooling  which  is  as  follows  (viz)  The 
Committee  appointed  to  divide  the  Town  of  Amherst  into  Six  Districts  for  the 
Purpose  of  Schooling— Beg  leave  to  reporte  as  follows  (viz) 

i  that  the  North-East  District  Consist  of  all  the  Inhabitants  within  Said 
Town  north  of  Joseph  .Mortons  in  the  East  Street  so  calhd,  and  Ebenezar  Dickin- 
sons in  the  Middle  Street  Including  Jonathan  Marsh 

2  That  the  North-west  District  consist  of  all  the  Inhabitants  with  their  Estates 
North  of  Moses  Cooks  in  the  west  Street — 

3  That  the  Easterly  Middle  District  consist  of  all  the  Inheabitants  with  their 
Estates,  south  of  John  Ingrams  in  the  East  Street  to  Fort  river  including  Josiah 
Thayer  Simeon  Dickinson  &  Simeon  Pomeroy  jnr 

4  That  the  Westerly  Middle  District  consist  of  all  the  Inheabitants  with  their 
Estates  south  of  John  Eastmans  and  John  Fields,  to  Simeon  Clark  jnr 

5  That  the  South  East  District  consist  of  all  the  Inheabitants  with  their 
Estates  in  the  East  Streat,  South  of  Fort  River  to  the  Hay  Road  Including  Jona- 
than Warner  Wareham  Warner  and  Aaron  Dickinson — 

6  And  that  the  south-west  District  to  consist  of  all  the  Inheabitants  in 
the  west  Street  with  their  Estates  South  of  Asahel  Clarks 

.  Which  is  Submitted 

John  Dickinson 
Per  Order 

This  reporte  is  accepted  by  the  Town 

E  Mattoon  Jnr  Moderator 

Voted  to  rais  Sixteen  Pounds  for  the  support  of  the  Poor  of  the  Town  the 
Current  year 

Voted  to  allow  the  South  East  District  for  a  School  house  the  Same  sum  to- 
Erect  their  School-House,  as  the  School  house  in  the  East  Middle  District  Cost  the 
town 

Voted  to  Empower  the  Assessors  to  Leavy  a  Tax  to  rais  the  above  granted 
Monies 

Voted  to  abate  to  Medad  Moody  fourteen  Shillings  and  Seven  pence  due  on 
his  town  note  against  th;  Estate  of  John  Nash  Late  of  Amherst  Deceast— 

Voted  to  abate  to  Xoadiah  Smith  Seven  Shillings  and  two  pence  on  his  town 
rate  against  the  Estate  of  John  Nash  late  of  Amherst  Deceased 

Voted  to  Accept  of  the  Reporte  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  Vew  and 
appraise  a  bit  of  town  way  Petitioned  for  by  Asahel  Clark  (viz)  that  he  have  the 
Following  described  bit  of  Town  Land,  which  is  to  begin  at  a  point  at  the  south-west 
Corner  of  Said  Asahels  fence,  and  to  Extend  to  the  East  End  of  Ids  house  at  which 
Place  said  land  is  twelve  feet  wide  and  the  above  said  Asahel  shall  Pay  th  :  Town 
three  Shillings  for  Said  bit  of  ground. 

Attest  E.  Mattoon  jnk  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  first  Parish  Meet- 
ing house  on  Monday  the  21  day  of  April  1702  at  nine  of  the  (  loi  k  in  the  forenoon.. 
Voted  as  Follows  (viz) 

Voted     Ebenezar  Boltwood  Moderator 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Clerk  and  Treasurer 


148  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  Capt  Moses  Cook,  Ebenezer  Boltwood,  Noah  Smith,  Daniel  Kellogg 
jnr,  &  L*  Elijah  Dickinson  Selectmen 

Voted     Capt  Moses  Cook,  Ebenezar  Boltwood  and  Noah  Smith  Assessors 
Voted     David  Goodale  and  Asahel  Clark  Constables 

Voted  Jonathan  Dickinson  2'1  John  Dickinson,  Joel  Dickinson.  Joel  Moody, 
Enos  Dickinson,  Perez  Dickinson,  Timothy  Henderson  &  Samuel  Hastings  Survey- 
ors of  Highways 

Voted  Levi  Cowls  Ephraim  Kellogg  jnr  L'  Elijah  Dickinson. Judah  Dickinson 
&  William  Dickinson  Tything  men 

Voted     Olliver  Cowls  &  Den  Eleazar  Smith  Fens  Vewers 
Voted     Olliver  Cowls  jnr  David  Billings  Zachariah   Hawley    Enoch    Bangs 
William  Boltwood  Simeon  Smith  and  David  Warner  Hog-reives — 
Voted     Den  Elisha  Smith  Sealer  of  Leather 
Voted     Stoughton  Dickinson  Surveyor  of  Lumber 
Voted     Jonathan  Marsh  &  Stephen  Fish  Packer  of  Beef  and  Porke 
Voted     to  raise  Seventy  Pounds  for  Schooling  this  year 
Voted    to  raise  twenty  Pounds  for  the  supporte  of  the  Poor  of  ye  Town — 
Voted     to  adjourn  this  Meeting  for  one  hour  and  then  to  Meet  at  this  place 
Voted     to  rais  one  Hundred  Pounds  to  repare  the  highways  this  year 
Voted     to  allow  3-0  Per  day  for  worke  at  highway  from  the  first  of  may  to  the 
laist  of  August  &  2-0  Per  day  irt  the  month  of  September  and  1-6  the  rest  of  the 
year — 

Voted    to  Erect  a  School  House  in  the  South  West  District 
Voted     to  raise  Fortey  Pounds  to  Erect  the  above  School  house — 
Voted     to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  Prefix  the  Place  of  Said  house  and 
Determin  how  big  Said  House  Shall  be — 

Voted  Den  Elisha  Smith  Lt  Jonathan  Dickinson  jnr  &  John  Billings  be  the 
Committee  above — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Com'™  of  five  to  Erect  the  above  School  house 
Voted  John  Lee  Noadiah  Smith  Joel  Moody  Medad  Moody  &  Martain  Kel- 
logg be  the  Com'01'  above- 
Voted  to  discontinue  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of  Simeon  Strongs 
lot  near  Capt  Eli  Parkers  house  and  grant  the  Same  to  Simeon  Strong  Esq  &  his 
heirs  he  paying  the  price  for  Said  land  at  which  it  Shall  be  appraised  by  a  Com'00 
Chosen  for  that  purpose  the  above  discontinued  bit  of  town  way  is  as  Follows  (viz) 
begining  at  the  North  east  Corner  of  Capt  Eli  Parker  House  lot  and  thens 
Extending  East  Twelve  feet  to  the  North  East  Corner  of  a  Rock  thence  running 
to  a  point  at  a  stake  which  stands  in  the  North-East  corner  of  the  Said  Simeons 
lot 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  Appraise  the  above  described  bit 
of  land — 

Voted  that  Jonathan  Dickinson  2'1  Elisha  Dickinson  and  Joseph  Dickinson 
be  the  Comlre  to  vew  and  appraise  the  above  bit  of  land  and  reporte  to  the  next 
meeting — 

Voted  to  abate  to  John  Williams  his  Proportion  of  the  School  money  for  two 
years  laist  paist — 

Voted  to  Impowerthe  town  Treasurer  to  Sel  all  or  any  part  of  the  Streat 
land  which  was  Set  to  Individuals  in  the  general  distribution  of  the  streat  land 
.(where  those  Individuals  Either  refuse  or  neglect  to  give  their  Security  for  the 
Same)  to  any  body  that  Shall  appear  to  buy  the  Said  Land;  they  Complying  with 


»  RECORDS    OF    TOWN    .MEETINGS.  149- 

the  Conditions  Voted  in  may  g,h  1791  (viz)  to  Include  the  Interest  from  the  27"1  of 
November  17SS  and  give  their  Security  with  a  Bondsman 

Voted  that  Capt  John  Thompson  have  liberty  to  keep  Inclosed  the  land  which 
was  allowed  to  Capt  James  Hendrick  to  keep  untill  Last  October — untill  next 
October,  he  sowing  the  same  with  hay  seed — 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  vew  the  highway  that  runs  through  Jonathan  Marsh- 
es land  and  lay  the  Same  on  the  Side  of  Said  Jonathans  lot  if  they  think  proper 
&  make  reporte  to  sum  futer  Meeting 

Voted     that  the  Assessors  be  Impowered  to  raise  the  above  granted  monies. — 

Voted     that  the  Assessors  make  the  highway  rate  by  the  laist  Town  list 
Attest  Ebexezar  Boltwood  Moderator 

Records  of  Notes  Continued 

1792  April  19  Capt  Moses  Cook  gave  security  with  Capt  William 
Ashley  Bondsman  for  two  bits  of  town  land  (viz)  one  at  the  East  End  of 
a  lot  In  the  First  Division  own  by  Jiles  Church  &  also  one  other  bit  at 
the  West  End  of  that  lot  which  is  owned  by  the  Hears  of  Aaron  Warner 
jnr  late  of  Amherst  Deceast  In  the  2'1  Division  of  land  35     8; 

23  Solomon  Boltwood  gave  security  with  Ebenezar  Boltwood 
Bondsman  for  a  bit  of  town  way  laying  on  the  North  Side  of  that  lot  on 
which  Stephen  Fish  now  lives  wich  was  set  to  Solo  Boltwood  1    17  2- 

June  22  Nathan  Dickinson  jnr  gave  Security  with  Ezekiel  Dickin- 
son Bondsman  for  a  bit  of  Town  way  at  the  west  End  of  that  lot  on 
which  Josiah  Thayer  now  lives  which  was  set  to  Said  Josiah  in  the  gen- 
eral Distribution  of  Streat  land  1     8     7 

Marriages  Solemnized  by  the  Rev  Ichabod  Draper  from  May  27  1791  to  April 

27  I79-— (viz)— 

Jeremiah  Haze  and  Lavina  White 

Alexander  Conkey  &  Eloner  McConnel 

Elias  Wilder  &  Sarah   Marshal 

Elihu  Dickinson  &  Susanna  Lewis 

David  Chauncey  Hamilton  &  Polley  B.  Hubbard 

Judah  Dickinson  &  Thankfull  Dickinson 

Eleazar  Dana  &  Sally  Cutler  — 

L1  Noah  Dickinson  &  Susanna  Ward 

Ichabod  Draper — 

Marriages  Solemnized  by  the  Rev  David  Parsons  from  May  2d  1791  to  May 
14  1792  (viz)— 

John  Dodge  &  Violet  Warriner — 

George  Eddy  &  Cloe  Rowe  — 

Capt  Benjamin  Davenport  &  Jerusha  Ballard 

Stephen  Tainter  &  Elizabeth  Gorham — 

Noah  Wright  Childs  of  Deerfield  &  Mary  Graves  of  Sunderland 

Olliver  Cowls  jnr  &  Lois  Clark 

Isaac  Molinux  of  Bernardston  &  Sally  Gaylord 

Thomas  Harlow  of  Pelham  <x  Sarah  King  New  Salem 

Test  David  Parsons 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  First  Parish 
Meeting  House  in  S1  Amherst  on  Monday  the  fourteenth  day  of  May  A  D  1792  at 
2  o  Clock   in  the  afternoon  Voted  a  follows  (viz — 


150  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted     Mr  Ebenezar  Boltwodo  Moderator 

Voted  to  graint  to  Simeon  Strong  Esq  a  bit  of  town  way  at  the  East  End  of 
S.'1  Simeons  land  leying  north  of  and  adjoining  to  Capt  Eli  Parkers  house  Said 
land  being  twelve  feet  wide  at  S.d  Parkers  dore  yard  runing  thirtey  three  rods  to  a 
point  at  the  N  E  Corner  of  Said  Land;  which  land  Contains  Eleven  rods  &  13A 
feet  at  80-0  Per  Acre — 

Voted  to  graint  to  Capt  Eli  Parker  a  Small  bit  of  town  way  in  front  of  his 
dore  yard  so  as  to  correspond  with  Simeon  Strongs  land  granted  above :  being 
twelve  feet  wide  on  the  north  side  runing  to  a  point  at  the  distance  of  nine  rods 
Containing  three  rods  and  nine  feet,  and  that  Said  Eli  Pay  for  Said  land  at  the 
rate  of  80-0  Per  Acre  -  60-0     Paid  &c — 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to  appley  to  the  court  of  Common 
Pleas  for  a  Court  Com"'1'  to  Assertain  the  County  Rode  for  Amherst 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  five  to  Vew  the  ground  before  Asahel  Clarks 
house  and  say  how  much  if  any  of  theTown  Way  Can  be  Sold  to  Said  Asahel  with- 
out Incommoding  the  Publick  and  apprais  Said  land  and  make  reporte  to  Next 
Meeting 

Voted  Den  Elisha  Smith  Major  Zebina  Montague  Mr  Ebenezar  Boltwood 
Den  John  billings  and  Leut  Elijah  Dickinson  be  the  Comtee  above 

Voted  to  direct  the  Treasurer  to  Exchange  Capt  James  Hendricks  note  in  the 
Town  Treasury  for  Stoughton  Dickinsons  with  a  bondsman 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  two  to  Trans  Scribe  from  Hadley  records 
the  Limits  and  bounds  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  and  have  it  Inserted  in  Amherst 
Records — 

Voted     Daniel  Cooly  Esq  &  Seth  Coleman  be  the  Committee  above 

Attest  Ebenezar  Boltwood  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish 
Meeting  house  in  Said  Amherst  on  Monday  the  Eighth  day  of  October  1792  at 
one  of  the  Clock  In  the  afternoon  Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Daniel  Cooley  Esq  Moderator — 

Voted  that  the  Committee  appointed  to  averidge  the  avails  of  the  Street  land 
Proceed  to  averidge  the  Notes  now  in  the  Town  Treasury  and  see  what  is  the  Pro- 
portion belonging  to  Each  Parish  agreeable  to  a  former  vote — 

Voted  that  those  Persons  that  have  obligations  now  in  the  Town  Treasury  for 
Streat  Land  may  Stipulate  with  the  Standing  Committee  of  Either  Parish  for  the 
payment  of  their  Notes  and  that  a  Receipt  from  the  Court  of  Either  Parish  Shall 
be  the  Town  Treasurers  discharge  for  the  Same  untill  the  full  sum  be  Exhaust  <1 
to  which  that   Parish  is   Intitled  to  which  the  Corn1™  thus  receipting  Shall  belong 

Voted  that  the  time  of  bringing  the  receipts  mention  above  be  limited  to  the 
first  day  of   May  1793 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  five  to  vew  the  ground  on  the  west  side  of 
the  Highway  opposit  to  Perez  Dickinsons  and  say  how  much  land  (if  any)  they 
Judge  it  Expedient  to  grant  to  Said  Perez  to  set  a  blacksmiths  shop  upon  and 
appraise  the  same  and  make  reporte  to  next  Meeting 

Voted  Daniel  Kellogg  jnr  Joseph  Eastman  Capt  Eli  Parker  Den  John  Beld- 
ing  and  Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood  be  the  Com"'  above — 

Attest  Daniel    Coolev  Moderator 

A  List  of  Electors  for  the  President  and  Vice  President  of  the  united  States 
Nov1"  2'1  1792  as  given  in  by  the  Inheabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst,  is  as  follows 
(viz)— 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN     MEETINGS. 


J5 


Honora,e  Elijah  D wight  Esq  19 

Simeon  Strong  Esq  16 

William  Shepherd  Esq  24 

Moses  Gill  Esq  20 

Dwight  Foster  Esq  20 

Levi  Lincoln  Esq  1 1 

Thompson  J  Skinner  Esq  10 

Daniel  Bigelow  Esq  11 

Samuel  Hinshaw  Esq  8 

Wareham  Parker  Esq  1 

Ebenezar  Hunt  Esq  1 

Nath11  Bishop  Esq  1 

Ebene1'  Mattoon  Esq  4 

Samuel  Lyman  Esq  4 

Theodore  Sedgwick  Esq  1 

William  Lyman  Esq  1 

Amherst  Nov1  2'1  1792 

Ebenezar  Boltwood  P'  ord  of  the  Selectmen 
A  list  of  Federal  Representatives  as  Voted  for  Nov:'1  1792  by  the  Inheabitants 
of  Amherst  is  as  follows  (viz) 

No  of  votes 
Honr  Theodore  Sedgwick  for  County  of  Berkshire  39  ' 

Thompson  J  Skinner  for  Do  13 

William  Lyman  for  County  of  Hampshire  38 

Samel  Henshaw  for  Do  Ditto  7 

Samuel  Lyman    for  Do  Do  3 

Artimus  Ward  for  County  of  Worcester  45 

Jonathan  Grout  for  Do  of  Ditto  2 

Samuel  Lyman  for  the  Districk  3S 

Theodore  Sedgwick  for  the  District  10 

William  Lyman  for  Ditto  1 

Gen"  Cobb  for  3  Districts  47 

Ebenezar  Boltwood  Pr  order  of  the  Selectmen 
Amherst  NoV  2'1  1792 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  h olden  at  the  first  Parish  Meet- 
ing house  on  Tuesday  the  Sixth  day  of  November  1792  at  two  of  the  Clock  in 
the  afternoon  Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Capt  Moses  Cook  Moderator- 
Voted     to  make  sum  reporte  to  the  general  Court   relative  to  the  division  of 
the  County  of  Hampshire 

Voted  that  it  is  the  sence  of  this  town  that  it  is  not  Expedient  that  any  divis- 
ion of  the  County  of  hampshire  should  take  place  at  Present 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  make  reporte  to  the  general  Court 
setting  fourth  their  objections  against  the  division  of  the  County  of  Hampshire 

Voted  that  Simeon  Strong  Esq  Daniel  Cooley  Esq  and  Seth  Coleman  be  the 
Committee  above 

Voted  to  have  the  School  Money  Equally  divided  between  the  Six  Districts 
the  Current  year 

Attest  Moses  C c  jnr  Moderator 


!52 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


[Transcribed  from  Hadley   Town  Records .] 
January  5t,,  1729 — 30  whereas  it  is  supposed  that  there  is  a  mistake  in  the  land 
of  the  width  of  Air  Timothy  Eastmans  Lot  in  the  Second  Division  that  the  twenty 
nine  rods  five  foot  Should  have  been  Sixty  nine  rods  and  five  foot    Voted  by  the 
town  that  the  Said  Lot  Should  be  Sixty  nine  rods  and  five  foot  in  width 

Attest  Eleazar  Porter  Moderator 

There  followeth  an  Account  of  the  Wood  Lots  in  the  most  Easterly  Division 
which  begins  Forty  Rods  from  the  rear  of  the  Second  Division  so  runs  to  the  East 
End  of  the  bounds  of  the  town  which  lots  are  two  miles  In  length  and  in  breadth 
as  is  hereafter  Expressed  in  which  everyone  hath  a  lot  lying  as  follows  (viz) 


I 

tods 

Ft. 

Rods 

Ft. 

Is"  Lot  Samuel,  Josiah&  Joseph 

Widdo  Craft 

1 

9 

Church  their  three  Lots  one 

5 

John  Smith 

26 

5 

in  breadth  at  the  front:   and 

85 

Peter  Tilton 

23 

10 

at  the  rear  bounded  on  Brook- 

Samuel  Dickinson 

5 

2 

field   rode    South    and    John 

Mr  Isaac  Chauncy 

32 

6 

Ingram  North 

Samuel  Gaylord 

15 

1 

2'1  Lot     John  Ingram 

25 

5 

William  Gaylord 

10 

5 

John  Ingram  jnr 

13 

3 

John  Smith     orph 

2S 

14 

Samuel  Ingram 

10 

6 

John  Hilyard 

10 

6 

Nathaniel  Ingram 

10 

6 

William  Brown 

10 

6 

Jonathan  Ingram 

5 

2 

Nehemiah  Dickinson 

68 

1 

Jonathan  Marsh 

33 

5 

Mrs  Hannah  Porter 

15 

4 

Ens  Chileal)  Smith 

23 

10 

Mr  Samuel  Porter 

90 

10 

Samuel  Smith  C.h 

20 

6 

Hezekiah  Porter 

18 

12 

Luke  Smith 

32 

2 

John  Porter 

8 

4 

Ebenezar  Smith 

13 

0 

Exsperian  Porter 

'9 

4 

John  Smith 

15 

8 

Ichabod  Porter 

13 

14 

Ephraim  Nash 

7 

13 

Samuel  Nash 

1 1 

14 

Samuel  Smith  Sen 

10 

6 

Ebenezar  Nash 

7 

8 

James  Smith 

27 

13 

Daniel  Hubbard 

36 

4 

Preserved  Smith 

10 

6 

Peter  Montague 

53 

5 

Widdo  Cook 

1 

10 

Nathaniel  Dickinson 

2 

1 

John  Nash 

18 

1 1 

John  Montague 

32 

12 

Joseph  Nash 

18 

11 

Nathaniel  White 

47 

7 

Thomas  Nash 

5 

3 

Samuel  Smith 

27 

4 

Mr  William  Williams 

4 

5 

Ichabod  Smith 

22 

7 

John  Cook 

3 

'3 

Daniel  Marsh  and  Sons 

So 

11 

John  Graves 

2 

6 

Thomas  Selding 

42 

0 

Stephen  Belding 

5 

10 

John  Selding 

12 

0 

Ebenezar  Billings 

3 

0 

Jacob  Warner 

26 

5 

Samuel  Billings  jnr 

1 

9 

John  Preston 

'7 

10 

David  Warner 

5 

0 

Nathaniel  Warner 

26 

'5 

Widdo  Warner 

5 

0 

Thomas  Dickinson 

26 

14 

Joseph  Smith     Hatfield 

2 

9 

Samuel  Bolt  wood 

27 

2 

Ebenezar  Wells 

13 

0 

E,d  Church 

20 

15 

Samuel  &  Ebenezar  Moody 

41 

8 

Mr  William  Rooker 

13 

8 

Samuel  Marsh 

14 

0 

Mr  George  Stilman 

32 

6 

John  Kellogg 

19 

6 

John  Taylor   Senior 

45 

0 

RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS. 


lS3 


E,d  Kellogg  10  6  John  Taylor  Junior  10  6 

Joseph  Kellogg  34  2  Eleazar  Warner  10  6 

Nathaniel  Kellogg  10  6  Isaac  Warner  10  6 

Aaron  Cook  23  10  Daniel  Warner  5  2 

Thomas  Hovey  29  o  Samuel  Crow  20  5 

Westward  Cook  43  12  Samuel  Partridge  44  14 

Samuel  Cook  24  2  Thomas  Goodman  31  6 

Moses  Cook  24  2  Town  Lot  24  o 

Colemans  Land  23  10  Timothy  Eastman  41  8 

Joseph  Smith  15  11  Col  Samuel  Partridge  24  4 

John  Goodman  40  1  Samuel  Barnard  26  1 

The  above  Said  Lots  were  equally  Proportioned  and  Laid  out  according  to  the 
order  of  the  Town  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1703 

Per  or  Capt  Aaron  Cook  Esq         )      T 

Capt  Nehemiah  Dickinson  :  ,r  lown 
Mr  Samuel  Porter  )  Measurers 

Hadley  Nov  20th  1738  at  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Propriators  of  the  land  in 
Hadley  leying  between  the  Bay  Road  and  the  Mill  river  the  outermost  Commons 
and  the  East  End  of  the  Town  bounds 

Voted     Coll  Porter  Moderator  of  Said  Meeting 

Voted  and  granted  by  Said  Propriators  one  hundred  acres  of  land  adjoining 
to  the  Northernmost  lot  in  the  2rt  Division  or  Tear  of  Lots  to  be  for  the  use  and 
benefit  and  at  the  Disposal  of  the  Third  Precinct 

Voted  and  granted  to  Mr  Samuel  and  Jonathan  Russell,"  want  of  Land  in  the 
third  Division  be  made  up  to  them  out  of  the  aforesaid  undivided  Land  and  that 
the  Lots  cut  short  in  the  Said  third  division  be  mad  up  out  of  the  Remainder  of  the 
undivided  Land  if  there  be  Enough  if  not  Enough  to  be  divided  in  Proportion  to 
their  want  if  even  to  remain  for  the  further  use  on  Disposal  of  Said  Propriators — 
Attest  Eleazar  Porter  Moderator  of  Said  Meeting 

March  17th  1740  At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Common  and 
on  undivided  Land  in  Hadley  third  Precinct  above  Said 

Voted  Capt  Smith  Moderator- 
Voted  that  the  Line  of  Division  between  man  and  man  in  the  third  Division 
of  the  Land  above  Said  Shall  be  according  to  the  original  or  first  survey  thereof 
in  1703  Voted  that  we  now  proceed  to  lay  out  the  land  at  the  North  End  of  the 
Second  and  third  Division  unto  those  Persons  that  have  not  their  Proportion  of 
Land  in  the  third  Division  agreeable  to  the  graint  above  Said  in  173S 

Voted  a  Committee  to  lay  out  the  Same  with  Nathaniel  Kellog  jun  whom  they 
have  Chosen  Surveyor  L'  William  Dickinson  and  Ebenezar  Kellog  and  Solomon 
Boltwood 

Voted  that  the  Committee  above  Said  are  to  Vew  and  Determin  whare  the 
Highway  Should  be  through  third  Division  to  accomodate  those  that  desire  the 
Same 

The  order  of  the  Lots  as  they  were  chosen  by  the  Propriators  at  the  North 
End  of  the  Second  and  third  Division  is  as  follows — first  lot 

Ebenezar  Selden  1     John  Preston  16 

Edward  Church  2     Solomon  Boltwood  17 

Samuel  Barnard  3     Peter  Montague  18 

13 


154  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN'  OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

William  Rooker  4  John  Taylor  Jun  &  Sen  19 

John  Goodman  5  Thomas  Dickinson  20 

Nathaniel  Dickinson  6  Mr  Stilman  21 

Eleazar  Warner  7  Job  Marsh  22 

Dea"  Nathaniel  White  S  Timothy  Eastman  23 

Ichabod  Smith  9  Coll  Patridge  24 

Samuel  Crow  10  Porters  25 

John  Montague  11  John  Selding-  26 

Samuel  Patridge  12  Daniel  Warner  27 

Nathaniel  Warner  13  Isaac  Warner  28 

Jacob  Warner  14  Town  Lot  29 

Edmund  Hubbard  15  Thomas  Goodman  30 

Then  followeth  a  return  of  the  Survey  and  Laying  out  of  Sundry  Lots  of 
Land  to  the  Persons  hereafter  named  which  Land  lies  at  the  North-Easterly  part 
of  Hadley  Townships  Pursuant  to  a  grant  to  them  by  the  Propriators  of  Said  Land 
at  their  Meeting  the  20th  of  November  1738— as  an  Equivalent  for  their  lots  of  land 
by  the  riming  the  Town  Line  which  is  Proportioned  and  laid  agreeable  to  the  Rule 
given  by  the  Propriators  of  Said  Meeting.— 

The  Lots  following  were  Laid  in  the  order  as  they  were  drawn  as  Per  the 
Propriators  Book  of  Records  will  appear  Note  the  Land  is  Laid  in  two  tear  of 
Sorts  and  Divided  by  a  rode  of  four  Rods  in  breadth  which  begins  at  a  heap  of 
Stones  at  the  North  west  Corner  of  Samuel  Patridges  third  division  Lot,  it  being 
the  Northerly  lot  in  said  third  division  from  which  heaps  of  Stones  it  runs  north  to 
the  Mill  river  this  heap  of  Stones  being  on  the  East  side  of  the  road  the  order  of 
the  Lots  as  followeth — Mr  Jonathan  and  Samuel  Russell."  Lot.  altho  it  was  not 
drawn  with  the  rest  of  the  Lots,  was  ordered  to  be  laid  out  first  and  in  quantity 
Seven  Acres  and  fifty  three  rods  and  in  breadth  Fourteen  Rods  and  Eleven 
foot  arfd  Six  Inches  at  East  End.  and  to  a  Point  at  the  West  End,  Beginning  at  a 
Heap  of  Stones,  the  aforementioned  North  west  Corner  of  Samuel  Patridges  third 
Division  Lot,  From  which  it  Runs  East  ten  Degrees  30'".  South  one  hundred  and 
Sixtey  Rods,  to  the  East  Line  of  the  town,  thence  North  in  Said  Town  Line  Four- 
teen rods  and  Eleven  Foot  and  Six  Inches,  thence  west  five  degrees  North  to  the 
aforesaid  heap  of  Stones  and  closed  Bounded  South  by  Samuel  Partridge,  North 
by  Ebenezar  Selding.  East,  on  the  Town  Line  West  in  the  above  Described  High- 
way— 


Ebenezar  Seldings  in  quantity 


2'1  Edward  Church,  in  quantity 

3'1  Samuel  Barnard,  in  quantity 

4th  William  Rooker.  in  quantity 

5th  John  Goodman,  in  quantity 

6th  Nathaniel  Dickinson,  in  quantity 

7th  Eleazar  Warner,  in  Quantity 

Sth  Dea"  Nathaniel  White,  in  Quantity 

9th  Ichabod  Smith,  in  Quantity 


Quantity 

in 

breadth 

A. 

Rods. 

R. 

ft     in 

16 

So 

10 

8       6 

At  west  end 

22 

9       3 

AtE 

ast  End 

<5 

80 

16 

'    6       3 

36 

1 

38 

2      3 

1  2 

— 

12 

11       6 

45 

— 

52 

4       6 

— 

83 

— 

'3       7 

10 

M 

10 

'5       5 

13 

152 

14 

11       6 

S 

14 

9 

8       6 

RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  I  55 

10th     Samuel  Crow,  in  quantity                                                    21         So  23       2       6 

n,h     John  Montague,  in  Quantity                                                 8       123  956 

12th     Samuel  Patridge                                                                    59         20  64       2       5 

13"1     Nathaniel  Warner,  in  quantity                                           iS         13  20       1     — 

14th     Jacob  Warner,  in  quantity                                                      16         — ■  17      14     — 

15th     Edmund  Hubbard,  in  quantity                                            5       140  9       S       3 

16th     John  Preston,  in  quantity                                                     16         —  26     —     — 

17th     Solomon  Boltwood.  in  quantity                                          28         34  4^       3     — 

i8Ih     Peter  Montague,  in  quantity                                               11         40  13       9 

[13  rods,  9  feet  west  end.  n  rods  east  end.] 

19"1     John  Taylor  Senior  &  Junior  in  quantity                        35         —  15  west  end 

55  east  end 

20th     Thomas  Dickinson,  in  quantity                                          19         24  —     —     — 
21st     George  Stilman  in  quantity                                                 25  in  the  hole 

but  in  this  place                                                         15       136  64       S     — 

the  remaining  Part  of  Said  Right  lies  at  the 

South  End  of  the  West  tear  of  lots,  (viz)        9         24  10       2     — 

2211     Daniel  Marshes  Right  laid  out  to  his  hears  in  quantity  37         40  22      14     — 

[22  rods.  14  west  end.  97  rods  east  end.] 

23d     Timothey  Eastman,  in  quantity                                          51          10  51      11     — 

24th     Coll  Samuel  Partridge,  in  quantity                                   30       146  30     14     — 

25th     Samuel  Porter,  in  quantity                                                    7         20  72     — 

26th     John  Belding,  in  quantity                                                    15         80  15       S       6 

27th     Daniel  Warner,  in  quantity                                                   5         —  5     —     — 

28"'     Isaac  Warner,  in  quantity                                                    10         14  10       2     — 

29th     Town  Lot.  in  quantity                                                           2S         12  2S       2     — 
30"'     Thomas  Goodman,  in  quantity                                           35         —        35     —     — 

31s1  Samuel  &  Ebenezar  Nash  in  quantity  2  —  2  —  — 
These  Lots  all  Ley  in  the  order  as  their  Names  are  Entered  all  of  Equal  Length, 
the  division  Lines  are  all  East  and  West,  they  all  bound  East  on  an  highway  and 
west  on  Land  quoted  to  South  Hadley.  Timothy  Eastman  bounds  South  on  Dan- 
iel Marsh.3  heirs  Land.  Samuel  &  Ebenezar  Nash  bound  North  on  undivided 
land — Surveyed  1740  P  r  me. 

Nathaniel  Kellogg 
December  io,!l  1792  — 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Propriators  of  a  Tract  of  Land  in  common  and  undivided 
lying  in  Amherst  in  the  County  of  Hampshire,  bounded  southernly  upon  the  second 
and  third  Division  of  Land,  so  Called,  Easterly  of  Said  Amherst.  East  Line, 
Northerly  and  westerly  Partly  on  the  Mill  river  and  Partly  on  the  North  Line  of 
Amherst  affore  Said — which  Land  is  Commonly  known  by  the  name  of  flat  hill 
land,  duly  warned  and  legally  assembled  at  the  dwelling  house  of  Jonathan  Cook 
Inn  holder  in  Hadley  in  Said  County  on  thirsday.  the  tenth  day  of  December 
1772   at  ten  of  the  Clock  in  the  forenon  of  Said   Day — 

Voted     Capt  Moses  Marsh  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 

Voted     Josiah  Peirce  Proprietors  Clark  to  record  all  votes  and  orders  sworn — 

Voted  that  we  now  Proceed  to  a  Division  of  the  Said  tract  of  Land  to  and 
among  the  interested  So  that  Each  Propriator  may  hold  and  Improve  his  or  heirs 
Share  on  Proportion  in  Severalty — 


156  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  that  the  Said  tract  Shall  be  Divided  into  two  tears  of  lots  and  Divided 
by  a  rode  of  four  Rods  in  breadth  which  Begins  at  an  heap  of  Stones  at  the  North 
west  Corner  of  the  third  Division  lot,  which  is  known  by  the  name  of  Barnards 
North  West  Corner  from  which  heaps  of  Stones  it  runs  North  to  the  Mill  river, 
this  heap  of  Stones  being  on  the  East  Side  of  Said  Road,  and  that  Each  Propria-' 
tor  Shall  hold  and  Improve  his  or  heir  Share  in  Said  Tract  in  Severalty,  in  the 
following  order  and  quantity — and  by  the  following  bounds — (viz)  — 

Amherst  Octd  25  1792 

We,  the  Subscribers  have  with  the  Selectmen  of  Shutesbury  (viz)  John  Powers 
and  Andrew  Hamilton,  Preambulated  the  line  between  this  town  and  Shutesbury 
Beginning  at  the  South  west  Corner  of  Shutesbury  being  a  Stake  and  Stones  thence 
Running  North  4  Degrees  West  590  Rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones  in  Leverett  line 
Near  Isaac  Adams,*  House  Said  line  is  marked  with  the  Letters  A  &  S  the  Minutes 
taken  by  W"'  Bowman  surveyer  - 

Ebenezer  Boltwood    (      Selectmen  of 
Elijah  Dickinson  \         Amherst 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
house  on  Monday  the  fourteenth  day  of  January  1793  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the 
forenoon  Voted  as  follows — (viz) 

Voted     Capt  Ebenezer  Boltwood  Moderator 

Voted  to  Choose  a  ComUeof  three  to  Inspect  and  Consider  the  bills  Exhibited 
to  this  Meeting  for  the  Erecting  of  the  School  house  in  the  South  west  District  of 
Amherst 

Voted  that  De"  Elisha  Smith  Stoughton  Dickinson  and  John  Dickinson  be 
the  Committee  above  — 

Voted  to  adjourn  this  Meeting  for  the  Space  of  one  hour  and  then  to  Meet 
at  the  Propriatory  School  house  in  Amherst — the  Meeting  being  met  at  time  and 
Place  according  to  the  adjournment  above  proceeded  to  Vote  as  follows — (viz) — 

Voted     to  allow  the  Bills  as  they  have  been  red  and  Corrected — 

Voted  to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Levy  a  Tax  to  rais  the  above  granted 
monies 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  Consider  Joseph  Bowlls  laist  Town  and  County 
Rate  and  make  fresh  abatement  thereon  as  they  Judge  to  be  Equitable 

Voted  that  the  Town  Treasurer  be  directed  to  Deliver  out  to  the  Committee 
of  the  Second  Parish  all  the  Notes  that  are  now  remaining  in  the  Town  Treasury, 
which  are  Left  in  Consequence  of  the  division  of  the  Streat  land  Notes  made  by 
the  averidging  Com"'1'  (persuant  to  a  vote  of  the  town)  on  the  fourth  day  of  April 
1791  — 

Voted  to  Accept  of  the  Reporte  of  the  Committee  Chosen  in  may  laist  to 
Vew  the  ground  before  Asahel  Clarks  house  and  Say  how  much  land  if  any  should 
be  sold  to  Said  Asahel  which  reporte  is  as  follows  (viz) — To  Begin  at  Said  Asahel 
Clarks  South  west  Corner  and  running  a  line  Parrellel  with  his  west  fence  forty  Eight 
feet — thence  Southeast  one  rod — thence  a  Straight  line  to  Strike  twelve  feet  South 
from  the  South  west  corner  of  his  hous — thence  to  run  by  his  house  to  his  fence 
twelve  foot  from  the  frunt  of  his  house  containing  by  Estimation  twenty  rods 
and  they  have  adjudged  the  Said   land  to  be  worth  twenty  five  Shillings — he  put- 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  157 

ting  the  Roade  in  as  good  Repare  as  it  now  is  by  plowing  the  hill  south  of  his  house 

and  doing  other  things  necessary  at  his  own  Expence. 

Amherst  Decembr  iS  1792 

Elisha  Smith  "] 

Ebene.r  Boltwood     !      rnm„.,,OQ 
-r,  t^  >    Committee 

Elijah  Dickinson       f 

Zebina  Montague      J 

\"oted  that  the  above  described  bit  of  ground  be  granted  to  Asahel  Clark  in 
fee  Provided  to  Comply  with  the  Conditions  above  on  his  parte — 

Voted  to  abate  to  Stephen  Smith  the  following  rates  (viz)  John  Johnston  State 
tax  5'1  Ditto  Highway  rate  2-7  Thomas  Mortons  State  Tax  4-0^  Ditto  Highway 
rate  7-4^  Joab  Ingram  town  tax  7-0 — x 

Voted  to  abate  to  Nath"  Edwards  the  following  rates  (viz)  Paul  Newtons 
rates  2S-S  Amisa  Allins  rate  4-7  wareham  warners  rate  6-1 1 

Attest  Ebene,r  Boltwood  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  atthe  First  Parish  Meet- 
ing house  on  Monday  the  first  day  of  April  in  the  year  of  our  lord  one  thousand 
Seven  hundred  and  ninety  three  at  nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  Morning  Voted  as 
Follows  (viz) 

Voted     Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood  Moderator 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Clerk  &  Treasurer — 

Voted  Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood,  Cap  Moses  Cook,  Daniel  Kellogg  jr.  L,' 
Jonathan  Dickinson,  L,'  Timothey  Handerson,  Selectmen — 

Voted  Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood.  Noah  Smith,  and  Capt  Moses  Cook 
Assesors — 

Voted     Isaac  Robbens  and  John  Ingram  2'1  Constables — 

Voted  Elijah  Baker,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Noah  Smith,  Joel  Moody,  Judah 
Dickinson,  Solomon  Boltwood.  Nathan  Dickinson  jr.  Silas  Wright  Surveyers  of 
Highways — 

A'oted  Timothey  Clap,  L'  Timothey  Handerson  Ephraim  Kellogg  jr,  Jamin 
Kimbal  &  Judah  Dickinson  Teything  Men 

Voted     Joseph  Dickinson  and  Martin  Kellogg  fens  Vewers 

Voted     Den.  Elisha  Smith  Sealer  of  Leather 

Voted     Stephen  Fish  Packer  of  beef  and  Porke — 

Voted  Stoughton  Dickinson  Surveyer  of  Lumber- 
Voted  Daniel  Cooley  Esq.  Jamin  Kimbal  Silas  Wright,  Asa  Smith  Nathan 
Franklin.  Capt  Ebener  Boltwood,  Hog  reives 

Voted     to  rais  Seventy  two  Pounds  for  Schooling  the  Currant  year — 

Voted  to  Rais  one  Hundred  Pounds  for  the  repare;  of  the  High  ways  this 
year 

Voted  to  allow  three  Shillings  Pr  day  for  worke  at  the  High  ways,  till  the 
first  of  September,  and  one  and  sixpence  the  rest  of  the  year 

Voted  to  rais  Twenty  Pounds  for  the  supporte  of  the  Poor  of  the  Town  this 
year — 

Voted     to  Impowerthe  Assessors  to  Asses  the  above  granted  monies — 

Voted     to  allow  three  Shillings  Per  day  for  a  teem  with  Proper  utencils. 

Voted     to  abate  to  Ephraim  Kellogg  his  rate  against  Nath"  Peck  2'1 — 

Voted     to  adjurn  this  Meeting  for  one  hour  and  then  to  Meet  at  this  Place 


158  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Conr"''  of  five  to  make  such  Enquirey  and  Examination 
Into  the  Matter  of  Serten  lost  orders  as  they  Shall  Judge  Necessary  and  .Make 
reporte  to  this  Meeting  at  sum  futer  day — 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  Esq.  Daniel  Cooley  Esq  Capt  Eli  Parker  Martin  Kel- 
logg &  Capt  John  Tomson  be  the  Committee  above 

Voted  to  grant  a  Com"*  of  three  to  vew  the  ground  before  the  West  fruntof 
David  Billings  lot,  and  Say  how  much  land,  if  any,  maybe  Expedient  for  the  Town 
to  grant  to  Said  Billing,  and  to  appraise  the  Same,  and  make  repore  to  sum  futer 
meeting — 

Voted  Mr  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Ins  Moses  Hastings  &  Nathan  Dickinson  jr. 
be  the  Com"''  above 

Voted  to  adjurn  this  Meeting  to  Monday  the  fifteenth  day  of  Instant  April, 
at  four  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon,  then  10  Meet  at  this  Place,  April  15'11  1793  the 
Town  being  Met  at  time  and  Place  voted  above  Come  to  the  following  votes  (viz) 

Voted  that  the  Com'"'  (appointed  to  Inquire  Into  the  Mattersof  Sertainlaust 
orders)  Proceed  to  make  such  further  Investigation  of  the  matter  as  they  Shall 
think  Expedient  and  make  reporte  to  sum  futer  Meeting — 

Voted     to  make  an  addition  of  two  more  to  the  Com"'1'  above 

Voted     that  Deu  John  Billings  and  David  Cowls  be  added  to  the  Committee — 

Voted  to  accept  the  Reporte  of  the  Com1"  appointed  to  Vew  and  appraise  a 
bit  of  land  before  David  Billings  house  and  grant  the  land  as  Discribed  in  their 
Reporte  to  Said  David,  he  giving  security  for  the  Same  to  the  Town  Treasurey — 
which  Reporte  is  as  follows  as  Pr  the  files  will  appear — (viz) — the  Committeee  have 
been  to  Vew  the  land  that  David  Billings  Petitions  the  town  for  and  we  think  it 
wornt  hurt  the  Publick  rode  to  begin  one  rod  in  weadth  the  north  Side  of  his  lot 
runing  south  fortey  Seven  rods  to  a  point  which  Contain  twenty  three  rods  and 
half  of  ground  which  we  Prise  at  the  rate  of  Six  Pound  ten  Shillings  Per  Acre 
which  is  nineteen  Shillings  and  one  peney  if  we  Caist  write,  signed  by  the  Com"* 
sent  to  vew — 

Nathan  Dickinson         1 
Voted  April  15th  1793  Jonathan  Dickinson  Com'"' 

.Musks  Hastings  ) 

Attest  Ebexer  Boltwood  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  at 
the  First  Parish  Meeting  House  In  Said  town  on  Monday  the  Twelfth  day  of 
August  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  Seven  hundred  and  Ninety  three  at 
two  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon — Voted  as  follows — (Viz) — 

Voted     Daniel  Cooley  Esq  Moderator — 

Voted  to  hear  the  report  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  make  Inquiry  respect- 
ing the  Credit  allowed  to  the  town  by  the  government — 

Voted  to  Commence  and  Prosecute  an  action  against  any  Person  or  Persons 
who  may  be  Supposed  to  have  received  and  Converted  to  his  own  use,  such  Credit 
or  monies,  or  any  part  thereof,  as  hath  been  allowed— to  the  Town  by  government 

Voted  that  the  Sute  mentioned  above  be  Commenced  against  General  Ebene- 
zar  Mattoon — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three,  to  direct  the  Commencement  and 
Prosecution  of  the  Sute  Voted  above — 

Voted  that  Capt  Eli  Parker  Daniel  Cooley  Esq  and  Martin  Kellogg  be  the 
Com"''  above — 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS. 


*59 


Voted  to  appoint  an  agent  to  appear  at  Court  in  behalf  of  the  Town  to  Pros- 
icute  the  above  sute 

Voted  to  Draw  money  out  of  the  Treasury  to  Defray  the  Expences  of  Said 
Sute— 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  Impowered  to  Draw  such  Sum  or  sums  of 
Money,  out  of  the  Treasury  as  they  Shall  think  Necessary — 

Attest  Daniel  Cooley  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
ing House  on  Friday  the  Twenty  fifth  day  of  October  1793  at  three  of  the  Clock 
in  the  afternoon—  Voted  as  Follows  (Viz) — 

Voted     Lr  Jonathan  Dickinson  Moderator — 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  Divide  the  money  raised  this  year  for  Schooling 
into  Six  Equal  Parts  as  was  Voted  Novr  1792  for  that  year — 

Attest  Joxathax  DiCKixsox  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst  Holden  at 
the  First  Parish  Meeting-Houste  in  Said  Amherst  on  thirsday  the  twenty  Sixth 
day  of  Decemb1.  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Ninety 
three,  at  nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  forenoon.     Voted  as  Follows — (Viz) 

Voted     Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood  Moderator. 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  Exzeamin  and  Correct  the  Bills 
that  are  braught  to  the  town 

Voted  Daniel  Cooley  Esq.  Capt  Moses  Cook  &  Barnabas  Sabins  be  the  Com- 
mittee above — 

Voted  to  Adjourn  this  Meeting  to  Landlord  Parsons/  and  meet  there  at  one 
of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon.— The  Town  being  Met  at  time  and  Place  according 
to  the  adjurnment  above — Voted  to  adjourn  to  the  Propriatary  School  house  in 
Said  Amherst  first  Parish  and  there  to  Meet  Immediately — 

Voted     to  allow  the  lulls  as  they  have  been  red  and  Corrected  by  ye  Committee 

Voted  to  Prosecute  an  Action  against  Elijah  Baker  to  recover  monies  sup- 
posed to  be  in  his  hands  belonging  to  the  Town — 

Voted  to  Appoint  three  agents  to  Carry  on  the  Prosecution,  against  the 
Said  Baker — 

Voted  that  Simeon  Strong  Esq.  Martin  Kellogg  &  Coll  Zebina  Montague  be 
agents  in  behalf  of  the  Town  to  Submit  to  Referrence  on  Arbitration  a  demaind 
of  the  Town  against  Elijah  Baker  of  one  Hundred  and  Twenty  Pounds,  for  their 
money  on  Securities,  which  it  is  Alledged  that  he  has  receiv,'1  and  for  which  he 
aught  to  account,  together  with  all  other  demainds  between  Said  Baker  and  the 
town  ;&  that  the  Agents  be  Jointley  and  Severally  impowered.  in  behalf  of  the 
town  to  Enter  Into  Recognisance  for  Submitting  the  Same  according  to  the 
Statute  to  the  Award  of  Miss"  Elisha  Root  Ebenezar  Gray  and  Giles  Hubbard  ; 
or  otherwise  if  it  Shall  be  thought  Proper  to  make  and  Execute  legal  bonds  of 
Submission  to  Said  Persons  or  Arbitrators  of  the  Demaind  before  Expressed  to  the 
Said  Baker,  and  to  receive  such  bond  of  Said  Baker  to  the  town:  and  in  behalf  of 
the  Town  to  Appear  before  Such  Referrees  or  Arbitrators  to  Prove  and  supporte 
Said  deminds  and  to  do  all  Necessary  <\:  reasonable  acts  for  Effecting  the  Purpose 
of  Submission. 

Voted     that    Simeon    Strong    Esq.be  an    agent    for    the  Town  to  Appear  at 


l6o  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Court  to  Prosecute  the  sute  against  Elijah  Baker  on  supposition  he  refuse  to  Sub- 
mit to  Referrence  or  Arbitration — 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  Impowered  to  draw  money  out  of  the  Treasury 
to  defray  the  Expence  of  the  Sute  on  Arbitration  or  Referrence  with  Elijah  Baker 

Voted     to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Asses  the  above  granted  monies — 

Voted  that  those  bills  that  have  been  allowed  for  work  dun  at  the  Highway 
by  order  of  the  Selectmen  the  Current  year,  be  Credited  to  those  Persons  that  did 
the  worke  in  the  next  Highway  rate — 

Voted  that  it  is  the  Sense  of  this  Town  that  the  County  Rode  that  hath  been 
lately  Laid  acrost  the  Corner  of  L,'  Jonathan  Dickinson,s  lot,  be  Continued  to  lay 
in  the  former  place  by  Esq  Cooleys  house — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  draw  up  the  objections  of  the 
Town  against  the  removeing  of  the  Rode  out  of  the  old  Place,  and  lay  them  before 
the  Court 

Voted  that  Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood,  Coll  Zebina  Montague  and  Daniel  Kel- 
logg jr.  be  the  Com"'' above — 

Voted  to  abate  to  Stephen  Smith  his  rates  against  Ezekiel  Ingram  (viz)  Town 
rate  7-0  State  Rate  2-1 4  Highway  rate  2-io£  x — 

Voted  to  abate  to  Eldad  Moody  his  Rate  against  Paul  Newton  1-8  also 
his  rates  against  Wareham  YVorner  (viz)  i-2£  State  Tax  N  9,  2-3  x — 

Voted     to  abate  to   Solomon  Boltwood  his  rate  against  Stephen  Backamore 

of  7-3— 

Attest  Ebenezar  Boltwood  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  qualified 
according  to  the  Constitution  to  vote  for  goviner  &c  April  1794  Voted  as  follows 
—(viz) 

Votes  for  governor  were  as  follows  — 

Hon  William  Cushing  Eightyfive — 
Samuel  Adams  Eighteen — 
Samuel  Philips  one 
Mr  Dana  two 
Mr  Sullivan  thirteen 
Elbridge  Gerry  one — 
Votes  for  Leutenant  governor  were  as  follows 
Hon.  Samuel  Adams  thirty 

Nathaniel  Gorham  Thirtyfour 
Elbridge  Gerrey  five — 
Samuel  Philips — three 
Leut.  John  Dickinson — three — 
Votes  for  Senitors  were  as  follows, — 

Mr  Samuel  Lyman  Esq  one  Hundred  &  Eighteen 
,  Samuel  Fowler  Esq  Sixtey  one 

John  Hastings  Esq  one  Hundred  &  Sixteen 

Samuel  Henshaw  Esq  twenty  one 

Win  Billings  Esq  Fortey  one 

Wm  Shephard  Esq  Seventy  Seven — 

Ebenezar  Mattoon,  Esq  Fiftey  one 

David  Saxton  Esq  Ninty  Seven 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  l6l 

Simeon  Strong  Esq  Five- 
John  Williams  Esq  one 
David  Smeed  Esq  two — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish 
Meeting  house  on  Monday  the  Seventh  Day  of  April  one  Thousand  Seven  Hun- 
dred and  Ninety  four  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  morning  Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     CollZebina  Montague  Moderator — 

Voted     Seth  Coleman,  Clerk  &  Treasurey — 

Voted  CollZebina  Montague.  De"  Elisha  Smith.  Joseph  Dickinson.  Aj.1 
Medad  Dickinson  and  Capt  Elijah  Dickinson.  Selectmen 

Voted     De"  Elisha  Smith,  Coll  Zebina  Montague  &  John  Eastman  Assessors — 

Voted  Noadiah  Smith  for  Josiah  Thayer,  and  John  Dickinson  for  Silas 
Wright  Constables  — 

Voted  Ins.  Simeon  Dickinson  Judah  Dickinson,  Coll  Zebina  Montague,  Asa 
Newil.  Isaac  Marshal  John  Lee  Surveyers  of  Highways  — 

Voted  Martin  Baker,  Elijah  Baker  jn.r  Moses  Smith,  Asa  Dickinson.  Simeon 
Dickinson  jr  Teything  men 

Voted     L1  Timothy  Handerson  and  Justus  Williams,  fens  vewers 

Voted     Den  Elisha  Smith  Sealer  of  Leather 

Voted  Jonathan  Marsh.  Stephen  Fish  and  David  Blotchet  jnr  Packer  of  beef 
&  Porke— 

Voted     Stoughton  Dickinson  Surveyer  of  Lumber — 

Voted  Henry  J  Franklin.  Ephraim  Kellogg.  Ezekiel  Dickinson.  L.'  Ebenezar 
Eastman,  Jearub  White.  Capt  Moses  Cook  Hog  reives — 

Voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  for  one  hour  and  then  to  meet  at  this  Place 
The  town  being  met  at  time  and  place  according  to  the  adjournment — Voted  as 
follows — (viz) — 

Voted     to  Come  into  sum  methord  to  Procure  wood  for  the  Schools  in  Town — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  Seven  to  adopt  some  Equitable  Method  to 
Procure  wood  for  the  Town  Schools  in  futer.  and  that  they  reporte  at  some  filter 
Meeting — 

Voted  Samuel  Hastings,  Noah  Smith,  Joel  Dickinson.  Josiah  Warner  John 
Dickinson.  Timothy  Green,  jnr.  Daniel  Kellogg  jnr  be  the  Committee  above 

Voted  to  adjourn  this  Meeting  for  one  quarter  of  an  hour  and  then  Meet  at 
this  Place — 

the  town  being  met  according  to  adjournment  Voted  as  follows — 

Voted  to  allow  To  John  Williams  his  Proportion  of  School  money  for  two 
years  laist  paist — 

Voted  to  abate  to  Nathaniel  Edwards  his  rate  against  the  Estate  of  John 
Nash  Late  of  Amherst  Deceast  (viz)  13-74 

Voted  to  abate  to  Eldad  Moody  Part  of  his  rate  against  L.'  Joel  Billings 
(viz)  5-6— x 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  Vew  the  ground  between  David  Cowls  and  L.' 
Ebenezar  Eastmans  land,  and  if  they  think  it  best  for  the  town  to  Lay  a  rode 
between  S.'1  Cowls  and  L.'  Eastmans  land  and  across  part  of  Jonathan  Marshes 
Land,  in  the  Lew  of  the  rode  that  now  runs  East  from  L.'  Ebenezar  Eastmans 
House  and  make  reporte  to  sum  futer  meeting — 

Voted     to  Raise  Seventy  two  Pounds  for  Schooling  this  year — 

Voted     to  Raise  one  Hundred  Pounds  to  repaire  the  Highways  this  year — 


162  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Voted     to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Asses  the  above  granted  monies  - 
Voted     to  allow  three  Shillings  Per  day  for  worke  at  the  Highway  till  the   first 

of  September  and  one  Shilling  and  Six  Pence  the  rest  of  the  year- 
Voted     to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  Vew  the  ground  through  the  third 

Division    by   John    Williams,5   to  Belicher   line,    and  Reporte  to  the  next  meeting 

wheather  it  be  Expedient  to  lay  a  rode  through  Said  Division  and  whare 

Voted     Capt  Jonathan  Dickinson.  Aj,'  Medad  Dickinson  and  Capt  Ebenezar 

Boltwood,  be  the  Comtee  above — 

Voted     to  Suspend  the  Prosecution  against  Ebenezar  Mattoon  Esq  till  further 

orders  from  the  town — 

Voted     to  abate  to  David  Goodale  his  rate  against  Adam  Johnston  (viz)  5-10 
Attest  Zebina  Montague  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the 
first  Parish  Meeting  house  on  Thirsday  the  twenty  fourth  day  of  April  one  Thou- 
sand Seven  Hundred  and  Ninety  four  at  two  of  the  Clock  afternoon.  Voted  as 
follows  (viz) 

Voted  Coll  Zebina  Montague  Moderator — 
Voted  to  accept  of  the  list  of  Jurors  as  they  have  been  red 
Voted  to  accept  the  reporte  of  the  Selectmen  for  the  alteration  of  a  rode  near 
L,1  Ebenezar  Eastmans  which  is  as  follows — (viz) — The  Selectmen  having  Vewed 
the  rode  Proposed  to  be  laid  between  Ebenezar  Eastmans,  and  David  Cowls  land 
— Eastward  toward  Jonathan  Marshes  Mills  on  further  Eastward  to  Ephraird 
Cushmans  — So  Reporte  as  their  opinion  that  it  is  for  the  Interest  of  the  publick 
that  the  Same  be  Established  through  Said  lands  untill  it  Strikes  Jonathan  Marshes, 
thence  a  Northerly  cours  across  a  pine  hill,  owned  by  Said  Marsh  untill  it  Strikes 
the  old  road,  to  Said  Cushmans.  in  the  most  advantagious  place— they  the  Said 
Eastman  and  Marsh,  Excepting  the  old  road  in  Exchange  for  the  ground  for  the 
new  proposed  road 

Voted     that  the  Assessors  make  the  Highway  rate  by  the  laist  Town  List — 
Voted     not  to  prosecute  the  action  against  Ebenezar  M  attoon  Esq  any  further — 
Voted     that  the    Towns  Agent  be  directed   not  to  Enter  the  action   against 
Ebenezar  Matton  Esq — 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  Advertise  the  Towns  Agent  of  the  above  Votes. 
Attest  Zebina   Montague  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  first  Parish  Meet- 
ing house  on  monday  the  twelvth  day  of  May  1794 — Voted  as  follows — (viz)— 

Voted     Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood  Moderator — 

Voted  that  it  is  the  sence  of  this  Town  that  the  sute  Commenced  by  the 
Town  of  Amherst  Against  Elijah  Baker  In  January  laist  be  suspended  from  any 
further  Prosecution  by  Said  Town. 

Attest  Ebenezar  Boltwood  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  first  Parish  Meet- 
ing house  on  Monday  the  sixthteenth  day  of  June  1794  Come  to  the  following  Votes 
— (viz)  Voted  Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood  Moderator 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  to  Settle  all  Matters  depending  between  Capt 
Moses  Cook  and  the  Town,  and  that  their  Settlement  be  decisive,  and    this    Com- 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  163 

mittee  is  Impowered  to  do  all  things  they  Shall  find  necessary  to  compleat  the 
above  purpose,  in  which  article  is  ment  to  be  Included  on  Exe,u  in  Capt  Moses 
Cooks  hands  from  the  County  Treasury,  against  Thomas  Hastings — 

Voted     that  the  above  Com11'"  Consist  of  three 

Voted  that  Seth  Coleman  Den  Elisha  Smith  &  Coll  Zebina  Montague  be  the 
Com""'  above. — 

Voted  that  the  Town  Treasury  be  directed  to  pay  the  Execution  that  Gin.1 
Ebenezar  Mattoon  hath  against  the  Town  out  of  Monies  in  his  hands. 

Voted  to  Rais  Twenty  Pounds  to  Replace  the  monies  ordered  out  of  the 
Treasury  to  pay  Gen,1  Ebezar  Mattoon/  Execution  and  that  the  monies  be  Assest 
in  the  Next  Town  Rate — 

Attest  Ebenezar  Boltwood  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  Amherst  October  6"1  1794.     Voted 
Coll  Zebina  Montague  Moderator 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being,  be  a  Committey  to  Preambulate 
the  lines  between  this  and  the  Neighbouring  Towns  and  Cause  a  Map  of  the  Town 
of  Amherst  to  be  made  and  returned  into  the  Secretareyes  Office — Persuant  to  a 
Resolve  of  the  General  Court  Passed  June  26 — 1794 — 

Zebina  Montague  Moderator — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Nov.1  3  1794 
their  Votes  for  Representatives  were  as  follows  (viz)  for  Samuel  Lyman  Esq  29 
Ebenezar  Mattoon  Esq  27 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  first  Parish  Meet- 
ing house  on  Monday  the  3''  day  of  Novemr  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
Seven  Hundred  &  ninety  four,  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  ye  afternoon  :  Voted  as  .fol- 
lows— (viz) — 

Voted     Coll  Zebina  Montague  Moderator — 

Voted  to  Procure  Seventy  Two  C01'ds  of  wood  for  the  Schools  in  Amherst 
the  Currant  year  and  that  the  South  East  District  have  fourteen  Cords  of  wood, 
the  Southwest  District  have  Ten  and  the  other  four  Districts  have  Twelve  Cords 
Each,  and  that  the  wood  be  of  a  good  Quality  and  of  a  Sentiable  seise  for  the 
School  houses- 
Voted  to  allow  four  Shillings  Pr  Cord  for  School  wood — 
Voted  to  Rais  fourteen  Pounds  Eight  Shillings  to  Pay  for  School  Wood  the 
Currant  year  — 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  Impowered  to  Asses  the  above  granted  monies 
and  Put  it  in  the  next  Town  rate — 

Voted     that  the  Selectmen  Procure  wood  for  the  Schools  the  Currant   year — 

Zebina  Montague  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  first  Parish  .Meet- 
ing house  in  Said  Amherst  on  Thirsday  the  Twenty  fifth  day  of  Decemb/  in  the 
year  of  our  lord  one  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  ninety  four 

Voted     De"  Elisha  Smith   Moderator — 

Voted     Coll  Zebina  Montague  Clerk  Pro  Tempore 

Voted    to  Receive  no  bills  for  School  wood  —but  that  the  Selectmen  be  directed 


164  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

;to  give  orders  to  the  Individuals  that  furnish  the  wood  at  the  Price  Voted  Nov''  3d 
,1794— 

Voted     to  Pais  the  Bills  as  they  have  been  red  and  Corrected — 

Voted  to  adjourn  this  Meeting  for  the  Space  of  one  hour  and  then  meet  at 
this  Place 

The  Town  being  met  at  time  and  place  according  to  the  adjournment:  Voted 
as  follows — (viz) — 

Voted  to  Rais  Thirtey  Pounds  to  Procure  the  Town  a  Stock  of  Powder  and 
other  things  required  by  Law — 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  Procure  the  Town  a  Stock  of  powder  and  other 
things  that  the  law  directs  as  soon  as  may  be 

Voted  that  Gene,1  Ebenezar  Mattoon  Reporte  to  the  grand  Jury  at  their 
next  meeting  the  Votes  of  the  Town  relative  to  Procuring  a  Stock  of  powder &c — 

Voted  to  allow  for  Plank  provided  for  bridges  as  follows  (viz)  for  zh  Inch 
Plank  8-0  for  2  Inch  Plank  7-0  &  for  ih  Inch  Plank  5-0  I"  Hundred 

Voted  to  divide  the  Seventy  two  Pounds  raised  for  Schooling  laist  Spring 
Into  Six  Equal  Parts — 

Voted  to  allow  the  South-East  District  School  one  month  Schooling  more 
than  the  averidge  Term  of  Schooling  in  Town — 

Voted  to  rais  three  Pounds  Eighteen  Shillings  to  furnish  the  South-East 
District  with  the  month  Schooling  Voted  above 

Voted     to  rais  money  to  Pay  the  Pills  that  have  been  allowed  this  Meeting — 

Voted     to  rais  Eighteen  Pounds  to  defray  the    Towns  Expence  in  two    Law 
-sutes  (viz)  one   against    Ebenezar    Mattoon   jr    Esq  and   the   other  against  Elijah 
Baker — 

Voted  that  the  surveyers  bring  in  their  bills  to  the  Assessors  of  all  the  worke 
that  Individuals  have  dun  more  than  their  rates — 

Voted     to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Assess  the  above  granted  monies  — 

Elisha  Smith   Moderator — 

The  Minutes  of  a  Town  road  Laid  in  Amherst  Beginning  at  the  County  road 
Near  Ebenezar  Eastmans,  Thence  E  2%  N  70  rods  E  130,  N  42  rods  E  39°  N  20 
rods  E  4°  N  62  rods  E  131-  N  40  rods  E  1  26  rods  into  the  County  road  N  on  Mr 
Cushmans — Then  Beginning  on  the  above  Said  Road  and  Running  S  380  E  54  rods 
S  15  W  17  rods  E  20  S  14  rods  to  Marshes  Mill,  then  S  35  E  16  rods  S  391  E  15 
rods  E  42"  S  iS  rods  E. — 16  rods  E  23"  S  12  rods  E.  44-  S  12  rods  S  8  E  8  rods  to 
the  County  road  leading  from  Hadley  to  Shutesbury 

Minutes 'taken  Novr  24"1— 1794 — P'r  order  of  the  Selectmen 

Zebixa  Montague)      Selectmen 
Medad  Dickinson  >  of 

Elijah   Dickinson]       Amherst 
Amherst  March  12  1795  — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  Prepriatary 
School-house  in  Amherst  on  Friday  the  Second  day  of  January  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  one  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Ninety  five  at  two  of  the  Clock  in  the 
afternoon— Voted  as  follows — (viz) 

Voted     Coll.  Zebina  Montague  Moderator  of  Said  Meeting 
Voted     that  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Town,  that  the  annexing  of   any    Part   of 
Beltcherstown  to  Amherst  would   be  detrimental  to  the   Interest  of  the  Town  of 
Amherst — 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  165 

Voted  that  it  Shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Representative  of  this  Town  in  the 
General  Court,  to  use  all  his  influence,  in  opposing  any  Petition  which  may  be 
Presented  to  the  Same  Court  in  behalf  of  any  Inheabitants  of  Said  Belchers  Town 
Praying  to  have  any  of  the  Lands  or  Inheabitants  of  Said  Belcherstown  annexed 
to  Amherst  and  that  he  be  &  hereby  is  Instructed  to  use  his  Influence  accordingly — 

Voted  that  the  Town  Clerk  be  directed  Immediately  to  deliver  to  Ebenezar 
Mattoon  Esq  Representative  of  the  Town  an  Attested  Copy  of  this  and  the  two 
Preceeding  Votes  — 

Zebina  Montague  Moderator 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Qualified  according  to  the  Con- 
stitution to  Vote  for  Goviner  Leut  Goviner  and  Senators  on  the  Sixth  day  of  April. 
1795—  (viz)— Votes  for  Governors  as  follows — 
Hon,1  Samuel  Adams  Seventy  one 
Hon  Samuel  Philips  one 
Hon  Nath"  Gorham  three 
Hon  Moses  Gill  one 
For  Leut,  governor 

Hon,1  Moses  Gill  Seventy  two 
Hon  Nathaniel  Gorham  one 
John  Eastman  two 
Thomas  Dwight  one 
For  Senitors  as  follows — 

Mr  Thomas  Dwight  fiftey  Six 

Ebenezer  Mattoon  Esq  fiftey  one 
Samuel  Fowler  Esq  fiftey  Eight 
William  Shepherd  Seventy  Six 
Hon,1  David  Sexton  Seventy  four 

William  Billings  Esq  forty  five 
Hon,1  John  Heastings  Sixtey  nine 
Samuel  Henshaw  Esq  fifteen 
Simeon  Strong  Esq  Eight 
John  Bliss  one 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  Propriators 
School-House  in  Amherst  on  Monday  the  Sixth  day  of  April  1795  at  nine  of  the 
Clock  in  the  morning — Voted  as  follows— (viz) 

Voted     Coll  Zebina  Montague  Moderator  of  S,'1  Meeting 

Voted     to  adjourn  to  the  First  Parish  Meetinghouse 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Town  Clerk — 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Treasurer — 

Voted  Coll  Zebina  Montague,  Xoah  Smith,  De"  Elisha  Smith,  Capt  Ebenezar 
Boltwood,  Capt  Jonathan  Dickinson  Selectmen 

Voted  De"  Elisha  Smith,  Sworn  Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood,  &  Noah  Smith 
Swim  Assessors,  — 

Voted     Levi  Cowles,  qualified  and  Ezekiel  Dickinson  Constables 

Voted  L.'  John  Ingram.  Asa  Newil,  Elisha  Dickinson,  Jerub  White,  Judah 
Dickinson  Joseph  Kellogg,  and  William  boltwood,  Surveyers  of  Highways — 

Voted  Justus  Clark  qualified  Stephen  Dickinson.  L.'  John  Ingram.  Elijah 
Baker  jnr  and  Asa  Dickinson  Teything  men 


I  66  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted     L."  Timothy  Handerson,  &  Martin  Kellogg  fens  vewers 
Voted     De"  Elisha  Smith  and  Georg  Williamson  Sealer  of  leather 
Voted     Stephen  Fish  &  David  Blotchet  jnr  Packer  of  beefe  and  Porke 
Voted     Joseph  Church  and  Stoughton  Dickinson  Surveyer  of  Lumber 
Voted     Silas  Wright.  David  Goodale,  Stephen  Smith.  Eli  Parker  jr.  Ebenezar 
Ingram  &  William  Moody  Hog  reives  — 
Voted     Calvin  Merrill  Pound  Keeper — 

Voted     to  Adjourn  this  Meeting  for  one  hour  &  then  Meet  at  this  Place — 
Voted     to  Rais  one  Hundred  Pounds  to  repare  the  Highways  this  year 
Voted     to  allow  three  Shillings  Pr  day  for  Highway  worke  till  the  first  of  Sep- 
tember and  one  Shilling  &  Six  pence  the  rest  of  y"  year 

Voted     to  adjourn  this  meeting  for  one  half  hour  and  then  meet  at  this  Place — 
Voted     that  the  Assessors  make  the  Highway  rate  by  the  Laist  list 
Voted     to  rais  one  Hundred  Pounds  to  Pay  School  Masters  and  Procure  fine 
wood  for  the  Schools — 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  Impowered  to  Assess  the  above  granted 
monies — 

Voted     that  the  Selectmen  Procure  the  wood  for  Schooling  as  Cheap  as  maybe. 

Zebina  Montague  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  on  Monday  the  Sixth 
day  of  May  A.  I).  1795  at  the  First  Parish  Meeting-house  at  three  of  the  Clock 
P.  M.  Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Capt  Ebenezar  Bolt  wood  Moderator — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three,  to  make  answer  to  the  Citation  from 
the  general  Court,  respecting  the  Petition  of  Sundrey  Persons  in  Belchers-Town, 
praying  to  be  annexed  to  this  Town. 

Voted  Simeon  Strong  Esq,  Coll  Zebina  Montague  &  De"  Elisha  Smith,  be 
the  Committee  above — 

Voted  that  the  Towns  Representative,  be  Instructed  to  Present  the  Com- 
mitteys  answer,  to  the  Petition  of  Sundrey  Inhabitants  of  Belcherstown  praying  to 
be  annexed  to  this  Town. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  Provide  a  Standard  of  Weights  and  measures 
according  as  the  Law  Directs,  upon  the  Towns  Expence — _ 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three,  to  Vew  the  ground  Petitioned  for  by 
Capt  Jonathan  Dickinson,  and  Stoughton  Dickinson,  and  if  they  judge  it  Expe- 
dient for  the  Town  to  Sel  the  Same,  to  the  Said  Jonathan  ec  Stoughton,  then  to 
appraise  Said  land  and  make  reporte  to  sum  futer  Meeting — 

Voted  that  Capt  Eli  Parker  De"  Elisha  Smith  &  Seth  Breyant  be  the  Com- 
mittey  above. 

Attest  Ebenezar   Boltwood  Moderator 

We  the  Subscribers  being  appointed  by  the  Honeriable  the  Court  of  General 
Sessions  of  the  peace.  Holden  at  Northampton  in  and  for  the  County  of  Hamp- 
shire, on  the  Third  Tuesday  of  May  A.  D.  1792  for  surveying  the  County  Roads 
heretofore  Laid  out  in  the  Town  of  Amherst,  and  making  Such  alterations  and 
Amendments  therein  as  Shall  be  judged  Advantageous  to  the  Inheabitants  and 
the  Publick — after  being  Duly  Sworn  to  the  faithfull  Performance  of  Said  Service 
have  Surveyed  and  laid  Said  Road  as  follows  (viz) — 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  1 67 

The  Cours  of  the  Road  through  Amherst  Leading  from  Hadley  to  Pelham — 
Begining  at  a  Stake  and  Stones  the  north  Side  of  the  Highway  in  the  west  Line 
of  Amherst,  and  riming  from  thence  East  6  north  90  Rods,  to  a  white  Oak  tree 
marked  H  W,  then  East  S:  North  26  Rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons,  then  East  27  .  30" 
north  26  Rods  to  a  Poste  in  DavJ  Cutlers  door  yard,  then  East  1 1  north  29  Rods 
to  a  poste  in  Dav'1  Cutlers  fence,  then  East  2-30"  north  46  Rods  to  a  Stake  and 
Stons  the  west  Side  of  the  County  road  riming  North  and  South. — 

Then  Beginning  one  rod  &  22  links  South  of  the  South-East  Corner  of  Capt 
Ebenezar  Boltwoods  Shop  and  riming  from  thence.  East  12-  30"  north  i6£  rods  to 
a  Stake  &  Stons  then  East  16- — north  30  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons,  then  East  24- 
South  15^  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons,  then  East  24-  20".  South  9-5^0  a  Stake  and 
Stons  then  East  3c-3o"  South  iS  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  at  the  South  East  Cor- 
ner of  Capt  Ashleys  Door  yard — then  East  120  North  18  rods  to  a  Stake  and 
Stons.  then  East  24°  30"  South  99  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons.  then  East  3 ;  — 
north  20  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons,  then  East2c  South  40  rods  to  Stake  and  Stons. 
then  East  29-  30"  north  20  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons.  then  East  11- — north  19  rods 
to  the  Southwest  Corner  of  Perez  Dickinsons  Shop  the  road  to  be  Six  rods 
wide  to  the  End  of  this  Cours  then  East  g:  north  12^  rods,  this  Cours  Crosses  the 
County  road  runing  north  &  South — then  East  35  30"  north  to  a  Stake  and  Stons, 
then  East  S'- — South  122  rods  the  three  Last  Courses  the  Road  to  be  but  two 
rods  wide — then  East  9-  —South  9Z  rods  to  a  black  oak  Staddle — 

then  East  4  30"  South  126  rods  to  a  Small  Pine  Staddle — then  East  25°  north 
iS  rods  to  Pelham  Line  the  three  last  Courses  the  Road  to  be  4  rods  wide  -The 
Courses  of  the  Highway  from  the  Bay  road  north  weard  in  the  west  Street 
Beginning  at  a  Stake  and  Stons,  the  north  Side  of  the  bay  Road  Standing  South 
31-  west  4^  Rods  from  the  South  East  Corner  of  Daniel  Churches  House  and  rim- 
ing from  thence 

North  33-  30"  East  46  Rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  the  west  Side  of  the  road 

then  north  io:  30",  East  109  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  8;  East  35  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  11     East  146  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  i5c — 30"  East  34  rods  to  the  Corner  of  the  School  house 

then  north  37 '-  30"  East  48  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  24 : — 30"  East  53  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  10—30"  East  42  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  7- — west  42  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  3: — East  14  rods  to  a  white  oak  tree  before  James  Merricks  door 

then  north  6~ — East  49.^  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons 

then  north  16    30".  East  38  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  5  30"  East  50  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  ten  feet  East  of  the  north 
East  Corner  of  Deu  Eleazar  Smith,"  House — 

then  north  13    30"  west  27  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north 21  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  6  — 30"  East  60  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  40^ — west  12  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  this  Cours  Crosses  Fort 
river 

then  north  5  — East  133  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  5-—  30"  East  36  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  10- — East  180  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  3  — west  37  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 


l68  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

then  north  5C — East  48  rods  to  where  the  Stake  known  by  the  name  of  the 
Hartlin  Stake  Stood,  about  one  rod  East  of  the  North-East  Corner,  of  Leu/  Gideon 
Parson,s  House — then  north  1  — 30"  East  51  rods  to  the  South  East  Corner  post  of 
Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwoods  Door  yard — 

then  north  10- — East  23^  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  25- — East  20 rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  10  — 20"  East  82  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  41" — East  22  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  17—30"  East  So  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  15" — East  21  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north 40  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  13° — East  25  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons 

then  north  22  — East  46  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  Six  rods  west  of  the  Cor- 
ner of  Ebenezar  Dickinson,"  barn  then  north  13° — East  58  Rods  to  a  Stake  and 
Stons. 

then  north  2- — 30"  West  68  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  the  middle  of  the  road 
at,  the  End  of  this  Cours  is  at  a  large  Chesnut  Stub,  then  north  i2: — 30"  East  212 
rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  north  16  —30"  East  83^  rods  to  the  County  Road  as  formally  Laid  Lead- 
ing to  Pecks  Mill:  the  affore  mentioned  Stakes  and  monuments  all  Set  the  west 
Side  of  the  Highway  and  marked  H  W  the  road  to  be  Six  rods  wide 

The  Courses  of  the  Highway  in  the  East  Street  in  Amherst,  beginning  at  a 
Stake  and  Stons  in  the  County  Road  as  formerly  laid  in  the  north  Line  of  the 
East  Division  and  riming  from  thence  South  10- — East  38  rods  to  a  Stake  &  Stons 
the  East  Side  of  the  Road 

then  South  15    west  12  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  36-  -west  8  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  40 - — west  14  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  nc — west  120^  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  8- — 3c"  west  29^  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  13   —30"  west  96  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  9  — 30"  West  29  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons 

then  South  13- — West  21  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  i8c— 30"  West  36  rods. 

then  South  16  —west  33  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  15    30"  West  27  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  7  — 30"  West  78  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons 

then  South  14  — 30"  west  6o£  rods,  the  middle  of  the  Road  at  the  End  of   this 
Cours  is  at  Air  Fosters  Sign  Post- 
then  South  14- — west  275  rods  to  the  middle  of  the  road  leading  to  Logtown — 

then  South  10  — west  138  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  4- — west  61  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  2- — west  7S  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  5- — west  96  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  9^ — west  47^  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  three  rods  north  west  of 
the  Corner  of  L,'  Elijah  Hastings  House — this  Road  to  be  Six  rods  wide  Except 
against  Esq  Strongs  lot  north  of  Capt  Parkers,  and  against,  Jonathan  Dickinsons 
&  then  to  be  but  five  rods  wide — 

the  Cours  of  the  Road  from  Deu  Eleazar  Smiths  acros  the  middle  Division  in 
Amherst,  beginning   at   a    Stake   and   Stons   near    De"    Smith,8  and  runing  from 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  1 69 

thence — East  43° — South  2S£  rods  to  the  north   East   Corner  of  martin    Kelloggs 
barn — 

Then  East  45^ — South  2S  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  East  26° — 30"  South  57  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  East  210  South  28  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons 

then  East  35° — South  41  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  22c  30"  East  88  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  ii° — East  21  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  South  31°  30"  East  19  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons 

then  East  430 — South  49  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  the  north  Side  of  the 
County  road  Leading  to  Belcher  one  rod  and  Eleven  links  from  the  north  East 
Corner  of  Mr  Timothy  Aliens  House,  this  Roade  to  be  three  rods  wide. — 

The  Alteration  of  the  County  road  at  the  north  End  of  Amherst  Leading  to 
Shutesbury,  begining  at  a  Stake  and  Stones  westward  of  Adams,s  barn  and  riming 
from  thence  South  450 — East  40  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons,  then  East  37- — South 
14  rods  in  to  the  County  Road  Leading  Pelham  to  Leveret. — 

The  Committee  Estemate  the  Damages  by  altering  S,'1  road  to  Capt  Jonathan 
Dickinsons  at  £5 — o — o  the  Damages  to  Lemuel  Moody^o — 15 — o  Sept  5th  1793 — 
A  true  Coppy  of  the  Return  by  theCom,Mof  the  aforementioned  Roads  Erors 
Excepted — 

Atte  Justus  Dwight — 

The  Cours  of  the  West  Street  in  Amherst  Begining  at  a  heap  of  Stons  Sh  rods 
East  43c  South  from  the  North  East  corner  of  Daniel  Churches  House  and  from 
thence  as  follows — 

North  3SC — 30"  East  44  rods  then  North  9- — East  16  rods  to  a  Stake  then 
North  14° — 30"  East  24  rods:  then  North  1- — 30"  East  40  rods  to  a  Stake  then 
North  20c — East  34  rods;  then  North  20 — 30"  East  iS  rods,  then.  North  i° — 30" 
East  10  rods;  then  North  i3:  East  160  rods,  then  North  40: — East  30  rods:  then 
North  38  — 45"  East  24  rods;  then  North  34—30"  East  21  rods  North  18° — 30" 
East  20  rods,  North  14° — 30  East  42  rods.  North  4- — west  26  rods  North  i2c — West 
10  rods  to  a  Stake  two  feet  north  of  a  brook  corner  of  Colemans  Lot — North — 41 
rods  to  a  Stake  markt  H  W  North  15"  East  19  rods  to  the  North  west  Corner  of 
Moodys  Lot  North  9°  30"  East  21  rods  to  a  Stake  North  20  — East  27  rods  to  the 
South  west  Corner  of  Enos  Dickinson 

North  70 — East  40  rods  to  the  County  road  then  begining  at  a  Stake  and  Stons 
the  South  west  Corner  of  Justus  Williams  and  from  thence 

North  14- — 45"  west  32  rods  to  the  Northwest  Corners  of  Williams  Lot,  then 
North  4-— 45"  East  19  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons.  Kelloggs  Corner  from  Martin 
Kelloggs  South  West  Corner  to  the  Steple  of  the  Meeting  House  is  north  6  30" 
East. — 

then  North  7° — 20"  East  52  rods  to  the  Cross  road  then  begining  at  a  Stake 
and  Stons  the  South  west  Corner  of  Smith,5  Lot, — from  thence  north  5  East  48 
rods  to  the  North  west  Corner  of  Smiths  Lot — 

then  North  5:  East  30^  rods  to  a  Stake 

then  North  6  30"  East  194  rods  to  the  north  west  Corner  of  Boltwoods  Lot 
then  begining  at  the  South  west  Corner  of  Jonathan  Smiths  Lot  by  Nashes 
Lane  &  riming  from  thence    ' 

North  [3  Last  39  rods  to  the  North  west  Corner  of  Smiths  Lot  then  North 
190  East  54A  rods  to  Ens.  Nashes  North  west  Corner— 

14 


170  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST.    MASS. 

Then  begining  at  a  Stake  the  Southwest  Corner  of  Daniel  Kelloggs  Lot  and 
runing  from  thence 

North  9C — 30  East  52  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  markt  H  W 

then  North  14°  East  17  rods  to  a  Stake  and   Stons   in   Kelloggs   Pasture 

then  North  44°  15"  East  15  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  North  32'-  East  S3  to  a  Stake  &  Stons  Day'1  Colemans  Corner 

then  North  19    East  20  rods  to  a  Stake  &  Stons  Colemans  Northwest  Corner. 

then  North  iS';  30"  East  2  rods  to  a  Stake  &  Stons  Mr  Strongs  North  west 
Corner 

then  North  15°  East  34  rods  to  the  North  west  Corner  of  Jonathan  Fields  at 
the  Cross  road,  the  Courses  from  the  Bay  road  to  this  Place  was  taken  the  East 
Side  of  the  Street;  and  from  the  South  East  Corner  of  Mr.  Parson. s  Lot  to  the 
North  End,  was  taken  the  west  Side:  from  the  South  East  Corner  of  Mr  Parson. s 
Lot 

North  uc — East  35  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  the  North  East  corner  of  Mr 
Parson, s  Lot 

then  North  30  East  32  rods  to  Stake  and  Stones  the  North  East  Corner  of  L' 
Fields  Lot 

then  North  90,  45"  East  47  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  then  North  35°— 40" 
East  23  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  then  north  13-  East  50  rods  to  a  Stake  &  Stons 
then  north  3—20"  18  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  then  3  west  32  rods  to  a  Stake 
and  Stons  the  North  East  Corner  of  Mr  Joseph  Churches  at  the  Cross  road — 
then  from  a  Stake  and  Stones  the  South  East  Corner  of  John  Eastmans  Lot 
north  4: — 30"  west  iS  rod  to  a  Stake  &  Stons  then  North  13°  East  46  rods  to  a 
Stake  and  Stons  south  East  Corner  of  Eastmans— then  north  14°  —  East  55  rods 
to  a    Stake  and  Stons  north  East  Corner  of  Esq  Dickinsons — 

then  north  13°  30"  East  76  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  north  Corner  of  Bakers  — 

then  North  14  — 30"  East  51  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  the  north  East  Corner 
of  John  Ingram  2d 

The  Cours  of  the  East  Street  from  the  Bay  Road  north.  Begining  at  a  Stake 
and  Stons  at  the  bay  road  and  runing  north  n° —  East  19  rods  to  a  black  oak  with 
Stons  by  it — then  north  25<:  East  17  rods  then  North  20°—  East  15  rods  to  a 
Stake  by  the  bridge  then  North  14° — 30"  East  22  rods — 

then  North  6° — East  50  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

then  North  9- — 30"  East  43  rods  to  a  black  oake  by  Warners 

then  North  14-  East  35  rods  to  a  Stake 

then  North  7"  -30"  East  129  rods  to  a  Stake 

then  North  iov- — 40''  East  29  rods  to  a  Stake. 

then  North  6C  —30"  East  90  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  the  north  west  Corner  of 
Stoughton  Dickinsons  lot. — 

Then  begining  where  the  west  Line  of  the  East  Division  Cross  the  County 
road  below  Ens  Elijah  Hastings  house,  and  runing  from  thence — 

North  nc  west  30  rods  to  a  Stake  against  the  Corner  of  Hastings  House  then 
North  io°  -30''  East  52  rods  to  the  South  west  Corner  of  Stephen  Smiths 

then  North  7°  East  52  rods  to  the  Southwest  Corner  of  Reuben  Nashes 

then  North  6  East  99  rods -then  north  6°— 40"  west  11  rods- 
Then  begining  at  a  Stake  and  Stons  in  Capt  Riches  East  Line  &  runs  from 
thence  north  \f:—  40"  East  47  rods  to  a  Stake  the  North  East  Corner  of  Cap' 
Riches  north  15—40"  East  65  rods  to  a  Stake  the  North  East  Corner  of  J01V1 
Smiths  north  15^  40"  East  35  rods  to  Philip  Edwards  tan  house 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  I  7  I 

Then  begining  at  the  North  East  Corner  of  Perez  Dickinsons  Shop  and  rim- 
ing from  thence  north  zo  —30''  East  42  rods  to  a  post  the  Corner  of  Daniel  Kellogg,s 

north  13-— 40"  East  n  rods  to  Kelloggs  gate  post. 

north  7" — 30"  East  78  rods  to  the  Corner  of  Kelloggs 

north  15—30"  East  27  rods  to  a  Stake  andStonsthe  Corner  of  Jonathan  Dick- 
insons Lot 

north.  16  East  ^3  rods  to  Capt  Parker  South  East  Dore  yard  post 

north  iSc  30"  East  36  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  the  North  East  Corner  of  Esq 
Strongs  Lot. 

Then  begining  at  a  Stake  and  Stons  the  South  East  Corner  of  Elisha  Dick- 
inson^ Lot  and  riming  from  thence  north  13"  East  24  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

north  S-  30"  East  20  rods  to  Stake  and  Stons. 

north.  14°  30"  East  30  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

North  150 — 30''  East  30  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons.  the  North  East  Corner  of 
Elisha  Dickinson. s 

north  7^  30"  East  5S  rods  to  a  white  pine  the  North  East  Corner  of  Jonathan 
Smith, s 

north  7C  30"  East  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  north  East  of  Eastmans 

the  Courses  from  Capt  Riches  to  this  Place  were  taken  the  West  Side  of 
the  Street  - 

Then  begining  at  a  Stake  and  Stons  the  South  west  Corner  of-Zachariah 
Hawleys  and  runing  from  thence,  north  i3:  15"  East  32  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons 
the  north  west  Corner  of  Hawleys  lot. 

north  i3c — 15"  Er.st  17  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons — 

North  37c  30"  East  16  rods  to  a  black  oak  Staddle  the  north  west  Corner  of 
Den  Edward. s  Lot. 

The  Cours  of  the  Cross  road  north  of  Capt  Parkers  Begining  at  a  Stake  and 
Stons,  the  north  East  Corner  of  Esq  Strongs  Lot  and  runing  from  thence 

West  230 — north  58  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 

West  9-  north  169  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  the  north  west  corner  of  Mr 
Strongs 

then  West  17    north  21A  rods  to  a  white  oak — 

West  F4C  north  32  rods  to  a  Chestnut. 

West  i8c  north  iS  rods  to  a  Chestnut. 

West  y  north  18  rods  to  a  Poplar. 

West  30'-  South  10  rods  to  a  White  oake 

West  10  north  39  rods  to  a  white  oake.  the  north  west  Corner  of  Jonathan 
Fields — 

The  Cours  of  the  road  from  Mr  Boltwoods  Shop  to  the  East  Meeting  House 
begining  at  a  Stake  and  Ston  at  the  Corner  of  the  board  fence  by  Mr  Boltwoods 
Shop  and  runing  from  thence. 

East  12  -20"  north  17  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  South  East  Corner  of  Mr 
Strongs  East  i6c  North  30  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons  East  24  South  1 5-i  rods  to 
a  Stake  and  Stons  by  the  lane  that  leads  to  the  Pound 

Then  from  a  Stake  and  Stons  the  South  Wist  Corner  of  Mr  Daniels — 

East  241  — 20"  South  9  rods  5  feet  To  a  Stake  and  Stons 

East  3C— 30"  South  18  rods  to  a  Stake  &  Stons  the  South  East  Corner  of  Mr 
Mc  Daniels  Dooryard. 

East  12- — north  20  rods  to  a  Stake  &  Stons  South  Last  Comer  of  Mr  Mc 
Daniels 


I72  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

East  i4c — 30"  South  103  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons 
East  3C  north  18  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stons. 
East  2°--South  40  rods — East  29c — 30"  north  20  rods 

East  11"- — north  19  rods  to  the  South  West  Corner  of  Perez  Dickinsons  Shop. 
The  Cours  of  the  Road  from  Hadley  line  to  Mr  Gideon  Parson. s 
Begining  at  a  Stake  in  Hadley  line  and  runingfrom  thence 
East  6C — 20"  north  105  rods — East  130 — 30"  north  30  rods 
East  iSL — north  29  rods — East  14- — north  18  rods 
East  oc — 30"  north  51  rods  to  the  Street, — 

The  Cours  of  the  Cross  Road  through  the  Middle  Division  by  John  Lees. 
Begining  at  a  Stake  at  the  East  End  of  the  road  and  runing  from  thence 
West  4-  30"  north  93  rods  to  a  Stake  in  Lees  field 
West  23-— north  18  rods  to  a  Stake. 
West  iL — 20"  South  32  rods  to  a  Stake. 
West  6C — 30"  north  154  rods  to  the  west  Street. 

N.  B.     the  Stake  and  other  bounds  mentioned  in  these  return  are  marked  H  W — 
The  Within   Mentioned  Courses   and   Distances  were   taken  in  1787:   178S  & 
1789  by  Justus  Dwight  Surveyor 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  First  Parish 
Meeting  house  on  Wednesday  the  ninth  day  of  September  1795 

Voted     Zebina  Montague  Moderator — 

Voted  to  Desire  the  Selectmen  to  Stop  any  Further  Provision  for  the  Sup- 
porte  of  Edward  Allin — as  it  is  the  Opinion  of  the  Meeting  he  is  not  an  Inhabitant 
of  Amherst  Extract  from  the  Proceedings 

Z.  Montague  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the   first   Parish   Meet- 
ing House,  on  Monday  the  Fourteenth  clay  of  December,  Seventeen  Hundred  and 
Ninety  five,  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  Morning. — 
Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Coll  Zebina  Montague  Moderator 

Voted     to  accept  and  grant  the  Pills  as  they  have  been  red  and  Corrected 
Voted     to  Raise  Ten  Dollars  to  Defray  the  Expence  of  Sundrey  guy  Posts — 
and  also  Ten  Dollars  to  replace  the  money    Drawn   out   of  the    Treasury   for  the 
support  of  Edward  Allin. — 

Voted     to  allow  8  s  for  2.^  Inch  Plank  and  7  s  for  2  Inch  Plank  and  5  s  for  ih 
Inch  Plank,  Provided  for  Bridges  the  Insuing  year- 
Voted     to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  Vew  and  Appraise  a  Bit  of  Land 
Petitioned  for  by  Joseph  Church  against  the  Front  of  his  lot,  and  make  Reporte  to 
sum  futer  Meeting 

Voted  that  Capt  Moses  Hastings,  Majr  Elijah  Dickinson,  and  L<  Timothey 
Handerson,  be  the  Com'"'  above 

We  the  Subscribers  being  appointed  by  the  Town  of  Amherst  to  Vew  and 
Appraise  a  piece  of  Land  at  the  East  End  of  the  Farm  on  which  Capt  Jonathan 
Dickinson  now  Lives;  Met  on  the  business  of  our  appointments  on  the  Eleventh 
of  May  Seventeen  Hundred  and  ninety  five— and  after  Vewing  the  Situation  of 
the  Highway  agreed,  that  the  Said  Capt  Dickinson  might  have  a  pice  of  land  of 
the  following  Disscription — (viz)  begining  at  the  South  Side  of  Capt  Dickinsons 
Barn  yard;  Extending  two  Rods  in  wedth  and  runing  to  the  North  Side  of  Said 
farm,  being  about  Sixty  Rods,  to  one  rod  in  wedth  Containing  ninety  rods  of  ground, 
and  apprised  the  Same  at  three  Pound  Seven  Shillings  and  Six  Pence  — 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  1 73 

Also  a  Piece  of  Land  at  the  North  End  of  the  lot  on  which  Stoughton  Dick- 
inson now  lives,  and  begining  at  the  North  West  Corner  of  Said  Lot,  thence  runing 
North  two  Rods  and  half,  thence  east  Six  Rods,  thence  South  two  rods  and  half, 
to  the  Said  Dickinsons  lot.  Containing  fifteen  rods  of  ground,  and  Appraised  the 
Same  at  fifteen  Shillings — 

Eli  Parker         ) 
Seth  Bryant      [      Committee 
Elisha  Smith      ) 
Amherst  May  n,  1795  — 

Decembr  14"1 — 1795  Voted  to  Accept  the  above  Report ;  and  grant  the  above 
Described  bits  of  Land  to  Jonathan  Dickinson  and  Stoughton  Dickinson,  on  Con- 
dition, that  they  Either  Pay  or  Give  Security  with  a  bondsman  for  the  Sums  at 
which  the  Several  Bits  of  land  are  appraised  by  the  above  Com'"" 

Voted     to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Asses  the  above  grainted  monies 
Voted     to  Accept  of  the  Lists  of  Jurors  as  they  have  been  Exhibited  by  the 
Selectmen. 

Attest  Zebixa  Montague  Moderator 

Marriges  Solemnized  by  the  Rev'1  David  Parsons  from  May  1793  to  May  1795. 
Moses  Nash  &  Salome  Lewis  (  these    Persons   were  Married  in  the  year 

Luke  Rich  &  Jerusha  Hastings       i  1792  but  omitted  in  the  Records — 

1793 

Febr  10     Phinehas  Stevens  and  Mary  Wells. — 
March  5     Samuel  Marsh  and  Martha  Edwards. 

29     Andrew  Hide  and  Mary  Morton. 
July  3     Moses  Billings  and  Sally  Field. — (Mary  Field) 
Nov1"  25     Enos  Baker  and  Dorothey  Smith. 

1795 

Janr.  16     Nathaniel  Edwards  and  Polley  Pomeroy. 

30     Noah  Gould  and  Marey  Williams. 
Sept  10     Seth  Montague  So  Hadley  and  Rachel  Smith. 

Octr  26  Justus  Clark  and  Dorcas  Pomeroy. 

27  Elijah  Smith  and  Pattey  Burt 

Nov'' 6  Jonathan  Smith  and  Hannah  Dickinson 

20  Moses  Smith  and  Tamer  Pettes. 

20  Abia  Southworth  and  Kezia  Boltwood. 
1796 

Janrv.  22 '     Enoch  Bangs  and  Azubah  Dickinson 

Febr  14  Elijah  Hubbard  and  Abi  Lewis. 

April  6  Eleazar  Nash  and  Abigail  Brown. 

23  Simeon  Clark  Jr.  and  Irena  Lewis. 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the    Inhabitants  of  the   Town  of   Amherst  Qualified 
according  to  the  Constitution  to  Vote  for  Goviner  Leutenant  Goviner   &    Cenitors 
Voted  as  follows— (viz)     For  Govennor— April  411'  1798 
Hon.  Increas  Sumner.  Eighty  one 
Hon  John  Adams — one — 
Hon  Samuel  Adams — Twenty  two — 
Hon.  Moses  Gill  -one 
For  Leu'  Govennor — 

Hon  Moses  Gill  Ninety  one 
Jamb  White— four 


174  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

For  Senator  as  follows  — 

John  Hastings  Esq — Eightey  five 

Wm  Shephard  Esq — Sixtey  nine 

Thomas  Dwight —Seventy  three 

Hugh  AlcClellen  Esq  one 

David  Smeed  Esq — one 

Ebenezar  Alattoon  Esq — Sixtey   Nine 

John  Williams  Esq.  Fiftey  four 

Samuel  Fowler  Esq — Seventeen 

Justin  Ely  Esq — four 

David  Sexton  Esq — Thirtey  two 

Solomon  Stoddard  Esq — Thirteen 

Simeon  Strong  Esq — three 

Jonathan  Dwight — three 

Samuel  Hanshaw  Esq —one — 

Attest  Seth  Coleman  Town  Clerk- 

April  S"1  1796  Stoughton  Dickinson  gave  Security  for  a -bit  of  Land  North  of 
his  house  with  a  bondsman  agreable  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  in  December  i4;h  1795 

Test  Seth  Coleman  Town  Clerk 

August  21;  1794  Capt  Jonathan  Dickinson  Paid  Eleven  Dollars  and  twenty 
five  Cents  agreable  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  in  December  14"'  1795 

Test  Seth  Coleman  Town  Clark — 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  on  Monday  the  fourth  day  of 
April  1796.  Holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meeting  House — Voted  as  Follows — (viz) — 

Voted     De"  Elisha  Smith  Moderator. 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Clerk  &  Treasurer — 

Voted  Col  Zebina  Montague,  Den  Medad  Dickinson,  Noah  Smith,  DeB 
Elisha  Smith,  &  Cap'  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Selectmen 

Voted  De"  Elisha  Smith  qualified  De"  Medad  Dickinson  &  Noah  Smith 
qualified  Assessors  — 

Voted     Benjamin  Smith,  &  David  Smith  Jnr  Constables — 

Voted     William  Boltwood,  Constable  in  the  room  of  Benjamin  Smith 

Voted  John  Dickinson,  Steven  Smith.  Aaron  Merrick,  Seth  Bryant,  David 
Watson,  Azeriah  Dickinson  Surveyers  of  Highways 

Voted  Giles  Church,  &  William  Philemore,  Surveyers  and  Measurers  of  bords, 
Plank,  Timber,  Slitworke,  Shingles,  Clapbords,  and  Cullers  of  Staves  and  Hoops — 

Voted     William  Holtwood,  &  Timothey  Handerson  fens  Vewers. — 

Voted  Ezekiel  Dickinson,  Reuben  Smith,  Asa  Dickinson,  &  David  Blotchet 
Jnr  Teythingmen, 

Voted     Capt  Jorge  Williamson  &  Joseph  Blayer  Sealers  of  Leather 

Voted  David  Cowls  juns  Sworn  William  Boltwood,  Zery  Green,  L1  Joseph 
Robbens,  Asa  Newel,  &  John  Kellogg  Sworn  Hogreeves. 

Voted     Calvin  Merrill  Pound  Keeper — 

Voted  to  allow  Sixty  Seven,  Cents  PLT  Day,  for  Highway  worke  till  ye  first  of 
September:  and  thirtey  four  Cents  the  rest  of  the  year. 

Voted     to  rais  four  Hundred  Dollars  to  repair  the  Highways  this  year — 

Voted  to  rais  three  hundred  and  thirtey  three  Dollers,and  thirtey  four  Cents 
for  Schooling  this  year. — 

Voted     to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Asses  the  above  granted  Monies 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  175 

Voted     that  the  Highway  rate  be  made  by  the  Laist  list. — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  Investigate  the  East  Middle 
School  District,  and  the  South  East  District,  &  determin  as  to  the  Expediency  of 
Making  any  alterations  in  the  Dimentions  of  Said  Districts,  &  Prefix  the  Limits  of 
Each,  and  also  the  Expediency  of  bidding  one  or  more  School  Houses,  and  to 
Prefix  the  Place  of  Said  House,  or  Houses  add  their  Dimentions,  and  the  above 
Committee  is  to  Inspect  the  North-west  Schoo —  House  and  Determin  wheather  it 
be  best  to  Reprove  Said  House  or  Buld  a  New  one  ;  and  to  make  reporte  to  Next 
May  Meeting  of  their  whole  Doings — 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  take  Edward  Allin  into  their  Care  and  that  they 
support  him  in  the  Cheapest  manner  that  they  Can  for  the  Town 

Voted  to  abate  to  Winslovv  Gaffit  his  rate  in  the  hand  of  John  Dickinson 
(viz)  State  Rate  i-S.     Town  Rate  3-8 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  give  Isaac  Robbens  an  order  for  3-3  it  being  a 
Rate  Put  Into  his  hands  against  Nath"  Dickinson  2'1 

Voted     to  accept  a  Reporte  of  a  Committee  which  is  as  follows  (viz) 

We  the  Subscriber  being  appointed  as  a  Committee  to  Vew  and  appraise  a  Pice 
of  Land  at  the  frunt  of  Joseph  Churches  lot,  begining  at  a  Stake  and  Stones  at 
the  west  Side  of  the  County  Roade  Near  the  House  of  Joseph  Church  Jnr,  then 
riming  forty  four  Rods  north  to  a  Stake  and  Stones  near  Davd  Dickinsons  Barn 
and  in  Weadth  two  Rods  and  a  half,  which  Contains  one  Hundred  and  Ten  Rods 
of  ground,  which  we  apprise  at  the  Rate  of  Sixteen  Dollars  Sixtey  Seven  Cents 
Per  Acre — 

Moses  Hastings  1 

Elijah  Dickinson  I     Com1'1' 

TlMOTHEY   HANDERSOX  ] 

Attest  Elisha  Smith   Moderator 

April  21,  1796.  Then  Joseph  Church  Paid  Into  the  Treasury  Ten  Dollars  & 
Ninety  Six  Cents  the  Sum  at  which  the  land  above  was  appraised  by  the  Committee 
and  accepted  of  by  the  Town — 

Test  Seth  Coleman  Town  Clerk — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  appointed 
on  Tuesday  the  3  day  of  May  1796 

Voted     Ebenezar  Mattoon  Esq  Moderator — 

Voted  Unanimously  to  Prefer  the  Petition  Inclosed  with  a  Letter  From  the 
foreman  of  the  Grand  Jury  Directed  to  the  Selectmen  of  this  Town  -Which  Peti- 
tion Humbly  Requests  Congress  to  Make  the  Necessary  Appropriations  for  Carv- 
ing the  Treaty  with  Grate  Brittan  Into  Effect — 

E.  Mattoon  jr  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  on  Monday  the  Ninth 
day  of  May  1796  at  three  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon:    Voted  as  follows — (viz)— 

Voted     Coll  Zebina  Montague  Moderator — 

Voted  to  abate  to  the  Hears  of  Baley  Allin  a  rate  of  3-S  in  the  hands  of 
Noadiah  Smith,  also  to  the  Hears  of  Amus  .Wish  a  Kate  of  5-10  x  &  to  Isaac 
Goodale  2'1  a  rate  of  4-0^  x  in  Said  Smith's  Hands  also  14-0  to  Stephen  Smith 
against  Amus  Nash  — 

Voted     to  Build  a  School-house  in  the  South  East  District  of  the  Same  Dimen- 


176  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

tions  on  the  ground,  of  the  one  that  was  burnt,  and   of  one   Story   high    with  two 

Chimneys 

Voted     to  Build  a  School  House  in  the  North  west  District  18  by  25    feet  on 

the  Ground,  one  Story  high,  with  one  Chimney,  Said  house  to  be  Set  on  the  South 

East  Corner  of  Elijah  Elmers  home  lot. — 

Voted     to  Choose  a  Committee  of  five  to  Build  the  above  Disscribed  School 

houses 

Voted    that  John  Dickinson,  Stephen  Smith,  Capt   Ebenezar  Boltwood,  Deu 

Elisha  Smith,  &  Major  Elijah  Dickinson  be  the  Committee  above — and  that  Said 

Com"'1'  get  the  Houses  dun  in  the  Cheapest  manner  they  Can — 

Voted     to  raise  three  Hundred  Dollers  to  Build  the  South  East  School-house — 
Voted    to  rise  two  Hundred  Dollers  to  Build  the  North  West  School-house 
Voted     to    Impower   the   above    Committee   to    Set  the  North  west  District 

School  house  to  the  best  advantage  for  the  Town — 

Zebina  Montague  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Nov'  7"' 
1796,  their  Votes  for  Elector  for  President  and  Vice  President,  and  also  For  a  Rep- 
resentative to  Congress  were  as  follows — (viz) — 

For  an  Elector  the  Hono1  Ebenezor  Mattoon  jr  had  51,  For  Representative 
to  Congress  the  Hono1  Samuel  Lyman  had  55 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  appointed  on 
Monday  the  Seventh  day  of  Novem  at  two  of  the  Clock  afternoon  A  D  1796 
Voted     De"  Elisha  Smith  Moderator- 
Voted     to  Choose  a  Committee  of  Five  to  Vew  the  River   on    Each    Side   of 
Clarks  mill  and  Reporte  to  Next  December  meeting,  whare  is   the    most   advanta- 
gious  Place,  for  Building  a  bridge  over  Said  River 

Voted  De"  John  Billings,  Capt  Eli  Parker,  Deu  Eleazar  Smith,  Martin  Kel- 
logg, &  Capt  Jonathan  Dickinson,  be  the  Committee  above — 

Voted  that  the  Distribution  of  the  School  Money  in  the  SeveralDistricts.be 
Left  to  the  Discretion  of  the  Selectmen. — 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish 
Meeting  House  on  Monday  the  Fifth  day  of  December  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
Seventeen  Hundred  and  Ninety  Six,  at  nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  Morning. 

Voted  as  follows— (viz) — 

Voted     Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood  Moderator — 

Voted     to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  Inspect  and  Correct  the  bills. 

Voted  Stephen  Smith,  Maj1'  Elijah  Dickinson,  &  Capt  Eli  Parker,  be  the 
Committee  above. 

Voted     to  allow  and  grant  the  bills  as  they  have  been  red  and  Corrected. 

Voted  to  accept  the  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  on  a  Late  Meeting. 
to  vew  the  River  on  Each  Side  of  Clarks  mills  &  determin  whare  is  the  most 
advantagious  Place,  to  Buld  a  bridge  over  Said  River 

Voted  to  buld  a  bridge  over  the  River  near  Clarks  mill,  in  or  near  the  Place 
whare  the  old  bridge  now  Stands — 

Voted  to  Build  Said  Bridge  with  a  Stone  Butment  at  Each  End,  &  a  Fallow 
in  the  Center  of  the  bridge — 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  1 77 

Voted     to  Choose  a  Committee  of  five  to  Buld  Said  Bridge. 

Voted  Stephen  Smith.  Majr  Elijah  Dickinson,  Samuel  Hastings,  Encine  Eli 
Parker,  &  Noah  Smith  be  the  Committee  above. 

Voted     to  Raise  two  Hundred  Dollers  for  the  building  of  Said  Bridge 

Voted  to  Rais  Thirtey  three  Dollars  and  thirtey  four  Cents  for  the  Support 
of  the  Poor  of  the  Town. 

Voted     to  Raise  twelve  Dollers  to  Defray  the  Expenceof  Sundry  guy  Posts — 

Voted  to  I mpower  the  Assessors  to  Asses  the  above  granted  monies;  and 
Also  Five  Hundred  Dollers  Voted  Laist  may  for  the  bidding  of  School  Houses. — 

Voted     that  the  Assessors  date  their  List  from  this  day. — 

Attest  Ebenezar  Boltwood  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst.  Qualified 
according  to  the  Constitution  to  Vote  for  Goviner  L'  Goviner  &  Cenitors.  Voted 
as  follows — (viz)     For  Govennor 

Hon,  Increase  Sumner — Ninety  two. 

Hon.  Thomas  Sullivan — Twenty. 
Leutenant  Govennor 

Hon,  Samuel  Philips — Five. 

Hon,  Moses  Gill— Seventy  Eight. 

Hon,  Increase  Sumner — two 
For  Senitorsas  Follows. 

Charles  Phelps  Esq — Fiftey  one 

Ebenezar  Hunt  Esq — Eightey  one 

Thomas  Dwight — Eightey  four 

John  Hastings  Esq.  Eightey  three 

David  Sexton  Esq— Seventy — 

William  Billings    Esq.    Eigteen — 

John  Williams  Esq — Twelve 

Samuel  Fowler — Sixteen 
April  3'1  i79S- 

At   a    Legal    Meeting   of  the   Town   of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish 

Meeting  house  on  Monday  the  Third  day  of  April  1797  at  nine  of  the  Clock  in  the 

Morning — 

Voted  as  follows — (viz) — 

Voted     Ebenezar  Mattoon  Esq  Moderator — 

Voted     Seth  Coleman,  Clerk.  Voted  Seth  Coleman  Treasurer. 

Voted     Zebina  Montague  Esq.  Maj'"  Medad  Dickinson,  Majr  Elijah  Dickinson 

Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood  &  Capt  Moses  Hastings,  Selectmen — 

Voted     Major  Medad  Dickinson.  Noah  Smith,  and  Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood 

Assessors — 

Voted     Olliver  Cowls  jr  &  Capt  Joseph  Pettes  Constables — 
Voted     to  adjourn  for  one  hour  and  then  meet  at  this  Place- 
Voted     Samuel  Smith,   Chester  Smith.    Stephen    Fish,    Simeon  Dickinson  jr, 

Josiah  Warner,  &  John  Dickinson.  Surveyers  of  Highways 

Voted     Giles  Church,  &  Joseph  Church,  Surveyers  and  Measurers   of   bords, 

Plank,  timber.  Slitwork,  Shingle.  Clapbords,  &  Cullers  of  Staves  &  hoops — 

Voted     Cap'   Timothey    Handerson,    and    Capt    Jonathan     Dickinson     Fens 

Vewers — 


178  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  Chester  Smith,  Stephen  Smith,  Aaron  Mearick,  Samuel  Hastings,  & 
Israel  Scot  Teything  men, 

Voted     Joseph  Blayer,  Capt  George  Williamson  Sealer  of  Leather 

Voted     Calvin  Merrill  Pound  Keeper — 

Voted  Samuel  Holmes,  Eliphalet  Adams,  Zebina  Hawley,  David  Ingram, 
Stephen  Smith,  Stephen  Fish  Hog-reives 

Voted  to  Raise  three  Hundred  and  thirtey  three  Dollers  and  thirtey  three 
Cents,  for  Reparing  the  Highway  the  year  Ensuing. 

Voted  to  allow  Sixtey  Seven  Cents  Pr  day  for  worke  at  the  Highway  till  the 
Ist  of  September,  and  thirtey  Four  Cents  the  rest  of  the  year. 

Voted  Capt  Eii  Parker,  Joseph  Dickinson.  &  Elijah  Dickinson,  a  Committee 
to  Vew  and  apprise  Som  Small  Peices  of  Land  to  Ebenezar  Mattoon  Esq;  or 
Joseph  Balls  and  make  report  at  next  .May  Meeting.— 

Voted  that  the  Committee  appointed  to  Build  the  Bridge  near  Clarks  Mill  be 
directed  to  Build  Said  Bridge,  upon  any  different  Construction,  than  was  proposed 
by  the  Town,  that  may  appear  to  them  to  be  most  For  the  Interest  of  the  Town. — 

Voted  to  Raise  three  Hundred  and  thirtey  three  dollers  and  thirtey  four 
Cents  for  the    Support  of  Schools  the  year  Encuing 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  Instructed  to  see  that  the  Town  does  not  take 
any  Paupers  only  what  may  be  real  Inheabitants  of  the  Town  ;  and  to  see  that 
the  Town  be  Put  to  unnecessary  Expence  — 

Voted  to  allow  John  Williams  his  Proportion  of  School  money  for  three 
years  laist  paist — 

Voted  to  raise  the  sum  of  Eightey  Dollers  for  the  support  of  the  Poor  of  the 
Town — 

Voted     to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Asses  the  above  granted  monies 

Voted     that  the  Assessors  make  the  Highway  rate  by  the  laist  List — 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  (to  Expedite  the  Taking  of  the  list)  Shall  Set  Ye 
advertisement  in  four  publick  Place,  in  Boath  Parishes  Specifiing  the  time  &  place 
where  they  will  attend  Said  Business 

Ebenezar  Mattoon  jr  Moderator — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
ing House  on  Thirsday  the  Eleventh  day  of  May  1797  — 

Voted  as  follows — (viz) 

Voted     Maj'r  Elijah  Dickinson  Moderator — 

Voted  to  abate  to  Raley  Allins  Estate  his  rate  in  the  hands  of  Levi  Cowls 
(viz)  37  Cents  x— 

Voted  to  accept  the  report  of  a  Committee  Chosen,  to  Stake  out  and  apprise 
a  Bit  of  Land,  Petitioned  For  by  Ebenezar  Mattoon  jr  Esq.  and  graintthe  Same  to 
Said  Ebenezar,  he  paying  thirteen  Dollers  for  Said  Land — wich  report  is  as  follows 
— (viz) — the  Committee  appointed  upon  the  Petition  of  Ebenezar  Mattoon  jr  Esq 
to  apprise  &  Set  of  a  pice  of  Land  at  the  East  End  of  the  Lot  upon  which  his 
Father  now  Lives,  have  attended  the  Service;  and  report  that  we  have  Staked  out 
a  pice  of  Land  Petitioned  for,  in  the  following  form — 

Begining  at  the  North  End  at  a  point  in  the  fence  then  runing  Southerly  Six- 
teen rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones  then  Continuing  Southerly  nine  rods  two  rods 
wide — 

then  the  Same  point  thirteen  rods  and  half.  Seven  rods  and  half  wide  to  the 
South    End  of  Bolles,  house — Continuing  Southerley  Six  Rods — Eight  rods  and 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN'    MEETINGS.  I  79 

half  wide — Continuing  Southerly  Twelve  rods  Eight  rods  wide — then  Southwester- 
ley  Twelve  rods  to  the  fence  at  a  point — Containing  one  Acre  &  one  Hundred  & 
twenty  Eight  rods  of  ground — 

Which  we  have  Apprised  at  the  sum  of  Thirteen  Dollers  upon  his  Paying 
that  sum  the  Committee  recommend  to  the  Town  to  graint  him  the  Land. — all 
which  is  submitted 

Elijah  Dickinson   Moderator — 

the  above  Report  hath  been  Comply1  with  by  Ebenezar  Mattoon  Esq — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
ing House  on  Monday  the  Eleventh  day  of  Decembr  1797  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in 
the  morning     Voted  as  follows — (viz) — 

Voted     Zebina  Montague  Esq  Moderator 
Voted     to  allow  the  Pills  as  they  have  been  red  and  Corrected. 
Voted     to  Raise  money  Sufficient  to  Pay  the  above  grainted  Bills  — 
Voted     to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Assess  the  above  grainted  monies 
Voted     to  accept   the    List   of  Jurors  as  the  they  have  been  Exhibited  by  the 
Selectmen — 

Attest,  Zebina  Montague  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  the    Town   of  Amherst,    Qualified 
according  to  Constitution   to   Vote  for  Goviner   Lt  goviner  &   Cenitors,  Voted  as- 
Follows  (viz) — 
For  Govenner 

his  Excellency  Increase  Sumner  S7. 
For  L.t  Govenner — 

Hon,  Moses  Gill — 7S 
For  Senitors  as  Follows — 

Hon,  John  Hastings — 75 
Ebenezar  Hunt — 75 
David  Sexton — 75 
Thomas  Dwight — 75 
Warham  Parks — 75 
April  2'1  179S — 

At  a   Legal    Meeting  of  the   Town   of  Amherst    Holden  at  the  First  Parish 
Meeting-House  on  Monday  the  2'1  Day  of  April  Seventeen  Hund  &  Ninety  Eight- 
at  nine  of  the  Clock  in  ye  morning  Voted  as  Follows — (viz) — 

Voted     Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood  Moderator — 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Clerk. 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Treasurer. 

Voted  Jen11  Zebina  Montague,  Majr  Medad  Dickinson,  Capt  Ebenezar  Bolt- 
wood,  Capt  Moses  Hastings,  and  Coll  Elijah  Dickinson,  Selectmen. — 

Voted  Majr  Medad  Dickinson,  Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood,  and  Den  Elisha 
Smith  Assessors. — 

Voted     to  adjourn  this  meeting  for  one  Hour  and  then  Meet  at  this  Place — 

Voted     Daniel  Cooley  Esq,  and  David  Cowls  jnr  Constables. — 

Voted  Moses  Hillings.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Ins.  Asa  Smith,  Samuel  Hastings, 
L\  John  Ingram,  John  Eastman.  Surveyers  of  Highways — 


l8o  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  Jiles  Church,  and  William  Fillmore,  Surveyers  and  Measurers  of 
Bords,  Plank,  Timber,  Slitworke,  Shingle,  Clapbords  and  Cullers  of  Staves  and 
Hoops. 

Voted     William  Boltwood  and  Levi  Cowls  Fens  Vewers. 

Voted  Levi  Cowls,  Seth  Coleman  jnr  Jearub  White  Sworn  Joseph  Blayer  and 
Chester  Williams  Teything  men 

Voted     William  Bowman  &  Joseph  Blayer  Sealer  of  Leather. 

Voted     Calvin  Merrill  Pound  Keeper 

Voted  William  Boltwood,  Ralf  Snow,  LL  Joseph  Robbens,  Zachariah  Haw- 
ley  jr,  Elijah  Kellogg.  Richard  Carpender.  and  Silas  Dickinson.  Hogreives. — 

Voted    Jen11  Zebina  Montague,  Sealer  of  waights  and  Measures, 

Voted  to  Raise  Two  Hundred  and  Sixtey  Six  Dollars,  and  Sixtey  Seven 
Cents  For  Schooling  the  Currant  year. — 

Voted     to  do  the  Highway  worke  this  year  by  a  Rate 

Voted  to  Raise  three  Hundred  and  thirtey  three  Dollars  and  thirtey  four 
Cents  to  Repare  the  Highway  the  Currant  year. — 

Voted     to  make  the  Highway  rate  by  the  Laist  List  — 

Voted  to  allow  Sixtey  Seven  Cents  per  Day,  for  Highway  worke  till  ye  i5!  of 
September,  ec  thirtey  four  Cents  the  rest  of  the  year — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  Seven,  to  Inspect  the  River  on  Pelham 
Rode,  and  make  reporte  to  May  Meeting,  what  mattril  to  a  Dopt  for  the  Erecting 
■of  a  Bridge  over  Said  River — 

Voted  Maj1  Medad  Dickinson.  Capt  Eli  Parker.  Thomas  Hastings.  L'  John 
Ingram,  Solomon  Boltwood,  Capt  Moses  Hastings  and  Deu  Elisha  Smith,  be  the 
Committee  above — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Comttee  to  Confer  with  the  Propriator  of  the  Propriatory 
School-House  (or  their  Committee)  and  See  how  they  Can  Purchase  Said  House  for 
a  Town  School  House,  and  Make  Reporte  to  an  adjurned  Meeting — 

Voted  John  Dickinson,  Den  Elisha  Smith,  L'  Elijah  Hastings.  Samuel  Hast- 
ings, and  Capt  Timothey  Handerson,  be  the  Committee  above, — 

Voted     that  the  Selectmen  Procure  a  Pall  Clauth  for  the  use  of  the  Town — 

Voted     to  Raise  Eighteen  Dollers  to  Purchase  Said  Pall  Clauth. 

Voted  to  abate  to  Amariah  Done  his  Rate  in  the  hands  of  William  Boltwood 
\  I 'aid  x 

Voted  to  abate  to  Timothey  Allin  his  Rate  in  the  hands  of  Ezekiel  Dickin- 
son (viz)  thirtey  Seven  Cents.     Paid  x 

Voted  to  abate  to  Simeon  Elmur  his  tax'in  the  Hands  of  William  Bokwood. 
Paid  x 

Voted     to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Asses  the  above  grainted  monii  s 

Voted  to  allow  0-9  on  thirteen  Cents  P'r  Head  for  all  the  Crows  that  Shall 
be  killed  in  the  Town  of  Amherst  from  ye  first  of  may  to  the  tvventyeth  of  June 
next. 

Voted  that  the  Crows  so  Killed  Shall  be  Brought  to  one  of  the  Selectmen  or 
Assessors  to  have  their  heads  Cut  off,  and  Account  taken  of  their  Number — 

Voted  to  Adjourn  this  Meeting  to  the  first  monday  in  May  next  and  then 
meet  at  this  Place. 

may  7"'  1 79S  the  meeting  being  met  according  to  Adjurnment 

Voted  as  Follows — (viz) 

Voted  to  accept  the  Reporte  of  the  Committee  Chosen  to  Vew  the  Bridge 
over  Fort  River  on  Pelham   Rode   which    is    as  follows  (viz) — First  that  there    is 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  10  r 

Neade  of  Reparing  that  Bridge — 2'1  that  it  is  Best  to  widen  the  Cours  for  the  water- 
to  run  in  by  removeing  the  East  Butment,  3'1  that  in  their  opinion  the  Butment 
Should  be  removed  So  as  to  make  the  bridge  Fortey  five  feet  in  Length  and  to 
Build  one  Pare  of  wooden  Trussels  in  the  Middle 

Voted    to  Raise  one  Hundred  Dollers  to  Build  Said  Bridg— 

Voted     to  Choose  a  Committee  of  five  to  Build  Said  Bridge — 

Voted  Majer  Medad  Dickinson.  Thomas  Hastings.  L'  William  Fillmore, - 
Elisha  Dickinson,  and  William  Boltwood,  be  the  Committee  above — 

Voted  to  accept  the  Reporte  of  the  Committee  Chosen  to  Vew  the  Propria- 
tary  School-House  and  Confer  with  the  Propriators  (or  their  Committee)  for  the 
Purchas  of  their  School-House  for  the  West  middle  District,  which  is  as  follows 
(viz)  that  the  Town  give  the  Propriators  three  Hundred  Dollars  for  their  House — 

Voted  to  Raise  Three  Hundred  Dollers  for  the  Purpus  of  Purchasing  or 
Building  a  School  House  in  the  West  middle  District. 

Voted  that  Steven  Smith,  L*  William  Fillmore,  and  L' Ebenezar  Eastman,  be- 
a  Committee  to  agree  with  the  Propriators  for  their  School-House: — and  take  a 
Deed  in  behalf  of  the  Town,  to  be  Lodg11  in  the  Clerks  office.  Should  Such  Con- 
veyance be  made ;  and  Also  to  give  orders  on  the  Treasurer  for  Said  sum  of  three 
Hundred  Dollers:  or  other  wise  to  Build  a  House  for  Said  District. — 

Voted  that  the  Assessors  be  Impowered  to  Asses  the  above  grainted  monies- 
in  the  Next  Town  Rate — 

Attest  Ebex.r  Boltwood  Moderator — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish. 
Meeting-House  on  Monday  the  thirteyeth  clay  of  April  1798,  at  three  of  the  Clock, 
in  the  afternoon;  Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

Voted     Capt  Moses  Hastings  Moderator — 

Voted     Silas  Dickinson  Constable  for  the  South  Part  of  the  Town 

Attest— 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst,  Holden  at  the  First  Parish 
Meeting-house  on  Friday  the  Eighth  day  of  June,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Seven- 
teen Hundred  and  Ninety  Eight,  at  three  of  the  Clock  in  the  Afternoon 

Voted  as  Follows — (viz) — 

Voted     De"  Medad  Dickinson  Moderator 

Voted  To  Reconsider  the  Vote  Passed  on  the  Second  day  of  April  1798,  So 
Far  as  it  relates  to  the  mode  of  Building  of  a  Bridge  over  the  river  on  Pelham 
Rode. 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  Seven  to  Direct  the  Com"'  Chosen  at  April 
Meeting  179S  for  Building  a  Bridge  over  the  River  on  Pelham  Rode,  whare  &  in 
what  form  they  Shall  Build  Said  Bridge. 

Voted  Capt  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Capt  Timothey  Handerson,  John  Dickinson,. 
Ebenezar  Mattoon.  Esq.,  Capt  Joseph  Pettes,  Coll  Elijah  Dickinson.  L'  Elijah 
Hastings,  be  the  Com'01'  above 

Voted  to  Build  a  School  House,  in  the  West  middle  District  of  the  Follow- 
ing Dimentions— (viz)  Said  House  to  be  one  Storey  high,  with  two  Stacks  of 
Chimneys,  and  of  the  Same  Length  on  the  ground  of  the  Propriatory  School- 
House  that  was  Lateley  burnt,  and  to  be  two  feet  wider 

Voted     to  Choose   a   Committee   of  five,  to   Direct  the  Committee  Chosen  at 


I§2  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

April  Meeting  179S  For  Building  or  Purchasing  a  Schoo-house  for  the  West  mid- 
dle District  whare  Said  House  Shall  be  Sett 

'  Voted     Ebinezar  Mattoon  jr  Daniel  Kellogg  jun  Capt  Eli  Parker,  L1  Ebenezar 
Eastman,  and  De"  Elisha  Smith  to  be  the  Committee  above. 

Voted  to  make  the  addition  of  two.  to  the  Committee  Chosen  at  April  Meet- 
ing 179S  for  Purchasing  or  Bulding  a  School-House  for  the  West  midle  District. 

Voted  that  Coll.  Elijah  Dickinson.  &  Capt  Jonathan  Dickinson  be  the  Com- 
mittee aded  to  the  School-house  Committee  refered  to  above. 

Voted  that  the  Surveyers  of  Highways  be  Directed  to  Put.  and  Keep  the 
Rodes  in  Repare  and  that  they  bring  in  their  Pills  to  the  Anual  Meeting  in  Decem- 
ber Next — 

Voted  to  allow  tiftey  Cents  Pr  Day  for  Highway  worke.  For  two  month  from 
this  time — 

Attest  Medad  Dickixsox  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inheabitants  of  Amherst  on 
Monday  the  5th  of  November  179S  at  2  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon  for  the  Purpose 
of  Chosing  a  Federal  Representative  for  the  Second  Westen  District — when  the 
Honk"  Samuel  Lyman  had  43  Votes — Nov'' 5"'  179S — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
House  on  Monday  ye  third  day  of  December  Seventeen  Hundred  &  Ninety  Eight 
at  nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  morning.  Voted  as  follows — 

Voted     Capt  Ebenezar  Poltwood  Moderator 

Voted  to  Allow  for  Highway  worke  in  the  Spring  and  Summer  rjftey  Cents 
Pr  day  - 

Voted     to   allow    for    i£    Inch    Plank   one   Dollar  Pr  Hundred — 

Voted  to  allow  for  2  Inch  Plank  One  Dollar  and  Thirtev  three  Cents  P' 
Hundred — 

Voted     to  adjurn  for  one  Floure  &  then  to  meet  at  this  Place 

The  meeting  being  met  at  Time  and  Place  according  toadjurnment  Voted  as 
follows. — (viz) — 

Voted     to  Allow  the  Bills  as  they  have  been  red  &  Corrected — 

Voted     to  Pais  money  to  Pay  the  above  Bills — 

Voted  to  Raise  Eightey  Dollers  to  Replace  the  money  Drawn  out  of  the 
Treasurey  for  Sundrey  Purpuses 

Voted     to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  Asses  the  above  granted  Monies 

Voted  to  Purchase  the  Spot  of  ground  on  which  the  Propriatory  School- 
house  Lateley  Stood  of  the  Propriatorsfor  the  Purpose  of  Erecting  a  School-House 
for  the  West  middle  District— 

Voted     to  give  thirtev  five  Dollers  for  Said  Spot  of  ground 

Voted  to  Impower  the  Treasurer  to  Take  Security  of  the  Propriators  for  the 
above  Described  Spot  of  ground — 

Ebenezar  Boltwood  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitanis  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Qualified 
according  to  the  Constitution  to  Vote  for  Goviner.  L'  Goviner  &  Senitors  Voted  as 
Follows — (viz)  - 

P"or  Goviner.  For  his  Excellency  Increase  Sumner  107 

For  L'  Goviner.  Hon  Moses  Gill  104 


For  Senitors. 


F    TOWN    MEETINGS. 

David  Sexton 

78 

John  Hastings 

So 

Ebener  Hunt 

79 

Samuel  Fowler 

60 

Thomas  Dwight 

79 

Charles  Phelps 

l9 

John  Williams 

2 

183 


April  1  :   1799. — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of   the    Town   of  Amherst.    Holclen   at   the  First  Parish 

Meeting-House.  on  Monday  ye  First  day  of  April.  Seventeen  Hundred  and  Ninety 

nine,  at  nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  morning.  Voted  as  follows 
Voted     Ebenezar  Mattoon  jr  Esq  moderator — 
Voted     Seth  Coleman  Clerk.  Voted  Seth  Coleman  Treasurer 
Voted     John    Dickinson,    Gideon    Statsun.    Maj'    Medad  Dickinson,  Samuel 

Hastings,  Capt  Jonathan  Dickinson  Selectmen — 

Voted     John  Dickinson.  Perez  Dickinson.  &  Gideon  Statson,  Assessors 
Voted     to  Adjurn  this  Meeting  for  the  Space  of  one  hour  and  then  to   Meet 

at  this  Place — 

The  Town  being  meet  at  time  and  Place  according  to  the  adjurnment    above. 

Voted  as  Follows     (viz) 

Voted     to    Higher  a  Constable  for  the  Currant  year,  to  Collect  all  the  Town 

Taxes.  &  do  all  the  other  Business  Necessary  for  a  Constable  to  do  in  Town — 
Voted     Jearub   White    Constable   qualified   and  Said  Jearub  I ngadg^d  in  the 

Town  Meeting,  to  do  all  the  Business  above  Specified  for   the    Consideration   of 

Eighteen  Dollars;  and  Said  Jearub   is    To    Procure   two   good  Bondsmen  to  the 

acceptation  of  the  Town  Treasurer,  to  the  Inheabitants  of  Said  Town  in  the  Sum 

of  Two  Thousand  Dollers  for  his  Faithfull  Performance  of  Said  Trust. — 

Voted     Solomon  Boltwood,  John  Dickinson,  Aaron  Mearick,  Capt   Jonathan 

Dickinson,  Josiah  Theyer,  &  Elisha  Dickinson.  Surveyers  of  Highways — 

Voted     Jiles  Church.  Moses  Smith.  Surveyersand  Measurers  of  Bords,  Plank, 

Timber,  Slitworke.  Shingles,  Clapbords  and  Cullers  of  Staves  and  Hoops.— 
Voted     Capt  Timothey  Handerson  &  John  Lee  Fens  Vewers. — 
Voted     David  Dickinson.  Jonathan  Smith  2''  Aaron  Merrick  Philips  Edwards, 

Benjamin  Kimbal.  &  Luke  Montague.  Teything  men. 
Voted     William  Bowman  Sealer  of  Leather. — 
Voted     Calvin  Merrill,  Pound  Keeper — 

Voted     Chester  Marshal.  Stephen  Smith,  Zera  Green.  Ellihu  Belding,  &   Ben- 
jamin Kimbal,  Hog  Reves. — 

Voted     Jene1  Zebina  Montague  Sealer  of  waits  and  Measures — 

Voted     that  L'  Elijah  Hastings,  Capt  Timothey  Handerson.    Moses    Smith  & 

Martin  Cook,  be  Taken  from  the  North  west  District  for  Schooling,  and  annexed 

to  the  west  Midle. — 

Voted     to  Raise  three  Hundred  and  Thirtey  three  Dollers  and  Thirtey  three 

Cents  for  the  Repare  of  the  Highway  the  Currant  year 

Voted     to  Allow  Fiftey  Cents  1"'  day.  for  Highway  worke  till  the  first  of  Sep 

tember:  and  thirtey  three  Cents  y"  rest  of  the  year- 
Voted     to  Direct  the  Assessors  to  Make  the  highway  Tax  by  the  Laist  List — 
Voted     to  Raise  three  Hundred  and  thirtey  three   Dollars  and  thirtey  three 

Cents  for  Schooling-  the  Currant  year. — 


184  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  that  the  School-House  in  the  East  Middle  District  be  removed  to  Sum 
more  Convenient  Place  than  whare  it  now  Stands;  Provided  it  be  dun  free  from 
Expence  to  the  Town,  and  Put  in  as  good  repare  as  it  now  Stands,  all  Except  the 
Chimney,  and  by  the  Direction  of  a  Committee  appointed  for  that  Purpose. 

Voted  that  Col.  Elijah  Dickinson,  Noah  Smith,  &  Gen1  Zebina  Montague,  be 
the  Committee  to  give  Directions  respecting  the  removel  of-  the  School-House  above 

Ebexezar  Mattoon  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
ing House  on  Thursday  the  g'h  of  May  1799  at  Four  of  the  Clock  in  ye  afternoon — 

Voted     Gen  Ebenezar  Mattoon  jun  Moderator — 

Voted  to  Remit  to  David  Smith  jr  his  Tax  against  Azariah  Dickinson — (viz) 
one  Dollar  &  Eleven  Cents  x  Paid — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
ing house  on  Friday  ye  24"1  of  May  1799  at  4  of  ye  Clock  in  ye  afternoon  &c — 

Voted     Capt  Jonathan  Dickinson  Moderator — 

Voted  to  Instruct  the  Representative  to  use  his  Influence  not  to  have  a  Turn 
Pike  Rode  Established  from  Hadley  to  Sheusbury — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  Draw  up  a  Remonstrance  for  the 
Representative  to  Lay  before  the  Generel  Court- 
Voted  Den  John  Billings,  John  Dickinson,  &  Dean  Elisha  Smith  be  the  Com- 
mittee above — 

Voted  to  Adjourn  this  Meeting  for  half  an  hour  &  then  to  Meet  at  this  Place, 
to  hear  the  Report  of  the  Com"'1'  abve 

the  Meeting  being  opened — Voted  to  adjurn  for  one  quarter  of  an  hour  and 
then  Meet  at  Landlord  Smiths. 

the  Meeting  being  opened  at  Landlord  Smiths — 

Voted  to  Accept  of  the  Remonstrance  as  drafted  by  the  Committee  above — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish 
Meeting  Hous  on  Monday  y '  9"1  day  of  Decsmly  1799  at  Nine  of  ye  Clock  A  M, 
Voted  as  Follows — (viz) — 

Voted     Ebenezar  Mattoon  jr  Esq  Moderator — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three,  to  Take  Into  Consideration  the  Peti- 
tion of  Aaron  Billings  Praying  for  Sum  Compensation  for  the  Loss  he  Custained 
in  Building  a  School  House  in  the  west  middle  District — 

Voted  gen  Zebina  Montague,  Coll.  Elijah  Dickinson,  &  Capt  Ebenezar  Bolt- 
wood  be  the  Comittee  above  and  that  they  Reporte  to  this  meeting 

Voted  to  adjurn  this  Meeting  to  one  of  the  Clock  P.  M  and  then  Meet  at  the 
School-House  near  Landlord  Smiths  — 

the  Town  being  met  at  time  and  Place  according  to  ye  adjurnment  above 
Voted  as  follows  (viz)  — 

Voted  to  allow  one  Doller  &  thirty  three  Cents  P1'  Hundred  for  2  Inch 
Plank- 
Voted    to  allow  the  bills  as  they  have  been  red  and  Corrected. 

Voted  to  allow  Thirty  Dollers  to  Repare  the  loss  of  Aaron  Billings  in  Buld- 
ing  a  School-House — 

Voted     to  Impower  the  Assessors  to  asses  the  above  granted  monies — 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  1 85 

[Note.     From  1800  to  1865  only  the  important  votes  are  printed.] 

At  a  Legal  .Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  first  Parish  Meet- 
ing house  on  Monday  ye  Seventh  Day  of  April  A  D.  1S00  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in 
Ye  morning  Voted  as  Follows — (viz) — 

Voted     Maj1  Medad  Dickinson  Moderator — 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Clerk — 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Treasurer — 

Voted     Majr    Medad    Dickinson,    Noar    Smith,    Samuel    Hastings.    Gideon 
Stutson,  &  John  Dickinson.  Selectmen- 
Voted     Gideon  Stutson,  Perez  Dickinson,  &  Major  Medad  Dickinson,  Assess- 
ors ;  all  Qualified — 

Voted  to  Higher  a  Constable  for  the  Currant  year  to  Collect  all  the  Taxes, 
&  do  all  the  other  Business  Necessary  for  a  Constable  to  do  in  Town. 

Voted  Martin  Kellogg  jnr  Constable,  and  Said  Martin  Ingadged  to  do  all  the 
Business  above  Specified  for  the  Consideration  of  Eighteen  Dollers  &  Fiftey  Centsr 
Paid  and  Said  Martin  is  to  Procure  two  good  Bondsmen  to  the  acceptation  of  the 
Town  Treasurer  for  the  ap  of  the  Inheabitants  in  the  Penal  Sum  of  Two  Thou- 
sand Dollars  for  his  faithfull  Performance  of  Said  Trust — 

Voted  to  graint  to  Capt  Ebenezer  Boltwood,  Sixteen  Dollers  &  Eightey 
Eight  Cents  to  Replace  the  Money  he  Disbursted  for  a  Tax  Committed  to  him 
against  ye  Widow  Eunice  Parsons  which  he  cold  not  Collect  of  Said  Eunice  (this. 
Paid  &c) 

Attest  Medad  Dickinson  Moderator — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  y°  Town  of  Amherst  Qualified 
according  to  the  Constitution  to  Vote  for  Goviner,  Voted  as  follows  (viz) 

For  y"  Hon,  Calub  Strong  134 

Elbridg  Gerry  4 

Moses  Gill  23 

Reuben  Cowls  1 
April  7th  A  D  :   1S00 — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
ing house  on  Monday  the  7"1  day  of  May  A.  D.  1S00  at  two  of  the  Clock.  P.  M. 
Voted  as  Follows  (viz) 

Voted     De°  Medad  Dickinson  Moderator. 

Voted  to  Raise  three  Hundred  and  thirtey  three  Dollars  &  thirtey  three 
Cents  for  Schooling  the  Currant  year 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three,  to  Inspect  the  rode  from  the  East 
Meeting,  house,  to  Pelham  Line,  &  judge  what  method  is  best  for  the  Town  to 
take,  to  Put  Said  Rode  in  Repare,  and  make  Reporte  to  Sum  futer  Meeting 

Voted     Den  John  Billings,  Samuel  Hastings  &  Capt  Eli  Parker  be  the  Com' 
above  - 

Voted  to  Raise  three  Hundred  and  thirtey  three  Dollers  &  thirtey  three 
Cents,  to  Repare  the  Highways  the  Currant  year 

Voted  to  allow  Fiftey  Cents  Pr  Day  for  highway  worke  till  yc  first  of  Sep- 
tember ;  and  thirtey  three  Cents  ye  rest  of  the  year — 

Attest  Medad  Dickixsox  Moderator 

15 


l86  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
ing house  on  Monday  the  25"1  day  of  August  A.  D  1S00  at  4  of  the  Clock  P.  M. 
Voted  as  follows,  (viz) — 

Voted     Den  Elisha  Smith  Moderator — 

Voted  to  Remonstrate  against  the  Establishment  of  a  County  Roade  from 
Shutesbury  near  Asa  Adams,s  to  this  town  through  David  Cowls  Land  and  others 
on  the  Flat  hills  So  Called — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Com'1''  of  three  to  Draw  up  a  Remonstrance  against  the 
Establishment  of  Said  Rode,  to  be  Forwarded  to  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  to 
be  holden  at  Northampton  this  week  in  and  For  this  County — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
ing house  on  Monday  the  3''day  of  Novemb1'  A.  D.  1S00  Voted  as  Follows — (viz) — ■ 
Voted     De"  Medad  Dickinson  Moderator — 

Voted  to  accept  of  the  Reporte  of  the  Comtee  Chosen  to  Vew  the  Rode  from 
the  East  Streat  to  Pelham  Line  in  may  Laist,  and  is  as  Follows — (viz) 

Amherst  August  25th  1S00 — the  Subscribers  have  vewed  the  County  Roade, 
leading  from  the  East  Meetinghouse  in  Said  Town  to  Pelham  Line  ;  and  Reporte, that 
the  Following  alterations  appear  to  be  Xessary  (viz)  Beginingat  a  Stake  and  Stones 
in  De00"  Medad  Dickinson  Land,  three  rods  South  of  Asiel  Blotchet  Shop,  then 
Riming  East  6C  South  to  Olliver  Claps  Land  two  rods  and  half  South  of  the  North 
Line  of  Said  Roade  then  East  9  \  South  60  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones  three  Roads 
South  of  the  North  Side  of  Said  Rode  then  East  S°,  South  45  Rods  £  to  a  Stake 
and  Stones,  the  Laist  Cours  the  roade  to  be  three  rods  wide. 

John  Billings         i 
Eli  Parker  [      Commt' 

Samuel  Hastings  1 
Damage  Assest  to  De"  Medad  Dickinson  £7 — 00s 

Wa  Catherine  Williams  1 — 40 

Olliver  Clap  15 — 25 

Moses  Nash  7 — 35 

£ji—oo 
Voted  to  Raise  $200  Dollers  to  Repare  Said  Rode 

Attest  Medad  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the    Town   of  Amherst    Holden    at   the    First  Parish 

Meeting-House   on   Monday  the  8"'   day  of  Decembe1'  A.   D.    1S00  at  Nine  of  ye 

Clock  in  ye  morning — Voted  as  Follows— (viz) 

Voted     Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood  Moderator — 

Voted     to  allow  one  Dollar  and  thirtey  three   Cents  Pr  Hundred  for  2  Inch 

oake  Plank  also  Pine  Ditto- 
Voted  to  Choose  a  Com'01'  of  three  to  buld  a  bridge  over  Forte  river  (So  Call) 

near  to  John  Morton. — 

Voted     Samuel  Hastings,  Coll  Elijah  Dickinson,  and  Aaron  Billings   be  the 

Com"'1'  above. — 

Attest  Ebeneza.r   BoLTWOOD  Moderator 

Hampshire  Ss  April  6th  1S01.  Then  Dr  Seth  Coleman  being  Chosen  to  the 
Several  Offices  of  Town  Clerk  and  Town  Treasurer  for  the  year  ensuing  took  the 
Oaths  by  Law  required  to  be  taken  to  qualify  him  to  Serve  in  the  Same  Offices 
respectively  before  Simeon  Strong  Justice  of  the  Peace. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    .MEETINGS.  187 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
ing-House  on  Monday  y"  6"'  day  of  Aprill  A.  D.  1S01  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  A.  M. 
Voted  as  Follows,     (viz) 

Voted     Ebenezar  Mattoon  jr  Esqr  Moderator — 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Town  Clerk — 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Town  Treasurer — 

Voted  Majr  Medad  Dickinson.  Noah  Smith.  Gideon  Stutson,  Samuel  Hast- 
ings, &  Capt  Mosas  Hastings,  Selectmen, 

Voted  maj1'  Medad  Dickinson,  Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood  &  Perez  Dickinson 
Assessors  Qualified 

Voted     L1  Calvin  Merrill  Constable. 

Voted  to  Rais  Four  Hundred  Dollers  to  Repare  the  Highways  the  Currant 
year — 

Voted  to  allow  50  Cents  Pr  day  for  Highway  worke  till  the  First  of  Septem- 
ber &  thirtey  three  Cents  ye  rest  of  ye  year 

Voted  that  Ceaser  Prut  a  Town  Pauper,  be  Set  up  at  vendue,  to  the  Lowest 
bidder  For  Victualling  and  Beding  and  was  Struck  of  to  Ins  Asa  Smith  for  one 
year  for  one  Doller  Per  week 

Voted  to  Raise  three  Hundred  and  thirtey  three  Dollers  and  thirtey  three 
Cents  for  Schooling  the  Currant  year — 

Voted  to  Raise  Seventy  five  Dollers  for  the  Support  of  the  Poor  the  Currant 
year 

Ebenezar  Mattoon  jr 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants   of  the    Town   of  Amherst   Qualified 
according  to  the  Constitution  to  Vote  for  govener.  Voted  as  Follows — (viz) — 
For  y"  Hon,  Calub  Strong  177 

Elbrige  Geery  6 

April  6:   1S01  — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish 
Meeting-House  on  thirsday  the  7th  day  of  May  A:  D.  1S01  at  three  of  the  Clock 
in  the  afternoon — Voted  as  Follows — (viz) — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  Vew  a  Bit  of  ground  Lying  west 
of  Clarks  mills,  and  Determin  how  much  Land  if  any  Can  be  Sold,  without  dis- 
cummodeing  the  Town  &  take  a  Measurment  of.  and  apprise  the  Same,  and 
Reporte  to  a  Futer  meeting — 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  Vew  a  gore  of  Land  whare  David 
Hawley  Lately  Lived  and  Say  how  much  Land  if  any  Can  be  Sold  and  apprise 
Said  Land  and  Reporte  to  Next  Meeting — 

Attest  Samuel  Hastings — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish 
Meeting-house  in  Said  Amherst  on  Friday  the  22'1  day  of  May  A.  D  1S01.  at  four 
of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon     Voted  as  Follows — 

Voted  that  the  Town  are  opposed  to  the  Petition  of  Eleazar  Clark  and  others 
For  a  Turnpike  roade  from  western  to  Amherst  and  think  it  notonley  Inexpedient 
but  Prejudicial  to  the  Community. — 

Voted  that  gen1  Zebina  Montague  the  Representative  for  the  Town  of 
Amherst  be  Requested  to  use  his  utmost  Endeavour  in  the  General  Court  to  Pre- 
vent Said  Petition  being  grainted 

Attest  Moses  Hastings — 


1 88  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
ing-House on  Wetnesday  the  Sixteenth  Day  of  December  Eighteen  Hundred  and 
one  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  Forenoon  Voted  as  Follows — (viz) 

Voted  to  allow  one  Dollar  and  Thirtey  three  Cents  Pr  Hundred  for  2  Inch 
oake  Plank.-- 

Voted     to  accept  a  Reporte  of  a  Committee  Chosen  at  April   Meeting   Laist, 
to  Vew,  take  a  measurment,  and  apprise  a  bit  of  Land  Laying  westerly  of  Clarks 
mill  (So  Called)  which  is  as  follows — (viz) — 
Amherst  August  17th;  1S01 

Report  of  a  Committee  Consisting  of  E.  Mattoon  jr  Esq.  Coll  Elijah  Dickin- 
son Stephen  Smith  Appointed  at  a  Late  meeting  of  the  Town  to  vew,  Assertain 
the  Quantity,  apprise  the  Value,  and  Set  out  by  Meets  and  Bounds,  a  Peice  of  Land 
on  the  hill  westerly  and  near  Clarks  mill  (so  Called) ;  and  also  a  Peice  of  Land  nor- 
therly of  Enos  Bakers — have  attended  that  Service,  found  in  the  Peice  near  Clarks 
mill  one  Hundred  and  Twenty  Seven  Rods  of  ground  which  the  Committee  are  of 
opinion  may  be  Disposed  of  without  Inconvenience  to  the  town;  and  also  in  the 
Peice  North  of  Enos  Bakers,  Eight  Acres  and  Ninety  two  Rods  of  ground  which 
the  Committee  are  of  opinion  may  also  be  Sold  or  Disposed  of  adventagiously  for 
the  Town — the  minits  and  Plan  of  Said  Peice  of  Land  are  herewith  Exhibited — 
the  Committee  have  Apprised  the  peice  of  land  near  and  Westerly  of  Clarks  Mill 
within  the  bounds  which  are  Erected,  at  the  Sum  of  Thirtey  five  Dollers  and  Fiftey 
Cents  and  no  More— also  the  land  north  of  Enos  Bakers  at  the  Sum  of  Eight 
Dollers  pr  acre  and  no  more — all  which  is  Submitted  pr  order 

E  Mattoon 
Stephen  Smith 
Elijah  Dickinson 

Voted  to  graint  the  above  Disscribed  bit  of  land,  near  to,  and  westerly  of 
Clarks  mill  (So  Called)  to  Jiles  Church  he  paying  the  money  on  giveing  good  Secur- 
ity to  the  Town  Treasury  for  the  Sum  at  which  it  was  apprised  by  the  Committee 
Chosen  to  measure  and  apprise  Said  Land — 

Voted  that  the  above  Disscribed  bits  of  land  Laying  northerly  of  Enos  Bakers, 
be  granted  to  the  Several  Persons  against  whose  Land  they  Happen  to  Fall,  they 
Eithey  Paying  the  money  or  giveing  good  Security  to  the  Town  Treasuty,  at  the 
Proportion  of  the  apprisement  made  by  the  Committee  Chosen  to  measure  & 
apprise  said  Land — 

Voted  to  Raise  Sixtey  Dollars  to  Procure  a  Standard  of  weights  and  meas- 
ures for  the  town. — 

Voted  to  Chose  a  Committee  of  three,  to  vew  and  apprise  a  bit  of  Town  way 
Laid  out  South  of  Simeon  Cowls,  toward  Hadley  and  make  reporte  to  a  Futer 
meetin. 

N.  B.  Joseph  Church  Pd  for  the  Land  adjoining  him  April  7,  1S02  $12:  22& 
Cents 

Timothey  Green  jr  gave  obligation  for  Land  adjoining  him  April  7 :  1802  — 
$24:  97.— 

Town  meeting,  Feb.  8,  1802. 
Voted     to  remonstrate  against   the  Proposed   Turnpike  Rode,  Leading  from 
Hardwick  Belcherstown  being  granted. 

Voted     to  Choose  a  Committee  of  five  to  draw  a  Remonstrance,  to  be   Laid 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  189 

before  the  General  Court,  by  the   Representative  of  Amherst    Praying  that    the 
above  proposed  Turnpike  rode  may  not  be  Established — 

Medad  Dickinson  Moderator 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inheabitants  of  Town  of  Amherst  Qualified  accord- 
ing to  the  Constitution  to  Vote  for  govener.  Voted  as  Follows — (viz) — 
For  ye  Hon  Calub  Strong  164 

Elbridge  Geery  19 

Town  meeting,  April  5.  1802. 
Voted     Seth  Coleman  Clerk 
Voted     Seth  Coleman  Treasur. 
Voted     Capt   Timothey    Handerson.  Den   John    Kellogg.    Nathan    Franklin, 

Gideon  Stetson,  Coll  Elijah  Dickinson,  Selectmen 

Voted     Capt    Ebenezar    Boltwood,    De"  John    Kellogg,    Nathan    Franklin 

Assessors 

Voted     L*  Calvin  Merrill  Constable, 

Voted     to  Raise  three  Hundred  and  thirtey  three  Dollars  and  thirtey  three 

Cents,  to  Repare  the  Highways  y    Currant  year 

Voted     to   allow    Fiftey    Cents    Pr   day.   for   Highway  worke,  till  ye  First  of 

September,  and  thirtey  three  Cents  ye  rest  of  ye  year 

Voted     to  Raise  Four  Hundred  Dollers  for  Schooling  the  Currant  year 
Voted     to  allow  Samuel    Hastings.  Fortey   four  Dollers   For  Victualing  and 

Clothing  Ceser  Prut,  for  one  year,  and  Said  Samuel  is  to  Leave  Cesar  Prut  as  well 

Clothed  at  the  End  of  the  year  as  he  now  finds  him — 

Voted     to  Raise  Eleven  Dollers  to  Pay  ye  Collector  this  year- 
Voted     to  raise  Fiftey  Dollers  for  the  support  of  the  Poore  of  the  Town  this 

year 

Ebenezer  Boltwood  Moderator 

Town  meeting.  May  5.  1S02. 
Voted  to  Discontinue  a  Town  rode  of  Ten  rods  wide  Laying  between  the 
Hears  of  Olliver  Cowls  Late  of  Amherst  Deceased,  and  Simeon  Cowls  Land,  and 
grant  the  Same  to  the  Hears  of  Jonathan  Cowls  Late  of  Amherst  Deceased,  upon 
their  Either  Paying  of  Twenty  Dollars  to  the  Town  Treasurer,  or  giveing  good 
Security  for  the  Same  Sum  for  the  use  of  the  Inheabitors.  N.  B.  Simeon 
Cowls  gave  Security  for  the  above  Land  agreeable  to  ye  vote  above  &c — 

Town  meeting,  September  13,  1S02. 

Voted  to  Choose  two  Agents,  to  waite  on  the  Committee,  appointed  by  the 
General  Court,  to  go  on  the  ground  of  the  Proposed  turnpike  rode,  Leading  from 
Northampton  to  Hardwick — 

Voted  Jene1  Zebina  Montague.  Coll  Elijah  Dickinson  be  the  Committee 
above;  and  that  Said  Agents  use  their  Influence  with  the  Honerable  Corts  Com- 
mittee that  they  reporte  gainst  the  Establishment  of  Said  Turn   Pike. — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  Amherst  Holden  at  the  First  Parish  Meeting-House  on 
Monday  the  first  day  of  Nov1  A.  D  1802  For  the  Purpus  of  bringing  in  their 
Vote  for  a  Person  to  Represent  the  Hampshire  North  district  in  the  Congress  of 
the  united  States— Voted  as  Follows  — (viz)— 


190  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS, 

Zebina  Montague  Esqr — 36 
Edward  Upham  Esqr — 4 
Solomon  Smead — Esqr — 3 
Selah  Voce — Esqr— 33 
John  Williams  -  Esqr — 6 

Town  meeting,  December  6,  1802. 
Voted     to  allow  Forty  two  Cents  pr  day  for  Worke  at  Highways  this  Fall. 
Voted    to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  Buld  a  Pound  in  Amherst. 
Voted     that  Said  Committee  provide  materials  to  Buld  Said  Pound  this  Win- 
ter, and  that  Said  Pound  be  bilt  of  Timber 

Voted     to   allow    Rebekah    Hawley    Six    Dollers    and    Sixty  Seven  Cents  for 
Tending  his  Father  in  his  laist  Sickness- 
Voted     to  Buld  a  Hears  to  Convey  dead  Corpses  to  the  Place  of    Enterment. 
Voted     that  the  Selectmen  be  the  Committee  to  buld  Said  Hears 
Voted     to  raise  Fifty  Dollers  for  the  Purpose  of  Bidding  Said  Hears 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  H olden  at  the  First  Parish  Meet- 
ing House  on  Mondy  y  24"1  day  of  January  A.  D.  1803  for  the  Purpose  of  bring- 
ing their  Votes  For  a  Person  to  Represent  the  Hampshire  North  District  in  the 
the  Congress  of  the  united  States — Voted  as  Follows. 

John  Williams  Esq —  67 

Col.  Hugh  McClellen  10 

Solomon  Smeed  Esq —  9 

Jonathan  Levett  Esq —  9 

Rvd  Samuel  Taggart—  1 

Town  meeting,  January  24.  1803. 

Voted  to  Buld  a  Bridge  over  the  River  in  the  North  part  of  the  Town  near 
Ingrams  Mill — 

Voted  that  it  be  Left  Discresionary  with  this  Committee  to  buld  the  bridge 
in  such  ways  as  Shall  be  thought  best  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town. — 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  Inheabitants  of  Amherst  Qualified  according  to  the 
Constitution  to  Vote  for  goviner  on  the  4th  day  of  April  1803.  Voted  as  Follows — 
(viz)— 

For  y"  Hon,  Calub  Strong —  174 

Elbridge  Geery  15 

Town  meeting,  April  4,  1S03. 

Voted     Seth  Coleman  Town  Clerk 

Voted     De"  Samuel  F  Dickinson  Treasurer 

Voted  Coll  Elijah  Dickinson,  Gideon  Stetson,  Den  Nathan  Franklin,  Timo- 
they  Handerson,  and  Den  John  Kellogg  Selectmen 

Voted  Capt  Ebenezar  Boltwood  De"  Nathan  Franklin,  and  De"  John  Kellogg 
Assessors — 

Voted     Jearub  White  Constable, 

Voted     to  Raise  Four  Hundred  Dollars,  For  Schooling  y  Currant  year 

Voted  to  Raise  three  Hundred  &  Thirtey  three  Dollers,  &  thirtey  three  Cents 
to  Repare  the  Highway  the  Currant  year— 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  in  I 

Voted  to  allow  Fiftey  Cents  Pr  day  for  Highway  worke  till ye  first  of  Septem- 
ber &  thirtey  three  Cents  ye  rest  of  the  year- 
Voted  that  L*  John  Ingram  take  Ceser  Prut  a  Towns  Pauper  for  one  year, 
and  Said  John  is  to  Vitual  &  lodge  Said  Ceser,  and  Leave  him  as  well  Clothed  at 
the  End  of  the  year  as  he  now  finds  him,  for  the  Consideration  of  Twenty  nine 
Dollers  &  Twenty  five  Cents 

Voted  to  Chose  a  Committee  of  three,  in  Each  School  District  Whose  duty 
it  Shall  be,  to  hire  School  Masters,  and  Superintend  the  expendatures  of  the  School 
money.— 

Town  meeting,  December  5,  1S03. 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  take  advice  and  See  if  there  be  any 
way  to  get  rid  of  the  maintenance  of  Aaron  Kellogg,  an  Insane  Person. — 

Voted  to  Instruct  our  Representative  not  to  Vote  to  allow  the  Judges  of  the 
Supreme  Judicial  Court,  more  than  Sixteen  Hundred  and  Sixty  Six  Dollars  and 
Sixty  Seven  Cents  Pr  year  for  their  Sallery — 

April-meeting  AD  1S04.     For  the  choice  of  town  Officers  &c. 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  free  holders  and  other  inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Amherst  qualified  to  vote  in  town-meeting,  holden  at  the  first  Parish-meeting 
house  in  said  town,  on  monday  the  second  day  of  April  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
eighteen  hundred  &  four,  at  nine  of  the  clock  in  the  forenoon,  and  continued,  by 
adjournment,  to  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day,  in  pursuance  the  Selectmen's 
warrant  for  that  purpose,  remaining  on  file. 

.Major  Medad  Dickinson  was  chosen  Moderator:  the  meeting  was  then  opened 
with  prayer  by  the  Rev.  Doctor  Parsons;  and  the  following  persons  duly  chosen 
to  fill  the  several  offices  in  town  for  the  year  insueing,  hereafter  annexed  to  their 
names  respectively,  that  is  to  say  :  Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Town  Clerk.  Samuel  F. 
Dickinson  Town  Treasurer.  Deacons  Nathan  Franklin  &  John  Kellogg  and  Perez 
Dickinson  Assessors  who  were,  on  the  same  day,  qualified  for  said  office,  by  taking 
the  necessary  oath  before  the  Town  Clerk. 

Jarib  White,  Constable,  who  took  the  oath  necessary  to  qualify  him  for  said 
office,  before  me,  on  the  same  day. 

Col.  Elijah  Dickinson,  Capt.  Timothy  Henderson,  Mr.  Gideon  Stetson  D" 
Nathan  Franklin  &  D"  John  Kellogg  Selectmen 

Voted  to  hire  a  Collector  of  taxes  for  the  year  insuing,  by  setting  up  the  collect- 
orship  at  vendue,  to  the  lowest  bidder,  he  procuring  bonds  with  two  sufficie  nt  sureties, 
to  the  satisfaction  of  the  town-treasurer,  in  the  penal  sum  of  two  thousand  Dollars, 
for  the  faithful  performance  of  the  said  trust.  And  the  same,  being  sett-up  at  vendue. 
as  aforesaid,  was  struck  off  to  Jarib  White,  under  the  conditions  above  expressed, 
for  the  sum  of  Eleven  Dollars  &  Eighty  nine  cents:  who  was  accordingly  chosen 
Collector  of  Taxes  for  the  year  insuing,  and  took  the  necessary  oath  to  qualify  him 
for  said  office,  on  the  same  day,  before  me. 

Voted.  In  pursuance  of  the  third  article  in  the  warrant  above  mentioned,  to 
raise,  for  the  repairing  of  highways  for  the  year  insuing,  three  hundred  &  thirty 
three  Dollars  &  thirty  three  cents;  to  be  expended  in  the  same  manner,  in  which 
money  was  last  year  expended  upon  the  road:  to  allow  fifty  cents,  by  the  day  for 
labor  upon  the  highways,  till  the  first  day  of  September;  ec  thirty  three  cents,  by 
the  day  for  the  remaining  part  of  the  year  and  that  the  said  sum  voted  for  the 
repair  of  highways  be  assessed  by  the  last  List. 


192  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Voted.  In  pursuance  of  the  fourth  Article  in  said  Warrant,  to  raise  for  the 
purpose  of  schooling,  the  insuing  year,  the  sum  of  four  hundred  Dollars,  to  be 
expended,  in  each  district,  its  proportion,  under  the  direction  of  a  school-Commit- 
tee, consisting  of  three  persons;  and  accordingly  the  following  persons  were  chosen 
for  said  Committee,  in  each  district,  that  is  to  say  : 

In  the  South  West  district.  Stephen  Fish,  Asa  Smith  &  Martin  Kellogg. 

In  the  South  East  district,  Dea.  Nathan  Franklin,  Elisha  Smith  &  Justus 
Williams  Jr. 

In  the  East  Middle  district,  Ins  Dickinson,  Joseph  Watson  &  Maj.  Medad 
Dickinson. 

In  the  North  East  district,  Enos  Baker,  Zechariah  Hawley  &  Ebenezar 
Ingram. 

In  the  North  West  district,  Elijah  Smith,  Elijah  Eastman  &  Richard  Carpenter. 

In  the  West  Middle  district.  Sam.  F.  Dickinson,  L'  Calvin  Merrill  &  Capt. 
Geo.  Williamson. 

Voted,  that  Cesar  Prutt,  a  negro  and  Town's  Pauper,  be  set-up,  at  vendue,  to 
the  lowest  bidder,  to  be  kept,  the  year  insuing  with  suitable  vituals  and  clothing, 
and  to  be  returned  at  the  end  of  the  year,  as  well  clothed  as  he  now  is.  He  was 
accordingly  set-up,  as  aforesaid,  and  struck-off  to  Aaron  Merrick,  he  being  the 
lowest  bidder,  at  the  Sum  of  forty  one  Dollars  &  fifty  Cents,  on  the  conditions 
above  expressed. 

Also,  that  Aaron  Kellogg,  a  deranged  person,  and  a  Town's  Pauper,  be  left  in 
the  hands  of  the  Selectmen,  the  Insuing  year,  that  they  may  make  such  experi- 
ments with  him.  and  provide  for  him  in  such  a  manner,  as  they  may  think  condu- 
sive  to  his  happiness,  and  the  interests  of  the  town. 

Voted.  To  accept  the  report  of  the  Committee,  chosen  at  laist  December 
meeting,  to  examine,  take  advice  and  see  if  there  be  any  legal  method  to  get  rid  of 
the  maintainance  of  Aaron  Kellogg,  who  is  mentioned  above  ;  which  report  is  in 
the  words  &  figures  following,  that  is  to  say : 

'■Amherst.  April  2'1  1S04. 

"A  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  at  the  last  December  meeting,  to 
inquire,  whether  the  town,  by  any  legal  means,  could  avoid  the  expence  of  sup- 
porting" Aaron  Kellogg. 

"Your  Committee  were  duly  impressed  with  the  importance  of  their  Commis- 
sion, as  it  respected  the  Interest  of  the  Town,  as  well  as  their  own  reputation; 
knowing  the  Town  indignant  at  the  attempt,  made  by  Daniel  Kellogg,  while  rolling 
in  wealth  and  prosperity,  to  impose  his  deranged  brother  upon  it.  Your  Committee 
have  consulted  the  most  eminent  .Attorneys  in  the  government,  upon  the  question: 
viz,  Mr  Parsons  of  Boston,  Mr  Williams  of  Deerfield:  Mr  Ashmun  of  Blanford: 
and  Mr  Hinckley  of  Northampton.  The  Committee  have  not  settled  with  all  of 
them  :  therefore,  they  can  not  report  the  precise  sum  of  the  expence  ;  but  it  will 
not  exceed  fifteen  Dollars. 

••  A  question  of  so  much  consequence  to  the  town,  in  which  their  feelings  are 
so  deeply  interested,  has  not  failed  to  excite  very  uneasy  sensations  in  the  minds 
of  their  Committee;  that  they  cannot  make  a  Report  more  consonant  to  their 
own.  and  the  Town's  wishes.  But  it  is  their  duty,  however  disagreeable  the  task, 
to  lay  before  the  Town  the  Report  of  their  inquiries. 

"  We  are  told,  that  Justice  and  Equity  are  upon  the  side  of  the  town  but  that 
past  transactions  have  precluded  them  from  the  benefit  of  Law.  We  are  advised 
to  submit  to  the  injustice,  rather  than  risque  a  doubtful  decision. 

"  Our  lawyers,  upon  an  accurate  statement  of  the  case,  could  hardly  persuade 
themselves,  that  such  an  instance  of  the  want  of  brotherly  affection  could  exist  in 
the  Community  :  and  endeavored  to  convince  your  Committee,  that  upon  mature 
deliberation.  Daniel  Kellogg  could  not  risque  his  reputation  in  persisting  in  such  a 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    .MEETINGS.  193 

mode  of  conduct:  as  he  must  well  know,  could  not  only  render  him  and  his  family 
very  obnoxious  to  every  inhabitant  of  the  Town,  but  contemptible  in  the  eyes  of  all. 
who  should  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  case.  From  the  suggestions  of  those 
gentlemen,  and  from  the  wish  of  mankind  in  general,  to  stand  well  with  their  fellow- 
men,  your  Committee  entertained  a  faint  hope,  that  Daniel  Kellogg,  reflecting  upon 
the  palpable  injustice  of  his  conduct,  and  considering  the  abundance,  with  which  lit- 
is surrounded,  and  knowing  that  a  considerable  sums  of  money  must  be  wrung  from 
the  hard  earnings  and  scanty  pittance  of  the  poor  and  indigent,  every  Cent  of 
which  is  necessary  for  the  support  of  their  helpless  offspring,  to  support  a  Brother 
of  his — that  it  would  have  reduced  his  obdurate  heart,  and  have  excited  some  sen- 
sations of  brotherly  love  &  affection.  But  in  this,  they  have  been  disappointed. 
Callous  to  the  hard  fate  of  a  wretched  and  distressed  brother,  and  devoid  of  all 
the  natural  and  social  feelings  of  humanity  :  wrapt-up  in  the  barbarous  garb  of 
self-interest :  abandoning  all  the  tender  ties  of  brotherly  love  and  affection  :  deaf  to 
loud  calls  of  Justice,  and  the  earnest  intreaties.  and  humble  supplications  of  a 
miserable  deranged  Brother,  he  stands  a  deplorable  monument  of  human  depravity  ' 
"  Your  Committee  recommend  this  Report  to  be  entered  on  the  Records  of  the 
town,  as  a  rare  instance  of  the  want  of  brotherly  affection  :  and  that  it  remain 
there,  until  Daniel  Kellogg,  or  some  of  his  Posterity,  shall  indemnify  the  town  for 
the  expence  of  supporting  his  brother,  Aaron  Kellogg. — 

E.  Mattoox  Jr.  ) 

Elijah  Dickixsox      [      Committee. " 
Zebina  Montague     ) 
Attest,  Samuel  F.  Dickixsox,  Town-Clerk. 

April  Meeting  A  D  1S04.  For  the  choice  of  Govenor  &c. 
At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  qualified  to 
Vote  for  Govenor  of  the  Commonwealth  holden  at  the  first  Parish  meeting  in 
said  Amherst,  on  the  second  day  of  April  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  eighteen  hundred 
&  four,  at  three  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon,  in  pursuance  of  a  legal  warrant  for 
that  purpose 

His  Excellency  Caleb  Strong  Esq''  had  140  votes. 
Hon.  James  Sullivan  Esq1'         15 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickixsox  Town  Clerk. 

May-Meeting  A  D  1804.  For  Chusing  Representative. 
At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst,  qualified  by 
Law  to  vote  for  Representative  in  the  General  Court,  holden  at  the  first  parish 
meeting  in  said  Amherst,  on  the  Seventh  day  of  May  in  the  year  of  our  Lord, 
eighteen  hundred  &  four  pursuant  to  the  warrant  of  the  selectmen  for  that  pur- 
pose :  which  meeting  was  holden  for  the  purpose  of  chusing  one  person  to  repre- 
sent this  Town  in  the  General  Court,  for  the  year  insuing,  of  this  Commonwealth  : 
on  counting  the  votes,  it  appeared,  that. 

Zebina  Montague  Esq1'  had  Thirty  one  votes. 
Major  Medad  Dickinson  Twelve 
Capt.  Timothy  Henderson  one 
Col"  Elijah  Dickinson  one  and 
Samuel  F.  Dickinson  fifteen  votes. 
Zebina  Montague  Esq''   was.   therefore,    declared    duly   elected,   he    having  a 
majority  of  votes. 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickixsox,  Town  Clerk. 


194  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Town  Meeting,  December  3,  1804. 

Voted.  In  pursuance  of  the  third  article  in  the  warrant,  to  build  a  school- 
house  in  the  East  middle  school-district,  on  the  spot  where  the  present  school-house 
now  stands,  after  the  construction  of  the  school  houses  in  the  West  middle,  or 
South  East  districts,  and  not  to  exceed  either  of  them  in  size  or  expence:  and  to 
dispose  of  the  present  school  house  in  s'1  first  mentioned  district, 

Voted  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  three  persons  to  build  said  school-house,  and 
that  they  be  authorized  to  dispose  of  the  old  school-house  there,  to  the  greatest 
advantage,  toward  building  the  new-one  ;  Major  Medad  Dickinson,  John  Dickin- 
son, and  Joseph  Watson  were  accordingly  chosen  said  Committee. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson",  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  April  r,  1805. 

The  Hon.  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator;  The  meeting 
was  then  opened,  with  Prayer,  by  the  Rev.  Doctor  Parsons;  and  the  following 
persons  chosen  to  the  several  offices  hereafter  respectively  annexed  to  their  names, 
and  the  following  Votes  also  passed :  that  is  to  say  ; 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Town  Clerk. 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Town  Treasurer. 

Col.  Elijah  Dickinson,  Major  Medad  Dickinson,  Capt  Timothy  Henderson, 
Deacons  Nathan  Franklin  &  John  Kellogg,  Selectmen. 

Deacon  Nathan  Franklin,  Capt.  Calvin  Merrill  and  Deacon  John  Kellogg 
Assessors,  Sworn 

Mr  William  D  Williamson  Constable  &  Collector  of  Taxes.  In  the  choice  of 
a  Constable  &  collector  of  Taxes  it  was 

Voted,  that  the  same  be  set-up  at  vendue,  to  the  lowest  bidder,  as  it  was  the 
last  year:  the  person  bidding  off  the  same,  procuring  bonds,*  *  *  in  the  penal 
sum  of  Two  thousand  Dollars.  The  same  was  accordingly  set  up,   to  the 

lowest  bidder,  and  struck  off  the  said  William  D.  Williamson,  *  *  *  for  the  sum  of 
Eleven  Dollars  &  fifty  cents,  being  the  lowest  sum  offered. 

Voted.  In  pursuance  of  the  third  article  in  the  warrant,  to  raise  for  the  repair- 
ing of  the  highways,  the  insuing  year,  four  hundred  Dollars;  &  that  sixty  seven 
cents  for  a  days  labor  on  the  highways,  until  the  first  day  of  September,  be 
allowed.  &  forty  two  cents,  for  the  rest  of  the  year. 

Voted.  In  pursuance  of  the  fourth  article  in  the  warrant,  to  raise  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  schools,  the  current  year,  four  hundred  Dollars:  and  the  same  be 
expended,  under  the  direction  of  a  school  Committee  of  three  persons,  in  each 
district. 

Voted.  In  pursuance  of  the  fifth  article  in  the  warrant,  that  Aaron  Kellogg  & 
Caesar  Prutt,  two  of  the  Town's  poor,  be  set  up,  to  the  lowest  bidder,  to  be  kept 
through  the  year,  with  suitable  ec  sufficient  victuals  &  clothing,  to  be  kept  as  well 
clothed  as  they  now  are,  &  to  be  so  returned  at  the  end  of  the  year ;  they  were 
accordingly  set-up  &  struck-off  as  follows,  viz,  on  the  conditions  above  written ; 
Aaron  Kellogg  to  Capt.  Eli  Parker  jr,  for  the  sum  of  one  Dollar  and  twenty  five 
cents,  by  the  week  :  and 

Caesar  Prutt,  to  Daniel  Moody,  to  be  kept  through  the  year,  on  the  above  con- 
ditions, for  the  sum  of  forty  eight  Dollars  and  twenty  five  cents. 

Voted.  Also  under  the  same  article  that  Salina  Dickinson,  one  other  of  the 
town's  poor,  be  left  in  the  hands  and  care  of  Deacon  Nathan  Franklin  for  the  pres- 
ent year:  and  that  he  bring  in  his  bill  to  the  town  for  the  same. 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Town-Clerk. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  195 

Town  Meeting.  April  1.  1S05.  for  the  choice  of  Governor. 
His  Excellency  Caleb  Strong  Esq''  had  190  votes  *» 
Hon  James  Sullivan  Esq''  34 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  .Meeting  May  9.  1805,  for  chusing  Representative. 
The  first  time  balloting, 

General  -Zebina  Montague  had  49  votes 
Major  Medad   Dickinson  24 

Col.  Elijah   Dickinson  1 

Capt.  Timothy  Henderson  5 

Capt.  Calvin  Merrill  1 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson  50  &  no  choice 

The  Second  balloting.     General  Montague  having  declined  being   considered 
a  candidate  for  the  office,  the  votes  were  as  follows,  to  wit : 
For  General  Zebina  Montague  10  votes 
for  Major  Medad  Dickinson       28 
for  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  97  who  was  accordingly  chosen. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Town-Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  December  16.  1S05. 
Voted.  Under  the  third  article  in  the  warrant,  to  Chuse  a  Committee  of  three 
persons  to  examin  the  Northeast  school-house,  and  report  to  the  next  April 
meeting,  wheather,  in  their  opinion,  it  is  necessary  to  rebuild  the  same,  the  season 
insuing.  Accordingly  Elijah  Eastman.  Deacon  Elisha  Smith. ec Zebina  Montague 
Esqr  were  chosen  for  said  Committee. 

Voted.  Under  the  sixth  article  in  the  warrant,  to  raise  for  the  support  of  the 
poor,  one  hundred  Dollars. 

Attest.  Sa.mull  F.  Dickixsox  Town  Clerk 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Amherst,  qualified  to  vote  in  town  affairs,  holden  at  the  first  Parish  Meetinghouse 
in  said  town,  on  monday.  the  sixteenth  day  of  December  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
eighteen  hundred  ec  five,  in  pursuance  of  a  legal  warrant  of  the  Selectmen.  "  To 
take  into  consideration  the  proposed  division  of  the  county.  &  pass  any  votes  there- 
on the  town  may  think  proper  " 

Major  Samuel  Gamwell  being  chosen  Moderator,  , 

Voted  unanimously,  that  this  town  are  opposed  to  the  proposed  division. 
Voted  also  to  chuse  a  Committee  of  five  persons  to  draw  a  remonstrance  against 
the  said  proposed  division,  addressed  to  the  Hon.  General  Court,  &  to  send  the 
same  by  our  Representative:  and  that  General  Zebina  Montague.  Daniel  Cooley, 
Esq.  Major  Medad  Dickinson.  Mr  Simeon  Strong,  &  Capt  Calvin  Merrill  be  that 
Committee.  * 

Attest,  Samuel  F.  Dickixsox  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  April  7.  1806. 
Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk  and  Treasurer. 

Major  Medad  Dickinson,    Col.  Elijah  Dickinson.    Capt.  Timothy   Henderson 
Dn  Nathan  Franklin  &  D"  John  Kellogg.  Selectmen. 


.196  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Capt.  Calvin  Merrill,  D"  Nathan  Franklin  :  &  Ensign  Enos  Baker,  Assessors 

Voted,  that  the  Collectorship  of  taxes  be  set-up,  at  vendue,  by  the  Moderator, 
in  open  town-meeting,  to  the  lowest  bidder,  it  being  understood  that  the  person 
bidding  off  the  same  procure  bonds  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  treasurer  of  the  town 
in  the  sum  of  two  thousand  Dollars  for  the  faithful  performance  of  the  duty  :  & 
that  the  same  person  be  chosen  Constable —  The  Collectorship  was  accordingly 
set-up,  &  struck  off  to  Capt.  Calvin  Merrill,  he  being  the  lowest  bidder,  on  the  con- 
ditions above  expressed,  for  the  sum  of  Sixteen  Dollars— and  he  was  accordingly 
chosen  Constable. 

Voted,  In  pursuance  of  Article  3'1  to  set  up  to  the  lowest  bidder,  Caesar  Prutt 
and  Aaron  Kellogg,  two  of  the  town's  poor,  to  be  kept  through  the  year  insuing, 
with  sufficient  &  suitable  provision  &  necessaries,  excepting  for  Physician  or  med- 
icine. &  to  be  returned  at  the  end  of  the  year  as  well  clothed  as  they  are  now ; 
accordingly,  they  were  set-up.  &  struck  off,  on  the  conditions  above  expressed,  for 
the  sum  severally  following,  that  is  to  say  :  Caesar  Prutt  to  Joel  Kellogg  for  fifty 
one  Dollars:  and  Aaron  Kellogg  to  Lt.  John  Ingram  for  Sixty  one  Dollars  X  fifty 
cents:  And  that  Salina  Dickinson,  one  other  of  the  town's  poor  be  left  in  the 
disposal  of  the  Selectmen. 

Voted.  In  pursuance  of  Art.  4th  in  the  warrant,  to  repair  the  highways  in  the 
usual  way,  which  has  been  practiced  in  town,  &  to  raise  four  hundred  Dollars 
therefor:  allowing  sixty  seven  cents,  for  one  day's  labor  on  the  road  till  the  first  of 
September.  &  thirty  three  cents  afterward. 

Voted.  In  pursuance  of  Art.  7"1  in  the  warrant,  to  raise  for  the  support  of  the 
schools  the  insuing  year,  four  hundred  dollars:  &  that  the  same  be  expended, 
under  the  direction  and  care  of  a  Committee  of  three  persons  in  each  school- 
district,    *  *  * 

Voted.  In  pursuance  of  Art.  8th  in  the  warrant,  to  give  a  bounty  of  twenty 
Dollars  in  addition  to  the  states  bounty,  to  any  person  killing  a  wolf  in  the  bounds 
this  town,  during  the  current  year. 

Voted.  In  pursuance  of  Art  io"1  in  the  warrant,  to  give  a  bounty  of  twelve 
cents  &  an  half  to  any  person  who  shall  kill  any  grown  Crow,  within  the  limits  of 
this  town,  between  this  time  ec  the  fifth  of  July  next. 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  April  7,  1806.  for  choice  of  Governor. 

His  Excellency  Caleb  Strong  Esq  had  two  hundred  &  one  votes. 

The  Hon  James  Sullivan  had  thirty  one  votes 

Jul  ward  M  Robbins  Esq.  had  one  vote. 

Medad  Dickinson "i 
Elijah   Dickinson  |      Selectmen 
John  Kellogg         y of  the  town  of 
Timo  Handerson    I        Amherst. 
Nathan  Franklin  J 
Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  May  12,  1S06,  for  Representative. 
For  General  Zebina  Montague  two 
for  Colonel  Elijah  Dickinson  one 

for  Major  Medad  Dickinson  fifty  seven,  &  for  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Sixty 
three,  which  being  a  majority,  he  is  accordingly  declared  to  be  chosen. 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  L97 

Town  Meeting,  May  12.  1S06. 

Voted,  in  pursuance  of  Article  2'1  to  accept  the  report  of  the  Committee 
therein  mentioned,  which  report  was  that  a  new  school-house  ought  to  be  built  in 
the  North  East  school  district,  this  present  season.  Accordingly  voted  to  build 
the  same  of  the  dimensions  of  thirty  six  by  twenty  feet :  that  the  Selectmen  be  a 
Committee  for  the  purpose  of  building  said  school-house  :  that  they  dispose  of  the 
old  house  to  the  best  advantage  for  the  town  :  and  be  authorized  to  fix  upon  the 
place  of  setting  the  new  one,  only  the  inhabitants  of  the  district  shall  themseh 
agree  upon  the  same. 

Voted  In  pursuance  of  Art.  5th  That  a  new  bridge  over  Fort  river,  west  of 
Gad  Dickinsons,  be  built,  and  that  the  same  be  built  under  the  direction  of  a 
Committee  of  three  persons:  accordingly  Col.  Elijah  Dickinson,  Major  Moses 
Hastings,  and  Gad  Dickinson  were  chosen  for  said  Committee. 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town   Meeting,  December  22,  1S06. 
Voted.     In  pursuance  of  the  third  article,  in  the  warrant,  to  raise  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  poor  of  the  town,  one  hundred  and  thirty  dollars. 

Voted.  In  addition  to  the  bills  allowed,  to  allow  to  Ebenezar  Dickinson,  the 
Second,  &  Josiah  Warner,  Jr.  the  sum  of  three  hundred  dollars  for  building  a 
school  house  in  the  North  East  school  district. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  April  6,  1S07. 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk  &  Treasurer.  Sworn.  Major  Medad  Dick- 
inson,Col.  Elijah  Dickinson.  Capt.  Timothy  Henderson,  D"  Nathan  Franklin  & 
Dn  John  Kellogg  Selectmen  sworn. 

Dn  Nathan  Franklin,  Capt  Calvin  Merrill  and  Elijah  Smith  Assessors  sworn. 

Jarib  White  Constable  &  Collector  of  Taxes.  Sworn. 

In  the  choice  of  whom  Voted:  that  the  collector-ship  of  taxes  be  set-up  at 
vendue,  *  *  *  to  the  lowest  bidder ;  *  *  *  The  Collectorship  was  accordingly 
set-up  as  aforesaid,  &  struck  off  to  said  Jarib  White,  he  being  the  lowest  bidder, 
for  the  sum  of  twenty  two  dollars  &  seventy  five  cents:  and  he  was  therefore 
chosen  Constable. 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  April  6,  1S07.  for  Governor. 
His  Excellency  Caleb  Strong  Esqr  had  two  hundred  &  twelve  votes. 
Hon.  James  Sullivan  Esq1'  had  thirty  five  votes. 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

May  meeting,  1807.  (Representatives) 
At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of  the  town  oi 
Amherst,  qualified  by  Law,  to  vote  for  Representative  to  the  General  Court  of  this 
Commonwealth,  holden  at  the  first  Parish  meeting  house  in  said  Amherst,  on  the 
seventh  day  of  May  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  &  seven. 
at  2  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon  in  pursuance  of  a  legal  warrant  of  'he  Selei  ' 
men  for  that  purpose. 


198  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

>For  Zebina  Montague  Esquire,  four  votes 

Major  Medad  Dickinson  twenty  seven  Do 

Samuel    F.    Dickinson    seventy-nine      Do     who    was    accordingly 
declared  to  be  chosen 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

April  meeting,  1S0S.     Town  affairs. 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Amherst,  qualified  by  the  Constitution,  to  vote  in  town-affairs,  holden  at  the  first 
parish  meeting  house  in  said  town,  on  monday,  the  fourth  day  of  April  in  the  year 
■  of  our  Lord  eighteen  hundred  &  eight,  at  nine  of  the  clock  in  the  forenoon,  &  by 
adjournment,  in  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day.  Ebenezar  Mattoon  Esquire, 
being  chosen  Moderator,  and  a  prayer  being  made  by  the  Rev.  Ichabod  Draper, 
the  following  persons  were  chosen  into  the  offices,  to  their  names  hereafter  respec- 
tively affixed,  and  the  following  votes  passed;  Viz  : 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk  &  treasure]".     Sworn. 

Col  Elijah  Dickinson,  Major  Moses  Hastings,  Capt.  Calvin  Merrill,  Eben1' 
Ingram  &  Aaron  Merrick,  Selectmen — all  sworn  before  me. 

Capt  Calvin  Merrill.  Elijah  Smith  and  Justus  Williams  Jr  Assessors. 

Joseph  Watson,  Constable  &  Collector  of  Taxes.  To  whom  was  voted,  on  the 
same  condition  as  last  year,  the  sum  of  twenty  dollars  for  his  services  therein. 

Voted  to  choose  a  Committee  of  three  to  audit  accounts  against  the 
town  ;  *  *  * 

Voted,  to  raise  for  the  support  of  schools,  this  current  year,  four  hundred 
dollars:  Also  Voted,  to  raise  in  addition  to  the  above,  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars. 
to  be  expended  in  Summer  Schools.  Voted,  however,  that  each  District  be  author- 
ized to  expend  its  proportion  thereof,  either  for  winter  or  summer  schools,  as  they 
may  think  best — the  whole  to  be  expanded  under  the  care  of  a  Committee  in  each 
District:  *  *  * 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickixsox  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  April  4,  180S  for  Governor 
Hon.  Christopher  Gore,  Two  hundred  &  thirty  votes — 
His  Excellency  James  Sullivan  Esquire,  thirty  votes  — 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickixsox  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  May  9.  1S0S. 
Voted,     to  Chuse  two  persons  to  Represent  the  town  in  the  General  Court,  the 
Current  year : 

Voted,     to  Chuse  each  by  separate  ballots:  accordingly,  the  votes  being  given 
in,  sorted  &  counted,  were  as  follows,  viz. 
For  Mr.  Simeon  Strong  one 

Zebina  Montague  Esquire  twenty  one. 
Major  Medad  Dickinson  forty  nine. 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Eighty  seven:  who  having  a  majority  of  votes 
was  declared  to  be  elected.     And,  the  votes  being  given  in,  sorted  &   counted,   for 
one  other  Representative,  were  as  follows,  viz  : 
For  Dr  Samuel  Gamwell  one  vote 
Mr.  Simeon  Strong  one  vote. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS. 


199 


Major  Medad  Dickinson  seventy  one. 

Zebina  Montague,  Esquire  Eighty,  and  he  having  a  majority   of   votes, 
was  accordingly  declared  elected. 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  August  29,  1S0S. 
Voted,  in  pursuance  of  the  second  article  in  the  warrant,  to  petition  the  Pres- 
ident of  the  United  States  to  take  off  the  Embargo  in  part,  or  in  all:  And.  tochuse 
a  Committee  of  live  persons  to  draw  a  petition  for  that  purpose:  and  that  said 
Committee  consist  of  the  following  persons,  viz,  Messrs  Simeon  Strong.  Moses 
Hastings.  Medad  Dickinson,  Calvin  Merrill  &  Elijah  Dickinson. 

Attest.  Medad  Dickinson  Clerk  pro  tempori 

Town  Meeting,  August  30.  1S0S. 
The  Town  met  according  to  adjournment,  and  the  Committee  appointed  yes- 
terday, having  reported  a  Petition  for  the  objects  above  specified,  the  same  was 
accepted,  seven  only  dissenting.  And  the  Selectmen  directed  to  sign&  forward  the 
same  to  the  President  of  the  United  States.  Also,  that  a  copy  of  said  Petition  be 
taken  and  left  in  the  office  of  the  town  Clerk. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  December  12.  1S0S. 
Voted.  In  pursuance  of  the  fourth  article  in  the  warrant,  to  chuse  a  Com- 
mittee of  three  persons,  with  discretion,  impower  to  defend  the  suit  brought  against 
the  Town  by  the  town  of  Granby,  and  that  the  same  Committee  consist  of  Samuel 
F  Dickinson,  Col.  Elijah  Dickinson  &  Simeon  Strong:  the  same  suit  being  com- 
menced to  recover  damages  for  supporting  Eli  Emmons,  a  Pauper. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Freeholders,  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Amherst,  qualified  to  vote  in  town  affairs,  holden  at  the  first  Parish  meeting  house 
in  said  Town,  by  adjournment  at  Elijah  Poltwood's  hall  in  said  Amherst,  on  mon- 
day,  the  thirtieth  day  of  January  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  eighteen  hundred  &  nine, 
at  one  of  the  clock  P.  M.  for  the  purpose  of  taking  into  consideration  the  alarming- 
state  of  our  public  concerns,  Major  Samuel  Gamwell  was  chosen  Moderator:  and 
certain  Resolutions  expressing  the  sense  of  the  good  people  of  this  town,  of  the 
present  state  of  the  Country,  and  of  the  measure  of  the  General  Government  of  the 
United  States,  in  relation  thereto.  Voted:  which  resolutions  are  on  file  and 
attested  by  the  Town  Clerk. 

Also  voted,     that  a  Committee  of  three  persons  be  chosen  to  forward  a  Copy  of 
said  Resolutions  to  the  General  Court  of  this  Commonwealth  &  to  the  Prii 
the  Hampshire  Gazette,  at  Northampton  for  publication.     Accordingly.  Samuel  F. 
Dickinson    Simeon    Strong,    &    Col    Elijah    Dickinson    were    chosen    to    be    said 
Committee. 

Attest.  Samuel   F.   Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  April  3,  [809. 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson.  Town  Clerk  &  Treasurer,  and  sworn  by  the  .Moderator. 
no  Justice  of  the  Peace  being  present. 


200  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Major  Moses  Hastings,  Capt  Calvin  Merrill,  Aaron  Merrick,  Elijah  Smith,  & 
Chester  Williams.     Selectmen,  and  sworn  by  me. 

Capt.  Timothy  Henderson,  Capt.  Calvin  Merrill  and  Justus  Williams  Jr. 
Assessors.     Sworn  by  T.  Clerk. 

Zacheus  Crocker  Ingram,  Constable  and  Collector  of  Taxes.  To  whom  was 
voted  the  sum  of  Twenty  Dollars  and  twenty  five  cents  for  his  services  as  collector 
on  the  same  conditions  as  last  year. 

Elijah  Eastman,  Capt.  Timothy  Henderson  and  D"  Nathan  Franklin,  Com- 
mittee of  Accounts. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  April  3,  1S09,  for  Governor. 
Hon.  Christopher  Gore  Esqr  had  Two  hundred  &  forty  Votes. 
His  Honor  Levi  Lincoln  Esquire  had  Twenty  one  Votes. 

Town  Meeting,  May  8,  1S09. 
The  Selectmen  presiding  at  said  meeting  : 

Voted     To  send  two  Representatives  to  the  General  Court,  the  present  year; 
and  that  they  be  chosen  by  separate  ballots  ;  accordingly  the  votes  being  given  in, 
sorted  &  counted,  on  the  first  balloting,  were  as  follows :  viz  : 
For  Major  Medad  Dickinson  five 
Noah  D.  Mattoon  forty  five, 
Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Ninty  seven. 
On  the  second  balloting,  as  follows  ;  viz 
For  Major  Medad  Dickinson  Seven 
Noah  D.  Mattoon  fifty  eight 
Simeon  Strong  Ninety  two. 
Accordingly.     Samuel    F.    Dickinson   and    Simeon    Strong,   having,    each,    a 
majority  of  all  the  votes  given  in,  are  both  declared  to  be  elected  to  Represent  this 
town  in  the  General  Court,  for  the  present  year. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting  June  8,  1809. 
Voted,     to  accept  of  Elijah  Kellogg  as  a  Collector  of  Taxes  in  the  room  of 
Joseph  Watson,  about  removing  out  of  the  Commonwealth,  *  *  * 

Attest  Calvin  Merrill  Clerk,  Pro  tern 

Town  Meeting  December  7,  1809. 

Voted,  In  pursuance  of  the  third  article,  on  the  Petition  of  Ebenr  Mattoon 
Esq1  &  others,  praying  for  an  alteration  in  the  highway  near  his  dwelling-house, 
to  chuse  a  Committee  of  three  persons  to  view  the  ground  where  the  alteration  is 
prayed  for.  and  report  their  opinion  thereof,  at  a  future  meeting;  and  that  John 
Dickinson,  Major  Moses  Hastings,  and  Colonel  Elijah  Dickinson  be  the  Same 
Committee. 

Voted  *  *  *  that  a  Committee  be  chosen  to  rebuild  the  Bridge  near  Aaron 
Merrick's  dwelling  house,  which  Committee  was  filled  with  Aaron  Merrick,  Jarib 
White  &  Maj.  Moses  Hastings. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  201 

Town  Meeting,  April  2,  1S10. 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson.  Town  Clerk  &  Treasurer  &  sworn. 

Col.  Elijah  Dickinson  Maj.  Moses  Hastings  Aaron  Merrick  L".  Chester  Wil- 
liams and  Elijah  Smith.  Selectmen  &  sworn. 

Capt.  Timothy  Henderson,  Capt.  Calvin  Merrill,  and  Justus  Williams  Jr. 
Assessors— who  were  sworn.  Zacheus  Crocker  Ingram.  Constable  &  Collector  of 
taxes,  he  bidding  off  the  Collectorship  for  the  sum  of  twelve  Dollars  and  twenty 
five  cents,  and  thereupon  being  chosen  Constable. 

Voted  In  pursuance  of  Article  eighth,  to  accept  the  Report  of  the  Commit- 
tee appointed  at  the  last  December  meeting,  on  the  Petition  of  Ebenezer  Mattoon 
Esqr  and  others,  praying  that  the  town  would  allow  them  the  privelege  of  straight- 
ening their  front  fences,  and  of  inclosing  a  strip  of  town  land  in  front  of  their 
lands;  which  report  is  favorable  to  the  Petitioners,  and  allows  them,  together  with 
certain  other  persons  therein  named,  for  the  sum  therein  severally  expressed,  to 
inclose  each,  a  strip  of  town's  land,  in  front  of  their  possessions,  particularly 
described  and  laid  down  in  the  same  report  ;  which  report  is  on  file,  &  is  to  be  con- 
sidered part  of  this  record  :  and  the  lands  therein  described  granted  to  the  several 
persons  therein  named. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  April  2,  1S10,  for  Governor. 
His  Excellency,  Christopher  Gore,  Esquire,  Two  hundred  &  forty  eight  votes. 
Hon.  Elbridge  Gerry,  Esquire,  twenty  one. 
His  Honor,  David  Cobb,  Esq1" -one 
Hon.  W"'  Gray,  Esq1'  one  vote. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  May  7,  1810. 
Voted  to  chuse  two  Representatives  to  the  General  Court  the  present  year. 
And  on  balloting  for  the  first,  it  appeared  that  Medad  Dickinson,  Esquire,  had 
eighty  four  votes,  which  being  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  given  in  he  was  declared 
to  be  chosen.  And  balloting  for  the  second,  it  appeared  that  Deacon  Elisha  Smith 
had  eighty  five  votes  :  which  being  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  given  in,  he  was  also 
declared  to  be  elected. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  May  7,  1810. 
The  article  in  the  warrant  to  see  if  the  town  are  willing  that  Flias  Smith  with 
his  estate  should  be  taken  from  Hadley  and  annexed  to  Amherst,  according  to  his 
petition   to   the    General    Court,   being   under   consideration,  it   was  Voted  in  the 
affirmative. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  December  3,  1810. 
Voted  in  pursuance  of  the  third  article  in  said  warrant,  to  chuse  a  Committee 
of  three,  to  consider  the  propriety  &  expediency  of  suffering  Hosea  Goodell  & 
others,  belonging  to  the  South  East  school  district,  ly:  living  South  of  I>"  Nathan 
Franklins,  to  have  their  proportion  of  school  money,  the  present  year,  to  expend 
for  schooling,  in  such  manner  as  will  best  accommodate  them  :  and  also  of  suffer 
16 


202  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST.    MASS. 

ing  the  same  inhabitants  to  join  with  certain  individuals  of  Hadley  in  forming  a 
new  school-district,  and  report  at  next  April  meeting — A  committee  was  according- 
ly chosen,  consisting  of  Deu  Elisha  Smith.  Col  Elijah  Dickinson,  and  Capt  Timo- 
thy Henderson. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  April  i,  1S11,  for  Governor. 
His  Excellency  Elbridge  Gerry  Esq.  twenty  three  votes 
Hon.  Christopher  Gore  Esq.  Two  hundred  &  fifteen  votes 
Hon.  Caleb  Strong  Esquire,  one  vote 
Chester  Dickinson  one  vote. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk — 

Town  Meeting,  April  i,  1S11,  Town  affairs. 
Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Clerk  &  Treasurer  &  Sworn. 

Col.  Elijah  Dickinson,  Major  Moses  Hastings.  Lt.  Chester  Williams,  Aaron 
Merrick  &  Elijah  Smith,  Selectmen  &  Sworn. 

Capt.  Timothy  Handerson,  Capt.  Calvin  Merrill  and  Justus  Williams  Jr. 
Assessors  &  Sworn. 

Chauncey  Hamilton,  Constable  &  Collector  of  taxes  *  *  *  with  bonds  *  *  * 
at  the  sum  of  thirteen  dollars.  *  *  * 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk- 

Town  Meeting.  May  6.  [811. 
Voted     In  pursuance  of  the  2'1  article  in  the  warrant,  that  the  town  are  opposed 
to  the  annexing  of  the  1  Jay  road,  so  called,  to  Amherst,  on  any  terms  whatever ;   and 
that   our   Representatives,  be   accordingly   instructed   to   oppose  the  same  in  the 
General  Court. 

Voted  In  pursuance  of  the  third  article  in  the  warrant.  That  the  people  of 
this  town  are  opposed  to  a  division  of  the  county  of  Hampshire  ;  &  that  our  Rep- 
resentative in  the  General  Court,  the  present  year,  be  instructed  to  use  their 
influence  against  any  division  thereof. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  May  6,  1811. 
Voted  to  chuse  two  Representatives  in  the  General  Court  the  current  year — 
&  by  separate  ballotings.  Whereupon,  after  sorting  and  counting  the  votes  of  the 
first  balloting;  it  appeared,  that  D"  Elisha  Smith  had  a  majority  of  all  the  votes 
given  in  :  and  that,  after  sorting  &  counting  the  votes  of  the  second  balloting,  that 
Medad  Dickinson  Esq1'  had  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  given — Those  gentlemen  were 
accordingly  declared  elected. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  December  9,  1811. 
Voted.  In  pursuance  of  the  fifth  article:  To  chuse  a  Committee  of  three  per- 
sons to  Confer  with  the  Committee  of  the  town  of  Hadley  chosen  for  that  purpose, 
on  the  subject  of  setting  Mount  Hollick;  so  called,  from  Hadley  to  Amherst;  & 
to  report  at  an  adjourned  meeting ;  and  Major  Moses  Hastings,  Ensign  Chester 
Smith,  &  D"  Nathan  Franklin  were  chosen  to  be  said  Committee. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS. 


203 


Town  Meeting,  December  30,  t8n. 

Voted,  in  the  negative,  by  the  casting  vote  of  the  Moderator.  The  meaning 
of  which  is,  that  the  town  are  willing  that  Mount  Hollick,  so  called,  should  be 
annexed  to  Amherst,  as  prayed  for  by  the  Petition  of  Jn"  Nutting  &  others  to  the 
General  Court.  » 

Voted     Also  to  chuse  two  agents  to  mset  at  Belcherstown,  on  the  first  day  of 
January  next,  with  the  Agents  from  other  towns  on  the  East  side    of  Conn- 
River  in  the  county  of  Hampshire,  to  take  into   consideration  what  measure.-,  are 
necessary  to  be  taken  to  prevent  a  further  division  of  the  county  of  Hampshire. 
Accordingly  Hezekiah  W.  Strong  &  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  were  chosen. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  April  6,  1S12.     For  Governor. 
Hon.  Caleb  Strong  Esquire  had  Two  hundred  ec  sixty  seven  votes 
His  Excellency,  Elbridge  Gerry.  Esquire,  had  thirty  votes. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting.  April  6.  18 12. 
Samuel  F.  Dickinson.  Town  Clerk  &  Treasurer.  &  Sworn. 
Capt.  Chest  t   Williams,    Aaron    Merrick.    Martin    Baker.  Chester   Smith.  & 
David  Smith.  Selectmen  ec  Sworn. 

D"  Elisha  Smith,  Eber  Mattoon  Jr.  &  Enoch  Whiting  Assessors. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting.  May  4.  1812. 
For  Representative  Eben1'  Mattoon  Esq' — 101  votes 

Simeon  Strong  Esq — SS  votes 
Voted.     In  pursuance  of  the  fourth  article,  which  was  to  hear  the  request  of 
Perez  Dickinson  ec  others:  and  their  request  was  that  a  new  school  district  may  be 
established  near  Clark's   mills,  so  called :  to  chuse   a  Committee  of  three  persons 
to  consider  the  same,  ec  report  at  some  future  meeting.     * 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk— 

Town  Meeting,  June  29,  1812. 

Voted,  unanimously,  excepting  three  dissenting  votes,  that  the  people  of  this 
town  are  opposed  to  a  war  with  Great  Britain,  under  present  circumstances,  as 
declared  on  the  19"1  inst.  by  the  Congress  of  the  United  States.     And  thereupon 

Resolved,  as  thesenseof  this  town.  That  Whereas  it  is  the  right  of  the  Citi/ens 
of  the  United  States,  to  assemble  peacefully  to  consult  on  the  public  affairs  of  the 
country,  and  in  a  respectful  manner  to  express  their  sentiments  of  public  men  & 
public  measures;  ec  whereas  at  times  of  great  public  calamity  &  distress,  this  right 
becomes  a  high  &  commanding  duty. 

We,  the  people  of  this  town,  being  firmly  attached  !o  our  Constitution  ,\-  to  the 
institutions  of  our  fathers,  do  consider  the  late  declaration  of  war  by  the  Govern 
ment  of  the  United  States  against  Great  Britain,  unnecessary,  impolite  &  unjust: 
and  we  deem  it  our  bounden  duty  to  ourselves,  to  our  Government  and  to  the 
American  people,  as  well  as  to  posterity  by  all  constitutional  measures  in  our 
power,  to  avert  those  calamities  &  judgments,  which  a  war  undertaken  under 
present  circumstances  and  for  such  reasons  as  are  before  the  public,  cannol  tail  to 
bring  upon  us  as.a  people,  upon  posterity.  &  upon  our  common  Country. 


2  04  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  return  a  respectful  answer  to  the  letter  recd  from 
the  Selectmen  of  Boston. 

Voted  *  *  *  delegates  to  convention  at  Northampton  fourteenth  day  of  July 
next  to  devise  such  further  constitutional  measures  as  may  tend,  at  this  momentus 
crisis  of  our  affair  to  preserve  blessings  of  peace  to  our  beloved  country."  Accord- 
ingly the  Hon  Ebenr  Mattoon,  Samuel  Fowler  Dickinson  &  Simeon  Strong 
Esquire,  were  chosen  for  that  purpose 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  September  14,  181 2.     To  choose  a  Representative. 
For  Capt.  Timothy  Henderson  one  vote 
Gideon  Stetson  Esquire  two  votes. 
Major  Moses  Hastings — one  vote 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson  forty  nine  votes,  who  was  therefore  declared  elected. 
Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  September  14,  1812. 
The  question  being  under  consideration   whether   the    town    are   willing   that 
Andrew  Hyde  &  others,  inhabitants  of  Pelham,  should  be   annexed   to  this  town 
for  parochial  purposes ;  agreeably  to  their  petition  to  the  Gen.  Court,  it  was  Voted 
in  the  affirmative. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting.  January  28,  1 S 13. 
Voted.     In   pursuance  of  the  third   article:  that  the    Representatives  of  this 
town  in  the  General  Court  be  instructed,  to  oppose  in  the  General  Court,  the  appro- 
priations for  building  a  Court  house  in  this  county  ;  Unless  the  county  should  be 
obliged  to  build  the  county  offices  agreeably  to  the  existing  Laws. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  April  5,  1813. 
For  Governor,  His  Excellency,  Caleb  Strong,  Esquire,  had   Two  hundred  & 
eighty  eight  votes— 

Hon  William  Philips  Esquire,  had  one  vote — 
Hon  Joseph  B.  Varnum  Esquire,  had  Seventy  two  votes. 
Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Town  Clerk  &  Treasurer,  Sworn 

Majr  Moses  Hastings,  Justus  Williams  Jr.  Martin  Baker,  Capt.  Calvin  Merrill 
>X:  Aaron  Merrick,  Selectmen,  Sworn. 

Dn  Elisha  Smith,  Perez  Dickinson  &  Ebenr  Mattoon  Jr  Assessors. 
Jarib  White,  Constable  &  Collector  of  Taxes. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk- 

Town  Meeting,  May  3,  1813.     For  the  choice  of  Representatives. 
On  the  first  balloting  it  appeared,  on  sorting  &  counting  the  votes,  that 
Aaron  Merrick  had  three  votes 
Simeon  Strong,  Esquire,  seven  votes— 
Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  forty  nine  votes  & 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  one  hundred  &  eight  votes,  which  being  a  majority 
of  all  the  votes  given  in,  he  was  declared  duly  elected.  On  sorting  &  counting  the 
votes,  at  the  second  balloting,  they  were,  for 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS. 


205 


Capt.  Calvin  Merrill,  one  vote 
Eben1"  Mattoon  Jr  sixty  rive  votes.  & 

Simeon  Strong  Esquire  ninety  nine  votes,  which  being  a  majority  of  all 
the  votes  given  in.  he  was  declared  duly  elected. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson'  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  December  7.  1S13. 
Voted     In  pursuance  of  the  third  article,  to  chuse  an  assessor  in  the  room  of 
Perez  Dickinson  Deceased:  and  accordingly  chose  Capt.  Calvin  Merrill. 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  qualified  voters  of  the  town  of  Amherst,  holden  at 
the  school  house  in  the  West  Middle  district,  on  the  third  day  of  January  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fourteen,  at  six  o'clock  p.  M. 
Noah  Webster,  Esquire,  was  chosen  Moderator,  &  under  the  several  articles  in  the 
warrant,  which  was.  "To  see  whether  the  town,  in  the  present  alarming  state  of 
our  public  concerns,  will  take  any  measures  to  obtain  redress  of  the  wrongs  which 
we  suffer,  to  ward  off  the  greater  evils,  which  impend  over  us,  under  the  pi 
system  of  embargo,  taxation,  &  oppression  of  the  General  Government;"  certain 
resolutions  expressive  of  the  abhorrence  of  the  people  of  the  town  against  the  war. 
and  their  want  of  confidence  in  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  was  unani- 
mously voted,  ordered  to  be  signed  by  the  moderator,  attested  by  the  Town-Clerk. 
&  published  in  the  Hampshire  Gazette,  which  resolutions  are  on  file,  &  to  be  con- 
sidered part  of  this  record. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  April  4.  1S14. 

For  Governor,  His  Excellency,  Caleb  Strong  Esquire,  had   Two  hundred  & 
eighty  seven  votes 

Hon  Samuel  Dexter  Esq1"  had  twenty  two  votes 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town-Clerk  &  Treasurer  &  Sworn. 

Col.  Elijah  Dickinson,  John  Eastman,  Justus    Williams   Jr.    Martin    Baker,  & 
Leiut  Enos  Dickinson  2''  Selectmen.  Sworn. 

Capt.  Calvin  Merrill.  Capt.  Timothy  Handersoa  &  Justus  Williams  Jr.  Assess- 
ors, Sworn. 

Elijah  Clark.  Constable   &    Collector   of   taxes.  *  *  *  for  the   sum   of  twelve- 
Dollars;  *  *  * 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  May  2,  1S14.     For  Representatives. 
On  the  first  balloting, 

Noah  Webster  Esq''  had  ninety  nine  votes,  & 

Simeon  Strong  Fsqr  one  vote. 
On  the  Second  balloting. 

Simeon  Strong  Esqr  had  ninety  votes: 

Noah  Webster  Esqr  two  votes 

E.  Mattoon  Jr  Esq'  two  votes 

John  Dickinson  Esqr  two  votes,  & 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson  five  votes. 


206  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Accordingly  Noah  Webster  &  Simeon  Strong  Esquires,  were  declared  to  be 
elected  Representatives,  to  the  General  Court  for  the  current  year ;  the  meeting 
having  voted  to  send  two  Representatives. 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting.  April  3.  1815. 

For  Governor,  His  Excellency  Caleb  Strong  Esq1'  had  Two  hundred  &  forty 
nine  votes 

Hon.  Samuel  Baxter  Esq1'  had  twenty  votes 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Town  Clerk  &  Town  Treasurer. 

Col.  Elijah  Dickinson,  John  Eastman,  Justus  Williams  Jr,  Martin  Baker,  and 
Lt.  Enos  Dickinson  2'1  Selectmen. 

Capt.  Timothy  Handerson,  Capt.  Calvin  Merrill,  &  "Justus  Williams  Jr 
Assessors — 

Zacheus  Crocker  Ingram,  Constable  &  Collectorof  taxes.  *  *  for  the  sum 
of  ten  dollars  &  seventy  five. 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  May  S,  1S15.     For  Representatives. 
For  Aaron  Merrick  eighty  two  votes. 

Noah  Webster  Esquire  forty-five  votes 
Doctor  Rufus  Cowls  twelve  votes 
Capt  Chester  Williams  one  vote  & 
Samuel  F.  Dickinson  thirty  five  votes. 
No  person  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  a  second  ballot  was  called  for,  & 
the  votes  were  as  follows  :  viz  : 

For  Aaron  Merrick  eighty  three  votes. 

Noah  Webster  Esquire,  twenty  nine  votes 
Doctor  Rufus  Cowls  four  votes  & 
Samuel  F.  Dickinson  ten  votes — And  no  choice. 
Thereupon  a  third  ballot  was  given  in,  &  the  votes  were  : 
For  Noah  Webster  Esquire  Eighty  nine  votes 
Aaron  Merrick  eighty  four  votes,  & 
Doctor  Rufus  Cowls  one  vote — 
It  therefore  appearing,  that  Noah  Webster  Esquire  had  a  majority  of  all   the 
votes  given  in,  he  was  accordingly  declared  to  be  elected. 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  April  2,  1816. 

For  Governor  The  Honorable  John  Brooks  had  two  hundred  and  forty  one 
votes 

Hon  Samuel  Dexter  Esq.  twenty  two  votes 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town-Clerk  &  Treasurer. 

Col.  Elijah  Dickinson,  John  Eastman,  Justus  Williams  Jr.  Martin  Baker,  & 
Enos  Dickinson  2'1  Selectmen,  Sworn. 

Capt.  Timo.  Handerson,  Capt.  Calvin  Merrill.  &  Justus  Williams  Jr.  Assessors. 
Sworn. 

Zacheus  C.  Ingram,  Constable  &  Collector  of  Taxes. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN     MEETINGS. 


207 


Town  Meeting.  May  13,  1S16.     For  Representative. 
Noah  Webster  Esqr  twenty  nine; 
Dr  Rufus  Cowls,  three. 
Ebenr  Mattoon  Jr  seventeen. 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Ninety  one.  which  being  a  majority  of  all  the  votes 
given  in,  he  was  declared  to  be  elected. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting.  April  7,   1817.     For  Governor. 
His  Excellency  John  Brooks:  two  hundred  &  forty  three 
Hon  Henry  Dearbourn  eighteen 
Hon.  James  Lloyd  Esq1'  one 
Samuel    F.    Dickinson    Town-Clerk    &    town   treasurer   &    sworn    by    Noah 
Webster  Esq1' 

Calvin  Merrill,  Nathan  Franklin,  Eben1'  Mattoon  Jr.  Enos  Dickinson  2 '•  & 
Chester  Dickinson.  Selectmen  &  sworn. 

Dr  Rufus  Cowls,  Nathaniel  C.  Dickinson  &  Ebenr  Ingram.  Assessors,  sworn. 
Zacheus  C.  Ingram,  Constable  &  Collector  of  taxes. 

Attest  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  May  5,  1S17.     For  Representative. 
For  Doctor  Rufus  Cowls  one 
Capt.  Calvin  Merrill  one 
Eben1'  Mattoon  Jr.  two 
Noah  Webster  Esqr  one 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Sixty  one,  who  was  accordingly  declared  elected. 
Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  Decembers.  1817. 

Voted  in  pursuance  of  the  third  article  to  accept  the  Report  of  the  Committee 
appointed  at  last  May  Meeting,  to  make  provision  for  the  poor,  either  by  building 
or  hiring  a  house  for  that  purpose:  which  report  was.  that  they  had  hired  a  house 
and  garden  of  Elijah  Mathers  for  one  year  from  the  first  tuesday  of  .April  next, 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  Poor,  on  the  condition  in  their  indenture  expressed, 
which  indenture  is  on  file,  &  to  be  considered  a  part  of  the  record. 

Voted  in  pursuance  of  Art. 4th  to  chuse  a  Committee  of  five,  to  consider  & 
report  to  the  next  annual  meeting,  their  opinion  of  the  expediency  of  establishing 
one  or  more  new  burying  grounds  in  town;  and  also  of  enlarging  and  fencing  the 
old  burying  ground. 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  April  6,  1818.     For  <  rovernor. 
ForTdis  Excellency  John  Brooks.  Esquire,  Two  hundred  &  eleven  votes 
Benjamin  Crowninshield  Esqr  twenty  one  votes 
Samuel  F.  Dickinson.  Town-Clerk  &  Treasurer     Sworn 

Capt.  Calvin  Merrill.  EbeiV  Mattoon  Jr.  &  Enos  Dickinson  2d  Selectmen  & 
Overseers  of  the  Poor — Sworn 

Capt.  Calvin  Merrill,  Gideon  Stetson  &  Nathaniel  C.  Dickinson  Assessors- 
sworn. 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Town-Clerk. 


2o8  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Town  Meeting,  May  13,  181S.     For  Representative. 
Major  Moses  Hastings  three  votes 
D1'  Timothy  J.  Gridley  fifty  two  votes 

Samuel  F.  Dickinson  fifty  seven  votes,  which  being  a  majority  of  the 
whole  number,  he  was  declared  elected  accordingly- 
Voted  To  accept  the  Report  of  the  Committee  on  establishing  two  new  bury- 
ing grounds;  *  *  *  one  acre  purchased  of  David  Moody  for  eighty  dollars  reserv- 
ing to  him  and  his  heirs  the  use  of  the  same,  for  the  purpose  of  pasturing  sheep, 
etc.  and  also  one  acre  of  Martin  Barker  near  his  dwelling  house  at  the  same  price, 
reserving  the  same  privilege;  is  on  file:  *  *  *  and  the  two  places  above  discribed 
are  accordingly  established  for  that  purpose.  *  *  * 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  2,  1818.     For  Representative. 
For  the  Hon.  Samuel  C.  Allen  Esquire,  fifty  eight, 
Elihu  Lyman  Esquire,  eight  votes — 
Thomas  Longley  Esq1'  one  vote 

Attest.  Samuel  F.  Dickinson,  Town  Clerk, 

Town  Meeting,  March  1,  1S19. 
Elijah  Dwight,  Town  Clerk  &  Treasurer.     Sworn 

Enos  Baker,  Elijah  Boltwood,  Chester  Dickinson,  Aaron  Merrick,  &  Timothy 
S  Goodman,  Selectmen,  Sworn 

Capt   Calvin   Merrill,  Gideon  Stetson,  &  Nathn  C.  Dickinson  Assessors,  sworn 
Attest  Elijah  Dwight,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  April  5,  1S19.     For  Governor. 
His  Excellency  John  Brooks  had  one  hundred  &  ninety  one  Votes 
Hon  Benjamin  Crowninshield  had  Twenty  Six  Votes 

Attest  Elijah  Dwight,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  May  6.  1S19.     For  Representative. 
Gen  Ebenezer  Mattoon  two  votes 
Doct  Timothy  J  Gridley  Sixty  votes 

Noah  Webster  Esq  one  hundred  &  nine  votes  such  being  a  majority  of  the 
whole  number  he  was  declared  elected  accordingly. 

Attest  Elijah   Dwight,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  December  6,  1S19. 
Voted  In  pursuance  of  the  second  article  of  the  warrant,  to  proceed  to  fill 
the  vacancies  in  the  offices  of  Town  Clerk  and  Treasurer — Elisha  Smith  jr  was 
chosen  Clerk,  and  Lt  Ransom  Dickinson  Treasurer  in  the  room  of  Elijah  Dwight 
deceased ;  and  both  sworn  in  open  meeting  by  the  justices  of  the  Peace  then 
present — 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  Jr  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  April  3,  1S20.     For  Governor. 
His  Ex;  John  Brooks  one  hundred  &  Ninety  nine  votes 
Hon  William  Eustis  thirty  three  votes 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  Jr  Town  Clerk. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS. 


209 


Town  Meeting.  April  3.  1820. 
Elisha  Smith  Jr  Clerk  and  sworn 
Ransom  Dickinson  Treasurer  and  sworn 

Chester  Dickinson,  Elijah  Boltwood,  Benoni  Rust.  George  Nutting,  Justus  Wil- 
liams Selectmen,  sworn 

Gideon  Stetson,  William  Boltwood.  Isaac  Robins.  Assessors,  sworn 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  Jr  Town  Clerk 

[The  following  meetings  were  held  in  the  Second  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting.  May  15.  1S20.     Eor  Representative. 
For  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Esq.  one  hundred  and  six  votes 
Noah  Webster  Esq.  one  vote — 
Martin  Baker  one  vote — 

Dr  Timothy  J.  Gridley  one  hundred  and  thirty  one  votes  which  being  a  major- 
ity of  all  the  votes  given  in,  he  was  accordingly  declared  elected — 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  Jr  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  August  1,  1S20.  For  Convention. 
"  Is  it  expedient  that  Delegates  should  be  chosen  to  meet  in  Convention  for 
the  purpose  of  revising  or  altering  the  Constitution  of  Government  of  this  Com- 
monwealth :  the  votes  being  given  in  sorted,  counted  recorded  and  declaration 
thereof  made,  as  by  law  is  directed  were  found  to  be  as  follows  Viz.  For  said 
measure  there  were  thirteen  votes,  Against  said  measure  there  were  eighty  one 
votes 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  Jr  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  October  16,  1S20.     For  choice  of  Delegates  to  Convention. 

Voted.  To  choose  two  Delegates  by  Separate  Ballots.  On  balloting  for  the 
first  it  appeared  that  the  whole  number  of  votes  was  one  hundred  and  seventy  two  : 
of  which  Gen.  Ebenezer  Mattoon  had  one  hundred  and  eighteen  and  was  declared 
elected - 

On  balloting  for  the  second  it  appeared  that  the  whole  number  of  votes  was 
one  hundred  and  eighty  two:  of  which  Mr  Israel  Scott  had  one  hundred  and  seven 
and  was  also  declared  elected — 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  Jr  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  December  4,  1820. 
In  pursuance  of  the  third  article  the  Selectmen   made   the  following   report- 
That  in  pursuance  of  the  direction  of  the  town,  they  have  examined  tin-  ground 
and  have  laid  out  a  Road  two  Rods  wide  on  the  north   side  of  the  following   line. 
Viz,— Beginning  two  rods  south  of  the  southwest  corner  of  Justus  Williams   farm 
Thence  East  8C  30'  South  154  Rods 

Thence  East 14  Rods 

Thence  East  8°  30'  South  2S4   Rods 
Thence  East  50' — South  96  Rods 

Thence  East  29°  45' South  36  Rods  to  Belchertown  line  The  Selectmen 
further  report  that  Moses  Williams  has  engaged  with  the  assistance  of  the  Labour 
subscribed  on  the  East  side  of  Lawrence's  Swamp  to  make  279  rods  of  said  Road 
beg-innina;  at  the  east  end  or  Belchertown  line-  That' their  estimate  of  the  ex] 


2IO  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

of  making   the    remainder   of  said  Road,    exclusive   of   the   subscriptions   is    175 
Dollars — 

That  they  have  also  allowed  the  following  Damages  Viz  To   Enos    Cowls   60 
Dollars  — 

To  Justus  Williams  30  Dollars 

Making  a  total  of  expence  of  265  Dollars  to  be  defrayed  by  the  town — 
All  which  is  submitted 

Elijah  Boltwood  "| 

George  Nutting  !        Selectmen 

Benoni  Rust  j      of  Amherst 

Chester  Dickinson  J 

Voted  to  accept  the  above  report- 
In  pursuance  of  the  fourth  article  the  Selectmen  made  the  following  report — 
Viz— Minutes  and  return  of  a  Town  or  private  way  this  day  laid  out  for  the  use  of 
the  town  of  Amherst  by  us  the  Subscribers.  Selectmen  of  Said  town,  as  follows; 
that  is  to  say.  Beginning  at  a  Stake  and  Stones  in  Daniel  Kelloggs  land  near 
Solomon  M.  Dickinsons  Store  and  directly  opposite  to  where  the  Sunderland  Road 
intersects  the  present  highway  leading  from  Elijah  Boltwoods  to  Leverett,  running 
thence  South  forty  one  degrees  East  thirty  six  rods  and  twelve  links  to  the  Widow 
Colemans  land,  thence  continuing  the  same  course  five  rods  and  twelve  links  to 
William  Dickinsons  land  thence  continuing  the  same  course  seventy  nine  Rods  to 
a  walnut  tree,  thence  South  twelve  degrees  and  thirty  minutes  East  thirty  two  rods 
to  the  present  highway  near  the  lower  end  of  Samuel  F  Dickinson  Esq"  Garden 
— said  way  to  be  two  rods  wide  and  to  lie  on  the  South  side  of  said  courses — 
Dated  at  Amherst  this  second  day  of  December  A  D,   1S20 

Benoni  Rust  1 

Chester  Dickinson   [       Selectmen 
George  Nutting         f     of  Amherst 
Justus  Williams        J 
Attest  Elisiia  Smith  Jr  Town  Clerk — 

Town  Meeting,  December.  14,  1820. 
Voted.     To  hear  the   agreement  made   by  the  Selectmen  with  the  owners  of 
the  land  occupied  by  the  Road  beginning   near   the    dwelling   house  of  Ebenezar 
Eames  and  ending  near  the  dwelling  house  of  Samuel  F.    Dickinson  Esq.— 
Voted     to  discontinue  said  Road  — 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  Jr  Town  Clerk — 

Town  Meeting.  April  2.  1S21. 
For  Governor  His  Excy  John  Brooks  two  hundred  and  seven  votes 

Hon  William  Eustis  forty  five  votes 
Elisha  Smith  Jr.  Clerk.  Ransom  Dickinson  Treasurer  both  sworn  by   I.  Con- 
key  Esq 

Chester  Dickinson  Josiah  Warner  Jr.  Seth  Nelson  Nathaniel  C.  Dickinson  & 
Hosea  Goodale  Selectmen  Sworn 

Gideon  Stetson  Isaac  Robbins  &  Henry  Weeks — Assessors  sworn 
Alden  Cooley  was  chosen  Constable  of  the  town  for  the  year,  he  agreeing  to 
take  the  same  with  the  Collectorship  for  the  sum  of  two  Dollars  and  fifty  cents  *  *  * 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  Jr  Town  Clerk 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN     MEETINGS.  2ir 

Town  .Meeting.  May  17,  [821.     For  Representative. 

For  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Esqr  ninety  four  vol  is 

For  Noah  Webster  Esq.  one  vote 

For  Aaron  Merrick  one  vote 

For  Dea.  Nathan  Franklin  one  hundred  and  twenty  six  votes  who  was  accord- 
ingly declared  elected — 

Voted  also — That  the  Selectmen  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  directed  to  clear  the 
incumbrances  out  of  the  Road  which  was  laid  out  by  the  Selectmen  and  ao 
by  the  town  on  the  fourth  day  of  December  A.  I).  1S20  leading  from  Solomon  M. 
Dickinson's  store  across  Daniel  Kelloggs,  Widow  Colemans  and  William  Dickin- 
sons land  to  the  highway  near  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Esqrs  Garden  and  to  keep 
the  way  clear  of  the  same 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  Jk   Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting.  March  4.  1S22. 

Elisha  Smith  Jr  Clerk — Sworn  by  I.  Conkey  Esq 

Ransom  Dickinson  Treasurer — Sworn  by  Town  Clerk 

Chester  Dickinson  Asahel  Thayer  Jonathan  Bridgman  Andrew  Hyde  and 
Rufus  Cowls,  Selectmen — Sworn — 

Isaac  Robbins  Henry  Weeks  Elihu  Belding  Assessors — 

Voted  To  set  up  at  vendue  to  the  lowest  bidder  the  office  of  Constable  and 
Collector.  They  were  bid  off  to  Alden  Cooley  who  was  thereupon  chosen  Con- 
stable and  Collector,  *  *  *  for  two  Dollars — 

[Held  at  First  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting,  April  1.  1N22. 
For  Governor  His  Excy  John  Brooks  had  one  hundred  and  eighty  vol   s 
Hon  William  Eustis  had  thirty  seven  votes 
Hon  George  Bliss  one  vote 
Voted     To  excuse  Alden  Cooley  from  collecting  the  Taxes  for  the   year    1S21 
and  appoint  Jay  White  in  his  place  — 

Voted  To  put  up  at  vendue  the  office  of  Constable  and  Collector— They 
were  bid  off  by  Frederick  A.  Palmer  *  *  *  for  sevente  -n  dollars  * 

Attest  Elisha   Smith   Jr.  Town   Clerk 

Town  Meeting.  May  6.  [822. 
Voted  To  choose  one  Representative  for  the  year  ensuing  -The  vol  s  being 
given  in.  sorted,  and  counted  were  found  to  be  as  follows  Viz  For  Dr  Rufus 
Cowls  one  vote— For  Dea  Nathan  Franklin  two  votes  For  Samuel  F.  Dickinson 
Esq  one  hundred  and  thirty  one  votes  -For  Aaron  Merrick  one  hundred  ami  fifty 
five  votes  who  was  declared  elected — 

Attest  Elisha  Smith  Jr  Town  Clerk — 

[Held  at  Second  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting.  March  3.  1S23. 
Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  was  Chosen  Town  L  lerk  &  sworn  by  I.  Conkej   Esq1 
Ransom  Dickinson  Treasurer  sworn    by    1.   Corikey    Esq'    Chester    Dickil 


2  12  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

.Andrew  Hyde  Martin  Baker  Ebenezer  Williams  Zebina  Hawley  Selectmen  sworn 
Elihue  Belding  Isaac  Robbins  Aaron  M  Chandler  Assessors — 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  April  7.  1S23.     For  Governor. 
William  Curtis  one  hundred  and  twenty  seven  votes 
William  Reed  five  votes 
George  Bliss  one  vote 

Harrison  Gray  Otis  one  hundred  and  fourteen  votes 
Enos  Baker  one  vote 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  May  5,  1S23.     For  Representative. 
Daniel  Kellogg  had  eight  votes  Timothy  J.    Gridley   had  ninety  eight  votes 
Isaac  Robbins  had  one  hundred  and  ninety  one  votes   which   being  a  majority  of 
.the  whole  number  he  was  declared  elected  accordingly. — 

Attest    ■  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jk  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting.  March  1.  [824. 
Ebenezer  Mattoon  J1  Town  Clerk  Sworn — 
Jay  White  Town  Treasurer  sworn — 

Chester  Dickinson  Martin    Baker  Levi  Jones   Capt.  Oliver  Dickinson  Rufus 
Kellogg,  Selectmen  sworn 

Elihue  Belding  David  Moody  Ransom  Dickinson — Assessors  sworn 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  April  5,  1S24.     For  Governor. 
His  excellency  William  Eustis  had  ninety  eight  votes — 
The  Honourable  Samuel  Lathrop  had  one  hundred  and  seventy  votes — 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting.  May  10.  1824.     For  Representative. 
Chester  Dickinson  had  two  votes 
Andrew  Hyde  had  four  votes 
Benoni  Rust  had  three  votes 
Daniel  Kellogg  had  one  vote 
Reubin  Roberts  had  one  vote 
Timothy  J.  Gridley  had  one  vote 
Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  had  ninety  six  votes 

Isaac  Robins  had  one  hundred  and  fifty  five  votes  which   being  a  majority  of 
the  whole  number  he  was  declared  elected  accordingly — 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  December  6,  1S24. 
Voted     that  for  the  future  warrants  for  calling  town  meetings  be  posted  at  the 
.south  Congregational  Society  in  said  Amherst 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  Town  Clerk 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  ZI3 

Town  Meeting,  March  1,  1S25. 

Ebenezer  Mattoon  J'  T.  Clerk  Sworn 

Jay  White  Town  Treasurer  Sworn 

Asahel  Thayer  Elijah  Boltwood  Jonathan  Cowls  2'1  Oliver  Dickinson  Levi 
Jones  Sworn  Selectmen 

Gideon  Stetson  Isaac  Robbins  William  Boltwood  Assessors 

Voted  to  Chuse  an  agent  to  oppose  the  contemplated  Road  acrost  Mount 
Holyoke  to  Granby  line  Decn  Nathan  Franklin  be  the  above  agent  in  that  he 
imploy  Counsil  if  he  thinks  proper — 

Elisha  Tilden  was  Chosen  Constable  for  the  ensuing  year 

Attest  Ebexezer  Mattoox  Jr  Town  Clerk — 

Town  Meeting.  April  3,  1S25.     For  Governor. 
Hon  Levi  Lincoln  one  hundred  &  eighty  seven  votes 
Jonathan  Eastman  one  vote 

Attest  Ebexezer  Mattoox  Jr  Town  Clerk- 

Town  Meeting,  May  4.  1S25.  For  Representative. 
Voted  to  chuse  one  Representative  to  the  General  Court  the  present  year  the 
Votes  being  given  in  sorted  and  counted  were  as  follows  Viz  John  Leland  Jnr  had 
forty  six  votes— Ithamar  Conkey  Esqr  had  eleven  votes— Chester  Dickinson  had 
twenty  seven  votes  Timothy  J.  Gridley  had  twenty  seven  votes — Isaac  Robins  had' 
six  votes  Benoni  Rust  had  two  votes  Simeon  Strong  Esqrhad  one  vote  -D"  Nathan. 
Franklin  had  one  vote— H.  W.  Strong  Esqr  had  one  vote  no  person  having  a 
majority  of  the  whole  votes  there  was  no  choice  made 

Voted  to  reconsider  the  above  vote  and  not  send  any  Representative — the 
Vote  was  accordingly  reconsidered — 

In  pursuance  of  the  second  article  of  the  warrant  Isaac  G.  Cutler  was  chosen. 
Treasurer  to  fill  the  vacancy  of  Jay  White  deceased  sworn  by  Samuel  F.  Dickinson. 
Attest  Ebexezer  Mattoox  Jr  Town  Clerk — 

[Held  at  First  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting,  March  6,  1S26. 

Made  choice  of  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  Town  Clerk — Sworn 

The  Clerk  being  unable  to  perform  the  duties  of  the  office  made  choice  of 
Ithamar  Conkey  Town  Clerk  for  this  Meeting  who  is  sworn  by  H.  W.  Strong  Esqr 

Made  choice  of  Docf  Isaac  G.  Cutler  Treasurer  (Sworn)  Made  choice  of  the 
following  other  persons  to  the  Several  offices  hereafter  respectively  annexed  to 
their  names  and  the  following  votes  were  passed,  that  is  to  say — 

Elijah  Boltwood,  Jonathan  Cowls,  Oliver  Dickinson  2d  George  Nutting  and 
Zebina  Dickinson,  Selectmen  who  are  all  Sworn  in  open  Town  Meeting — 

Gideon  Stetson,  Isaac  Robins,  and  William  Boltwood  Assessors — who  are  all 
Sworn  in  open  Town  Meeting — 

Ithamar  Conkey  T.  Clerk  Pro.  Tem. 

[Held  at  Second  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting,  April  3,  1S26.     For  Governor.. 
Samuel  Hubbard  had  one  hundred  and  four  votes 


2  14  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    -MASS. 

His  Excellency  Levi  Lincoln  had  fifty  one  Votes — Asahel  Thayer  had  one 
Vote  Martin  Thayer  had  one  vote. 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  Town  Clerk — 

Town  Meeting,  May  15,  1S26.     For  Representative. 
(Two  ballots  were  cast  and  at  the  last) 

Timothy  J  Gridley  had  fifty  six  votes  which  being  a  Majority  of  all  the  votes 
he  was  accordingly  declared  elected — 

Attest  Ep.exezer  Mattoox  Jr  Town  Clerk 

[Held  at  First  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting,  September  14.  1S26. 

3'1  Article  Voted  that  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Esqr  be  appointed  an  agent  to 
superintend  the  suit  Commenced  against  the  Town  of  Amherst  for  not  repairing 
the  road  between  the  North  Meeting  houst  in  Amherst  and  Sunderland  and  Settle 
the  same — 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoox  Jr  Town  Clerk- 

Town  Meeting.  December  4.  1S26. 

Article  3d  Voted  to  accept  the  report  of  the  Selectmen  which  is  in  words 
and  form  as  follows — Viz  We  the  subscribers  Selectmen  of  the  town  of  Amherst 
have  laid  out  for  the  use  of  said  town,  a  townway  as  follows  : 

Beginning  at  a  Stake  on  the  South  side  of  the  road  beginning  at  Iladley  line 
running  east  thirty  nine  degrees  ami  forty  i\\-c  minutes  South  one  hundred  and  two 
rods  through  Lands  of  Joseph  Cowls  to  intersect  the  County  road  leading  from  the 
north  Meeting  house  in  said  Amherst  to  Iladley  or  school  meadows.  The  above 
road  is  laid  three  rods  wide,  the  above  road  to  lay  on  the  Northerly  side  of  said 
Road  we  have  agreed  with  Mr  Joseph  Cowls  to  allow  him  forty  Dollars  damages — 
with  the  priveledge  of  keeping  one  or  more  gates  and  at  his  own  expence  Elijah 
Boltwood  Zebina  Dickinson  Jonathan  Cowls  Selectmen  of  Amherst. 

Article  4  Voted  to  direct  the  Constable  to  post  up  warrants  at  the  North 
Meeting  house  in  future — 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  Town  Clerk — 

[Held  at  South  Parish  Meeting  House.J 

Town  Meeting,  March  7,  1S27. 
2'1     Made  choice  of  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr.  town  Clerk     Isaac    G.  Cutler   Town 
Treasurer     Jonathan  Cowls  Zebina  Dickinson — Selectmen — Sworn  in  open   town 
meeting 

Ransom  Dickinson  Aaron  M.  Chandler,  David  Moody — Assessors 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoox  Jr  Town  Clerk 

Adjourned  Town  Meeting,  March,  1S27. 
Voted     in  pursuance  of  the  isl  Article  of  the  warrant  in  obedience   to  a   Law 
of  this  Commonwealth  past  at  the   last   Session  of  the  General  Court  of  this  Com- 
monwealth aforesaid  to  chuse  three   persons  as  a  general  School  Committee — to 
carry  into  effect  the  Law  aforesaid  — 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  215 

Voted  that  Eljsha  Smith  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  and  Reuben  Roberts  be  the 
above  Committee — 

Voted  That  the  committee  to  be  chosen  to  superintend  the  Schools  shall  not 
have  any  compensation  for  their  services. 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  April  2.  1827.     For  Governor. 
His  Excel  Levi  Lincoln  had  one  hundred  twenty  Seven  votes 
His  Hon'  Thomas  L  Winthrop  had  an  hundred  and  twenty  seven  votes 
His  Honor  Marcus  Morton  had  three  votes. 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  Town  Clerk 

[Held  at  the  Second  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting.   May.  1S27. 
Voted     to  send  two  Representatives  to   the  General  Court  this  year.     [After 
nine  ballots  the  meeting  adjourned  to  May  14  when  the  following  were  elected]  Lt 
Chester  Dickinson  and  Samuel  F.  Dickinson  Esq. 

Town  Meeting.  May  7.  1S2S. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to  examin  into  the  expediency  of 
straightening  the  line  of  the  highway  on  the  East  side  of  the  Common  beginning  at 
the  South  East  corner  of  the  Colledge  yard  to  Graves  ec  Fields  Store  and  report  at 
the  next  meeting — 

Voted  in  pursuance  of  third  article  of  the  warrant  to  Chuse  a  Committee  of 
three  persons  to  examine  into  the  claims  of  the  petitioners  as  mentioned  in  the 
foregoing  article  and  report  at  the  next  meeting  Mr  Gideon  Stetson  Lieutenant 
Enos  Dickinson  and  Isaac  Robins  were  accordingly  Chosen — 

Article  4  Voted  to  accept  of  the  report  of  the  Committee  which  is  in  words 
and  form  as  follows  (viz) 

We  the  Subscribers  Selectmen  of  the  town  of  Amherst  appointed  to  view  the 
line  on  the  East  side  of  the  Common  from  the  south  West  corner  of  the  college 
lot,  to  Graves  &  Fields  store.  &  report  on  the  expediency  of  straightening  the 
same,  having  examined  the  same  — Report,  that  said  line  in  our  opinion  ought  to 
be  straightened  as  follows,  viz  :  beginning  at  the  South  West  corner  of  the  College 
lot,  thence  running  North  12°  East  to  stake  at  the  top  of  the  hill :  thence  North  4- 
East,  in  a  straight  line  to  the  North  west  Corner  of  Miss  .Merrill  door  yard  fence: 
thence  North  4-  15"  East  to  a  popple  tree  in  aline  with  the  north  side  of  Miss 
Jemima  Montague  dwelling  house  which  alteration  would  in  our  opinion  improve 
the  appearance  of  the  common,  &  be  attended  with  no  inconvenience  to  the  public 
Elijah  Boltwood  Zebina  Dickinson  Jonathan  Cowls  Selectmen  of  Amherst — 
Amherst  May  14"'  1827 

Voted  also  in  pursuance  of  the  same  Article  that  the  Selectmen  be  a  Com- 
mittee to  appraise  and  sel  the  land  in  front  of  the  several  persons  land  mentioned 
in  the  report  and  that  they  1)2  allowed  to  purchase  the  same  at  their  appraisal 
excepting  that  in  front  of  the  College  buildings — 

Attest  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr  Town  Clerk 


2l6  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Town  Meeting.  March  3,  1S28. 

ist     Made  choice  of  Ithamar  Conkey  Moderator 

2'1     Made  choice  of  Ithamar  Conkey  Town  Clerk,  Sworn  and  certificate  on  file 

3d     Made  choice  of  Ithamar  Conkey  Town  Treasurer  Sworn 

Elijah  Boltwood.  Jonathan  Cowls,  Zebina  Dickinson  Nathaniel  C.  Dickinson 
and  Ebenezer  Williams  Selectmen  who  are  all  Sworn  in  open  town  meeting  by 
myself— Gideon  Stetson,  Jonathan  Cowls  and  George  Nutting  Assessors  who  are 
all  Sworn  in  open  Town  Meeting  by  myself 

Voted     to  choose  ten  fire  wards  for  the  year  ensuing. 

"The  Selectmen  were  appointed  a  Committee  to  Straighten  the  line  on  the 
East  side  of  the  Common  &  dispose  of  the  Land  gained  by  the  owners  of  lots 
fronting  upon  the  road  in  consequence  of  the  alteration  in  the  line  have  performed 
the  duties  assigned  them  and  now  report,— 

That  they  have  established  the  line  as  follows;  Beginning  at  a  point  two  rods 
&  four  links  West  of  the  North  west  corner  of  Wid.  Jemima  Montagues  house, 
thence  S.  50  W.  on  land  of  Mrs  Montague  twelve  rods  to  J.  S.  &  C.  Adam's  land; 
thence  East  14  links  to  the  corner  of  Said  Adam's  shop  ;  thence  N.  50  East  to  a 
point  23  links  E.  of  the  first  mentioned  bound — thence  W.  to  the  first  mentioned 
corner  23  links — the  Said  Boundaries  include  Sgh  rods  of  Land  which  we  have 
Sold  to  Edward  Dickinson  by  consent  of  Mrs  Montague  for  one  Dollar  and  fifty 
cents  per  rod — Then  begining  at  the  North  west  corner  of  said  Adam's  land,  and 
running  S.  5-  W.  5  rods  on  their  Land,  to  Mrs  Merrills  land,  which  include  28  1-5 
rods  of  Land  and  that  we  have  Sold  to  Said  J.  S.  &  C.  Adams  for  two  Dollars  and 
Seventy  five  cents — Thence  S.  50  W.  on  Mrs  Merrills  Land  11  rods  &  12  links  to 
the  S.  W.  corner  of  her  dooryard  fence-  thence  S  4  30'  West  on  Mrs  Merrills 
land  11  rods  &  12  links  to  David  Warner's  land  -  on  Mrs  Merrills  front  the  line  is 
carried  back  about  half  the  length  of  it  into  her  garden  and  the  quantity  of  Land 
gained  in  the  other  part  is  so  small  &  the  expense  of  removing  an  almost  new 
fence  so  great,  that  the  Committee  have  thought  proper  to  off  set  the  land  gained 
against  the  expense  of  removing  the  fence — Thence  running  S  4°  30'  W.  on  David 
Warner  land  21  rods  to  Lucius  Boltwood  land,  including  -joh,  rods  of  land  which  we 
have  Sold  to  David  Warner  for  one  Dollar  per  rod, — Thence  running  S  4°  30'  W. 
on  Lucius  Boltwood,  land  21  rods  to  the  S.  W.  corner  of  the  College  yard,  includ- 
ing 21  rods  of  land,  which  we  have  Sold  to  Lucius  Boltwood  for  one  Dollar  & 
twenty  five  cents  per  rod, — Thence  S  4°  30'  W.  on  the  College  land  to  the  top  of  the 
hill  12  rods — thence  S  nc  30'  W.  twenty  rods  10  links  to  the  S.  W.  corner  of  the 
College  land — 

The  Selectmen  were  also  appointed  a  Committee  upon  this  Petition  of  Edward 
Dickinson  praying  that  the  Town  would  Sell  him  the  Land  appropriated  for  the 
Pound:  and  after  hearing  his  proposals,  and  viewing  a  piece  of  Land  Shown  to 
wit  on  the  "  New  road,"  so  called,  now  offer  the  following  report; — That  they  recd 
this  proposition  from  him  :  "on  condition  that  the  Town  will  Sell  him  the  land  on 
which  the  Pound  now  Stands  &  the  land  attached  to  it,  he  offers  to  procure  & 
convey  to  the  Town  a  piece  of  Land  on  the  "  New  road"  aforesaid  of  Sufficient 
Size  for  the  Pound,  make  a  good  bottom  to  it,  remove  the  Pound  &  put  it  in  as 
good  repair  as  it  is  now  in,  &  pay  the  Town  the  Sum  of  forty  Dollars  And  we  are 
of  opinion  that  the  place  proposed  is  a  Suitable  one  for  the  Pound  &  deeming  it 
expedient  to  Sell  the  Land  to  Said  Dickinson  upon  the  terms  proposed  recommend 
to  the  Town  to  accept  his  offer  &  receive  of  him  the  Sum  of  forty  Dollars  for 
exchange  of  Lands — 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  217 

Your  Committee  also  were  instructed  to  view  the  road  leading  from  "Clarks 
Mills"  so  called  to  Hadley  &  see  if  any.  &  if  any.  what  alterations  were  necessary 
to  be  made  in  the  road  as  now  travelled.  They  have  attended  to  the  business  & 
report  That  the  road  was  narrow,  &  at  Some  Seasons  of  the  year  dangerous  to 
pass — And  they  have  proceeded  to  widen  it,  and  establish  the  line  as  follows  (viz) : 
Beginning  at  the  S.  E.  corner  of  Simeon  Clark's  door  yard:  thence  running  S.  32° 
W.  Six  rods  12  links  on  said  Clark's  land  to  land  lately  owned  by  the  heirs  of 
Reuben  Cowls  deceased,  thence  S.  32-  West  Sixteen  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones — 
thence  S.  41-  30'  W.  17  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones— thence  S.  ^^:  W  ^^  rods  and 
11  links  to  a  Stake  and  Stones  thence  S.  430  W.  13  rods  &  4  links  to  a  Stake  & 
Stones — taking  from  Simeon  Clark,  land  about  3  rods,  for  which  we  agree  to 
give  him  five  dollars,  and  from  Lucius  Boltwoods  land.  90  rods  which  we  appraised 
at  the  rate  of  one  hundred  Dollars  per  acre, — 
All  which  is  respectfully  submitted 

Elijah  Boltwood      "] 
Zebina  Dickinson       !     ^ 
George  Nutting        \    Committee 
Jonathan  Cowls       J 
.March  3,  1828 

Ithamar  Conkey  Moderator 

Town  Meeting.  April  7,  1828.     For  Governor. 
His  Excellence  Levi  Lincoln,  had  one  hundred  and  twenty  three  votes — Charles 
Jackson  had  one  vote     Ithamar  Conkey  had  one  vote 

Attest  Ith'r  Conkey  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  May  12,  182S.     For  Representatives. 
Samuel  F.  Dickinson  had  one  hundred  and  three  votes  which  being  a  majority 
of  the  whole,  he  was  declared  elected — 

Enos  Dickinson  had   Ninety  nine  votes   which  being  a  majority  he  was  also 
declared  elected — *  *  * 

Attest  Ithamar  Conkey  Town  Clerk 

[Held  at  the  First  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting.  September  22,  1S2S. 
4th     Voted     that  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  draw  orders  on  the  Treasurer 
to  the  amount  of  Six  hundred  and  fifty  Dollars,  upon  Interest  after  the  first  day  of 
March  next:  to   meet   their   contracts   for   building   and   repairing  the  bridges  in 
Town — 

Attest  Ith'r  Conkey  Town  Clerk 

DIVISION  LINE,  SHUTESBURY  AND  AMHERST 
We  the  Subscribers  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Shutesbury  and  Amherst  pur- 
suant to  a  notice  given  to  the  Selectmen  of  Amherst  by  the  Selectmen  of  Shutes- 
bury, met  and  perambulated  the  line  between  Said  Towns  as  follows  (viz)  Begin- 
ning at  the  S.  W.  corner  of  Shutesbury  at  a  Stone  marked  on  the  N  ;  S.  and  on  the 
South,  P.  thence  North  to  a  Stake  and  Stones  near  the  Isiah  Adams  house  so 
called  on  a  nole  N.  W.  of  said  town,  between  said  corners  on  Luther  Henrys  land 
17 


2l8  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Marked  tree  with  the  initial  letters  of  Sd  Towns  opposite  the  Town,  signify  between 

Sd  tree  and  the  North  corner  marked  trees — 

Shutesbury  Nov.  22,  1828. 

Wm  Reed  (       Selectmen  of 

Gideon  Stetson  Jr     (         Shutesbury 
Jonathan  Cowls     Selectman  of  Amherst 
Joseph  L.  Smalledge  Surveyor 

DIVISION    LINE,    AMHERST   AND   GRANBY. 

We  the  subscribers  Selectmen  of  Amherst  and  Granby  have  this  twenty  fourth 
day  of  Nov.  182S  met  agreable  to  notice  given  by  the  Selectmen  of  Amherst,  that 
being  the  most  ancient  Town  for  the  purpose  of  perambulating  and  running  the 
line  and  renewing  the  marks  between  Said  Towns,  and  having  attended  that  Service 
make  return  as  follows  (viz) — Beginning  at  a  mountain  oak  in  the  notch  of  the 
mountain  so  called,  thence  east  230,  North  22  rods  to  a  black  oak  tree  marked  and 
stones,  thence  E.  32°,  N.  46  rods  to  a  heap  of  Stones  on  the  top  of  round  hill  so 
called,  thence  E.  29°,  S.  62  rods  to  a  white  pine  tree  marked  and  Stones,  thence  E. 
160,  No.  204  rods  to  a  heap  of  Stones  on  the  top  of  Williards  nob  so  called,  thence 
westardly  about  40  rods  to  a  white  oak  staddle  marked  and  Stones  at  the  foot  of 
the  ledge,  thence  E.  120  N.  36  rods  to  a  pine  tree  marked  and  Stones  thence  E.  350 
S.  40  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones,  thence  E.  120,  S.  64  rods  to  a  black  oak  Staddle 
marked  and  Stones,  thence  E.  34°  N.  36  rods  to  a  walnut  Staddle  marked 
and  Stones,  thence  South  eastward  by  about  40  rods  to  John  Smith  N.  W.  corner 
about  40  rods  to  a  chestnut  tree  marked  and  Stones,  thence  E.  45°,  S.  96  rods  to  a 
Staddle  marked  and  Stones  thence  E.  220  N.  58  rods  to  a  yellow  tree  marked  and 
Stones,  thence  E.  30°  N.  46  rods  to  a  yellow  oak  tree  and  Stones,  thence  E.  4°  S. 
82  rods  to  a  white  oak  tree  marked  and  Stones,  thence  E.  19°,  N.  6r>  rods  to  a 
walnut  Staddle  and  Stones,  thence  E.  50,  N.  18  rods  to  a  walnut  Staddle  and 
Stones  thence  E.  7°,  S.  36  rods  to  a  Stake  and  Stones,  thence  E.  116  rods  to  the 
County  road  near  Mr  Towers  thence  East  to  Belchertown  line  to  a  Stone 
monument. 

Nathaniel  C.  Dickinson  (   Selectmen 
Eisenezer  Williams  j  of  Amherst 

Chester  Smith  \  Selectmen 

Samuel  Tower  \  of  Granby 

Town  Meeting,  January  7,  1S29. 
Voted     to  choose   an  agent  to   oppose  the  laying  a  road  mentioned   in  the 
Second  Article  in  the  warrant,  from   Hadley  to  Amherst,  and  made   choice  of 
Ithamar  Conkey.     Said  Agent. 

Attest,  Ith'r  Conkey.  Town  Clerk. 

[Held  at  First  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting,  March  2,  1S29. 

Made  choice  of  Ithamar  Conkey  Town  Clerk,  who  is  sworn  before  Isaac 
Robins  Esqr  and  a  certificate  is  filed. 

Made  choice  of  Ithamar  Conkey  Treasurer. 

Voted  to  choose  five  Selectmen,  and  made  choice  of  Elijah  Boltwood  Zebina 
Dickinson,  Jonathan  Cowls,  Nathaniel  C.  Dickinson  and  Ebenezar  Williams. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  219 

Voted  to  choose  three  Assessors,  and  made  choice  of  Elijah  Boltwood, 
Nathaniel  C.  Dickinson  and  Chester  Dickinson. 

Attest  Ith'r  Conkey  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  April  6,  1S29,  for  Governor. 
His  Excellency  Levi  Lincoln  forty  one  votes 
Hon.  Marcus  Morton  Seventeen  votes 
Hon.  Samuel  C.  Allen  thirty  four  votes 
Hon.  Thomas  L.  Winthrop  one  vote 

Attest  Ithamar  Conkey  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  May  n,  1829,  for  Representative. 
Samuel  M.  Worcester  one  hundred  and  fifteen  votes 
Zebina  Dickinson  sixty  votes 
Ithamar  Conkey  twenty  three  votes 
Osmyn  Baker  thirteen  votes 

Attest  Ithamar  Conkey,  Town  Clerk 

[Held  at  Second  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting,  June  1,  1829. 
Voted  to  release  all  the  right  title  and  Interest  which  the  Town  have  in  the 
land  upon  which  the  old  road  is  laid  between  the  Second  Parish  Meeting  house, 
and  the  house  of  Elijah  Boltwood  in  case  a  new  road  shall  be  laid  out  and  estab- 
lished between  those  points,  and  on  condition  that  the  Town  shall  not  in  the  event 
be  compelled  to  pay  expence  of  the  new  road,  and  on  condition  that  good  bonds 
be  left  with  the  Town  Treasurer  before  the  land  is  taken,  to  indemnify  the  Town 
against  all  the  expences  of  making  the  new  road  ; — And  that  the  Selectmen  be 
authorized  to  release  Said  Lands  to  those  persons  who  own  land  in  the  rear  for  a 
fair  consideration,  if  they  will  purchase  it,  if  not,  then  to  dispose  of  it  to  any  one 
else,  for  the  benefit  of  the  new  road — and  provided  also  that  the  new  road  be 
made  to  the  acceptance  of  the  County  Commissioners. 

Attest  Ithamar  Conkey  Town  Clerk 

HADLEY    AND    AMHERST    DIVISION    LINE   AND   MONUMENTS — 

Hadley  Nov.  11,  1S29.  This  certifies  that  the  Selectmen  of  the  Towns  of 
Hadley  and  Amherst  agreable  to  previous  appointment  met  and  erected  a  Stone 
Monument  in  Sunderland  South  line  and  for  Hadley  North  east  and  Amherst 
North  west  corners;  thence  Southerly  perambulating  an  old  line  ranging  between 
io°  &  12°  West  of  South  to  David  Smith  South  west  corner  (as  we  supposed)  where 
they  erected  a  Stone  Monument  near  a  pine  Stump,  then  easterly  on  David  Smith 
South  line  to  an  angle  in  the  Same  near  a  Swamp,  and  about  fifty  rods  from  the 
road  leading  from  Sunderland  to  Amherst  where  we  erected  a  Stone  Monument — 
thence  Southerly  about  n°  West  of  South  ranging  with  an  old  ditch  to  the  North 
East  corner  of  land  of  the  late  Elias  Smith — where  we  erected  a  Stone  monument, 
thence  Westerly  on  Said  Smith  North  line  Sixteen  rods  and  three  links,  where  we 
erected  a  Stone  Monument,  thence  Southerly  passing  10  rods  west  of  Smith  build- 
ings to  the  South  line  of  the  Lot  where  we  erected  a  stone  Monument  thence  east- 
erly, on  his  South,  line  16  rods>  &  3  links  to  the  Ancient  Town  line,  where  we  erected 


220  HISTORY    OF    THE     ["OWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

a  Stone  Monument,  thence  Southerly  on  the  old  line  to  the  Middle  road  to  a  large 
oak  upon  the  South  Side  thereof,  thence  continuing  Same  course  across  .Mill  river 
and  the  new  road  to  a  Stake  and  Stones,  on  the  north  side  of  the  hay  road  where 
we  erected  a  Stone  .Monument,  thence  upon  the  Same  Side  of  the  road  to  a  Stone 
Monument  which  we  erected  in  front  of  the  Abbe  house,  thence  Southerly  i  30' 
East  oi   South  to  the  top  of  the  .Mountain  to  a  Tree  Marked — 

Attest  Nathan  P.  Fletcher  Surveyor — 

[Held  at  Second  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting,  March  1.  1S30. 

Made  choice  of  Lucius  Boltwood  Clerk  — who  was  sworn  before  Ithamar 
Conkey  Esqr&  a  certificate  filed — Voted  &  chose  Lucius  Boltwood  Treasurer,  *  *  * 
Voted  &  chose  Elijah  Boltwood,  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr.  William  Kellogg,  l-'.nos 
Dickinson  &  David  Dexter  Selectmen 

Voted  &  chose  Elijah  Boltwood,  Chester  Dickinson  &  James  Kellogg  Assessors. 

Voted  To  set  up  the  Collectorship  to  the  lowest  bidder  witli  the  understand- 
ing that  the  person  bidding  it  off  be  chosen  Constable  *  *  It  was  accordingly 
set  up  &  struck  off  to  Horace  Smith  for  twenty  eight  I  >ollars 

Attest  Lucius   BOLTWOOD    Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting.  April  5.  1830.     For  Governor. 
His  Excellency  Levi  Lincoln  had  one  hundred  &  five  votes 
Hon.  Marcus  Morton  twenty  eight  votes 
Hon  Francis  C.  Bates  three  votes 
Hon.  Samuel  C.  Allen  one  vote 
Asahel  Thayer  Esq  one  vote 

Attest  Lucius  Boltwood  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting.  May  3,  1830.     For  Representee. 
Zebina  Dickinson  had  one  hundred  &  sixty  six  votes 
Isaac  G.  Cutler  had  one  hundred  ec  sixty  four  votes 
Ithamar  Conkey  had  one  hundred  ec  fifty  four  votes 
Osmyn  Baker  had  one  hundred  ec  thirty  six  votes 

Zebina  Dickinson  ec  Isaac  G.  Cutler  having  a  majority  of  all  the  voles  were 
declared  to  be  elected — 

Attest  L  Boltwood  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting.  November  23,  1830. 
Voted     To  instruct  the  Representatives  of  this  town  in  the  General   Court  to 
use   their   endeavors   to  obtain   an   explanation   of  the    Laws  imposing  taxes 
Students  in  the   Colleges  in  this   Commonwealth,   in  towns   where  Colleges 
situated;  &  also  of  the  Laws  relating  to  their  right  of  voting  in  such  towns — 

Attest  L.  BoLTWOod,  Town  Clerk. 

[Held  at  First  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting.  March  7.  1831. 
Voted  ec  chose  Lucius  Boltwood  Clerk. 


on 
are 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS:  22  1 

Voted  &  chose  Elijah  Boltwood,  David  Dexter  Enos  Dickinson  Ebenezer 
Mattoon  Jr.  &  William  Kellogg  Selectmen. 

Voted  &  chose  Elijah  Boltwood,  Chester  Dickinson,  &  James  Kellogg 
Assessors. 

Voted     Collector  &  Constable  *  *  *  to  Horace  Smith  for  thirty  seven  Dollars. 

Attest  L  Boltwood,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  April  4.  1831,  for  Governor. 
His  Excellency  Levi  Lincoln  had  seventy  five  votes 

Lincoln  had  thirty  one  votes 

Marcus  Morton  had  Sixteen  votes 
Henry  Shaw  had  four  votes 
Charles  D.  Gale  had  three  votes 
Samuel  Lathrop  had  seven  votes 
John  S.  Adams  had  one  vote 

Attest  L  Boltwood  Town  Clerk 

[Held  at  Second  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting,  May  11.  1S31,  for  Representative. 
John  Leland  Esqr  had  sixty  four  votes 
Zebina  Dickinson  had  sixty  four  votes 
Ithamar  Conkey  Esq1"  had  thirty  two  votes 
Abiatha  Winter  had  eight  votes 
Enos  Dickinson  had  eighteen  votes 
Ebenr  Mattoon  Jr  had  one  vote 
Asahel  Thayer  had  one  vote 

Attest  Lucius  Boltwood  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting.   November  14.  1831,  for  Governor. 
His  Excellency  Levi  Lincoln  had  one  hundred  and  twenty  six  votes 
Hon.  Samuel  Lathrop  had  forty  seven  votes 
Hon.  Marcus  Morton  had  nine  votes 

For  Representative. 
Zebina  Dickinson  had  ninety  two  votes 

Oliver  Dickinson  the  second  had  one  hundred  and  fifty  eight  votes 
John  Leland  had  ninety  seven  votes 
Timothy  J.  Gridley  had  three  votes 
Ithamar  Conkey  had  six  votes 
Osmyn  Baker  had  two  votes 
Solomon  K  Eastman  had  one  vote 
James  Kellogg  had  two  votes 

Attest  L  Boltwood  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  December  5.  1S31. 
Voted     To  choose   a   Committee  of  three   to  examine   &  report   at   a  future 
meeting  whether  the  Town  ought  to  allow  the  owners  of  the  Mill  Hollow-Mills.  >S; 
if  so  on  what  terms  to  cut  a  canal  across  the  highway  so  that  they  may  erect  their 
mill  below  the  bridge. 

Attest  L   BOLTWOOD  Town  Clerk 


222  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

[Held  at  the  Vestry  of  the  Brick  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting,  March  5,  1832. 

1st  made  choice  of  Osmyn  Baker  Esq,  Moderator.  The  meeting  was  then 
opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev  Ur  Humphrey — And  the  statutes  against  profane 
cursing  &  swearing  were  read  by  the  Clerk 

Voted  &  chose     Lucius  Boltwood  Treasurer 

Voted  &  chose  Elijah  Boltwood,  Chester  Dickinson,  Solomon  K.  Eastman, 
Ebenezer  Williams  &  Jonathan  Bridgman  Selectmen. 

Voted  &  elected  Elijah  Boltwood,  Zebina  Dickinson  &  James  Kellogg 
Assessors 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  draw  on  the  Treasury  for  fifty  Dollars,  due  Cutler 
&  Gridley  by  contract,  for  vaccinating  the  Inhabitants  of  Amherst,  when  in  their 
opinion  said  contract  is  fulfilled 

Voted  That  Cutler  &  Gridleys  Bill  for  attending  persons  sick  with  small  pox 
be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  accounts — 

Attest  L  Boltwood  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  November  12,  1832.     For  Governor. 
His  Excellency  Levi  Lincoln  had  one  hundred  &  forty  six  votes 
Hon.  Samuel  Lathrop  had  Seventy  nine  votes 
Hon.  Marcus  Morton  had  forty  three  votes 

Attest  L  Boltwood  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  November  12,  1832.     For  Representatives. 
On  the  third  ballot  Daniel  Dickinson  had  one  hundred  and  twelve  votes  and 
was  declared  chosen — 

Attest  L  Boltwood  Town  Clerk — 

Town  Meeting,  December  10,  1S32. 
Voted     that  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to  consider  the  expediency  of 
permitting  the  common  North  of  the  College  Hill,  to  be  enclosed,  the  best  method 
of  doing  it,  &  report  thereon  at  the  next  meeting — 

Attest  L  Boltwood  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  March  4,  1S33. 

Voted  &  chose  Lucius  Boltwood  Town  Clerk 

Voted  &  chose  Lucius  Boltwood  Town  Treasurer 

Voted  &  chose  Solomon  K.  Eastman,  Nathaniel  C.  Dickinson,  Jonathan  Cowls, 
Luke  Sweetzer  &  Asahel  Thayer,  Selectmen. 

Voted  &  chose  Daniel  Dickinson,  Rufus  Kellogg  &  Oliver  Dickinson  2a 
Assessors. 

Voted     Collector  &  Constable  Horace  Smith  for  thirty  seven  Dollars. 

Voted  to  raise  seven  hundred  and  seventy  Dollars,  to  purchase  land  to  be 
added  to  the  Center  Burying  Ground  and  fencing  the  same. 

Attest  L  Boltwood  Town  Clerk 

[Held  at  the  Second  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting,  April  1,  1S33. 
Voted     To  refer  to  the  Gen.    School    Committee   the   power   of  retaining  or 
excluding  Webster  spelling  Book,  as  they  shall  deem  expedient 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  223 

Voted  Therefore  that  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  contract  with  such 
individuals  to  inclose  said  Common  as  will  do  it  in  the  most  favorable  Terms,  and 
in  such  manner  as  they,  the  Selectmen,  shall  deem  expedient,  such  improvements 
to  be  made  thereon  as  the  Selectmen  shall  approve. 

Attest  L  Boltwood  Town  Clerk 

Town  Meeting,  August  29,  1S33. 
Voted     To  authorize  the  Selectmen  to  put  up  to  the  lowest  bidder  the  making 
of  the  road,  over  Mount  Holyoke  to  Granby  line,  recently  established. 

Attest  L  Boltwood  Town  Clerk 

[Held  at  the  Vestry  of  the  Brick  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting,  November  n,  1S33.     For  Governor. 

Hon.  John  Davis  had  one  hundred  and  twenty  three  votes. 

Hon.  Samuel  C.  Allen  had  one  hundred  &  seven  votes. 

Hon.  Marcus  Morton  had  thirty  eight  votes. 

Hon.  John  Ouincy  Adams  had  thirty  seven  votes. 

Hon.  Samuel  Lathrop  had  two  votes. 

Voted  To  elect  three  Representatives.  The  whole  number  of  votes  were 
two  hundred  &  twenty  three  of  which  Elijah  Boltwood  had  one  hundred  &  seventy 
votes,  and  Osmyn  Baker  Esqr.  had  one  hundred  &  eighty  nine  votes,  which  being 
a  majority  of  the  whole  number,  said  Gentlemen  were  declared  to  be  elected. 

Attest.  L.  Boltwood,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  3.  1S34. 
Voted  &  elected  Lucius  Boltwood  Town  Clerk. 
Voted  &  elected  Lucius  Boltwood  Treasurer. 

Voted  &  chose  Thomas  Hastings,  Chester  Dickinson,  Lucius  Dickinson,  Jon- 
athan Rice  and  Aaron  M.  Chandler,  Selectmen. 

Voted  &  chose  Ebenezer  Williams.  Alfred  Baker  &  Martin  Baker  assessors 
Voted     Collector  &  Constable  to  Seth  Nims  for  forty  eight  Dollars. 

Attest.  L.  Boltwood,  Town  Clerk. 

[Held  at  the  Second  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting,  May  19,  1S34. 
Voted     to  appoint  two  agents  to  appear  before  the  County  Commissioners  & 
oppose  the   location   of  a   new  road,  commencing  near  the  late  dwelling  house  of 
Theodore  Lyman  deceast  &  running  to  Hadley  line. 

Attest.  L.  Boltwood,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  November  10,  1S34.     For  Governor. 
His  Excellency  John  Davis  had  two  hundred  &  eight  votes. 
Hon.  Marcus  Morton  had  fifteen  votes. 
Hon.  Samuel  C.  Allen  had  thirty  eight  votes. 
Hon.  John  Bailey  had  thirty  votes. 

Voted  to  elect  three  Representatives,  Ebenezer  Williams  &  Reuben  Roberts 
having  the  requisite  number  of  votes  were  declared  elected.     A  second  ballot  being 


224  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

called  for  Elijah  Boltwood  had  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  &  was  declared  elected. 

Attest.  L.  Boltwood,  Town  Clerk. 

[Held  at  East  Parish  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting.  December  i,  1S34. 
Voted     That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  lay  out  a  Town  road  from   the 
North    West   corner   of  David    Parsons,   garden   south    by  the  dwelling  house  of 
Aaron  Belding  to  Mrs.  Shephards  &  thence  East  to  the  County  road,  agreeably  to 
the  wish  of  the  petitioners. 

Attest.        John  S.  Adams,  Clerk  Pro.  Tern. 

[Held  at  the  Vestry  of  the  Brick  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting,  March  2,  1835. 

Voted  &  chose  John  S.  Adams  Town  Clerk 

Voted  &  chose  John  S.  Adams  Treasurer. 

Voted.  That  it  be  a  standing  rule  for  the  Treasurer  to  give  bonds  to  the 
acceptance  of  the  Town  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  their  duties. 

Voted  &  chose  Zebina  Hawley,  W.  S.  Howland,  Lucius  Dickinson,  Daniel 
Dickinson,  Eleazer  Gaylord,  as  Selectmen. 

Voted  &  chose,  Elijah  Boltwood,  Oliver  Dickinson  2'1  and  Jonathan  Cowls, 
assessors. 

Voted  Collector  &  Constable  Seth  Nims,  for  Forty  five  Dollars  seventy-five 
cents. 

Voted  To  recommit  the  Report  of  the  Selectmen  in  reference  to  the  road 
running  from  David  Parsons  to  Mrs.  Shephards  to  the  Selectmen,  with  instructions 
to  lay  the  same  straight  through,  to  the  road  leading  from  Amherst  to  Hadley  viz. 
through  Prof.  Peck's  land. 

Attest.  John  S.  Adams,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  September  2.  1835. 
Voted     That  the  report  of  the  Selectmen  in  reference  to  laying  the  road  from 
David  Parson's  to  the  road  leading  from  the  brick  meeting  house  in   Amherst  to 
Hadley.  through  the  land  of  Prof.  Peck,  be  accepted,  (which  see  on  file). 

Attest.  John  S.  Adams,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  9.  1S35.     For  Governor. 
For  Hon.  Edward  Everett  Two  hundred  and  nine. 
Marcus  Morton  Sixty  nine. 
Samuel  T.  Armstrong  Five 
John  T.  Armstrong  one. 
Voted     to  Elect  three  Representatives  for  the  present  year — George  Nutting 
had  one  hundred  and  forty  four  and  was  declared  elected.     A  second  ballott  was 
called  for  Osmyn  Baker  &  Martin  Baker  having  a  majority  of  all   the  votes  were 
declared  elected. 

Attest.  John  S.  Adams,  Town  Clerk. 

[Held  at  the  Vestry  of  the  Brick  Meeting  House.] 

Town  Meeting,  March  5,  1S36. 
Voted  &  Chose  Russell  T.  Wheelock  Town  Clerk. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  225 

Voted  &  Chose  Russell  T.  Wheelock  Town  Treasurer. 

Voted  &  Chose  Alfred  Baker.  Enos  Dickinson  2''.  Salvador  Andrews.  Leonard 
M.  Hills.  &  Ezra  Ingram,  Selectmen. 

Voted  &  Chose  Elijah  Boltwood,  James  Kellogg,  and  Solomon  K.  Eastman. 
Assessors. 

Voted  &  Chose  Seth  Nims  Collector  &  Constable  for  forty  nine  dollars. 

R.  T.  Wheelock,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  14,  1S36.     For  Governor. 

His  Excellency  Edward  Everett  had  two  hundred  and  eighty  three. 

Hon.  Marcus  Morton  had  seventy  five  votes. 

F01  Representatives,  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr.  had  two  hundred  &  ninety  two  votes 
Enos  Dickinson  2'*  had  two  hundred  and  twenty  rive  votes,  Osmyn  Baker  Esq.  had 
two  hundred  &  twenty  three  votes. 

To  see  what  order  the  town  will  take  on  this  petition  for  a  road  leading  from 
Sunderland  line  to  Dr.  Rufus  Cowls  Store 

Voted  To  appoint  an  Agent  to  appear  before  the  County  Commissioners  and 
oppose  the  location  of  the  above  petitioned  for  road. 

Voted  &  Chose  Ithamar  Conkey  Esq.  Agent.  * 

Attest.  R.  T.  Wheelock.  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  6.  1S37. 

Voted  &  Chose  Samuel  C.  Carter  Town.  Clerk 

Voted  &  Chose,  Samuel  C.  Carter  Town,  Treasurer. 

Voted  &  Chose,  Alfred  Baker,  Leonard  M.  Hills.  Ezra  Ingram,  Enos  Dickin- 
son 2d,  Salvador  Andrews,  Selectmen. 

Voted  &  Chose.  James  Kellogg.  Chester  Dickinson  and  Robert  Cutler, 
Assessors. 

Voted  &  Chose  Frederick  A.  Palmer  Constable. 

Voted  To  set  up  Collectorship,  struck  off  to  Albin  P.  Howe  at  fifty  seven 
dollars. 

Voted  to  accept  the  report  of  the  Selectman  on  the  road  laid  by  Doct.  Sellon. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  May  8,  1837. 
Voted  that  this  town  agrees  to  recover  from  the  Treasurer  and  Receiver  Gen- 
eral of  the  Commonwealth,  it  proportions  the  Surplus  and  Revenue  of  the  United 
States,  on  deposite  and  will  comply  with  the  terms  and  provisions  of  the  several 
Acts,  passed  by  the  Legislature  of  said  Commonwealth,  concerning  the  deposite 
of  the  Surplus  Revenue. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  13.  1S37.     For  Governor. 

His  Excellency  Edward  Everett  had  Three  hundred  and  fifty  nine  votes. 

Hon.  Marcus  Morton  had  fifty  one  votes 

Samuel  Hubbard  had  one  vote. 

Voted.  To  elect  two  Representatives  for  the  present  year,  Eleazer  Kellogg 
and  Edward  Dickinson  having  the  requisite  number  of  votes,  were  declared  elected. 

Voted  That  the  subject  of  a  Poor  House  be  recommitted  to  the  committee 
on  that  subject  &  report  at  a  future  meeting,  the  probable  expence   of  a  farm   &c 


226  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

that  will  answer  for  the  poor  of  this  town,  and  whether  one  can  be  obtained,  &  also 
the  expence  of  this  town  if  united  with  the  other  towns,  and  also  to  report  whether 
it  will  be  expedient  to  unite  with  other  towns. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  February  29,  1838. 

On  hearing  the  report  of  the  Committee,  appointed  at  the  last  meeting,  for  to 
purchase  a  farm,  for  the  Town  it  was  Voted  Not  to  accept  the  Report  of  the 
Committee. 

Voted  That  the  whole  subject  on  the  Poor  Farm  be  recommitted  to  the 
Selectmen,  with  all  the  Authority  contained  in  the  vote  at  the  last  meeting,  and 
they  are  further  authorized  to  consider  the  subject  in  reference  to  the  Vinton  Farm, 
and  take  counsel,  as  to  the  contract  made  by  the  Committee,  and  if  they  are  satis- 
fied that  the  town  is  hoiden  by  the  contract,  so  to  report  to  the  town  at  the  next 
annual  meeting. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  5,  1S3S. 
fl  Voted  and  Chose  Samuel  C.  Carter  Town  Clerk. 

Voted  and  Chose  S.  C.  Carter  Town  Treasurer. 

Voted  to  choose  five  Selectmen  and  made  choice  of  Alfred  Baker,  Ezra 
Ingram,  Oliver  Dickinson  2d,  Nelson  Rust  and  Frederick  A.  Palmer. 

Voted  and  >made  choice  of  James  Kellogg,  Chester  Dickinson  and  Charles 
Adams  as  Assessors. 

Voted  and  chose  Frederick  A.  Palmer  Constable. 

Voted  and  chose  Albin  P.  Howe,  Collector,  for  Fifty  Dollars. 

The  Selectmen  submitted  their  report  upon  the  Vinton  farm  (so  called)  after 
the  reading  of  which  it  was 

Voted  To  accept  the  farm  and  pay  for  it,  according  to  the  report  of  the 
Committee. 

Voted  That  the  whole  subject  for  the  support  of  the  poor  for  the  year 
ensuing,  and  the  farm,  be  referred  to  the  Selectmen,  and  to  report  at  the  meeting  on 
the  first  Monday  of  April  next. 

Voted     To  purchase  an  Engine,  87  in  favor  41  against. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  repair  the  two  old  Engines,  pro- 
vided the  proprietors  of  them  will  give  them  to  the  town. 

Voted  To  raise  Twelve  Hundred  Dollars  for  the  purchase  of  an  Engine  and 
apparatus  and  for  the  repairs  of  the  old  engine,  53  in  favor  24  Nays. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  April  2,  1838. 
Voted     To  rescind  the  vote  passed  at  the  March  Meeting,  in  reference  to  the 
purchasing  of  an  Engine,  so  far  as  that  Eight  hundred  dollars,  instead  of   twelve 
hundred  dollars,  be  raised  and  appropriated  for  that  purpose. 

Town  Meeting,  April  19,  1838. 
Voted  not  to  accept  the  report  of  the  Selectmen  respecting  the  farm    and   the 
support  of  the  Poor  the  year  ensuing. 

Voted     That  Simeon  Clark,  I.  Robbins,  A.  iMerrick,  I.  Conkey,  George  Nut- 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  227' 

ting,  Daniel    Dickinson,  Enoch    Cowles   and    S.  C.  Carter  act   as    a  committee  to 
define  the  several  school  Districts  in  this  town. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  pay  for  the  farm  from  the  fund  of 
the  Surplus  Revenue. 

Voted  to  support  the  Poor  on  the  farm  system  after  present  year. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

REPORT   OF   THE   COMMITTEE. 

No.  1.  West  Centre  District.  Commencing  at  the  stone  bridge,  South  of 
Prof.  Snell's  house,  thence  northerly  to  the  stone  bridge,  south  of  S.  K.  Eastmans 
on  the  Leverett  road,  and  the  Sunderland  road  to  Oliver  Coles  South  line.  Also 
from  Hadley  line  on  the  west,  running  East  to  the  east  corner  of  the  cross  road 
near  the  town  pound  and  including  said  road  and  also  to  the  east  line  of  Mr. 
Joseph  Dickinson's  farm. 

No.  2.  East  Centre  District.  Commencing  at  Morton's  bridge  so  called  on 
the  east  street,  thence  northerly  on  said  street,  to  the  north  line  of  Deacon  Hawley 
farm,  including  the  Pelham  road,  to  Pelham  line,  and  the  log  town  road,  to  the 
Belchertown  line, — also  from  the  East  street,  west  to  the  east  corner  of  the 
cross  road  near  the  town  pound  and  also  Joseph  Dickinsons  lane  so  called  to  the 
east  line  of  said  Dickinson's  farm. 

No.  3.  SoittJi  Centre  District.  Commencing  at  Oliver  Nash's  south  line  on 
the  east  road  and  the  bridge  south  of  Lucius  Dickinson's  house  on  the  middle 
road,  thence  northerly  to  Morton's  bridge  on  the  east  road  to  the  bridge  and  to  the 
bridge  at  the  foot  of  Coy's  hill  on  the  middle  road,  thence  from  the  middle  road,. 
on  the  two  roads  running  to  Plum  brook.  Also  the  new  road  from  the  South  Parish 
Meeting  House  to  Belchertown  line,  thence  on  the  Mill  lane  to  a  bridge  nearly 
equidistant  from  East  to  West  Street. 

No.  \.  North  East  District.  Commencing  at  the  North  line  of  Deacon 
Hawley  farm  on  the  east  street  thence  northerly  to  Leverett  line  by  Daniel  Dick- 
inson's including  all  of  the  territory  east  of  said  road  to  Shutesbury  line,  also  com- 
mencing south  on  the  middle  road  at  the  Stone  bridge  south  of  S.  K.  Eastman's 
thence  northerly  to  the  Guide  Board  north  of  Martin  Bakers  thence  Westerly  to 
the  hill  east  of  Alexander's.  Also  from  the  said  Guide  Board  by  Jones'  Factory  to 
an  oak  tree,  where  it  intersects  the  road  leading  from  Ephraim  Cushman"s  to  the 
west  Street.  Also  from  said  oak  tree  east  to  said  Cushman"s.  Also  from  the 
aforesaid  Guide  Board  northerly  to  Lewis  L.  Draper's. 

No.  5.  North  West  District.  Commencing  at  Sunderland  line  North  and 
running  south  to  Oliver  Coles  South  line  including  the  new  and  old  road.  Thence 
commencing  on  the  Hadley  line  on  the  West  and  running  east  on  the  Shutesbury 
road  to  the  hill  east  of  Alexander's  house,  and  from  the  oak  tree  north  of  the 
factory  to  the  West  Street. 

No.  6.  South  West  District.  Commencing  at  the  middle  road  on  the  bay 
road  and  running  on  the  bay  road  to  Hadley  line.  Thence  on  the  west  street 
north  to  the  north  line  of  the  Gilbert  farm  and  including  all  the  road  from  Plum 
Brook  to  Hadley  line. 

No.  7.  Mill  I'alley  District.  Commencing  at  the  North  line  of  the  Gilbert 
farm,  and  at  the  bridge  at  the  foot  of  Coy's  hill  and  running  north  to  the  Stone 
bridge  south  of  Prof.  Snell's,  including  the  road  from  the  bridge  equidistant  from 
the  east  and  west  street  on  Mill  lane  to  Hadlev  line. 


2  28  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

No.  8.  South  East  District.  Commencing  at  the  Belchertown  line  and 
running  to  the  road  which  passes  by  Lucius  Dickinson's,  thence  on  the  County 
road  by  Isaac  Robbins  to  Oliver  Nash's  south  line,  including  Mr.  Hammond  and 
Mr.  Hunt. 

Dec.  12,  1842.  Voted.  That  A.  P.  Merrick  be  sett  off  Dist.  Xo.  6  to  District 
No.  7. 

At  a  Town  Meeting  June  5.  1843,  It  was  voted  that  District  No.  7  should  run 
north  to  Prof.  Hitchcock's  north  line  and  also  to  the  north  line  of  Widow  Jerusha 
Dickinsons. 

Dec.  2'\  1844.  Voted  that  Joshua  Roberts  be  sett  off  from  District  No.  2  to 
District  No.  4. 

May  7.  1845.     Voted  to  establish  the  line  between  No.  4  and  No.  5. 

Town  Meeting,  November  12,  1S3S.     For  Governor. 
Edward  Everett  had  three  hundred  and  thirty  seven  votes. 
Marcus  .Morton  had  one  hundred  and  five  votes. 

For  Representatives.  Edward  Dickinson  and  Oliver  Dickinson  211,  having  the 
requisite  number  of  votes  were  declared  elected. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  4,  1839. 

Voted  and  Chose  S.  C.  Carter  Town  Clerk. 

Voted  and  Chose  S.  C.  Carter  Treasurer. 

Voted  to  Choose  five  Selectmen.  Enos  Dickinson  Simeon  Clark,  Charles 
Adams,  Charles  Roberts  and  Thomas  Hastings. 

Voted  and  made  choice  of  James  Kellogg,  Chester  Dickinson  and  Charles 
Adams  as  Assessors. 

Voted  and  chose  Wright  D.  Kellogg  Constable. 

Voted  and  chose  A.  P.  Howe  Collector — for  Forty  Dollars. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  expend  a  sum  not  exceeding 
Twelve  Hundred  Dollars  from  Surplus  Revenue  Fund,  for  the  purpose  of  placing 
the  Buildings  on  the  town  farm  in  repair  and  for  the  purpose  of  Stock  and  farm 
utensils,  and  the  Poor  be  placed  on  the  farm  under  the  direction  of  the  Overseers 
of  the  Poor. 

Voted  that  the  balance  of  the  Surplus  Revenue  Fund  be  appropriated  and 
applied  to  the  payment  of  the  debts  of  the  town. 

Voted  to  allow  the  fire  department  their  Poll  taxes. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  11,  1S39.     For  Governor 
Edward  Everett  had  three  hundred  and  seven  votes. 
Marcus  Morton  had  one  hundred  and  seventeen  votes. 
Lucius  Boltwood  had  one  vote. 

For  Representatives,  Ebenezer  Mattoon  Jr.  had  two  hundred  and  four  votes, 
Charles  Adams  had  one  hundred  and  ninety  eight  votes,  were  declared  elected. 

S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  2,  1S40. 
Voted  and  Chose  S.  C.  Carter  Town  Clerk. 
Voted  and  chose  S.  C.  Carter  Treasurer. 


RECORDS    OP'    TOWN    MEETINGS.  2  2C/ 

Voted  to  choose  five  Selectmen  and  made  choice  of  Luther  Nash,  Eleazer 
Kellogg.  Cotton  Smith.  Seth  Xims  and  Willard  M.  Kellogg. 

Voted,  and  made  choice  of  James  Kellogg,  Chester  Dickinson  and  Ebenezer 
Williams  as  Assessors. 

Voted  and  chose  Z.  Crocker  Ingram  collector,  for  fifty  seven  Dollars. 

Voted  That  all  future  town  meetings  be  warned  by  posting  an  attested  copy 
of  the  warrant  on  the  four  Congregational  and  Baptist  Meeting  houses  in  this  town 
seven  days  before  the  time  of  holding  said  meetings,  and  that  all  former  votes  on 
this  subject  be  rescinded. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter.  Town  Clerk. 

June  15.  1S40.  The  whole  number  of  inhabitants,  taken  by  Census  May  1. 
1840  was  Twenty  Five  Hundred  and  Fifteen. 

The  whole  number  of  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst  as  taken  for  the 
U.  S.  Marshall  was  2551. 

True  value  of  real  and  personal  estate  in  1840  was  $885,033. 
No.  Polls,  ratable,  16  years  and  upwards  577 

not  taxed  nor  supported  by  town       35 
"         "      supported  by  the  town  3 

Length  of  the  roads  in  the  town  of  Amherst  as  surveyed  by  Capt.  Simeon 
Clark  Sept.,  1840. 


miles 

rods 

West  Street 

9 



from  top  of  Mountain. 

East  Street 

7 

160 

"         Bay  road 

Bay  road 

4. 



Road  by  Tower's 

160 

by  Lucius  Dickinson 

2 

160 

Potwines  Lane 

1 

20 

from  South  Parish  to  Hadley 

1 

200 

Do.  to  Logtown 

2 



by  T.  Hastings  to  Do. 

1 

240 

East  Street  to  Hills 

1 

40 

"           "     to  Pelham 

1 

60 

"          '•     to  Shutesbury 

240 

Mill  Valley  to  Hadley 

260 

West  Meeting  House  to  Hadley 

1 



Old  road  to  Hadley 

240 

North  Parish  to  Hadley 

1 

20 

'•         to  Leverett 

1 

120 

P.  Ingrams  to             Do. 

2S0 

to  City 

1 



"            to  Shutesbury 

1 

So 

N.  Parish  to  City 

1 

So 

to  Factory  road 

280 

City  to  West  Street  N.  R. 

1 

80 

from  Wheelocks  to  the  City 

2 

40 

0.  Cowls  lane 

200 

J.  Strongs  lane 

2  So 

West  to  East  Street 

1 



Fames  road — triangle 

160 

Billings  lane 

2S0 

Mill  lane 

2  So 

Total  51A  miles  of  road' 

39       3960  covering  340  acres  of  land 


230  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Town  Meeting,  November  9,  1S40.     For  Representative. 
Samuel  C.  Carter  having  received  the  required  number  of  votes  was  declared 
to  be  elected. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  December  7,  1S40. 
Voted.     That   the    Selectmen   be   authorized   to   convey   to   the  Trustees  of 
Amherst  College,  by  quit  claim    deed   so   much   of  the    common   in    front   of  the 
College  lot,  as  is  not  wanted  for  the  purposes  of  a  highway,  upon  the  terms  and  con- 
ditions specified  in  this  petition  of  the  prudential  Committee  of  said  trustees. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  T.  Clerk. 

Copy  of  the  petition  of  the  prudential  committee  of  Amherst  College,  pre- 
sented and  acted  upon  at  a  legal  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Amherst  held  on  the  seventh  of  Dec.  1S40. 

The  undersigned  in  behalf  of  the  College  would  respectfully  present  to  the 
town  of  Amherst  a  petition  for  license  to  use  the  Hill  in  front  of  the  College  for 
College  purposes. 

The  Hill  in  its  present  condition  is  well  known  to  be  deformed  and  inconven- 
ient. Being  a  conspicuous  object  it  has  been  supposed  by  strangers  to  furnish 
evidence  of  a  want  of  taste  and  enterprise  on  the  part  of  the  college  and  of  the 
town  and  is  thus  a  standing  reproach  to  both.  The  students  who  pass  over  it.  to 
and  from  their  meals  six  times  a  day,  the  Faculty,  the  Trustees  in  their  annual 
visits,  the  benefactors  and  friends  of  the  Institution  and  the  inhabitants  of  the 
place,  all  unite  in  viewing  it  with  a  common  feeling  of  dissatisfation.  The  parents 
of  the  young  men  who  join  the  Institution  and  the  young  men  themselves  in  their 
first  impressions  are  disgusted  with  its  deformed  appearance  and  thus  in  some 
degree  at  the  outset  are  disgusted  with  the  College  and  the  town.  They  regard  it 
as  the  index  of  the  character  of  each. 

What  is  thus  now  useless  and  worse  than  useless  and  a  deformity  and  a  reproach 
to  the  College  and  the  Town,  may  be  made  usefull  and  ornamental  and  creditable 
to  both.  It  is  needed  by  the  College  as  the  best  place  for  an  observatory  to  be 
erected  for  Astronomical  and  philosophical  purposes.  In  the  want  of  such  a  build- 
ing some  of  the  apparatus  now  in  possession  can  not  be  used.  Instead  of  being 
inconvenient  and  awkward,  it  will  if  put  into  shape  be  easy  of  access,  convenient 
and  gracefull.  By  being  smothed  in  all  part  of  it,  and  planted  with  trees  and 
protected  by  a  fence  and  covered  with  green-sward  and  fitted  up  with  walks  it  may 
be  made  a  pleasant  spot  attractive  to  transient  travellers,  to  visitors  and  to  students 
about  to  enter  College.  It  cannot  reasonably  be  expected  by  anyone  that  the  Col- 
lege, in  its  poverty,  will  employ  the  expense  and  the  labor  necessary  for  accomplish- 
ing these  desirable  improvements,  unless  it  can  be  secured  in  the  peaceable  posses- 
sion of  the  Hill  when  thus  improved.  This  security  the  town  we  think  will  cheer- 
fully grant  on  condition  that  only  so  much  of  the  eastern  side  of  the  common  as 
is  not  needed  for  a  highway  shall  be  occupied  by  the  college  and  that  the  part  thus 
relinquished  by  the  town,  shall  be  used  only  for  College  purposes.  Your  petitioners 
would  therefore  respectfully  request  that  the  Inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Amherst 
at  their  present  meeting  would  authorize  the  Selectmen  to  relinquish  to  the  Trus- 
tees of  Amherst  College,  their  rights  in  the   common  in  front  of  the  College  lot, 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  23  I 

excepting  so  much  as  is  needed  for  a  highway,  with  permission  to  improve,  enclose 
ornament  and  use  the  same  for  College  purposes  and  no  other. 

H.  Humphrey        1   p     ,      . , 
Amherst,  Dec.  7th  1S40  Luke  Sweetzer    }  ^ruaentiai 

David  Mack  Jr    S  Committee 
A  true  copy,  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  town  of  Amherst  held  on  Monday  the 
twenty  first  day  of  December  A.  D.  1840  Newton  Pitch  was  appointed  by  said 
selectmen  Town  Clerk  and  Treasurer  during  the  absence  of  S.  C.  Carter  in  pur- 
suance of  the  statue  in  such  cases  made  and  provided. 

Attest.  Newton  Fitch,  Town  Clerk,  Pro  Tern. 

Town  Meeting,  March  1,  1S41. 

Voted  and  Chose  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Voted  and  Chose  S.  C.  Carter,  Treasurer. 

Voted  Simeon  Clark,  Oliver  Watson,  Seth  Nims,  Eleazer  Kellogg  and  Wil- 
liam Merrick,  Selectmen. 

Voted  and  made  choice  of  R.  T.  Wheelock,  Rufus  Kellogg  and  Lucius  Dick- 
inson as  Assessors. 

Voted  and  chose  F.  A.  Palmer,  Constable. 

Voted     That  the  Treasurer  act  as  Collector  of  taxes. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

SUNDERLAND   AND    AMHERST   DIVISION    LINES    1S41. 

The  line  between  the  towns  of  Sunderland  and  Amherst  was  run  June  14"1 
1S41.  A  majority  of  the  Selectmen  of  each  town  was  present  and  is  as  follows 
viz.  commencing  at  a  stone  at  the  South  East  corner  of  the  town  of  Sunderland, 
run  West  ic  45"  South  219  rods  to  a  stone  which  is  the  North  West  corner  of  the 
town  of  Amherst. 

Charles  Coolev,  Surveyor. 

Town  Meeting,  Novembers,  1S41.     For  Representative. 
Samuel  C.  Carter  having  received  the  required  number  of  votes  was  declared 
to  be  elected. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  town  of  Amherst  held  on  Monday  the 
twenty  seventh  day  of  December  A.  D.  1S41  Newton  Fitch  was  appointed  by  said 
selectmen  Town  Clerk  and  Treasurer  during  the  absence  of  S.  C.  Carter  in  pursu- 
ance of  the  statue  in  such  cases  made  and  provided. 

Attest.  Newton  Fitch,  Town  Clerk.  Pro  Tern. 

Town  Meeting,  March  7,  1S42. 
Voted  and  Chose  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 
Voted  and  chose  S.  C.  Carter,  Treasurer. 

Voted.     Simeon  Clark,  Alfred  Raker  and  Enos  Dickinson  ist  selectmen. 
Voted  and  made  choice  of  Ezra  Ingram,  Ebenezer  Williams  and  James  Kellogg 
as  Assessors. 

Voted  and  chose  Owen  Johnson,  Constable. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 


232  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Town  Meeting,  November  14,  1S42.     For  Representative. 
Ezra  Ingram  had  two  hundred  and  forty  seven  votes. 

Ezra  Ingram    having  received  the  required  number  of  votes  was  declared  to 
be  elected. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  December  19,  1842. 
Voted.  That  Daniel  Dickinson,  Lucius  Dickinson,  and  Oliver  Watson  be  a 
committee,  for  to  procure  a  place,  in  which  future  town  meetings,  can  be  held  and 
are  authorized  to  confer  with  the  Committee  of  the  r8t  Parish  in  regard  to  their 
vestry,  and  also  with  other  committees  or  individuals  and  report  at  the  future 
meeting. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  March  6,  1843. 
Voted  and  chose  S.  C.  Carter  Town  Clerk. 
Voted  and  chose  S.  C.  Carter  Treasurer. 

Voted     Ebenezer  Williams.  Eleazer  Kellogg  and  F.  A.  Palmer,  Selectmen. 
Voted  and  chose  James   Kellogg,  Ebenezer  Williams  and   Ezra  Ingram  as 
Assessors. 

Voted  and  chose  Frederick  A.  Palmer,  Constable. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  April  3,  1843. 
The  committee   appointed  at   the  last  meeting  to  procure  a  place  for  to  hold 
town  meetings,  made  a  report  and  it  was 

Voted,     That  Mr.  Sweetser's  Hall  be  procured  for  to  hold  town  meetings  on 
the  terms  offered  by  him. 

Voted,     To  allow  the  first  Parish  fifteen  dollars  for  the  use  of  the  vestry  up  to 
this  time. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

[Held  in  Mr.  Sweetzer's  Hall.] 

Town  Meeting,  June  5,  1843. 
Voted  That  the  town  will  renew  their  vote  passed  in  1S33  in  relation  to  the 
enclosing  of  the  common  north  of  the  College  Hill  with  the  following  amendment 
viz.  Provided  that  the  town  may  at  any  time,  take  the  control  and  receive  the 
income  of  the  enclosure,  by  paying  the  expense  which  has  been  incurred  and  which 
remains  unpaid.  And  also  Provided,  that  the  excess  of  the  avails,  if  any,  shall  be 
appropriated  to  the  support  of  the  Engines. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  13,  1843.     For  Representative. 
Timothy  J.  Gridley  had  two  hundred  and  sixty  seven  votes,  and  was  declared 
elected. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  4,  1S44. 
Voted  and  chose  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 
Voted  and  chose  S.  C.  Carter,  Treasurer, 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  233 

Voted.     F.  A.  Palmer,  Salem  Hammond  and  Ezra  Ingram,  Selectmen. 
Voted   and   chose   James    Kellogg',    Ezra    Ingram   and  Enos  Dickinson  ist  as 
Assessors. 

Voted  and  chose  F.  A.  Palmer  as  Constable. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Report  of  the  Selectmen  on  the  new  road  from  Jones  Factory  to  North  Parish 
meeting  House,  presented  and  accepted  by  the  town  Jan.  1,  1844. 

We  the  undersigned  Selectmen  of  the  town  of  Amherst,  having  on  the  peti- 
tion of  Thomas  Jones  and  others  proceeded  to  locate  a  highway.  The  following 
are  the  minutes  of  said  location.  Beginning  on  the  highway  leading  from  the 
factory  bridge,  Northerly  to  Albert  Balls,  near  a  dwelling  house,  standing  on  the 
West  side  of- said  road  and  owned  by  Thomas  Jones,  thence  running  South  595 
West — 62  rods  and  20  links,  37  rods  on  land  of  Thomas  Jones  and  25  rods  on 
land  of  Lyscum  Spear, — thence  West  3  North,  78  rods;  49  rods  on  land  Wm.  H„ 
Smith  and  Eleazer  Cowls, — 15  rods  on  land  of  Horace  Cutler  and  Eleazer  Cowls, 
14  rods  of  land  of  Jonathan  Cowls  and  Eleazer  Cowls.  The  above  line  is  to  be 
the  North  side  of  said  highway  and  is  to  be  three  rods  wide.  We  have  appraised 
Eleazer  Cowls  sixty  five  dollars  damages  and  Lyscum  Spear  agreed  to  accept  of 
twelve  dollars  and  the  others  agreed  to  give  their  land  and  make  the  fences. 

Frederick  A.  Palmer     j       ^  , 
Amherst,  Dec.  25,  1S4-?  Ebenezer  Williams         I        selectmen 


5.  1S43  Ebenezer  Williams  *  a    i7     * 

t7,^.-,t,t,   t-^,  ,  ^^^  {       of  Amherst 

A  true  copy  of  the  Report. 


Eleazer  Kellogg  } 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 


We  the  undersigned  hereby  certify  that  we  were  Selectmen  of  the  town  of 
Amherst  for  the  year  commencing  March.  1843,  that  in  the  month  of  October  of 
that  year  a  petition  signed  by  Thomas  Jones  and  others  was  presented  to  us,  pray- 
ing us  as  Selectmen  to  lay  out  a  town  way,  between  the  Factory  village  and  the 
West  Street  near  Jonathan  Cowls;  that  on  the  13th  day  of  said  November,  we 
gave  written  notice  of  our  intention,  to  lay  out  a  town  way,  between  the  termini 
stated  in  said  petition,  to  Thomas  Jones,  Lyscum  Spear,  William  A.  Smith,  Eleazer 
Cowls,  Horace  Cutler  and  Jonathan  Cowls,  who  were  all  and  the  only  owners  of 
land,  across  which,  said  way  was  proposed  to  be  located,  and  on  the  20th  day  of  the 
same  November,  we  proceeded  to  locate  the  way,  according  to  the  report  of  the 
same,  signed  by  us  and  dated  Dec.  25,  1S43,  and  accepted  by  the  town  on  the  first 
day  of  January,  1S44  and  recorded  in  the  records  of  the  town  in  April,  1844. 

Frederick  A.  Palmer  j  Selectmen  for  the  year  ending  on 
Eleazer  Kellogg  j  the  first  of  March,  1S44. 

A  true  copy  of  Certificate  on  file. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter.  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  11.  1S44.     For  Representative. 
Thomas  Jones  had  two  hundred  and   eighty   seven  votes  and   was   declared 
elected. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  December  31.  1844. 
Voted     That   the   Selectmen   in   behalf  of  the   inhabitants   of  the   town  of 
18 


234  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Amherst,  be  instructed  to  petition  the  General  Court  to  grant  the  petition  of  T.  J. 
Gridley  and  others  for  a  charter  for  a  railroad  from  Hockanum  in  Hadley  to 
Grout's  in  Montague. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  purchase  200  ft.  of  hose  for  the 
Cataract  Engine.  * 

Voted     To  appropriate  thirty  dollars  to  furnish  a  Engine  house  in  Mill  Valley. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter.  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  3,  1S45. 
Voted  and  chose  S.  C.  Carter  Town  Clerk. 
Voted  and  chose  S.  C.  Carter  Town  Treasurer. 

Voted.  Russell  T.  Wheelock.  Lyman  Gunn  and  Waitstill  Dickinson,  Select- 
men. 

Voted  and  chose  James  Kellogg,  Daniel  Dickinson  and  Simeon  Clarke  for 
Assessors. 

Voted  and  chose  Seth  Nims  as  Constable. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

SOUTH    HADLEY    AND    AMHERST. 

Agreeable  to  the  laws  of  the  Commonwealth  the  Selectmen  of  So.  Hadley 
sent  a  notice  (said  town  being  the  most  ancient)  to  the  Selectmen  of  Amherst 
appointing  Monday  31st  clay  of  March,  1S45,  for  the  purpose,  to  perambulate,  run 
and  renew  the  lines  between  said  towns. 

We,  the  subscribers,  the  Selectmen  of  So.  Hadley  and  Amherst  respectively 
met  at  the  oak  tree  in  the  notch  of  the  mountain  close  to  the  road;  said  tree  being 
the  corner  between  South  Hadley  and  Granby  and  the  line  betwixt  Amherst  and 
the  said  towns,  Daniel  Paine  Surveyer  present. 

Beginning  at  said  tree  and  running  north  420  West  seventy  eight  rods  to  two 
walnut  trees,  which  we  marked  and  piled  stones  around:  thence  North  34:  West 
twenty  eight  rods  to  a  white  pine  tree,  which  we  marked;  thence  N.  S40  West 
forty  two  rods  to  a  black  oak  tree  the  corner  between  Hadley  and  Amherst,  and 
the  line  betwixt  said  towns  and  South  Hadley. 

South  Hadley  and  Amherst  line  March  31,  1845. 

Lorenzo  Gaylord  \  Selectmen  of   South 
Ira  Hyde  j  Hadley. 

R.  T.  Wheelock      }         Selectmen  of 
L v.man  Gunn  {  Amherst. 

A  true  copy. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  May  7,  1845. 
Voted.     To  accept  the  report  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  establish  the  line 
between  the  School  Districts  No.  4,  and  No.  5,  which  is  as  follows. 

Commencing  at  an  oak  tree,  standing  in  the  corner  of  the  road  leading  from 
Ephraim  Cushman's  to  the  West  Street,  thence  running  South  16  E.  from  said 
tree  to  the  hill  east  of  Mr.  Alexander's  house,  passing  North  of  Mr.  Jones  West 
factory  and  on  the  west  side  of  said  factory. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter.  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  10,  1S45.     For  Representative. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  235 

Timothy  J.  Gridley  had  two  hundred  and  fifty  one  votes  and  was  declared 
Elected. 

Attest.  Newton  Fitch,  Town  Clerk,  pro  tern. 

Town  Meeting,  Decembers,  1S45. 
Voted  and  Chose  Newton  Fitch  Town  Clerk  to  fill  the  vacancy  occasioned  by 
the  resignation  of  of  S.  C.  Carter,  Esq. 

Attest.  Newton  Fitch,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  2,  1S46. 

Voted  and  Chose  Newton  Fitch,  Town  Clerk. 

Voted  and  Chose  Newton  Fitch,  Town  Treasurer. 

Voted  and  Chose  Russell  T.  Wheelock,  Lyman  Gunn  and  Waitstill  Dickinson, 
Selectmen. 

Voted  and  Chose  Simeon  Clark,  Daniel  Dickinson  and  Frederick  A.  Palmer, 
Assessors. 

Voted  and  Chose  Isaac  Gridley  Constable. 

Voted  To  raise  the  sum  of  Two  Hundred  dollars,  to  pay  the  expenses  of 
setting  out  Shade  and  ornamental  trees  in  the  Center  and  North  and  South  Bury- 
ing grounds,  that  an  equal  sum  be  expended  upon  the  south  and  north  burying 
grounds  and  an  amount  equal  to  both,  upon  the  Center  one.   *  *  * 

Attest.  Newton  Fitch,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  9,  1846.      For  Representative. 

John  Leland  had  one  Hundred  and  ninety  one  votes  and  was  declared  elected. 
Attest.  Newton  Fitch,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  30,  1S46. 
Voted     That  the  Selectmen  be  required  to  publish    the   warrants   for  all   the 
future  Town  Meetings  in  the  Hampsliire  and  Franklin-  Express. 

Attest.  Newton  Fitch,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  1,  1S47. 
Voted  and  Chose  Newton  Fitch,  Town  Clerk. 
Voted  and  Chose  Newton  Fitch,  Town  Treasurer. 

Voted  and  Chose  John  Dickinson  Jr.,  Ansel  C.  Marshall.  Waitstill  Dickinson, 
Selectmen. 

Voted  and  Chose  Frederick  A.  Palmer,  Horace  Kellogg,  Ezra  Ingram, 
Assessors. 

Voted  and  Chose  Isaac  Gridley  Constable. 

Attest.  NEWTON   Fitch,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  August  30,  1S47. 
Voted  to  accept  of  the  provisions  made  for  this  town  in   the   will   of   the  late 
Oliver  Smith,  Esq. 

Voted  to  choose  an  Elector  of  Trustee  under  said  will. 
Voted  and  chose  Dr.  Timothy  J.  Gridley,  said  Elector. 

Attest.  Newton  Fitch.  Town  Clerk. 


236  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Town  Meeting,  November  8,  1847.      For  Representative. 
Balloted  twice,  Alfred   Baker  had  one  hundred  and  fifty  eight  votes  and  was 
declared  elected. 

Attest.  Newton  Fitch,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  December  13.  1847. 
Voted     That  a  Committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  ascertain  what  amount  of 
money  would  be  necessary  to  purchase  a  suitable  Engine  and  fire  apparatus  to  be 
located  at  the  north  part  of  the  town,  and  report  at  the  next  town  meeting  together 
with  condition  on  which  such  engine  etc.  should  be  purchased  and  located. 

Voted  To  appropriate  a  sum  not  exceeding  fifty  dollars  for  the  repairs  of 
Ladders  and  Carriage,  etc.  and  that  the  same  be  expended  under  the  direction  of 
the  Selectmen. 

Attest.  Newton  Fitch,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  13,  1848. 
James  W.   Boyden  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  by  Ballot,  and  upon  counting 
votes  cast  for  Town  Treasurer,  the  same  person  was  found  to  be  chosen  Treasurer 
for  the  ensuing  year. 

Voted  and  chose  R.  T.  Wheelock,  Ansel  C.  Marshall,  Waitstill  Dickinson, 
Selectmen. 

Ansel  C.  Marshall,  Waitstill  Dickinson  and  Frederick  A.  Palmer,  Assessors. 
Voted  and  Chose  Isaac  Gridley  Constable. 

Attest.  J.W.  Boyden,  Town  Clerk. 

Leverett  and  Amherst  Town  Lines.  April  22,  1848. 
This  certifies  that  we  the  subscribers  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  and 
Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Leverett,  pursuant  to  a  notice  given  by  the  Selectmen 
of  s'1  Amherst,  that  being  the  most  ancient  town,  met  at  the  stone  monument  at 
the  N.  E.  corner  of  said  town  for  the  purpose  of  perambulating  and  running  the 
"lines  between  said  Towns,  have  attended  that  service,  as  follows. 

Beginning  at  the  stone  monument,  north  of  Wm.  Henry  Smith's  House  at  the 
north  east  corner  of  said  Amherst,  thence  running  west  i°  30'  South  679  rods  and 
15  links  to  a  stone  monument  at  the  South  west  corner  of  the  Burying  Ground, 
with  stakes  set  in  at  intermediate  distances  of  sixty  rods  each,  and  marked  with 
the  initials  of  the  aforesaid  towns,  and,  also,  two  chestnut  trees,  marked  on  opposite 
sides  with  initials  of  the  aforesaid  Towns  about  220  west  from  the  first  mentioned 
monument. 

R.  T.  Wheelock  (        Selectmen 

Ansel  C.  Marshall  (  of  Amherst. 
Asa  L.  Field)  Selectmen 
Silas  Ball      j      of  Leverett. 

A  true  copy  of  certificate. 

Attest.  J.  W.  Boyden,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  13,  1848.     For  Representative. 
Luke  Sweetser  had  Two  Hundred  Fifteen  votes,  was  declared  elected. 

Attest,  James  W.  Boyden,  Town  Clerk. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  237 

Town  Meeting,  March  5,  1849. 

Voted  and  Chose  by  ballot  James  W.  Boyden,  Town  Clerk. 

Voted  and  Chose  by  ballot  James  W.  Boyden  Treasurer. 

Voted  and  Chose  by  ballot,  Ansel  C.  Marshall,  Waitstill  Dickinson,  Willard 
M.  Kellogg,  Selectmen. 

Voted  and  Chose  by  ballot,  Frederic  A.  Palmer.  Waitstill  Dickinson,  Marquis 
F.  Dickinson.  Assessors. 

Voted  and  Chose  Isaac  Gridley,  Constable. 

Voted  that  in  the  opinion  of  the  Town,  the  Smith  Charity  Funds  should  be 
taxed  in  and  by  the  several  beneficiary  Towns,  according  to  their  respective  popu- 
lation, forever. 

Voted  that  Luke  Sweetser,  Esquire,  be  requested  to  present  these  votes  to 
the  General  Court,  now  sitting  at  Boston,  or  to  any  Committee  thereof,  having  the 
Subject  of  the  Smith  Charity  under  consideration. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  petition  the  Legislature  to  authorize  the  line 
between  Amherst  and  Hadley,  or  any  part  thereof,  to  be  straightened. 

Attest.  James  W.  Boyden,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  June  23.  1S49. 

Voted  That  the  Town  purchase  an  Engine  and  Apparatus,  to  be  stationed  at 
North  Amherst,  at  a  cost  not  exceeding  Eight  Hundred  and  Fifty  Dollars. 

Voted  That  the  Report  of  the  Selectmen  in  reference  to  a  new  Town  Way. 
be  accepted,  placed  on  file  and  recorded,  and  that  the  Selectmen  construct  the 
road,  on  terms  most  favorable  to  the  Town,  if  in  their  judgment,  the  public  con- 
venience requires  its  construction. 

The  following  is  a  true  copy  of  the  Report,  referred  to  in  the  above  vote,  and 
ordered  to  be  recorded. 

"We  the  subscribers,  Selectmen  of  Amherst,  have  laid  out  for  the  use  of  the 
said  Town,  a  Town  Way,  as  follows  : 

"  Beginning  at  a  point  on  the  Highway  leading  to  East  Street,  near  Wm.  Kel- 
logg's  store,  and  thence  South  about  Fifty  One  rods,  to  a  stake  near  the  land  of 
Phinehas  Warner,  and  thence  Westwardly  about  sixteen  rods,  intersecting  the 
Highway,  near  the  Brick  Meeting  House,  leading  to  Hadley,  said  Town  Way  to 
be  three  rods  wide. 

"  Which  said  road  is  hereby  reported  to  the  Town  for  their  acceptance,  and 
when  accepted  and  recorded,  is  forever  after  to  be  known,  as  a  public  Town  Way. 

Dated  at  Amherst,  June  13th,  1849. 

Willard  M.  Kellogg  )       Selectmen 
Waitstill  Dickixsox  f  of 

A.  C.   Marshall  )         Amherst. 

"The  above  Report  was  received  at  the  Clerk's  Office  June  13"'  1S49.  and 
placed  on  tile. 

Attest.  James  W.  Bovdex.  Town  Clerk." 

Town  Meeting.  November  12.  1S49.     For  Representative. 
Waitstill  Dickinson  had  Two  Hundred  and  Forty  Four  Votes,  was  declared 
elected. 

Attest.  James  W.  Bovdex.  Town  Clerk. 


238  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Town  Meeting,  December  3,  1849. 
Voted  that  the  Report  of  the  Selectmen  in  relation  to  a  new  Town  Way, 
commencing  at  a  stake  near  the  dwelling  house  of  James  and  Henry  Hastings 
and  thence  South  fifty  two  rods  to  a  stake  near  Oliver  Watson's  dwelling  house, 
thence  East  about  Five  Rods  intersecting  with  the  road  leading  to  Belchertovvn, 
be  accepted  and  Recorded. 

The  following  is  a  true  copy  of  the  Report,  referred  to,  in  the  foregoing  vote, 
and  now  on  file. 

"We  the  subscribers.  Selectmen  of  Amherst,  have  laid  out  for  the  use  of  said 
Town,  a  Town  Way,  as  follows: 

"  Beginning,  at  a  stake  near  the  dwelling  house  of  James  and  Henry  Hastings 
and  thence  South  Fifty  Two  Rods  to  a  stake  near  Oliver  Watson's  dwelling  house, 
thence  East  about  five  rods  intersecting  with  the  road  leading  to  Belchertovvn — 
said  Town  Way  to  be  two  rods  wide. 

"  Which  said   road  is   hereby  reported  to  the  town  for  their  acceptance  and 
when  accepted  and  recorded,  is  forever  after  to  be  known  as  a  public  Town  Way. 
Dated  at  Amherst,  November  22'1  1S49. 

Willard  M.  Kellogg  )      Selectmen 
Waitstill  Dickinson   ;  of 

Ansel  C.  Marshall      )         Amherst. 
•■  Recd  at  the  Clerk's  office  in  Amherst,  Nov.  22rt  1849  and  placed  on  file. 
Attest.  James  W.  Boyden,  Town  Clerk. 

Voted  to  reconsider  so  much  of  the  Vote  passed  at  the  last  June  Meeting,  as 
relates  to  the  acceptance  of  a  new  road  as  laid  out  by  the  Selectmen,  from  a  stake 
near  Phineas  Warner's  House,  thence  West  to  the  Highway,  near  the  Brick  Meet- 
ing House. 

Voted  that  the  Report  of  the  Selectmen,  laying  out  a  new  Town  Way,  as 
follows,  be  accepted  and  recorded. 

'•We,  the  subscribers,  Selectmen  of  Amherst,  have  laid  out  for  the  use  of  the 
Town  a  Town  Way  as  follows  :  Beginning  at  a  stake  in  the  Town  Way,  leading 
from  William  Kellogg  Jr'a  store,  South  thence  from  said  stake  South  to  a  stake  in 
front  of  Lucius  Boltwood's  House,  thence  West  to  the  Highway,  opposite  A.  M. 
Colton's  house,' or  near  there, — said  Town  Way  to  be  three  rods  wide,  which  said 
road  is  hereby  reported  to  the  town  for  their  acceptance,  and  when  accepted  and 
recorded,  is  forever  after  to  be  known  as  a  public  town  way.  Dated  at  Amherst, 
Nov.  22d,  1849." 

Willard  M.  Kellogg  )    Selectmen 
Waitstill    Dickinson  >  of 

Ansel  C.  Marshall      )     Amherst. 
The  above  was  received  at  the  Clerk's  Office  in  Amherst  Nov.  22d,  1849  and 
filed. 

Attest.  James  W.  Boyden,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  4,  1S50. 
Balloted  and  Chose  James  W.  Boyden,  Town  Clerk. 
Balloted  and  Chose  James  W.  Boyden,  Town  Treasurer. 

Balloted  and  Chose  Alfred  Baker,  L.  M.  Hills,  Simeon  Clark,  Truman  Nutting, 
A.  C.  Marshall,  Selectmen. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  239 

Balloted  and  Chose,  Simeon  Clark,  F.  A.  Palmer,  Marquis  F.  Dickinson, 
Assessors. 

Voted  and  Chose,  by  nomination,  Isaac  Gridley  Constable. 

Attest.  J.  W.  Bovdex,  Town  Clerk. 

Voted  that  it  is  the  sense  of  this  meeting  that  this  town  establish  a  High 
School.     Yes  117,  Nay  95. 

Voted  that  it  is  the  desire  of  the  town  that  there  should  not  be  places  kept 
open  in  the  town  where  intoxicating  liquors  can  be  procured. 

Voted  that  the  town  instruct  the  Selectmen  to  erect  a  Receiving  Tomb  of 
suitable  size  in  the  Centre  Burying  Ground  for  the  free  use  of  the  town,  and  author- 
ize them  to  appropriate  such  sum  of  money  as  may  be  necessary  to  erect  it. 

Town  Meeting,  April  1,  1850. 

Voted  that  the  Report  of  the  Committee  on  High  Schools  be  recommitted  to 
the  Committee,  with  instructions  to  lay  the  same,  together  with  the  votes  of  the 
Town  on  the  subject,  before  the  several  Districts  for  their  acceptance  ;  and  when 
the  Districts  shall  have  assented  thereto  and  notified  the  said  Committee  of  such 
assent,  and  made  provision  for  a  place  of  keeping  the  School,  within  the  several 
parts  of  the  town,  the  said  Committee  in  connection  with  the  General  School  Com- 
mittee, shall  establish  a  School,  as  contemplated.  And  that  the  sum  of  Six 
Hundred  Dollars  be  and  hereby  is  appropriated  to  defray  the  expenses  of  such 
High  School,  or  Schools,  the  present  year. 

Voted  that  the  Fifth  Article — "  To  see  if  the  Town  will  take  any  measures  to 
widen  the  road  against  Mrs.  Sellons  premises," — be  referred  to  the  consideration 
of  the  Selectmen,  to  view  the  road  and  make  such  alterations,  as  they  may  think 
necessary. 

Voted  that  the  town  accept  the  road,  laid  out  by  the  Selectmen  and  described 
in  their  Report,  and  that  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  construct  the  same. 

Report  of  the  Selectmen  laying  out  a  Town  Way.  near  Truman  Nuttings, 
accepted  by  vote  of  the  Town. 

"  We  the  subscribers,  Selectmen  of  Amherst,  have  laid  out  for  the  use  of  the 
said  town,  a  town  way,  as  follows,  Beginning  at  a  stake  and  stones  on  the  Bay 
road  near  Truman  Nutting's  House  and  running  thence  North  twenty  eight 
degrees  east,  on  land  of  Z.  W.  Robbins,  eighty  six  rods,  to  land  of  Wheaton 
Lovett,  then  continuing  the  same  course  through  land  of  said  Lovett  three  and 
half  rods  to  a  stake  and  stones  on  the  Highway  near  said  Lovett's  House,  the 
said  road  is  two  and  half  rods  wide,  and  to  lie  on  the  easterly  side  of  said  course. 
And  we  have  assessed  the  damages  over  which  said  way  passes,  as  follows:  to  the 
said  Z.  W.  Robbins,  One  Hundred  and  Forty  Dollars  and  to  the  said  Lovett  the 
sum  of  eight  dollars,  to  be  paid  by  the  said  town  of  Amherst,  before  said  road  is 
opened. 
Amherst,  March  221,  1S50. 

Alfred  Baker     ^ 
Simeon  Clark       !      Selectmen  of 
A.  C.   Marshall   j  Amherst. 

L.  M.  Hills  J 

Clerk's  Office,  Amherst,  March  22'1.  1S50.  The  above  was  this  day  received 
and  filed.. 

Attest.  JAMES  W.   BOYDEN,  Town  Clerk. 

September  1,  1S50.  Whole  number  of  votes.  645.  Number  of  polls  not  taxed 
or  supported  by  the  town.  15.     Polls  supported  by  the  town  3,  total  Polls  663. 


24°  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Town  Meeting,  November  u,  1S50.     For  Representative. 
William  C.  Fowler  had  two  hundred  thirty  five  votes.     Necessary  for  a  choice 
Two  hundred  fifteen.     William  C.  Fowler  has  the  requisite  number  and  is  chosen. 

Attest.  J.  W.  Boydex,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  December  2d,  1850. 
Voted     to  accept  the   Report  of  the   Committee  on  High  Schools:  and  that 
this   Committee   be   requested  to  make   further  examination  of  the  subject  and 
report  a  plan  for  a  High  School,  at  the  March  Meeting. 

Attest.  J.  W.  Boydex,  Town  Clerk. 

ANNEXATION   OF   PART   OF   PELHAM. 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  qualified  to 
vote  in  Town  Affairs,  at  Sweetser's  Hall,  on  Monday,  the  twentieth  day  of  Janu- 
ary, A.  D.  1851,  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Alfred  Baker  was  chosen  Moderator. 

Voted,  that  the  Town  of  Amherst,  as  at  present  advised,  will  make  no 
objections  to  the  annexation  of  that  portion  of  Pelham  described  in  the  Petition 
to  the  Legislature,  now  in  session,  of  certain  inhabitants  of  Pelham. 

Attest.  J.  W.  BoYDEN,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  3.  185 1. 

Balloted  and  Chose  James  W.  Boyden  Town  Treasurer. 

Balloted  and  Chose  Alfred  Baker,  Leonard  M.  Hills,  Simeon  Clark,  A.  C. 
Marshall,  Truman  Nutting,  Selectman. 

Voted  and  Chose  by  nomination,  Isaac  Gridley,  Constable. 

Voted  .  That  the  Town  establish  a  High  School  to  be  kept  in  three  locations, 
according  to  the  Report  of  the  Committee,  for  a  time,  amounting  in  the  whole  to 
twelve  months,  in  a  year. 

That  in  case  the  several  Union  Districts  fail  to  provide  a  suitable  place  for 
the  keeping  of  each  school,  as  aforesaid,  the  General  School  Committee  shall 
report  the  same  to  the  Selectmen,  in  order  that  such  place,  or  places,  may  be  pro- 
vided under  their  order,  and  the  expense  of  providing  such  place  be  taken  out  of 
the  money  appropriated  to  said  District. 

That  the  sum  of  Eight  hundred  dollars  be  and  hereby  is  raised  and  appropri- 
ated for  the  purpose  of  carrying  into  effect  the  foregoing  plan,  under  the  direction 
of  the  General  School  Committee,  in  the  proportion  recommended  in  the  Report 
of  the  Committee. 

Voted  that  the  foregoing  votes  be  carried  into  effect  forthwith. 

Voted  That  the  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  subject 
of  a  new  Town  Hall,  be  received  and  tiled. 

Voted  to  accept  the  report  of  the  committee  on  the  discontinuance  of  the 
Billings  lane  so  called. 

Voted  That  it  is  the  desire  of  the  Town,  that  there  should  not  be  places  kept 
open  in  the  town,  where  intoxicating  liquors  can  be  procured.     Nays  1  only. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  and  instructed  to  take  all  reasonable 
and  lawful  measures  to  suppress  the  sale  of  intoxicating  drinks  and  to  prosecute 
all  persons,  whom  they  may  know  or  suspect  of  selling  intoxicating  drinks,  without 
license.     Nays  1  only. 

Attest.  J.  W.  Boyden,  Town  Clerk. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  24.I 

Town  Meeting,  May  5,  1851. 
Voted  not  to  rescind  so  much  of  the  vote  of  the  town,  passed  March  3'1,  1S51. 
whereby  a  High  School  in  three'branches  was  established,  as  relates  to  the  establish- 
ment of  a  High  School  in  the  South  Union  District ;  and  not  to  instruct  the  Select- 
men to  divide  their  appropriation  to  the  same,  among  the  three  South  School 
Districts,  in  the  same  proportion  and  manner,  as  the  money  raised  for  District 
Schools  is  now  divided. 

Attest.  J.  W.  Boydex,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  10.  1S51.     For  Representative. 
Oliver  Watson  had  Three  Hundred  and  Twenty  Seven. 

Attest.  J.  W.  Boydex,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  December  9,  1S51. 
Voted  To  allow  the  Amherst  and  Belchertown  Railroad  Corporation  to  con- 
struct their  road  across  the  Town  Pauper  Farm,  without  compensation  for  the  land 
damage;  also,  to  relieve  said  Corporation  from  any  expense  of  fencing  said  road, 
within  the  limits  of  said  farm,  at  the  outset;  and,  that,  if  the  South  Parish  wish 
for  a  Depot  on  said  Farm,  the  Town  will  permit  said  Corporation,  to  occupy  half 
an  acre  of  said  Farm,  for  such  Depot. 

Attest.  J.  W.  Boydex.  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  March  1.  1S52. 

J.  W.  Boyden  was  chosen  Town  Treasurer. 

Voted  and  Chose  Ezra  Ingram,  Enos  D.  Williams  and  Albin  P.  Howe. 
Selectmen. 

Voted  and  Chose  F.  A.  Palmer,  Salem  Hammond,  Baxter  Eastman,  Assessors. 

Voted  and  Chose  Isaac  Gridley,  Constable. 

Voted  That  the  Town  authorise  the  Selectmen  to  sell  the  Cataract  Engine, 
on  the  best  terms  they  can  :  and  that  they  appropriate  the  avails  thereof,  and  the 
additional  sum  of  Two  Hundred  and  Fifty  Dollars  for  the  purchase  of  a  new  and 
powerful  engine,  provided  that  the  balance  of  the  purchase  money  be  raised  by 
subscription,  within  two  years. 

Attest.  J.  W.  Boydex,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  22,  1S52.     For  Representative. 
[There  were  three  meetings  held,  Nov.  S,  9  and  22  before  a  choice  was  made.] 
Moses  B.  Green  had  a  majority  and  was  chosen. 

J.  W.  Boydex,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  January  3.  1S53. 
Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to  favor  the  location  of  a  High- 
way, from  a  point  near  Joseph  Adams  and  Sons'  Saw  Mill  in  North  Hadley  to  a 
point  in  Amherst,  in  the  road  leading  from  the  Center  of  Amherst  to  Sunderland, 
agreeably  to  the  Petition  of  said  Adamses  and  others,  now  pending  before  the 
County  Commissioners. 

Voted  That  the  time  for  holding  the  Annual  Meeting,  shall  hereafter  be  the 
First  Monday  in  April. 

J.'W.   Boyden,  Town  Clerk. 


242  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Town  Meeting,  April  4.  1S53. 
A.  P.  Howe  was  Chosen  Town  Clerk. 
A.  P.  Howe  was  Chosen  Town  Treasurer. 

Voted  and  Chose  Josiah  Ayres,  Ezra  Ingram  and  E.  D.  Williams,  Selectmen. 
Voted   and    Chose    Daniel    Paine,    Charles   Adams    and    Baxter    Eastman, 
Assessors. 

A.  P.  Howe,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  May  2,  1853. 
Voted  and  Chose  Edward  Dickinson.  Henry  A.  Bridgman,  Enos  Dickinson, 
Daniel  Dickinson,  Lyman  Gunn,  L.  M.  Hills,  Daniel  Converse  and  Oliver  Dick- 
inson, a  Committee  to  procure  suitable  places  for  the  high  schools  for  the  present 
year,  and  also  further  consider  the  subject  of  building  one,  or  three  Houses,  also 
procure  plans  of  buildings,  with  estimates  of  their  cost  and  not  to  exceed  when 
completed,  including  the  land,  three  thousand  dollars,  and  report  to  a  future 
meeting.  Dec.  5,  1S53,  Voted  on  motion  of  Daniel  Dickinson  to  lay  the  above 
report  on  the  table. 

A.  P.  Howe,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  14,  1853.     For  Representative. 
I.  F.  Conkey  had  a  Majority  and  was  Chosen. 

Attest.  A.  P.  Howe,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  February  27,  1854. 
Hon.  Edward  Dickinson  submitted  the  following  resolutions  : 
Resolved,  as  the  sense  of  the  Town  of  Amherst,  that,  as  at  present  advised, 
and  in  the  present  state  of  the  proceedings  before  the  Legislature  on  the  petition  of 
the  town  of  Pelham  for  leave  to  surrender  its  Charter,  and  to  be  annexed  to  the 
adjoining  towns,  we  are  opposed  to  the  surrender  of  its  Charter,  and  to  the  annex- 
ation of  any  portion  of  its  territory  to  the  town  of  Amherst. 

On  Motion  of  Horace  Kellogg  the  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered  on  the  above 
resolution.  Each  voters  name  was  then  called  and  two  hundred  and  fifty  two 
votes  answered  to  their  names, — as  follows  :  One  hundred  sixty  eight  yeas,  Eighty 
four  Nays. 

Attest.  A.  P.  Howe,  Town  Clerk. 

.   Town  Meeting.  April  3,  1S54. 

J.  \V.  Boyden  was  chosen  Town  Clerk. 

J.  W.  Boyden  was  chosen  Town  Treasurer. 

Balloted  and  chose  Edward  A.  Stanley,  Austin  Eastman  and  Enos  D.  Williams, 
Selectmen. 

Balloted  and  chose  Russell  T.  Wheelock,  Daniel  Dickinson  and  A.  P.  Howe, 
Assessors. 

Balloted  and  Chose  M.  N.  Spear  and  S.  W.  Whitney,  Constables. 

Voted  To  establish  High  Schools  in  four  locations,  to  be  called  North,  East, 
West  and  South  High  Schools  in  manner  following  viz. : 

The  North  to  embrace  the  present  school  districts  Nos.  4  and  5. 

The  East  to  embrace  the  present  school  district  No.  2. 

The  West  to  embrace  the  present  school  districts  No.  1  and  7. 

The  South  to  embrace  school  districts  No.  3,  6  and  8. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    .MEETINGS.  243 

Voted  That  money  raised  for  the  support  of  High  Schools  be  divided 
between  the  several  High  Schools,  by  the  same  rule  that  money  raised  for  the 
support  of  Primary  Schools  is  divided,  and  be  applied  to  the  support  of  a  school 
in  the  respective  High  School  Districts,  provided  the  districts  composing  the  High 
School  district  shall  provide  a  suitable  place,  where  the  School  can  be  kept  and  notify 
the  General  School  Committee  thereof  by  the  first  of  August  next.  And  if  any  High 
School  District  shall  fail  to  provide  a  place  where  the  school  can  be  kept,  as 
aforesaid,  then  the  money  assigned  to  the  District  or  Districts,  neglecting  to  pro- 
vide a  place  as  afore  said,  shall  be  applied  to  the  support  and  maintenance  of  a 
school  in  those  districts,  where  provision  has  been  made  for  keeping  the  school,  in 
the  same  proportion  as  at  first  divided. 

Attest.  J.  W.  Boydex,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  13,  1S54.     For  Representative. 
Benjamin  F.  Smith  had  a  majority  and  is  chosen. 

Attest.  J.  W.   BOYDEN,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  December  4.  1854. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  lay  out  a  rode  in  the  Centre  Bury- 
ing Ground  according  to  the  plan  presented  by  them,  in  conformity  with  Baxter 
Eastman's  survey,  and  to  remove  bodies  so  far  as  may  be  necessary. 

Voted  that  this  town  is  in  favor  of  building  a  Town  Hall  and  that  a  committee 
of  five  be  appointed  to  prepare  and  report  plans  and  estimates  of  the  expense  and 
a  suitable  locality  at  an  adjourned  meeting. 

[The  above  committee  made  an  elaborate  report  at  a  meeting  held  Jan.  1.  1S55, 
when  the  whole  subject  was  dismissed  by  130  yes,  120  nays.  On  Feb.  23,  1S55  it 
was  voted  to  postpone  indefinitely  the  subject  of  a  town  hall.] 

Town  Meeting,  February  23,  1S55. 
Voted  That  after  the  present  year  the  time  of  holding  the  annual  meeting  be 
changed  from  the  first  Monday  in  April  to  the  first  Monday  in  March. 

J.  \V.  Boydex,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  April  2,  1S55. 

Balloted  and  Chose  A.  P.  Howe,  Town  Treasurer. 

Balloted  and  Chose  Josiah  Ayres.  Austin  Eastman.  William  Dickinson.  James 
Hastings  and  Robert  Cutler,  Selectmen. 

Balloted  and  Chose  George  W.  Hobart,  M.  F.  Dickinson  and  Flavel  Gaylord, 
Assessors. 

Balloted  and  Chose  M.  N.  Spear,  Sam1  Warner  and  Henry  Clark.  Constables. 

Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  rent  the  common  on  commence- 
ment days. 

Attest.  A.  P.  Howe,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  June  28,  1855. 
Voted  that  the  town  accept  the  act  of  the  Legislature  in  relation  to  "  Sidewalks 
and  the  control  of  the  same." 

A.   P.  Howe,  Town  Clerk. 


.244  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Town  Meeting,  November  6.  1855.     For  Representative. 
Baxter  Eastman  had  two  hundred  thirty  Eight  votes. 

Attest.  A.  P.  Howe,  Town  Clerk. 

Amherst,  July  27,  1855. 
On  petition  of  Horace  Smith  and  others  in  relation  to  a  side  walk  from  the 
Post  office  North  to  the  house  of  F.  A.  Pierce,  we  establish  said  walk,  to  be  three 
feet  outside  of  the  trees  in  front  of  D.  S.  Field's,  Cook,  H.  Smith,  Cutler's,  and 
Hallock's  to  the  Needham  place  so  called,  thence  to  the  north  line  of  F.  A.  Pierce 
to  be  Seven  feet  wide. 

On  Petition  of  J.  W.  Boyden  and  others  in  relation  to  a  sidewalk  from  the 
Post  office  South,  we  Establish  Said  Walk  to  extend  three  feet  outside  of  the  trees 
in  front  of  Post  office,  Sweetser's  store,  Fowler's,  Smith's  extending  south  to  the 
College  Library — and 

On  Petition  of  I.  F.  Conkey  and  others  in  relation  to  a  side  walk  commencing 
at  Mack's  store,  so  called,  running  East  to  Sweetser'sline  said  walk  to  extend  three 
feet  outside  of  the  trees  in  front  of  Phenix  Row  and  the  American  House,  so 
called,  thence  East  to  Sweetser's  land,  thence  to  the  Cross  Road  near  the  Depot  to 
be  twelve  feet  wide,  thence  East  to  Hill's  Store  to  be  Eight  feet  wide. 

We  the  undersigned  Selectmen  of  Amherst  do  Establish  the  above  Sidewalks. 

Josiah  Ayres  "I 

James  Hastings      I       Selectmen 
Wm.  Dickinson       f    of  Amherst. 
Austin  Eastman  J 
A  true  Copy. 

Attest.  A.  P.  Howe,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  3,  1856. 
Balloted  and  chose  J.  M.  Emerson,  Esq.,  Town  Clerk  and  Treasurer. 
Balloted  and  chose  John  R.  Cushman,  M.  Adams  Allen,  Bela  U.   Dickinson, 
Daniel  Converse,  Ezra  Ingram,  Selectmen. 

Balloted  and  chose,  Frederick  A.  Palmer,  George  W.  Hobart,  James  E.  Mer- 
rick, Assessors. 

Balloted  and  chose,  M.  N.  Spear,  Sam1  N.  Warren,  Henry  Clark,  Constable. 
Voted     That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  rent  the  Common  on  Commence- 
•day. 

Attest.  J.  M.  Emerson,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Representative,  November  4,  1856. 
Enos  D.  Williams  having  a  plurality  was  elected. 

Attest.  A.  P.  Howe,  Town  Clerk  Pro  Tern. 

Town  Meeting,  December  8,  1856. 
Voted  That  the  town  assent  to  such  change  in  the  south  line  of  the  land 
occupied  by  the  pound  as  will  make  it  a  continuation  of  the  line  as  the  fence  now 
runs,  from  the  North  East  corner  of  Edward  Dickinson's  Barn  Shed,  to  the  South 
East  corner  of  the  pound  land,  on  the  road  leading  by  J.  P.  Gray's  house;  and  that 
■the  Selectmen  be  and  are  hereby  authorized  to  make  conveyence  to  said  Dickin- 
son of  the  triangular  piece  of  land  lying  South  of  said  line  containing  half  a  square 
rod,  more  or  less — (120  ft.)  upon  such  terms  as  may  be  agreed  on  by  them  and  the 
said  Dickinson. 

Attest.  A.  P.  Howe,  Town  Clerk  Pro.  Tern. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  245 

Annual  Meeting,  March  2,  1857. 

Balloted  and  chose  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk  and  Treasurer. 

Balloted  and  chose  Baxter  Eastman,  R.  T.  Wheelock  and  David  Pomroy,. 
Selectmen. 

Balloted  and  chose  F.  A.  Palmer,  Willard  M.  Kellogg  and  Salem  Hammond, 
Assessors. 

Balloted  and  chose  M.  N.  Spear,  S.  M.  Warren  and  Henry  Clark,  Constables. 

Voted  That  the  Town  will  allow  the  Hampshire  Agricultural  Society  to  use 
the  Common  for  the  purpose  of  Cattle  Show  on  the  days  of  their  Annual  Fair,, 
and  also  the  use  of  the  highway  so  far  as  will  not  interfere  with  public  travel. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Representative,  November  3.  1857. 
George  Warner  had  two  hundred  and  thirty  eight  votes. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  November  3,  1S57.     Held  at  Agricultural  Hall. 
Voted     That  the  town  grant  to  the  "  Amherst  Ornamental  Tree  Association  " 
the  use  and  control  of  the  public  common  in  the  center  of  the  town,  subject  to  the 
approval  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  town. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  December  24.  1857,  held  at  Agricultural  Hall. 

On  the  Amherst  and  Belchertown  Railroad.  James  W.  Boyden  was  chosen1 
Moderator. 

A  motion  "that  the  town  petition  the  Legislature,  at  its  coming  session,  in  con- 
nection with  the  town  of  Belchertown,  for  leave  to  afford  material  aid  to  the 
Amherst  and  Belchertown  Rail  Road  Company,  for  any  sum  for  the  town  of 
Amherst;  not  exceeding  sixteen  thousand  dollars,  to  enable  said  company  to  keep 
their  road  in  operation  ;  the  Company  paying  the  expenses  attending  the  petition.*''' 
was  discussed  and  rejected  by  a  Vote  of  138  nays  and  S6  yeas. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting.  March  1,  1S58-     Agricultural  Hall. 

S.  C.  Carter  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  and  Treasurer. 

Voted  and  chose  R.  T.  Wheelock,  Alfred  Baker  and  Austin  Eastman,. 
Selectmen. 

Voted  and  chose  F.  A.  Palmer,  Ebenezer  P.  Spear.  James  E.  Merrick, 
Assessors. 

Voted  and  chose  M.  N.  Spear.  Marquis  F.  Dickinson,  Henry  A.  Howe, 
Constables. 

Voted  that  Treasurer  be  appointed  Collector  of  taxes  and  that  he  allow  a 
discount  of  ten  per  cent  on  all  taxes  voluntarily  paid  to  him  on  or  before  the  first 
of  September  next  and  of  five  per  cent  on  all  taxes  voluntarily  paid  him  between 
the  first  day  of  September  and  the  first  day  of  January  next,  and  he  make  no 
farther  discount,  and  that  the  Collector  receive  seventy  five  dollars  for  his  services- 
Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk.. 

Representative,  November  2.  1S58. 
Lorenzo  S.  Nash  had  two  hundred  and  twenty-three  votes. 

Attest,  S..  C  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 


246  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 


4 


Town  Meeting,  December  6,  1S5S.     Agricultural  Hall. 
Voted     That  the  Selectmen  be  authoiized  to  contract  for  a  place,  for  holding- 
town  Meetings,  for  the  term  of  five  years. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  instructed  to  procure  a  place  for  confining  dis- 
orderly persons,  at  a  reasonable  expense. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter.  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  7.  1859.     Agricultural  Hall. 
Samuel  C.  Carter  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  and  Town  Treasurer. 
Voted   and  chose  Ezra  Ingram,  Willard  M.  Kellogg  and  Daniel  Converse  as 
Selectmen. 

Voted  and  chose  Asa  Adams.  A.  P.  Howe  and  Daniel  Paine  as  Assessors. 
Voted  and  chose  M.  N.  Spear,  Henry  A.  Howe  and  Marquis  F.  Dickinson,  for 
Constables. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Representative  to  the  General  Court,  November  8,  1859. 
Josiah  Ayres  had  two  hundred  and  sixty  seven  votes. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter.  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  5,  i860.     Agricultural  Hall. 
S.  C.  Carter  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  and  Treasurer. 

Voted  and  chose  Ezra  Ingram,  Daniel  Converse  and  Bela  U.  Dickinson  as 
Selectmen. 

Voted  and  chose  Albin  P.  Howe,  Ebenezer  P.  Spear  and  James  E.  Merrick  as 
Assessors. 

Voted  and  chose  Henry  A.  Howe,  M.  X.  Spear  and  A.  R.  Cushman  as 
Constables. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter.  Town  Clerk. 

Adjourned  Town  Meeting,  March  26,  i860. 

The  Committee  on  High  and  Grammar  Schools  made  their  Report  and  it  was 
Voted  to  accept  the  same. 

Voted     To  adopt  the  Committees  Report  by  Sections. 

Voted  To  adopt  Section  first  as  follows,  "  That  one  High  School  be  established 
in  some  central  location  where  it  will  accommodate  the  greatest  number  of  persons 
and  also  one  Grammar  School,  each  to  be  kept  10  months  in  each  year,  and  that 
two  Grammar  schools  be  established,  one  at  North  Amherst  and  the  other  at 
South  Amherst  to  be  kept  six  months  in  each  year.  Fall  and  Winter  terms. 

Voted.  To  adopt  Section  second  as  follows,  "That  three  union  districts  be 
formed  for  the  above  contemplated  schools,  one  in  the  centre  of  the  town  composed 
of  districts  No.  1,  2  and  7,  one  at  North  Amherst  composed  of  districts  No.  4  and 
5  and  one  at  South  Amherst  composed  of  districts  No.  3,  6  and  S ;  the  scholars  of 
the  North  and  South  union  districts  having  the  privilege  of  going  to  the  High 
School  at  any  time  if  properly  qualified,  and  to  the  Centre  grammar  school  when- 
ever their  schools  are  not  in  session. 

Voted,  That  the  same  committee  make  a  report  at  an  adjourned  meeting,  on 
locations,  plans  of  buildings,  an  estimates,  of  land  and  School  houses. 

Voted     To  adjourn  to  Tuesday  April  10th  at  two  o'clock  p.  m. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  247 

Town  Meeting,  Continued,  April  10,  i860. 

Met  according  to  adjournment  April  10,  1S60.  at  two  o'clock  p.  m.  I.  F.  Con- 
key  as  Moderator,  called  the  meeting  to  order,  when  the  Committee  appointed  at 
the  last  meeting  made  a  report  and  the  following  votes  were  passed,  viz. 

Voted  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  by  the  chair,  to  purchase  lands, 
select  locations,  secure  proposals  and  erect  buildings,  for  the  schools,  voted  by  the 
town  :  in  the  most  economical  manner,  at  an  expense  not  exceeding  ten  thousand 
dollars,  and  that  the  Selectmen  of  the  town  are  hereby  directed  to  issue  from  time 
to  time  (as  the  said  committee  may  need  for  the  same),  orders  of  the  town,  for 
such  sums,  not  exceeding  five  hundred  dollars  on  each,  as  shall  not  exceed  in  the 
whole  $10,000,  said  orders  payable,  one  in  each  year  for  the  twenty  years  following, 
with  interest  annually. 

Voted  That  M.  B.  Green.  J.  R.  Cushman,  L.  M.  Hills,  H.  B.  Prince  and  A. 
P.  Howe  constitute  that  Committee. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

High  School  Building  Meeting,  held  at  Agricultural  Hall,  June  15,  1S60. 

Voted  That  the  sum  of  Two  Thousand  Dollars  in  addition  to  the  sum  already 
appropriated  be  now  appropriated,  to  enable  the  Committee  to  fulfil  the  contract, 
already  made,  by  them,  and  that  the  committee  erect  a  building,  after  such  plan  as 
they  shall  approve,  for  the  High  and  Grammar  schools  in  the  centre  of  the  town, 
provided,  that  the  whole  expense  of  finishing,  and  furnishing  the  house  and  grounds 
and  lands  shall  not  exceed  twelve  thousand  dollars,  and  that  the  Selectmen  are 
hereby  directed  to  issue  new  bonds  for  the  additional  two  thousand  dollars  payable 
five  hundred  a  year  in  21,  22,  23  and  24  years  with  interest  annually  from  the  first 
day  of  September  next. 

Voted.  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  purchase  or  rent  and  fit  up  a 
building  for  the  Engine  and  Hook  and  Ladder  companies  at  a  sum  not  exceeding 
six  hundred  dollars. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Representative,  Hampshire  District  No.  5,  November  7,  1S60. 
Marcus  C.  Grout  of  Pelham  had  three  hundred  and  thirty  votes  in  Amherst. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  4.  1S61.  at  Agricultural  Hall. 
Samuel  C.  Carter  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  and  Treasurer. 

Voted  and  chose  Ezra  Ingram,  Eleazer  Kellogg  and  Harlan  L.  Pomeroy  as 
Selectmen. 

Voted  and  chose  Frederick  A.  Palmer,  James  E.  Merrick  and  George  W. 
Hobart  as  Assessors. 

Voted  and  chose  Henry  A.  Howe,  A.  R.  Cushman  and  Enos  Baker  as 
Constables. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter.  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  May  1,  1S61,  for  the  Military.     Agricultural  Hall. 

Voted1  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  borrow  a  sum  not  exceeding 
five  thousand  dollars  for  the  following  purposes,  to  wit. 

In  case  any  of  our  citizens  shall  enlist  into  the  military  service,  and  shall 
actually  be  called  out  and  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  United  States  Govern- 


248  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

merit,  the  Selectmen  may  apply  any  portion  of  such  money,  which  they  may  think 
necessary  for  to  provide  an  outfit  and  for  the  support  or  the  comfort  of  such 
soldiers  while  actually  engaged  in  such  service  and  such  sums  as  may  be  thought 
proper  and  necessary  for  the  support  of  their  families  in  their  absence,  so  long  as 
they  continue  in  the  Public  Service. 

Voted.  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  at  their  discretion,  to  expend  a  por- 
tion of  the  above  sum  in  paying  expenses  of  the  Soldiers,  for  drilling,  etc.  before 
called  in  to  actual  service. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  May  23,  1861.     Agricultural  Hall. 
Voted     To  instruct  the  Selectmen  to  reimburse  the  town  of  Belchertown  for 
what  they  have  expended  for  soldiers  belonging  to  this  town. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  pay  the  families  of  the  volunteers 
in  the  Army  the  amount  contemplated  by  the  law  now  before  the  Legislature. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  borrow  money  to  pay  town  debts, 
and  the  Assessors  be  instructed  not  to  assess  the  $4,500  voted  in  March  11  for 
Town  Debts. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Soldiers  Meeting,  Sept.  23.  1S61.     Agricultural  Hall. 
Voted  and  chose  Ezra  Ingram,  John  Cushman,  Henry  F.  Hills,  R.    B.   Bridg- 
man  and  Jairus  Skinner  to  act  as  a  Committee  to  ascertain  the  wants  of  the  Vol- 
unteers from  this  town  in  the  Massachusetts  Volunteer  Militia  and  supply  them  by 
voluntary  subscriptions. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  instructed  to  pay  to  the  families  of  Volunteers 
the  amount  not  exceeding  twelve  dollars  per  month,  according  to  the  tenor  of  the 
law. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Statistics  of  the  Town  of  Amherst  in  1S61  by  Assessors. 
Polls  757.    No.   of  Houses  534,  Horses  510,  Cows   832,  Sheep  1,122  Acres  of 
Land  16,090,  Valuation    Personal    Property  $585,348.00,  Real  Estate  $1,079,750.00, 
Total  $1,665,098.00. 

Representative  to  the  General  Court. 
John  R.  Cushman  had  two  hundred  and  forty  six  votes. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  3,  1862.     Agricultural  Hall. 

Samuel  C.  Carter  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  and  Treasurer. 

Voted  and  chose  Ezra  Ingram,  Eleazer  Kellogg  and  Daniel  Converse  as 
Selectmen. 

Voted  and  chose  Frederick  A.  Palmer,  A.  P.  Howe  and  George  W.  Hobart, 
Assessors. 

Voted  and  chose  Henry  A.  Howe,  Enos  Baker,  and  Ephraim  Cushman  Jr.  as 
Constables.  „ 

Voted  That  the  Treasurer  act  as  Collector  of  Taxes,  *  *  *  and  that  he  be 
allowed  one  percent  on  all  tax  collections  for  his  services. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    .MEETINGS.  249 

Town  Meeting,  July  21,  1862.     For  Soldiers. 

George  Cutler  was  chosen  Clerk  pro  tempore. 

Voted.  That  the  town  offer  and  pay  to  each  volunteer  from  this  town,  called 
for  under  the  General  order  of  the  Governor,  No.  26,  One  Hundred  Dollars  to  be 
paid  to  him  or  his  order  upon  being  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  U.  States 
provided  such  enlistment  shall  be  made  within  twenty  days  from  this  date. 

Voted.  That  the  Selectmen  be  instructed  to  pay  to  any  person  who  is  a 
foreigner  and  enlists  to  fill  up  the  quota  from  Amherst,  and  is  mustered  into  the 
U.  States  service  the  bounty  offered  to  citizens  who  volunteer. 

Voted.  That  the  Selectmen  be  requested  to  borrow  upon  town  orders  the 
money  necessary  to  pay  the  bounty  this  day  voted. 

Voted.  That  it  is  the  wish  of  this  town,  that  the  volunteers  of  this  town, 
associate  with  the  volunteers  from  Hadley,  Hatfield,  Leverett,  Pelham,  Sunder- 
land and  Granby  in  forming  a  company. 

Voted.  That  the  town  express  their  thanks  to  Mr.  William  Stearns  for  the 
generous  assistance  which  he  has  offered  to  all  volunteers  from  Amherst. 

George  Cutler,  Town  Clerk  Pro  Tern. 

Town  Meeting  on  Soldiers'  Bounty,  August  25,  1862.     Agricultural  Hall. 

Voted  That  the  Town  offer  and  pay  to  each  volunteer  from  this  "  town,  under 
the  last  call  of  the  Government  for  300,000  men  for  the  Military  service  of  the 
United  States,"  One  hundred  dollars  to  be  paid  to  him  or  his  order  upon  his  being 
mustered  into  the  service  aforesaid.  Provided  however  that  the  whole  number 
required  from  this  town  shall  be  enlisted  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  September 
next. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  borrow  upon  Town  orders  the 
money  necessary  to  pay  the  bounty  this  day  voted. 

The  enlisting  Committee  reported  that  43  persons  had  been  examined  and 
enlisted  and  seventeen  more  were  ready  for  examination. 

Voted  That  the  thanks  of  the  town  be  presented  to  the  enlisting  committee 
for  their  energy  and  promptness. 

Voted  That  the  first  names  on  the  enlisting  rolls  shall  have  the  first  prefer- 
ence to  go  into  the  army. 

S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting  on  Soldiers'  Bounty,  October  n,  1S62. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  of  Amherst  be  authorized  to  borrow  the  money 
and  pay  one  hundred  dollars  bounty,  to  each  of  those  who  have  enlisted  and  have 
been  or  may  be  mustered  into  the  U.  S.  Service,  from  this  town,  under  the  last  call 
for  300,000  nine  months  men. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  make  an  arrangement,  with  any 
other  town  or  city,  for  our  surplus  of  enlisted  men  which  they  may  think  for  the 
interest  of  the  town,  reserving  to  the  town,  the  benefit  of  such  surplus  men  in  a 
future  call  of  the  Government. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Representative  to  the  General  Court,  November  4,  1S62. 
Samuel  Smith  Jr.  of  Granby,  had  thee  hundred  and  eleven  votes. 

Attest.  S.'C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

19 


250  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN     OF    AMHERST,     MASS. 

Town  Meeting,  December  30,  1862. 
Voted     To  refer  the  subject  of   the   Draft  and  the  quota  of  29   men  to  the 
Selectmen,  to  investigate  the  subject  act  according  to  their  discretion  and  if  neces- 
sary call  another  town  meeting. 

Voted  To  authorize  the  Selectmen  to  act  upon  the  supplies  to  our  Soldiers, 
as  they  think  it  will  require  and  if  necessary  act  in  concert  with  other  towns  in 
appointing  an  agent. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  2,  .1S63. 

Samuel  C.  Carter  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  and  Treasurer. 

Voted  and  chose  Ezra  Ingram,  Eleazer  Kellogg  and  Daniel  Converse  as 
Selectmen. 

Voted  and  chose  Albin  P.  Howe,  Ebenezer  P.  Spear  and  Enos  D.Williams  as 
Assessors. 

Voted  and  chose  Henry  A.  Howe,  A.  R.  Cushman  and  Noah  Dickinson  as 
Constables. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  and  directed  to  issue  town  bonds  to 
the  amount  of  eleven  hundred  dollars,  payable  five  hundred  dollars  a  year  and  at 
a  rate  of  interest  not  exceeding  five  per  cent  per  annum  payable  semi-annually  if 
required. 

Voted.     Not  to  abolish  the  School  Districts. 

Voted.  To  raise  and  allow  the  Clerk  and  Treasurer  one  hundred  dollars  for 
the  past  year's  services  and  one  hundred  dollars  for  the  present  year. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

On  Bounties  and  Town  Way  by  High  School,  June  29,  1863. 

Voted  That  the  Treasurer  of  the  town,  notify  the  State  Treasurer,  that  the 
town  desires  to  be  credited  with  the  amount  paid  for  bounties  to  Soldiers  and  to  lie 
charged  with  the  amount  of  her  proportion,  and  in  case  the  charges  exceeds  the 
credits  the  Selectmen  are  authorized  to  borrow  and  liquidate  the  same. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  build  the  road  by  the  High 
School  House  South  to  G.  Cutler's  road  if  it  will  not  exceed  five  hundred  dollars, 
and  also  to  borrow  the  money  to  pay  the  same  and  if  it  cannot  be  substantial  done 
for  that  sum,  to  report  at  a  future  meeting  what  will  be  the  actual  expense  and  cost. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Representative  to  the  General  Court,  November  3,  1S63. 
William  S.  Clark  had  two  hundred  and  eighteen  votes. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Meeting  on  School  House  Road,  November  18,  1863. 
Voted     That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  build  the  road  forthwith. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Meeting,  December  9,  1863.     On  Enlistment  of  Soldiers. 
Voted     That   the  town  appoint  an  Agent  to  represent  them,  before  the  Legis- 
lative Committee  on  the  Petition  of  the  Trustees  of  Amherst  Academy. 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  25 1 

Voted  by  ballot  and  chose  I.  F.  Conkey  as  their  Agent. 

Voted  and  chose  1.  F.  Conkey,  Enos  F.  Cook  and  Edward  Dickinson  to  act 
with  the  Selectmen  as  a  committee  to  make  a  bargain  with  Mr.  Marsh  or  any 
other  person  to  aid  in  filling  our  quota. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Meeting,  January  25,  1S64,  on  the  Agricultural  College. 

Voted  That  the  town  appropriate  the  sum  of  Fifty  Thousand  dollars  as  a 
donation  to  the  State  Agricultural  College,  provided  the  same  shall  be  located  in 
this  town. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  instructed  to  offer  the  Trustees  of  the  State 
Agricultural  College  the  sum  of  Fifty  Thousand  Dollars,  provided  they  will  locate 
the  College  within  this  town. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  a  committee  of  the  town  instructed  to  forth- 
with petition  the  present  Legislature  for  leave  to  raise  said  sum  of  Fifty  thousand 
dollars  and  donate  the  same  to  the  State  Agricultural  College,  said  sum  to  be 
raised  either  by  an  issue  of  bonds  or  by  direct  taxation,  as  the  Town  shall  here- 
after determine. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  7,  1864.     Agricultural  Hall. 
Samuel  C.  Carter  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  and  Town  Treasurer. 
Voted  and  Chose  Ezra  Ingram,  Daniel  Converse  and  Avery  R.  Cushman  as 
Selectmen. 

Voted  and  Chose  F.  A.  Palmer,  Guy  C.  Munsell  and  Asa  Adams  as  Assessors. 
Voted  and  Chose  Noah  Dickinson,  George  A.  Whipple  and  Enos   Baker   as 
Constables. 

Voted     To  abolish  the  School  Districts  of  this  town. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 


Town  Meeting,  May  24,  1S64.     Soldiers  and  School  Houses. 

Voted  That  the  town  raise  by  tax  in  the  next  annual  assessment  and  appro- 
priate two  thousand  Dollars  to  refund  the  sums  paid  by  individuals  of  the  town  to 
the  volunteer  fund,  raised  under  the  call  of  Oct.  17,  1S63  and  that  any  excess  there 
may  be,  shall  be  paid  into  the  Town  Treasury.     Yeas  60,  Nays  43. 

Voted  To  raise  and  appropriate  one  hundred  and  twenty  five  dollars  to  be 
paid  to  Edwin  H.  Pierce  who  has  re-enlisted  for  this  town. 

Voted  That  the  sum  of  twelve  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  be  assessed  at  the 
next  annual  assessment  and  appropriated  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  ten  men  to 
fill  the  deficiency  in  the  quota  of  the  town. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  expend  the  Twelve  Hundred  and 
fifty  dollars  with  the  State  Bounty,  to  fill  our  present  quota. 

Voted  That  sixty  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  be  raised  for  the  purpose  of 
raising  fifty  men  to  apply  on  the  quota  of  this  town  under  future  calls  during  the 
year  ending  March  1.  1S65. 

Voted  and  chose  by  nomination  one  from  each  School  District,*  *  *  to  appraise 
the  School  House  Lands  and  property  belonging  to  the  various  School  Districts. 


252  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  That  the  town  appoint  Oliver  Watson  and  twenty  other  petitioners  as 
a  committee  to  carry  out  their  views  in  regard  to  the  fencing  and  ornamenting  the 
Common  in  East  Street. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  July  22,  1864.     Agricultural  College. 

The  Selectmen  made  a  verbal  report  on  the  subscription  for  the  Agricultural 
College,  which  report  was  accepted  by  vote. 

Prof.  W.  S.  Clark  offered  some  resolutions  which  after  discussion,  was  voted 
to  be  laid  upon  the  table. 

Voted  That  the  Moderator  appoint  a  Committee  of  three  persons  to  report 
the  time  and  places  of  holding  District  Meetings  for  the  purpose  of  raising  contri- 
butions for  the  Agricultural  College. 

L.  M.  Hills,  L.  Sweetser  and  A.  Dutton  were  appointed  the  Committee  who 
subsequently  reported  to  hold  the  meetings  as  follows  viz. 

North  Amherst  Hall  on  Monday  evening  at  yh  o'clock. 

South  Amherst  Vestry  on  Tuesday  evening  at  -jh.  o'clock. 

East  Amherst  Vestry  on  Wednesday  evening  at  yh  o'clock. 

Voted  to  accept  the  Report. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  give  public  notice  of  these  meetings  by  having 
printed  handbills  circulated,  and  that  the  resolutions  offered  by  Prof.  Clark  be 
read  at  each  meeting,  and  public  Speakers  be  provided. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Adjourned  Town  Meeting.  July  28,  1S64. 

Col.  Wm.  S.  Clark  made  a  verbal  report  on  the  progress  made  by  the  com- 
mittee since  last  meeting,  and  submitted  the  following  lvsolves  viz. 

Whereas  at  a  town  meeting  held  January  25,  1864,  it  was  voted  to  appropriate 
as  a  donation  to  the  Massachusetts  Agricultural  College  the  sum  of  Fifty  Thousand 
Dollars,  and  the  Selectmen  were  instructed  to  offer  the  same,  to  the  Trustees  of 
said  College,  on  condition  it  be  located  in  Amherst,  and 

Whereas  by  a  unanimous  vote  the  said  Trustees  have  decided  to  locate  in 
Amherst,  provided  the  sum  of  seventy  five  thousand  dollars  be  secured  to  them, 
for  the  erection  of  buildings,  and  the  sum  of  $25,000  has  been  offered  the  town  pro- 
vided the  additional  Fifty  thousand  dollars  be  raised  by  subscription  or  otherwise. 
and 

Whereas  it  is  believed  the  valuation  of  the  town  will  be  greatly  increased  by 
the  establishment  of  said  College,  within  its  limits  and  that  a  large  majority  of  the 
tax  payers  prefer,  that  the  entire  amount  of  Fifty  Thousand  be  assessed  upon  their 
property  in  annual  instalments,  for  a  series  of  years,  rather  than  to  pay  the  same  at 
once  by  subscription,  therefore. 

Voted  That  a  Committee  of  two  be  appointed,  for  each  school  district  to 
circulate  the  following  pledge,  among  the  tax  payers  of  the  town  for  their  signatures. 

"  We  the  Undersigned  tax  payers  of  Amherst  desiring  that  the  sum  of  Fifty 
Thousand  Dollars  be  paid  by  the  town  to  the  Massachusetts  Agricultural  College, 
to  secure  its  location  in  Amherst,  and  being  willing  to  pay  our  proportion  of  said 
sum,  provided  the  town  issue  bonds  for  the  amount  extending  through  a  series  of 
years,  hereby  solemnly  promise  that  our  influence  and  votes  shall  be  given  in 
favor  of  all  efforts,  to  obtain  from  the  Legislature  of  the  Commonwealth  authority 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  253 

to  raise  said  sum  by  taxation  in  the  town  of  Amherst;  and  we  do  further  promise 
that  if  the  money  required  to  secure  the  location  of  the  College  in  town  be  sub- 
scribed so  that  the  Trustees  actually  locate  here,  we  will  in  good  faith  use  all  our 
influence  to  have  the  Town  assume  the  entire  sum  of  Fifty  Thousand  dollars, 
and  refund  to  all  subscribers  the  amount  which  they  may  have  paid  for  the  above 
named  object,  as  well,  as  to  pay  the  sums,  which  they  may  have  subscribed  but 
not  paid. 

Voted  That  the  above  named  Committee  solicit  subscriptions  from  every  tax 
payer  in  their  respective  districts,  for  the  full  amount  of  his  or  her  assessment  and 
return  the  books  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  on  Saturday  the  30  instant." 

Voted     To  accept  the  first  resolve  above. 

Voted     To  accept  the  second  resolve. 

Voted  That  the  Moderator  appoint  a  Committee  of  three  to  nominate  Dis- 
trict Committees. 

The  Moderator  appointed  Wm.  A.  Dickinson,  Simeon  Clark  and  E.  D.  Wil- 
liams as  a  nominating  Committee. 

The  committee  reported  the  following  as  District  Committees,  viz.  No.  r,  L. 
Sweetser  and  G.  A.  Whipple.  No.  2,  Henry  Hills  and  J.  T.  Westcott.  No.  3,  E. 
P.  Pomroy  and  R.  B.  Bridgman.  No.  4,  G.  W.  Hobart  and  Asa  Adams.  No.  5, 
Harrison  Ingram  and  A.  C.  Marshall.  No.  6,  E.  D.  Williams  and  Orin  Johnson. 
No.  7,  F.  Gaylord  and  S.  Clark.     No.  S,  H.  Pomroy  and  Chas.  F.  Hayward. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Adjourned  Meeting,  August  1,  1S64. 

The  committee  reported  that  428  names  had  been  obtained  to  the  Pledge  and 
that  the  subscription  amounted  to  $25,802.90. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Hills  it  was 

Voted  That  a  new  subscription  in  addition  to  what  has  already  been  sub- 
scribed be  now  opened  and  subscriptions  received. 

Between  nine  and  ten  thousand  dollars  was  immediately  subscribed  when  it  was 

Voted  That  the  District  Committees  should  circulate  the  books  and  receive 
additional  subscriptions  to-morrow. 

Voted  That  Mr.  G.  Burnham,  E.  Lovett  and  Edmund  Hobart  take  the  place 
of  Mr.  Hills,  Mr.  Westcott  and  Mr.  Marshall  on  the  committee  and  that  Mr.  Charles 
Adams  be  added  to  Dist.  No.  one. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter.  Town  Clerk. 

Representative  for  Hampshire  District  No.  5,  Novembers,  1S64. 
Wm.  S.  Clark  had  five  hundred  and  fifteen  votes. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  November  19,  1S64. 

Voted  That  the  town  assume  the  payment  of  the  $1,250,  as  now  in  the  State 
Treasury,  deposited  thereby  the  Military  Committee,  and  advise  the  said  Commit- 
tee not  to  withdraw  it  at  present. 

Voted  To  accept  and  adopt  the  Report  of  the  Committee  on  the  valuation  of 
the  District  School  Houses. 


254  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  a  committee  of  the  town  and  instructed  to 
petition  the  Legislature  for  leave  to  raise  the  sum  of  fifty  thousand  dollars  and 
donate  the  same  to  the  State  Agricultural  College,  said  sum  to  be  raised  either 
by  an  issue  of  bonds  or  by  direct  taxation  as  the  town  shall  hereafter  determine. 

Voted  That  our  Representative  be  requested  to  see  that  every  effort  is  made 
to  carry  through  the  Legislature  an  Act  for  the  above  petition  and  that  the  Select- 
men may  employ  help  to  further  the  object. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Soldiers  Meeting,  December  13,  1864. 
Voted     That  the   Selectmen    be  authorized   to  pay  One  hundred  and  twenty 
five  dollars  for  each  volunteer,  that  shall  enlist  on  the   quota   of  this   town,  under 
any  call  of  the  President  of  the  United  States  before  March  1,  1S65. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Town  Meeting,  March  6,  1S65. 

Samuel  C.  Carter  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  and  Treasurer. 

Voted  and  chose  Ezra  Ingrain,  Eleazer  Kellogg  and  Porter  Dickinson  as 
Selectmen. 

Voted  and  chose  F.  A.  Palmer,  E.  D.  Williams  and  Hiram  C.  Howard  as 
Assessors. 

Voted  and  chose  George  A.  Whipple,  Noah  Dickinson  and  John  C.  White  as 
Constables. 

Voted  To  authorize  the  School  Committee  to  employ  a  Superintendent  at  a 
salary  not  exceeding  six  Hundred  Dollars. 

Voted  To  raise  and  appropriate  Ten  Hundred  and  forty  dollars  for  Military 
Bonds. 

Voted  To  raise  and  appropriate  Ten  Thousand  and  seven  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars  for  military  expenses  for  Bounties  and  for  refunding  for  1865. 

Voted  To  authorize  the  Assessors  to  assess  Nine  thousand  six  hundred  and 
fifty  four  dollars  the  valuation  of  the  school  houses,  and  all  monies  raised  this  day, 
by  a  tax  on  the  Polls  and  estates  and  property  of  each  individual  liable  to  taxation 
and  likewise  add  the  towns  proportion  of  state  and  county  Taxes,  and  that  they 
add  ten  per  cent  to  the  whole  amount  except  the  School  Houses  tax  of  $9,654, 
which  they  are  to  remit  to  each  tax  payer  his  proportion. 

Voted  To  authorize  the  Selectmen  to  sell  the  Pound  and  land  to  L.  Sweetzer 
for  $100  for  the  land. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Agricultural  College  Meeting,  May  15,  1S65. 

Voted  That  when  the  vote  is  taken,  it  be  taken  by  Yeas  or  Nays  and  that 
each  man's  answer  be  checked  on  the  check  list. 

Voted  That  the  Town  avail  itself  of  the  authority  granted,  by  an  Act  of  the 
Legislature  Approved  May  5,1865,  entitled  "An  Act  to  authorize  the  Town  of 
Amherst  to  raise  Fifty  Thousand  dollars  for  the  Massachusetts  Agricultural 
College  "  and  the  same  is  hereby  raised  and  appropriated  for  that  purpose.  Yeas 
359,  Nays  104  ;  two-third  vote  30S. 

Voted  That  the  Town  authorize  and  direct  its  Selectmen  and  Treasurer  to 
borrow   on   the    Credit  of  the   Town   by   the    issue   of  its  bonds,  Fifty  Thousand 


RECORDS    OF    TOWN    MEETINGS.  255 

dollars  and  that  the  same  be  appropriated  and  paid  to  the  Massachusetts  Agricul- 
tural College  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  town,  and  applied  in  the  erection  of 
suitable  buildings,  upon  the  farm  of  such  College  in  said  town. 

Voted  That  said  Bonds  date  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  May,  1S65,  and  be  on 
interest  thereafter  at  a  rate,  not  exceeding  six  per  cent  per  annum,  which  interest 
shall  be  payable  semi-annually. 

Voted  That  the  interest  only  shall  be  paid  on  said  Bonds,  for  five  years  from 
this  date  ;  and  that  at  the  end  of  each  year  after  said  five  years,  Two  thousand 
dollars  of  the  Principal  of  said  Bonds,  shall  be  paid,  and  the  time  of  payment  of 
each  bond  so  issued,  shall  be  expressed  thereon.  Said  principal  and  interest  to  be 
paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury. 

Voted  That  the  Assessors,  for  the  time  being,  be  directed,  to  assess  upon  the 
polls  and  estates  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  all  sums  necessary  to  pay  the 
interest  and  principal  of  said  bonds  as  the  same  become  due,  agreeable  to  the 
foregoing  vote,  and  that  the  town  cause  to  be  collected  and  paid  out  to  the  holders 
of  such  bonds  the  amount  of  principal  and  interest  thereon,  according  to  the 
tenor  thereof. 

Voted  That  three  men  be  appointed  by  the  Moderator  to  advise  with  the 
Selectmen  as  to  the  issue  and  sale  of  said  Bonds. 

Voted  To  accept  the  Committee  nominated  by  the  Moderator,  viz.  Edward 
Dickinson,  L.  M.  Hills  and  Avery  R.  Cushman. 

Voted  That  the  thanks  of  the  town  be  presented  to  Col.  Wm.  S.  Clark  for 
his  efforts  in  procuring  the  passage  of  this  Act. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 


Census  of 

Amherst,  t 

aken 

May  1,  1865. 

No  of  inhabitants, 

3413 

Houses, 

645 

Families, 

749 

Churches, 

7 

School  Houses, 

1 1 

Males, 

*5S5 

Females, 

182S 

Nq.  of  children, 

635 

Polls, 

9M 

Legal  Voters, 

728 

Naturalized  Voters. 

23 

Colored  Persons 

91 

Persons  over  20 
Widowers, 

not  able  to 

read 

or  write, 

64 
37 

Widows, 

i|i 

Males  over  30  unmarried, 

3S 

Females  over  30 

unmarried, 

1  10 

Persons  over  80 

years, 

19 

Persons  between 

70  and  So, 

90 

Representative  for  Hampshire  District  No.  5,  November  7,  1865. 
John  Jones  of  Pelham  had  two  hundred  and  twenty  four  votes. 

Attest.  S.'C.  Carter.  Town  Clerk. 


256  HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 

Town  Meeting,  November  7,  1865. 
Voted     That  the  Treasurer  pay  John  U.  and  Nelson    Ball   one   hundred   and 
twenty  five  each  a  military  bounty  due  them  for  re-enlisting  on  this  towns  quota. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  procure  five  hundred  feet  of 
Hose  for  the  Engine,  and  that  one  thousand  dollars  be  appropriated  therefor. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  sell  and  convey  the  Town  Farm 
and  exchange  or  buy  a  small  farm. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 

Adjourned  Meeting,  April  22,  1867.     Amherst  Academy. 

The  Committee  (previously  appointed)  reported  that  the  Trustees  of  Academy 
had  voted  "  That  we  are  ready  to  sell  the  real  estate  belonging  to  the  academy  and 
to  appropriate  the  income  of  the  avails  of  the  same  towards  the  support  of  a 
Classical  Department  in  the  Town  High  School  under  the  direction  of  the  said 
Trustees,  and  hereby  offer  the  said  real  estate  to  the  town  (  reserving  six  feet 
across  the  south  side  of  it)  for  the  sum  of  Five  thousand  dollars. 

Voted  That  the  town  accept  the  proposition  of  the  Trustees  of  Amherst 
Academy  on  the  terms  they  have  proposed. 

Voted.  That  the  General  School  committee  be  authorized  to  sell  the  old 
School  House  and  Lot  and  convey  the  same  and  to  purchase  the  Academy  property 
for  the  town  ;  and  to  erect  at  the  earliest  possible  time  a  new  School  House  sufficient 
to  accommodate  all  the  schools  of  the  old  centre  district  upon  said  Academy  lot. 

Attest.  S.  C.  Carter,  Town  Clerk. 


NDEX  OF  TOWN  RECORDS. 


Abbott,  Daniel  135 

Jacob  132 
Abercrombie,  Isaac  140 

Robert  29 
Adams,  Abner  67,  72,  87 

Asa  1S6,  246.  251.  253 

Charles  226,  22S,  244,  253 

Eliphalet  178 

Isaac  156 

Isaiah  217 

John  53,  173 

John  S  221,  224 

John  Quincy  223 

Joseph  241 

J  S  &  C  216 

Samuel  130, 137,  160,  165,173 
Agricultural  College  251-255 
Agricultural  Hall  245 
Allen.  Amasa   157 

Edmund  127,  175 

Edward  in.  135.  172 

M  Adams  244 

Samuel  37 

Samuel  C  20S,  219,  220,  223 

Timothy  169,  180 
Allin,  Baley  175.  178 
Alvord,  Aaron  133,  134 
American  House  244 
Amherst  Academy  250,  256 

and  Belchertown  RR  241.245 

College  215,  216,  230 

Ornamental    Tree   Associa- 
tion 245 
Ammunition  70,  75,  76,  SS,  164 
Andrews,  Salvador  225 
Arms,  Jonathan  101 
Armstrong.  John  T  224 

Samuel  T  224 
Ashley,  William  146,  149 
Authorton,  Jonathan    2-3,  6 
Ayres,  Josiah  242-244,  246 

Bailey,  John  223 

Baker.  Alfred  223,  225,  226,  211, 

236,  238-24O,  243 

Elijah  21,  24.  25,  30,  31,  34.36 
37,39-  48.  50.  51,  56,  57,  62, 
63,  74-S2,  86-94,  07,  98.  103. 
104,  107,  109,  116,  127,  134. 
135,  146,  157,  159,  160,  162, 
164 
Elijah  Jr  78,  123.  124,  161,  165 
Enos  173,  18S,  192,  196,  208, 

2)2,  247,  248,  251 

Martin  101,  203-206,  208,  209, 
212,  223,  224,  227 

1  Ismyn  219-225 

Samuel  133 

Simeon  134 
Hall,  Albert  233 

John  D  256 

Joseph  17S 

Nelson  256 

Silas  236 
Ballantine,  Wm  Gay  63 
Ballard,  Jerusha  149 

20 


Bangs,  Enoch    14S,  173 

Nathaniel  140 
Barnard,  Samuel  153,  154 
Barnes.  Jonathan    100 
Bartlett,  Caleb  16 
Jonathan  133 
Bascomb,  Thomas  37,  39,  44,  72. 

83.  113.  116.  124 
Bates,  Erancis  C  220 
Baxter,  Samuel  206 
Beckwith,  Elisha  129 
Beef  for  Continental  Army  85,89 
Belchertown  62,  99.  101,  140,  162, 
164-166,   169,  1 88,   203,    209 
218,  227.  22S,  23S,  245,  248, 
Beldin,  Aaron  224 
Elihu  1S3,  211,  212 
Hezekiah  22.  27.  34,  36,  49,  57, 
65.  7i,  7".  79,  81-S4,  99,  107, 
115,  119,  124,  127 
John  139.  150,  155 
Martha   145 
Stephen  152 
Bernardston  149 
Bigelow,  Daniel   151 
Billings,  Aaron  96,  1S4,  1S6 

David   123,  126,  139-142,  148, 

15S 
Joel  27,  49,  57.  72.  75.  86,  87, 
96.  97,  100,  114.  126.  129,  161 
John  21.  23-27,  29,  30,  32,  33, 
37,  39,  40,  42,  54,  58,  61-66, 
68,  71-73,  75-79,  81-92.  94-96, 
99-103,  107,  109,110,  112,  114, 
118,   120,   123,   126-129,  141, 
143-145,   148,   150,   158,  176, 
1S4-186 
John  Jr  72 
Martha  139 
Moses  173,  179 
William  160,  165,  177 
William  John  no 
Bishop.  Nathaniel  151 
Blackmore,  Stephen  160 
Blair,  Joseph  174,  17S,  1S0 

Bonis  139 
Bliss,  George  212 

John    85.  92,  96,  99,  101,  10S, 

in,  130,  165.  21 1 
Moses  101,  130,  137 
Ulodgett.  Asahel  186 

David  25,  57.  62.  76-79.  82,  84, 

S7.  9'.  95-  I07.  i37 
David  J r    100,  129,   13d,  i'n, 

165.  174 
John  Jr  139 
Luke  139 
Bodman,  \\  illiam  11 1.  137 
Boles,  Joseph  79,  80,  81.  1 56 
Bolles,  Sai ah  139 
Boltwood,   Ebenezei    71.  75,  77. 
■  91.  94,  95,  97-100,   102-104, 

I06-I08.     I  [6,     [20,     121.    120, 

127.     129-131,       133.     135-138, 

[40  151,1 56-160,  to2,  i'>:  165 
168,    176,   177,   179,   1S1,  182, 


1S4-190 

Elijah  199,  20S-210,  213,  225 

Hannah  4 

[ohn  116.  117 

Kezia  173 

Lucius  216,  217,  220-224,  228, 
238 

Mar  ah  124 

Mary  117,  120 

Samuel  1,  2,72,96,98,  100, 152 

Solomon  2.  3.  4,  7,  8,  10-14, 
16,  17,  21,  22,  24,  27,  32,  33, 
38,  39,  42.  45.  49.  5i.  53,  54, 
56,  57,  62,  64,  107,  112,  115, 
116,  124,  132,  136,  142.  149, 
153,  155,  157,  160,  180,  1S3 

Solomon  Jr  14 

William  12,  22-24,  26,  27,  29, 
30,  34.  42-44,  48.  51.  55,  62, 
68,  77,  115,  117,  120,  124, 140, 
148,   165,  174,  180,  181,  209, 

213 
Book  of  Records  27 
Boston  66,  68,  69,  71,  Si,  106,  204, 

237 
Bounties  and  Mileage  S2 
Bounty  for   Volunteers   248-251, 

254 
Bowdoin,  James  S4.  92,  96,98, 101, 

104,  108.  in,  130,  137 
Bowman,  William  156,180,  1S3 
Boyden,  James  W  236-245 
Bridgman,  Henry  A  242 
Jonathan  211,  222 
*  R  B  24S,  253 
Brooks,  John  206-20S,  210,  211 
Brown,  Abigail  173 
Samuel  52,  53 
William  152 
Bryant,  Seth  166,  173,  174 
Buckman,  Benjamin  137 
Burnham,  G  253 
Burt,  Gideon  96 

1'attey  173 
Burying  Grounds  27,  51,  53,  58, 

207,  20S,  222,  235,  239,  243 

Cadwell,  Orpha  139 

Cambridge  70,  72 
Carpenter,  Richard  1S0,  192 
Carter.  Samuel  C  225-235,  244-256 
Census  229,  2^).  248,  255 
Chandler,   Varon  M  212,214,223 
t  li.n  lestow  n  71 
Chauncey,  Catherine  20 

Isaac  102,  133,  152 

Josiah  3,  14.  15.  18-24,  26,  29, 
31,34.-40,44,  49.  51.  53-60,63, 
64.  72.  73,  90.  9',  94,  95,  102 

Mo,       [02,133 

Richard  3.  5-8.  10-15.  18 
( Ihenej .  I  >aniel  no 
1  hilds,  El '''ii,'.  ei  46,  58 

Noah  \\  1  ighl   149 
Church,  Daniel  84,  i 

Edward  ii.'  1 54 


258 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Church,  Giles  87,  96, 115,  149,  174, 
177,  180,  1S3,  188 

Joseph  16,  19,21-25,  27,30,31, 
34,  36,  37,  40,  49,  51,  01,  62, 
65,  66,  68,  76,  83,  87,  91,  98, 
100-104,  107-110,  116,  117, 
119,  121,  129,  130,  132-134, 
136-139,  141-143,  152,  165, 
170,  172,  175,  177,  188 

Joseph  Jr  121,  136,  139,  175 

Josiah  152 

Samuel  22,  27,  84,  152 
Clapp,  Oliver  27,37,  78,81,  86,9s, 
100,  186 

Preserved  34,  38,  58,  60,  65 

Roswell  127,  135,  140 

Timothy  96,  142,  157 

William  100,  103,  140 
Clark,  Alexander  24 

Asahel  145,  147,  148,  150,  156, 
157 

Eleazer  187 

Elijah  205 

Henry  243-245 

Judah   124,  139 

Justus  165,  173 

.Lois  149 

Simeon  11,  14,  15,  19,  22,  24- 
27,  3o,  34,  36,  37,  44-  49,  5o- 
57,  ?9,  7i,  73^  76,  So,  82,  100, 
116,  124,  134,  135,  217,  226, 
228,  229,  231,  234,  235,  238, 
239,  240,  253 

Simeon  Jr  87,  91,  96,  98,  100, 

>°7>  I47,.i73 
WilhamS  250,  251,  253,   255 
Clary,  Joseph  5,  21,  41 
Clay,  Roswell  111 
Cobb,  David  201 
Coffen,  Luke  99 
Cole,  Enos  133 

Stephen    So,  87,   91,   96. 
103,  108,  112,  133,  134 
Coleman,  Oavid  170 

Enos  67,  76,  83,  91,  96,  9 
Nathaniel  9,  10,  13-15,  1 
23,  25.  27,  30,  31,  34-3'    . 
45-48,  50,  51,  56,  58,  62,  65 
68,  75,  84,  57,  88,  96,  115,  122 
Seth  36,  37,  39,  46,  48,  56,  62, 
64,  67,  88,  100,  103,  107,  no, 
112,    116-119,    122,    129-131, 
136-138,   141,   142,   144,  147, 
150,   151,  157,  161,  163,  165, 
174,  175,  177,  179,  183,  185- 
187,  189,  190 
Seth  Jr  180 
Widow  210,  211 
William  121,  125 
Coleman's  Land  153 
College  Library  244 
Colton,  A  M  238 

Eh  31 
Committee  of    Correspondence 

67-70,  73-77,  79,  80 
Commons  222,  223,  243-245 
Common  at  East  Street  252 
Concord  70,  81,  82 
Conkey,  Alexander  149 

lthamar  210,  211,  213,  216-221, 

225,  226,  247 
I  F  242,  244,  250 
Margaret  20 
Constitutional  Convention  209 
Continental  Army  85 
Congress  71 
Money  88 
Converse,  Danie 
248,  250,  251 
Cook,  Aaron  is^ 
E   F  250 
Elisha  48,  50,  51 
John  152 


100, 


39, 


242,   244,   246, 


Cook,  Jonathan  155 
Martin  183 
Moses   12,  21,  22,  25.  30,  31. 

34-  37^  39,  44-  45,  49,  57,  6°, 
68,  86,91,95,97,99,  100,103, 
105,  106,  109,  115-117,  123, 
124,  127,  130,  136,  142,  143, 
1411-149,  151,  153,  157,  159, 
161-163 

Moses  Jr  91,  93,  96,  98,  106, 
123,  124,  151 

Samuel  153 

West  wood  7-9,  153 

Widow  152 
Cooke,  Levi  107 
Cooley,  Alden  210,  211 

Charles  231 

Daniel  88,  94,  95,  98,  102,  106- 

109,   111-114,   118,   119,  126, 

127,129-132,139-143, 145,146, 

150,  151,  157-160,  179,  195 

Counterfeit  Money  78,  S3,  84 

Court  of  Common  Pleas  150,  186 

of  General  Sessions  of  the 
Peace  166 
Cowles,  Allison  no 

David  30,  62,  91,  98,  104,  107, 
no,  131,  136,  158,  161,  162, 
179,  186 

David  Jr  174 

Eleazer  72,  75,  100,  104,  107, 
no.  1 12.  131.  136,  233 

Enoch  227 

Enos  78,  91,  107,114,  123,  139, 
140,  210 

John  3-9,  53 

Jonathan  1,  3,  4,  10,  15,  23,  24, 
25.  3i-  34-  37,  39,  40,  49~-  5o. 
56,  65,  68,  189,  213-118,  222, 
224.  233 

Jonathan  Jr  27,  39 

Jonathan  2d  213 

Josiah  2;,  214 

Levi   14S.  165.  17S,  180 

Oliver  25.  49,  57,  62. 65,  67,  76, 
80,  83.  91,  9S.  99.  103,  117, 
123,  148,  189,  227,  229 

Oliver  Jr  149,^  177 

Reuben  96,  185,  217 

Rufus  206,  207,  211.  225 

Simeon  S3,  103,  116,  117,  124, 
188.  189 
Craft,  Widow  152 
Crawford,  \\  illiam  133 
Crow  Bouutv  129,  1S0,  196 

Samuel  153-155 
Crowninshield.  Benj   207,  208 
Cushing,  Thomas  92,  96,  101,  104 

William   160 
Cushman,  A  R  246,  247,  250,  251, 

Ephrann  162,  227,  234 

Ephraim  Jr  248 

John  1<  224,  247,  248 
Curtis,  William  212 
Cutler,  David  167 

George  249,  250 

Horace  733 

Isaac  G  213,  214,  220 

Robert  100,  113.  116,  123,  132. 
135,  225,  243 

Sally  149 

Dana,  Amariah  104,  131 

Dorothy  139 

Eleazar  149 
Danielson,  Timothy    87.  92,  96, 

98,  101,  104 
Davenport,  Benjamin  149 
Davis,  John  223 
Dearbourn,  Henry  207 
Debell,  Philothea  140 
Deerrield  149 


Dexter,  David  220,  221 

Samuel  205,  206 
Dickinson,  Aaron    78,  86,  87.  94. 
95,  99,  100,  115,  116,  124,  128, 
134,  147 
Asa  161,  165,  174 
Azariah  24,  25, 27, 30,  122,  126, 

131,  174,  1S4 
Azariah  Jr  142 
Azariah  2d  78 
Azubah  173 
Bela  U  244,  246 
Benjamin  31 
Chester  202,  207-213,  215,  219- 

223,  225.  226.  228,  229 
Daniel  19,  24,  30,  62,  65,  222, 

224,  226,  227,  232,  234,  235, 
242 

David  175,  1S3 

Dorothy  140 

Ebenezer  1-21,  29,  32,  34,  40, 
54,  58,  62,  66,  71,  75,  81,  86, 
no,  120,  132,  147.  168 

Ebenezer  Jr  24-27,  34,  39,  49, 

52,  63,  136 
Ebenezer  2d  S3,  197 
Ebenezer  3d  20,  27 
Edward  216.  225,  228,  242,  244, 

3Si,  255 

Elihu  136 

Elijah  100,  103,  no,  116,  120, 
129,  142,  148,  150,  156,  157, 
161,  164,  172,  175,  176,  178, 
i/9-  1S1,  1S2,  184, 1S6, 18S-191 
193.  195-202,  205,  206 

Elisha   65,  126,  128,  129,  136, 

138,  143,  14S,  165,  171,    1S1, 
183 

Enos  27,  49,  78,  91,  96,  98,  99, 
103,  109,  110,  115,  117,  124, 
129,  136,  14S,  169,  215,  217, 
220,  221,  228,  231,  233,  244 

Enos  2d  205-207,  225 

Eunice  140 

Ezekiel  149,  161,  165,  174,  1S0 

<  rad,  142.  197 

(iideon  19,  22,  26,  29,  31,  39, 
4i,  47,  49-  53-56,  58,  67,  71, 

53,  84,  90-96,  107,  115,  128 
(iideon  Jr  26,  67,  72,  91,  98 
Hannah  173 

Israel  26,  72,  S3,  103,  125,  126, 
12S 

Jerusha  228 

John  12,  14-16,19,21-27,  29-36, 
39,  45,  49,  53,  56,  62-67,  70, 
72.  73-75-  80,83,  89,  105-117. 
11S,  122,  126-12S.  131. 146-14S 
i=;6,  160,  161,  174-177,  180, 
181,  183,  184,  185,  194,  200, 
205 

John  Jr  235 

John  2d  126,  141 

Jonathan  10,  14-19,  21-23,  27, 
30,32,3;-  ,0.  38-40,  44.  45,48, 
50,  51,  56,  58-60.  62,  83,  85, 
114-u;.  121.  122.  127,  146, 
157-160,  162,  165,  166,  168, 
169,  171-174,  176,  177,  179, 
181-184 

Jonathan  Jr  31,  65,  71,  72.  75, 
77.  7$-  81,  85,  87,  91.  92,96, 
98-101,  107,108,  121,  122,  136 

139,  142.  143,  14S 
Jonathan  2d  136,  138,  145,  14S 
Joel  98.  148,  161 

Joseph  31,34.  47,49,52,62,  72, 
75  78,  80,  86,  87,99,  103,  110, 
112.   117.   121.   [24,   120.   1  54, 

140,  142.   144,   148,   157,   161, 
178,  227 

Judah  129,  136,  14S,  149,  157, 
161,  165 


INDEX    OF    TOWN    RECORDS. 


259 


Dickinson,  Lois  139 
Lucius  223,  224,  : 


29,  231, 
232 

Marquis  F  237,  239,  243,  245, 
246 

Martha  139 

Medad  87,  no,  128,  129,  141, 
143.  161,  102,  164.  174,  177, 
179-183,  [85,  [87,  189,  191-202 

Moses  18,  19,  20-27,  29-32.  [4- 
36,  3S-40,  47-51,  54,  56,  jS,  59 
61-7S.  82-S4.  S6-SS,  97,  99, 
101,  102,  104,  107,  109,  114, 
117,  123.  125.  127 

Moses  Jr  76 

Nathan  20.  21.  41.  58,  64,  65, 
;i.  95,  114.  122.  142.  158 

Nathan  Jr   25.  39,  40.  53,  55, 

56,  65,  67,  71.  78,  83,  85,  87, 
98,  103,  122,  134.  135.  142. 
143.  149,  157,  158 

Nathaniel  13.  18,  19.  22.  24. 
27,  30,  52,  56,  62,  64,  65,  67- 
°9,  72,  73,  92,  101,  116,  120, 
121,  132,' 134,  139,  142.  152, 
■54 

Nathaniel  Jr  70-77,  79-SS,  90- 
92,  94-96,  98-101,  103-105, 
107,  108,  IT4 

Nathaniel  2d  39,  72,   76,   78, 

57,  91,  no,  124,  175 
Nathaniel  3d,  67 
Nathaniel  C  207,  20S,  210, 216, 

21S,  219.  222 
Nehemiah   25,  27,  36,  4S,  51, 

126,  127.  i;i,  152 
Noah  16.  21,  22,  25,  27,  39,  61, 

66,  68,  71,  75,  87,  91.   e.  96, 
'   98,  103,    107,   129,    [36,   142. 

149,  250.  251,  254 
Oliver   126,  131,  212,  213,  221, 

222 
( I  liver  2d  213,  222.  224, 226, 22S 
Perez   no,  122,  129,  135,  136, 

139,  14S.  150,  167,  171,  172, 

183,  185,  187,  191,  203-205 
Porter  254 
Ransom  208-212,  214 
Reuben  24.  25,  27,  31,  62,  64- 

69,  72.  74-78,  81,  82,  84,  n ;. 

128,  135 
Ruth  139.  144 
Salome  140 
Samuel  152 

Samuel  F  190-211,213-215,  217 
Sarah  139 
Selina  194,  196 
Selcore  14 
Silas  140,  180,  1S1 
Simeon   21.  2;,  34.  38,  56,  58, 

60,  74-76,  81,  S4.  91,  99,  100, 

114.  116,  117.  127,  139.   147. 

16] 
Simeon  Jr   103,  121,  142,  161, 

177 
Solomon  M  210.  211 
Stephen  165 
Stoughton    100.  107,  113,  nt', 

121.    122,    125,    I2Q,    142.    I43. 

146,  14S,  150,  150,    157,   101, 
i<>;.  106,  i;o.  [73,  174 
Thankful   14'/ 
Thomas  152,  154,  155 
Waitstill  77,  Si,  S4."ii5,  128, 

146.  234-23S 
William  140.  [42,148,  153,210 

211,  243.  244 

\\  ilham  A  253 

Zebina  213-222 

I  >Kti  i'ct  of  Amherst  19 

Division  of  Parish  63,66,  68,  119, 

120.  135.  141.  143.  150 
Diaper,  Ichabod  114,  135,  139,  145 


149,  198 
Dodge,  John  149 
Done,  Amariah  1S0 
Doty,  John  139 
Draft  250 

Draper,  Lewis,  L  227 
Dutton  A  2,2 
Dwight,  Capt  2,7 

Elijah   150,  208 

Jonathan  174 

Justus  132.  144,  169,  172 

Thomas  165.  174.  177.  179,183 

Eames,  Ebenezer  210 
Eastman.  Austin  242-245 
Baxter  241-245 

Ebenezer   71.  76,  98,  100,  103, 
104.  141,   161,   162,   164,   181, 
182 
Elijah  192,  195,  200 
John  9S,  103,  no.  116, 117, 123, 
125,   12S.  129.  133.   142,    147. 
161,  165,  170,  179.  205,  206 
Jonathan  213 

Joseph  n-16,  18-27,  30,  32,  34- 
37.  39,  44,  4,7.  57-  5S,  70-70, 
79.  80,  82,  89,  90.  IK.  no. 
128,  130,  133,  136,  137,' 150 
Joseph  Jr  26,  29,  39,  57,  91, 
103,  104,  107,  129,  131,  133, 
136.  138,  140,  142 
losiah  120 

Solomon  K  221,  222,  225,  227 
Timothy  152-155 
Eason,  David  139 
Ecclesiastical  Council  94 
Eddy,  Barnabas  49,  72 
George  149 
Smith  139 
Edwards,  Jonathan  12, 17, 19,  21, 
23,  27,  31-33,  36,  40,  47,  49, 
32,  53,  55.  56,  5S,  61,  66,  76, 
114,  115.  123.  127.  12S,  146 
Martha  173 
Mary  145 
Nathaniel   107,  123,  136,  146, 

157,  161.  173 
Phillip   90.  92.  1:4,  129.  136. 
146,  170,  183 
Eli,  Benjamin   in 
Ellis,  John  20 
Elmer,  Elijah  103.  136,  176 

Simeon  65,  100 
Ely,  Justin  174 

Mr  93 
Embargo  199.  205 
Emerson,  J  M  244 
Emmons,  Eli  199 

Robert  31.  37,  57,  62,  72 
Equivalent  Lands  13,  15,  54 
Eustis,  William  20S,  210-212 
Everett,  Edward  224,  225,  227 

Farnsworth,  Mr  27 
Eield.  Asa  L  236 
I )  S  244 

John  10,  14-16,  22-24.  26,  211-^4. 
36-39, 51, 54, 56,     1. 
93-95,   97-100,    102-104.    107- 
109,  116,  117,  121,  130,  134, 

135,  147 
John  Jr  20,  37,  49,  87,  96,  102, 

121 
Jonathan  26. 116,  117.  121,  12-,. 

135,  141,  170,  171 

Mary  173 

Sally  145,  ^73 

Zacheriah  1 

Fillmore,  William  18 

hire  I  Vpartment  228 

Engine  22(1.  232.  234,  236,  237, 

241,  256 
Engine  I  louse  -'17 


Fire  Wardens  216 
Fish,  John  132 

Stephen  148, 149, 157, 161, 165, 
>77,:'7§.  192 
Fisk,  Daniel  133 

Lois  139 
Fitch,  Newton  231.  234,  235 
Fletcher.  Nathan  P  220 
Fobes,  Simeon  74 
Foster.  Dwight   151 

Edward  Jr  140 
Fowler,  Samuel  130,137,  160, 165, 
174-  177,  1S3 

\\  ilham  C  240 
Fox,  lohn  139 
Franklin,  Henry  72,  75,  114 

Henry  J  39.67.  76,77,80.  123, 
161 

Nathan    157,  1S9-192,  194-197, 
200-202,  207,  211,  213 
French  Neutrals  35 
Fuller,  David  111,  127,  135 

Gale,  Charles  D  221 
Gam  well,  Samuel  195,  198,  199 
Gardner,  Henry   71,  72 
Gay  lord,  Eleazer  224 
Flavel  243,  253 
Lorenzo  234 
Samuel  152 
William  152 
General  Assembly  7S 

Court  9,  18.  20,  34,  47,'  52,  66, 
67,  69,  75,  83.  85,  86,  89,  95, 
98,  102,  106,  145, 163, 165, 166 
lS4,    I"  195>   197, 

198,  200-204,  20'J,  213-215, 
220,  225.  237.  240,  242".  243, 
245    247    249-252,  254 

Gerry,  Elbndge  in,  160, 1S5,  187, 

189,  190,  200,  202,  203 
*  Sill,  Moses  151,  165,  173,  177,  179, 

182,  185 
Goodale,  David  14S,  162 

Llisha  65 

Hosea  201,  210 

Isaac  19,  24,  25,  27,  29,  34,  39, 
40,  44-  49,  57,  60,  62.  77.  S3, 
93,  95,  !05,  106,  113,  110,  122. 
127 

Isaac  Jr  76 

Isaac  2d   175 

Thomas  142 
Goodman,  John  153,  154 

Noah  85,  92,  96,  99,  101 

Timothy  S  208 

Thomas  153-155 
Gore,  Christopner   198,  200-202 
Gorham,  Elizabeth  149 

Nathaniel  104,  137,  160,  165 
Gospel  Ordinances  ^8 
Gould,  Joseph  48,  51 

Noah  48,  51.  173 

Sarah  20.  t>;S 
Graft,  \\  inslow  175 
Granby  199.  213,  21S,  223,  234,  249 
Crave  Cloth  27 
<  ii.iws.  John  152 

Mary  149 
1  Iraj .  Aaron  20 

Ebenezer  159 

Harrison  71 

J  P  244 

\\  ilham  201 
Green.  Moses  1!    241,  247 

Timothy  .',7.  4',.  4  ,.  58, 
72,  7s,  80,  83,  no,  115,  125, 
129 

Timothy  Jr  62,  7  ,.  83,  87,  96, 
100,  103.   112.   115,   125,   129, 

1)2.     I< 

Zery  174,  .83 
Gndley,  Isaac  235-237,  239-241 


260 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


Gridley,   Timothy  J     208,    209, 

212-214,  221,  232,  234,  235 
Grout,  Jonathan  151 

Marcus  C  247 
Gunn,  John  24 

Lyman  234,  235,  242 

Hadley  1,  2,  5,  6,  13,  15,  ig,  21,  25, 
35,  41,  42,  61,  65,  79,  So,  97, 

102,  116,  127,  130,  131,  132, 
146,  150,  152-155,  164,  106, 
172,  184,  188,  201,  202,  214, 
217-219,  223,  224,  227,  229, 
234,  237,  249 

Second  Precinct  15-1S 
Third  or  East  Precinct   1-5, 
7-9-  24,  25 
Hamilton,  Andrew  156 
Chauncey  202 
David  Chauncey  149 
Eli  139 
Martha  139 
Hammond,  Salem  233,  241,  245 
Hampshire  Agricultural  Society 

County  102,  105,  108,  151,  155, 

202,  203 
and  Franklin  Express  235 
1  iazette  199,  205 
Hancock.  John   84,  87,  92,  96,  98, 

104,  108,  111,  130,  137 
Hardwick  [88 

Harkness,  Improvement  144 
Harroon,  Oliver  139 
Harwood,  Benjamin  20 
Hartling  Stake  2,  32-37,  39,  40, 

44,  46,  49,  55,  56,  81,  168 
Hastings,  Elijah   76,  S3,  91,  102, 

103,  107,  1 10.  114,  1 17,  [21, 
129,  143,  16S,  170,  180,  1S1, 
183 

Elisha  120 

Henry   238 

James  238,  243,  244 

jerusha  173 

John  85,  87,  92,96,  99,  ioi,  104 

108,  in,  126,  130,  1 37,  160, 

165,  174,  177-  179-  183 
Thomas  21,  22,  30,  31,  34,  37, 

51,  61,  65,  68,  72,  72.  75.  76. 

78,  82,  83,  85,  87,  90,  91,  96- 

98,  103.  110-112,  114.  122.  i;s. 

127,  128,  132,  133-  '35-  '3'"'' 

141.  163,  180,  1S1,  223,  228, 

229 
Thomas  Jr  27,  39,  S3,  95,  96, 

98 
Moses  103,110,  114,  122,125, 

129,  142,  143,  158,  172,   175, 

i77>  179-181,187,  197-202,204 

208 
Samuel   83,  96,  103,  114,  122, 

139,    148,    161,    177-180.  183, 

185-1S7,  1S9 
Hatfield  94,  95,  97,  140,  144,  152, 

249 
Hawiey,  David  141,  1S7 
Eunice  81 
John  132,  133 
Joseph  6,  8,  9,  85,  96,  99 
Moses  41,  81,  97 
Noah  132,  133 
Rebekah  190 
Samuel   1-3,  11 
Zachariah   75,  83,  84,  87,  97, 

100,  no,  115,  122,  123,  141, 

148,  171,  192 
Zachenah  Jr  1S0 
Zebina  178,  212,  224 
Hayward,  Charles  F  253 

John  110 
Haze,  Jeremiah  149 
Hearse  190 


Henderson,  Gideon  27,  30,  31,  33, 
34,  37,  56,  80,  Si,  87,  88,  91, 
99 
Timothy  98,  100,  103,  no,  129 
148,  157,  161,  166,  172,  174, 
175,  177,  180,  181,  183,  1S9- 
191,  i93-!97,  200-202,  204-206 

Hendrick,  James  78, 114,121,138, 
150 

Henry,  Tames  149 
Luther  217 
Samuel  68,  75,  83 

Henshaw,  Samuel  130,  137,  151, 
160,  165,  174 

Highways  6,  21,  24,  27,  31-41,  44- 
51,  53,  54,  56-63,  81,  84,87, 
89,  91-93,  102-105,  109-1 1 1, 
113,  117-132,  134-138,  141, 
143-148,  150,  153,  156,  158, 
160,  162,  164, 167-170, 172-1*75 

178,  186-189,  200,  20',  2'.0, 
213-219,  223-225,233,237-241, 
250 

Hill,  Abraham  S3 
Hills,  Henry  F  248,  253 

Leonard  M  225,  238-240,  242, 
247,  254,  255 
Hilyard,  John   152 
Hirsch,  John  139 
Hitchcock,  E  228 
Ilobart.  Edmund  253 

George  W   243,  244,  247,  248, 

253 
Hoddens, 53,  54,  57 

John  57 
Holmes,  .Samuel  178 
Horses  for  Continental  Army  87 
Howard.  Hiram  C  254 

Jonathan  104 
Howe,  Albin  P  225,  226,  240,  242- 
244,  246-248,  250 

Henry  A  245-248,  250 
Howland,  W  S  224 
Hovey,  I  homas  153 
Hubbard,  Daniel  152 

Edmund  23,  154,  155 

Elihu  76,  112 

Elijah  173 

(iiles  '59 

Isaac  65,  6S,  71,  72,  7S,  80.  87- 
89,  9',  107 

John  35.  144 

Polly  i;  149 

Samuel  2ij;,  225 
Hulit,  Patience  1  9 
Humphrey,  1 1    231 

Rev  Dr  222 
Hunt,  Ebenezer  10:,  108, 142,  151 
177,  '79,  183 

Lydia  139 
Hyde,  Andrew    173,  204,  211,  212 

Hannah  ij9 

Ira  234 

Inferior  Court  78 
Ingram,  David  103,  17S 

Ebenezer   140,  i6j,  192,    198, 

207 
Elisha    14,  25,  37,  42,  45,  62, 

72.  75,  76,  82,  85,  89,  92,  150 
Ezekiel  163 
Ezra  225,   226,   231-233,    235, 

241,    242,   244,  246-248,   250, 

251,254 
Gideon  136,  145 
Gorsham  145 
Harrison  253 
Joab  157 
John    1,  2,  78,  81,  ^7,  99,  11;, 

1 16,  127,  130,  142,  152,  165, 

179,  180,  191,  190 
John  Jr  1,  152 

John  2d  103,  125,  157,  170 


Ingram,  Jonathan  152 
Nathan  138 
Nathaniel  152 
Phillip  22,  37,  56,  59,  65,  72 
P  229 
Reuben    19-21,  24,  64,  76,  S7, 

91,  131,  138 
Robert  139 
Samuel   io,  22,  23,  26,  27,  30, 

3i,34,39,  52,  123,  152 
Z  C  200,  2oi,  206,  207,  229 

Jackson,  Charles  217 
Jearild,  William  1 11 
Jearills,  William  127 
Johnson,  Orin  253 

Owen  231 
Johnston,  John  157 
Jones,  Ebenezer  114*123 

[ohn  255 

Levi  212,  213 

Thomas  233 

Keet,  Ruth  20 

John  40 

Kellogg,  Aaron  190,  192-194,  196 

Daniel  11,  iS,  20-27,  29,30,  34, 

35.  37-  39.  4i,  44-  57,  58,6i, 

on,  72,  74,  87,89,  <)0.  1 1  j,  111., 

120,  122,  127,  133,  138,  i;o, 

171.  192,  193,  210-212 
Daniel  (r  77,  9(1,  1033  108,  120 

122,  123,    129,  13d,    137,  141, 

143,   14(1,   148,  150,  157,  160, 

Idl,  |N2 
Ebenezer  1-3,  7-14,  27,  153 
Ed  153 
Eleazer  225,  229,  231,  232,  247 

248,  250,  254 
Electa  140 
Elijah  200 
Elijah  Jr  180 
Ephraim   6,  10,  20,  23,  26,  52, 

91,  96,  112,  132-134,  136,  157, 

161 
Ephraim  Jr   30,  145,  14S,  157 
Horace  235,  242 
James   220-222,  225,  226,  22N, 

229,  231-234 
Joel  190 
John  96,  152,  174,  1S9,  190, 191 

194-197 
Jonathan  89 
Joseph  153,  165 
Martin    65,  68,  74,  76,  S3,  85, 

87,  88,  91,  94-96,  98,  99,  104, 

10',  107,  10;),  115,  121,   124, 

145,  146,    148,    157-159,    166, 

ID",    1/b,    192 

Martin  Jr   185 

Nathaniel  153,  155 

Rufns  222,  231 

William  220,  221,  237,  238 

Wiliard  M  228,  237,  238,  245, 
246 

Wright  D  228 
Kimball,  Andrew  82,  83,  116,  126 
132 

Andrew  Jr    103,  126,  136,  142 

Benjamin  183 

Jamin  157 
King,  Sarah    149 
Kunk,  ye  9,  11  or  Conque  82 

Larrabee,  Thomas  129,  140,  142 
Lathrop,  Samuel  212,  221-223 
Leach,  Levi  136 
Lee,  Aaron  60 

Abner  44,  45,  59,  64 

Gideon  57 

John   75,  96,  98,  115,  i'6,  122, 
12C1,  148,  161,  172,  1  S3 

Sarah  115,  140 


INDEX    OF    TOWN    RECORDS. 


261 


Leland,  John  213,  221,  235 

Levett,  Jonathan  190 

Leverett  78,  97,  103,  117,  131,  156, 

169,  210,  227,  229,  236 
Lewis,  AM  173 

Irena  173 

Noadiah  27 

Salome  173 

Susanna  149 
Lincoln,  Benjamin  101,  104,  108, 
in,  130 

Levi    151,  200,  213-215,   217, 
219-222 
Lloyd,  James  207 
Lock-up  246 
Longley,  Thomas  20S 
Lovett,  E  253 

Wheaton  239 
Lucore,  Isabel  20 
Lyman,  Elihu  208 

Samuel  126,  137,  151,  160,  173 
176,  182 

Theodore  223 

William  137,  151 

Mack,  David  Jr  231 
Marshall,  Ansel  C  235-240,  253 
McClellen,  Hugh  173,  190 
McConnel,  Elmer  149 
McCullock,  Henry  139  ' 
McCulluck,  Martha  140 

Molly  139 
McDaniel,  Jacob  67-70,  72,  75,  95 
96,  103,  116,  121,  122 
John  1  [8 
Marriages  20,  139, '140.  144,  145, 

i49.  173 
Marsh,  Abner  139 
Daniel  152,  155 
Job  154 
Jonathan    142,    147-149,   152, 

161,  162 
Moses  155 
Samuel  152,  173 
Marshall,  Chester  1S3 

Isaac  86,  129,   131,   132,   135, 

142,  161 
Thomas  110 
Mather.  Elijah  207 
Mather,  Samuel  85,88,192,  96,99, 

101.  104, '112,  130 
Matthews,  Aaron  50 

Silas  129 
Mattoon,  Ebenezer  Jr  10,  12,  19, 
2t,  22,  24,  25,  40,  42,  64,  67, 
71.72,  74,76-78,  80-S3,  86,  88 
92,  99,  100,  102,  103,  105,  107 
no,  111,    116,    11N-120,   123, 
124,  127,129-131,133,  135-146 
158,    160,    102-165,    174-179, 
181-184,   187,   188,   193,  194, 
198,200,201,203-205,  207-209 
211-215,  22°>  22I>  225>  22& 
E  Jr  147 
Eleazer  4,  5,  7,  8 
Noah  D  200 
Maynard,  Jonathan  133 
Meeting  House  1-13,  15.17.  19.20 
Merrick.  Aaron  174,  178,183,192, 
198,   200-204,    206,  208,  211, 
226 

a  r  228 

Esther  139 

James  24,  31,  43,  58,  72,  75,  76 

So,  82,  83,  88,  115,  124,  12;, 

128/H.: 
James  E  244-247 
William  231 
Merrill,  Calvin  125,  140,  166,  174, 

178,  180,  183,  187,  189,  192, 

194-202,  204-206,  208 
Military  Quota   249-251,  254,255 
Service  247,  248 

21 


Minister  1-5 
Molinux.  Isaac  149 
Monopoly  and  Forestalling,   80 
Montague  234 

Jemima  215,  216 
John  152,  154,  155 
Luke  183 
Peter  152,  153,  155 
Seth  173 

Zebina  105,  107,  no,  116,  118, 
120,  123,  131,  133,  138,  140, 
141,   150,   151,  157,   159-166, 
172-177,  179,   180,   183,  184, 
1S7,  189,  190,  193,  195,  196, 
198,  199 
Moody,  Asahel  22,  25,  30,  32,  34, 
56,  62,  68,  84,  87,   102,  114, 
136 
Daniel  194 
David  208,  212,  214 
Ebenezer  152 
Eldad   107,  115,  125,  142,  160, 

(61 
Elihu  140 
Elijah  142,  144 
Eunice  140 
Irene  137 

Joel  37,  39.  49,  57,  62,  71,  78, 
83,98-100,  103,  115,  125,  136, 
146.  14S.  157 
Jonathan  7,  15,  17,  21,  22,  24, 

3o,  115 
Jonathan  Jr  25,  27,  34,  49,  56, 
62,65,  68,  100,  114,  123,  126, 
141 
Josiah  30,  42,  58 
Lemuel  27,  43,  57,  58,  74,  78, 

115,  125,  129,  132,  136,  169 
Meaad  112,  125,  129,  134,  135, 

146-148 
Nathan  45 
Perez  91,  114 
Rachel  140 
Samuel  152 
Sarah  140 
Silas  140 
William  166 
Moores,  William  no 
Morton,  John  20,  44,  59,  186 
John  Jr  26,  83,  100 
Joseph  115,  125,  147 
Marcus  215,  219-225,  228 
Mary  173 
Thomas  20,  157 
Mount  Hollick  202,  203 

Holyoke  213,  223 
Munsell,  Guy  C  251 
Thomas  139 

Nash,  Amos  114,  139,  175 

David  10,  12,  15,  35 

Ebenezer  152,  155 

Eleazer  173 

Ephraim  152 

John  1-1S,  24,  26,  35,  42,  46, 
48,  12,  57,  72>  73.  75.  9i.  95. 
97,  100,  101,  103,  107,  no, 
111.  116,  118,  120,  122,  124, 
12;.  12</.  147,  152,  161 

John  Jr  13.  14,  ib,  25,  27,  31, 
36,38.  39.  5i.  55-58,6o,62 

Jonathan  8,  II,  1'',  35,  37 

Jonathan  Jr  27,  49 

Joseph  26,  152 

Levi  132,  133 

Lorenzo  S  2j; 

Luther  229 

Moses  17A  [86 

( lliver  227,  228 

Reuben  114,  122 

Samuel  152,  155 

Thomas  152 
Negro,  Tom  28 


Nelson,  Seth  210 

New  Constitution  79,  81 

Money  90 

Salem  149 
Newell,  Asahel  161,  165,  174 
Newton.  Paul  78, 125, 136, 157, 160 
Nims,  Seth  223-225,  229,  231,  234 
Noble,  Eunice  140 
No  License  239,  240 
North  Hadley  241 
North,  Reuben  122 
Northampton  23,  62,  70,  186,  189, 
204 

Jail  109 
Nutting,   George    209,  210,  213, 
216,  217,  224 

Jonathan  203 

Truman  238-240 

Oath  of  Allegiance  138 
Orne  Azor  92,  96,  98,  101 
Otis,  Harrison  Gray  212 

Paine,  Daniel  234,  242,  246 
Pall  Cloth  1S0 

Palmer,  Frederick  A  211,225,  226 
231-233,  235-237,  239,  240,  242 
244,  245,  247,  248,  251,  254 
Paper  Money  99 
Parker,  Eh  40,  42,  43,  58,  62,  66, 
72,  76,  78-86,  88,  89,  94-97, 
99,  101,  103,  105, 107, 109,  in 
115,  117,  118,  120,  121,  130, 
132,  137,  ijo,  143,  145,  148, 
150,  158,  166,  173,  176,  177, 
178,  180,  182,  185,  186 
Eli  Jr  121,  125,  166,  194 
Elijah  94 
Wareham  151 
Parks,  Warham  92,  101,  112,  179 
Parsons,  David  224 

Dr  David  88-90,  93-95.  123. 
i32>  i39>  MO,  144.  145.  149. 
170,  173-  191.  194  , 
Rev  David  2-23,  25,  26,  29,  31, 
32.  35.  39.  42.  45.  47.  52.  54. 
61,  64.  66,  70,  73-75.  77,79. 
82,  83,  87,  89,  97.  103-106, 
m-113,  116,  119 
Gideon  107,  116, 126,  127,  130, 

131.  139,  140,  159,  168,  172 
Simeon  66 
Partridge,  Samuel  153-155 
Payne,  Olive  139 
Peck,  Joseph  75 
Mary  139 
Nathaniel  61,  So,  81,  S4-87, 

89,  90.  93.  97.  i42 
Nathaniel2d  111,127,  135.157 
Simeon  77,  78,  81,  86,  90,  96, 

133 
Simeon  Jr  76,  78,  90 
Peebles,  William  Forbush  145 
Peirce,  Josiah  70 
Pelham  22,  23,  32,  33,  56,  58,  mi, 
137,  139,  140,  144,  146,  166, 
ifa9,  ibo,  181,  185,  186,  204, 
227,  229,  240,  247,  249,  255 
Petitions  106 
Pettis,  John  80,  107,  123 

Joseph  9s-  114,  115,  125,  140, 
177,  181 
Pettes,  Leucretia  145 

Tamer  173 
Petty,  John  19,  21,  22 
Phelps,  Charles   177.  1S3 
(  (liver  92,  104,  108,  1 1 1 
William   140 
Philemore,  William  174 
Phillips,  Samuel  160,  165,  177 

\\  illiam  204 
Fierce.  Kdwin  H  251 
V.  A.  244 


262 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    AMHERST,    MASS. 


245 


Pierce,  Josiah  155 
Pomeroy,  David  1 

Dorcas  173 

EP  233 

Harlan  L  247,  253 

Polley  173 

Simeon  22,  24,  34,  39,  4°>  47* 
48,  88,  Q7,  121,  122 

Simeon  Jr  114,  122,  147 
Poorhouse  79,  80,  207,  225-228, 256 
Porter,  Alexander  10 

Eleazer  1,  85,  152,  153 

Elisha  105 

Experian  152 

Mrs  Hannah  152 

Hezekiah  152 

John  152 

Ruth  139 

Samuel  152,  153,  155 
Posting  Warrants  142 
Pound    7-io,  12,  35,  99,  116,  190, 

216,  244,  254 
Powers,  John  156 
Preston,  John  152,  153,  155 
Prince,  H  B   247 

Samuel,  139 
Province  Tax  145 
Provincial  Congress  70,  71,  73,  75 
Prutt,  Caesar  187,  189,  193,  192, 
194,  igS 

Ralf,  Enos  98 
Reed,  William  212,  218 
Religh,  Elizabeth  145 
Revolutionary  Bounty  SS  88,  89 

Quota  89 
Rhodes,  Benjamin  24,  44 
Rice,  Jonathan  223 
Rich,  Calvin  98,  139 

David  85,  90,  114,  125 

Hannah  139 

Luke  173 
Roads,  length  of  229 
Robberson,  Eliphalet  140 
Robbins,  Edward  M   196 

Isaac    139,   157,   175,  209-213, 
218,  226,  228 

Joseph  14;,  174,  180 

Silas  in,  127,  134,  135 

Z  W   239 
Robbinson,  Robert  139 
Robins,  Josiah  139 

Lydia  139 
Roberts,  Charles  228 

Joshua  228 

Reuben  212,  215,  223 
Rolf,  Benj  128 
Rolf,  Marah  127,  132-134 

W  M  in 
Rolph,  Enos  no 
Rood.  Ezra   62,  76.  77,  So,  82,  83, 
87,  95.  96.  99,  109 

Solomon  20 
Roode,  Esther  140 

Ezra  140 
Rooker,  William  152,  154 
Root,  Capt   24 

Elisha  159 

Lemuel  102 
Routh,  Benjamin  132-135,  140 
Row,  Orinda  140 
Rowe,  Cloe  149 

Gay  us  in,  127,  132,  133 

Huldah  139 

Moses  104,  105,  109,  115,  124, 
146 
Russell,  Jonathan  153,  154 

Samuel  153,  154 
Rust,  Benoni   209,  210,  212,  213 

Nelson  226 

Sabins,  Barnabas  68,  100, 129, 159 
Santon,  David  m 


Sartell,  Josiah  139 
Savage,  Capt  24 
Schools  n,  14-16,  20,  22-24,30,  55. 
63,  79,  85,  97,  100,  109,  no, 
140,  143 
Dames  11,  14,  97 
Districts  109, 141,  145-147, 175 
203,  227,  234,   239,   240-243, 
246,  250-253 
Grammar    51,  63,  66,  246,  247 
High  239-243, 246,  247,  250,  256 
Master  14,  76,  190 
Scott,  Israel  178,  209 
Sedgwick,  Theodore  126,  151 
Selding,  Ebenezer  153,  154 
John  154 
Thomas  152 
Sellon,  Doct  225 
Sexton,  David  85,  130,  137,  160, 

165,  174,  177,  179,  183 
Sidewalks  243,  244 
Sharp,  Mr  36 
Shaw,  Henry  221 
Shephard,  William  104,  108,  130, 

151,  160,  165,  174 
Shirtliff,  Vire  140 
Shutesbury  54,  90,  91,  95,  97,  155, 
164,  169,  184,  186,  217,  218, 
227,  229 
Skinner,  Jairus  24S 

Thomas  J   126,  151 
Springfield  52 
Smalledge,  Joseph  L  21S 
Smead,  David  85,  87,  92,  96,  99, 
101,  18S,  130,  161,  174 
Solomon  190 
Smith,  Aaron  1-7 

Alexander   12,  14,  15,  18,  19, 
21,  22,  24,  25,  27,  31,  34,  36, 
38,  39,  56,  59,  61-63,  67,  72, 
83-85,  91 
Alexander,  Jr  26 
Asa  136,  140, 157,  179,  187,  192 
Benjamin  83,  96,  179 
Benjamin  F  243 
Charity  Fund  and  Will  235, 

237 
Chester  177,  17S,  202,  203,  218 
Chileab  37,  76,  121,  152 
Cotton  229 
Daniel  20 

David  4-6,  22,  25,  49,  53,  55, 
75,  89,  91,  123,  128,  146,  203, 
219 
David  Jr  116,  174,  184 
Dorothy  173 
Ebenezer  152 
Edward  21,330,  45,  49,  62,  67, 

72,  76,  103 
Eleazer  90,  91,95-97.  102.  103, 

115,  124.  148,  167,  16S.  176 
Electa   144 

Elias  129,  140,  201,  219 
Elijah   173,  192,  197,  198,  200- 

202 
Elisha  72,  75,  83,  88,  89,  9', 
92,  95,  96,  99-103,  105,    107, 
108,  114.  117,  126,  127,  129, 
130,  133  138,    142,    144.    145, 
148,    156,   157,   161,  163-166, 
173-176.    179,   180,   1S2,  184, 
186,  192,  195,  201-204,  215 
Elisha  Jr  208-211 
Ethan    115,  124 
Hannah  139 
Horace  220-222,  244 
Ichabod  152,  154 
James,  152 
John  152,  218 

Jonathan   3.  4.  6,  8-15,  21,  34, 
37<  57-  65,  75,  83,  91,  92,  114, 
115,  120,  169-171,  173 
Jonathan  2d  183 


Smith,  Joseph   65,  152,  153 
Josiah  145 
Levi  89 
Luke  152 
Martha  145 

Martin  34,  35,  49,  65,  74 
Mary  140 
Mehitable  118,  127 
Moses  3,  n,  12, 14,  15,  44,  66, 

68,  161,  173,  183 
Nathaniel   1-11,  15,  16,  18-21, 

23,  24.  31,  44,  52 

Nathaniel  Alexander  87,  no 

Noah   2.  3,  20,  24,  49,  58,  67, 

75,  77,  83,  96,  98  102,    109, 

117,  11S,  127,  129,  135,  136, 

142,  143,  148,  157,  161,  165, 

174.  177,  184,  185.  187 

Noadiah  78,  no,  114,  129,  135 

146-148,  161,  175 
Oliver  78,  235 

Peletiah  1,  3,4,  8,  9,  34,  36,65 
Peletiah  Jr  16,  19,  25,  31,  48, 

50,  64 
Peter  16,  18,  21-25,  27,  29-35, 

37-40,  56,  58-61,  65 
Preserved  152 
Rachel  173 
Reuben  90.  91,  174 
Samuel   87,  115,  124,  136,  152, 

1/7,  249 
Sarah  139 
Simeon   21,  24,  34,  64,  72-75, 

115.  136,  148 
Stephen  3,  77,  88,  89,  91,  94, 
95,  98-100,  103,  108,  114,  118, 
120,  121,  129,  133,  142.  146, 
157,   160,  166,    174-178,  1S1, 
1 S3,  18S 
I  imothy  87,  136 
William  Elisha  no 
William  H  233,  236 
Snell,  E  S  227 
Snow,  Ralf  180 
South  Hadley  155,  173,  234 
Southworth,  Abia  173 
Southvvood,  Ariz  139 
Spear,  E  P  245,  246,  250 
Lyscum  23^ 
M  N  242-246 
Standard  of  Weights  and  Meas- 
ures 188 
Stanley,  Edward  A  242 
Stearns,  William  249 
Stebbins,  Phineas  101,  in 
Stetson,  Gideon  1S3,  185,  187,  189 
190,    191,   204,   207-210,  213, 
215,  216 
Gideon  Jr  218 
Stevens,  Phinehas  173 

Titus  106 
Stilman.  George  152,  154,  155 
Stoddard,  Solomon  108,  in,  137, 

174 
Stow, 71 

Strong,  Caleb  85,  88,  92,  96,  98, 

101,  104,  108,  in,  185,  187, 

189. 190,  193. 195-197,  202-206 

Hezekiah  W    203,  213 

J  229 

Nathaniel  125 

Nehemiah  9-12,  16,  113,  116 

Simeon  24.  25.  27,  29-34,  36, 
37,  39,  4C  43,  44-  47,48.  50-54 
56,  58,  i9.  61,  62,  64,  65,  67, 
7S,  79.  82,  84,  87,  95-  96,  99, 
101,  JE104,  100,  115-123,  125, 
135.  137,  141,  142,  145,  148, 
151.  158,  159,  161,  165,  166, 
[68,  171.  174,  186,  195,  19S- 
200,  203-206,  213 
Sumner.  Increase  173,  177,  179, 
182 


INDEX    OF    TOWN    RECORDS. 


263 


Sullivan,  James  193,  195-19S 

Thomas  177 
Sunderland  45.  91,  103,  10S,  149, 

210,  214,  219,  225,  227,  231, 

241,  249 
Superintendent  of  Schools  254 
Supreme  Judicial  Court  191 
Surplus  Revenue  225,  227,  228 
Sweetser's  Hall  232,  240 

Luke    222,  231,  236,  237,  252, 

253*  254 

Taggart,  Samuel  190 
Tainter,  Stephen  149 
Taylor.  John  Jr  153-155 

John  Sr  152,  154.  155 
Tax  Discount  245 
Temple,  Thomas  3 
Tender  Act  86 

Thayer,  Asahel  211,  213,  214,  220- 
222 

Josiah    114.  134,  135-  M7,  149, 
161.  1S3 

Martin  214 
Thompson,  John  149,  15S 

Samuel  139 
Tilden,  Elisha  213 
Tilton.  Peter  152 
Tomb  239 

Tory  Element  72,  77 
Tower.  Samuel  218 
Town  Bonds  250-252,  254,  255 

Hall  240,  243 

Lines   61,  65,  97,  99,  101,  144, 
156,  163.  231.  234.  236 

Lot  153.  155 
Townsend,  Mr  46 
Trowbridge,  David  98 

Upham,  Edward  190 

Vaccination  222 

Varnum.  Joseph  B  204 
Voce,  Selah  190 

Wait,  Leutious  140 
Wales.  Jemima  139 

Major  82 
War  of  1ST2  203 


Ward,  Artemas  85,  151 

Susanna  149 
Warner.  Aaron  6-9,  14.  15.  24.  2;. 

31,  34.  43.  58.  82,  84.  91,     :. 

114.  123 
Aaron  Jr  65,  115.  149 
Daniel  154,  155 
David  103,  123,  146,  14S.  152, 

153.  216 
Eleazar  153.  154 
Elisha   123 
George  245 
Isaac  154,  155 
Jacob  13,  19.  25,  34.  114.  154, 

155 
Jacob  Jr  62.  87,  123.  125.  152 
Jonathan  96,  114.  145-147 
Josiah  75,  77,  80,  82,  87,  89, 

96,  99,  100,  103, 109,  no,  112, 

117,  136,  138,  140,  142.  1O1, 

Josiah  Jr  197,  210 

Mary  140 

Moses  6,  9,  16,  23,  24,  26,  29, 
31,  32,  34.  38,  42.  45-  4».  48, 
51,  52,  5S-60,  83,  105,  117, 
122,  128,  146 

Nathaniel  152,  154,  155 

Noadiah  87 

Parthena  140 

Phinehas  237,  238 

Reuben  139 

Samuel  243 

Sarah  122 

Thirza  140 

Warham  31,  147,  157,  160 

Widow  152 
Warren,  James  85,  11 1 

Samuel  X  244.  245 
Warriner,  Violet  149 
Watertown  73 
Watson,  Joseph  192,  194,  19S,  200 

Oliver  231,  232.  23S,  240,  251 
Webster.  Noah  205-209,  211 

Spelling  Book  222 
Weeks,  Henry  211,  212 
Wrells,  Ebenezer  152 

Mary  173 
\\  est.  Caleb  101 


Westcott,  J.  T.  253 

Wheelock,  Russell   T   224.   225, 

231,  234-236,  242,  245 
Whipple,  George  A  251.  253.  254 
White,  Jarib   161,  165,    173,   180, 
183,  190,  191,  197,  200,  204 
Jay  211-213 
John  C  254 
Lavina  IJ9 
Nathaniel  152,  154 
Whiting.  Enoch  203 
Whitney.  S  W  242 
Wilder.  Elias  149 
Williams,  Ambrose  87 
Catherine  186 
Chester  180,  200-203 
Ebenezer  45,  58,  118,  122,  212 

216,  218.  222.  223,  229 
Enos  D  241,  242,  244,  250,  253 

254 
John  67,  101.  114.  146,  14S,  161 

162,  174,  177,  17S,  183,  190 
John  C  85 
Joseph  25,  49.  66-69,  7i,  74-77, 

80,  81,  98,  132.  133 
Justus  31,  34.  114.   ii5-   "7, 
122,  124,  126,  12S,  146,  161, 
169,  209,  210 
Justus   Jr   192,    19S,   200-202, 

204-206 
Mary  173 
Moses  209 
Rachel  139 
William  126,  152 
Williamson,  George  166,  174,  17S 
192 
William  D  194 
Winter,  Abiatha  221 
Winthrop,  Thomas  L  215,  219 
Wolf  Bounty  100,  108,  196 
Woods,  Furmin  125 

Wm  91 
Woodbridge,  Ruggles  99 
Worcester.  Samuel  M  219 
Worthington.  John  101 
Wright,  Silas  127.  142,  157,  161 

Young,  John  20 


Ek  rata.— On  page  74  the  word  of  after  records  in  first  line  should  be  omitted. 

On  page  144,  fifteenth  line  from  bottom,  Southeast  should  be  Southwest. 


m@m 


